Boston Bag

Size: 35cm (h) 46cm (w) 23cm (d)

Today’s project is a Boston bag made with ni-co, a fabric that was created under the theme, “Unisex Simple.” The main part of the bag uses a different color car-b, while the accent is added to the top and handles with the block design. With a large width, the bag has ample room to hold many items including a change of clothes for an overnight trip or going to a gym. Kaori Sawa is here to introduce her creation.

Design & creation：Kaori Sawa（Caunes+ Kaori*ri)

Fabric shown for this sample:　：echino ni-co car-b JG99800-801 (B), (D)
　　echino ni-co block JG99800-803 (B)

Materials:
□ Fabric: (Outer panel fabric – panel a) 100cm×40cm
(Outer fabric – gusset a, bottom) 100cm×50cm
(Other) 110cm×140cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 80cm×110cm
□ Zipper: One piece (60cm)
□ Cardboard: 50cm×30cm

We interviewed Kaori about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?

I was happy to work on this project since the fabric was my favorite, echino. I thought this would be a perfect fabric to make something sizable.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
This large bag can be used as a travel bag. It has a wide width and is collapsible, easy to store when not in use. The designs of two different fabrics are creatively incorporated.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
You will have a clean finish if you iron frequently during the process. To give it a solid look, I recommend using a heavy-weight interfacing.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
For your travels. You can take plenty of outfits.

KF: Thank you very much, Kaori! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Continue reading →

Kid’s blouse with 20W gauze

Size: 36cm(W), 46.5cm(L)

Here is a kid’s blouse with a soft texture double gauze. To match with the feature of the airy fabric, the blouse has been tailored with full gathered cuffs and waistline. With such a lovely bouquet print, it can be one of your kid’s best choices for special occasions.

For a beautiful finish of the cuff and the waistline, try to make gathering evenly from the centerline toward both ends.

Design & creation:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
20W gauze P23700-701 (A)

Materials:
□Double gauze: 108cm(W) x 110cm(L)
□Interfusing: 90cm(W) x 15cm(L)
□1 Button of 1.3cm diameter

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

echino ni-co

echino’s sub series, ni-co is here!

ni-co is a collection that was first created in 2008 with the “unisex simple” as its concept. Systematically aligned rhythmic patterns and motifs that are drawn with expressive lines and simple design are the characteristics of this collection. The motifs for 2013 were scooters, cameras and glasses, and for the new collection, ni-co’s popular motif, vehicles are featured. Bright colors and smoky tones are used to create a fabric that is versatile for making different items for various ages and genders.

“To simply enjoy the pattern, a basic tote bag is a perfect choice. ni-co has a pattern of repeated motifs so you don’t need to worry about the direction of the fabric. It may be fun to make different sized totes, from mini to big, in the same shape. Combining it with leather parts creates a stylish masculine bag. With smoky color combinations, wide-sized easy pants may be interesting to make.” (by Etsuko Furuya, echino Designer)

helicopter-b　JG−99800-800 Cotton/Linen Canvas

The motif of this fabric is a realistic looking helicopter. This series incorporates a drawing that uses a faded brush stroke, which creates just the right amount for an attractive look. Five different color combinations let you have fun choosing the color. Khaki and gray color tones are great for men’s items.

Continue reading →

Inspiration file59
Nijisuke’s animal paintings

Following on from the last column about goldfish I found at the Handmade Japan Festival (HMJ), I’m going to talk about another artist story.

At HMJ, there were various artists exhibiting accessories and illustrations, pottery and more. Amongst them, I found a booth where so many people were queuing and shopping. It was the Nijisuke’ s booth which I will feature here.

Nijisuke mainly creates animal paintings with acrylic. His original series of paintings are so unique that we have to redefine the concept of ‘animal painting’! Although their vivid hues differ from real thing, his animals somehow seem real. If we gazed at them, our hearts start pounding, they have a calm but none the less powerful impact.

In his booth, there were reproductions of paintings in colorful frames.

There were various types of smart phone cases which I couldn’t help but shop in bulk.

One customer left and another one came. Nijisuke was continuously kept busy.

As you see in the photos, Nijisuke also produces various products which duplicate the impact of the original paintings. Did you know, Nigisuke’s fabrics are produced by us: kokka-fabric are in charge of making his fabrics! The chimpanzee model, which many visitors at his booth were impressed by, has been converted into a fabric. You can see all fabrics on our textile story page.

For further information about Nigisuke’s creations, please go to his site:
　http://nijsuke5253.wix.com/0001

Cotton Sateen Kid’s Skirt

Size: 100－130cm Skirt length: 38.5cm

Today’s project is a kid’s skirt made with a lovely fawn design fabric from petit bonheur, a series that is filled with lines of tiny motifs. A circular wrap skirt that creates a cascading beautiful drape is even prettier in this shiny cotton sateen fabric. A regular contributor of children’s clothing in this column, Yuka Yonekura is here again to introduce her new creation.

Design & work creation：Yuka Yonekura （Francesca*amam label）

Fabric shown for this sample: P33500-500 (D)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Main fabric: Skirt) 1.10m x 110cm wide
(Belt) Linen (solid color) 85cm x 14cm

We interviewed Yuka about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It has such a lovely design that I instantly thought of making a skirt for fall.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The fabric is soft, yet has some thickness. To incorporate these characteristics, I came up with a circular wrap skirt. The beautiful drape makes it special. Another feature is that I used a different fabric for the belt. Solid color fabric adds a mature finish to the skirt.

KF: What are some tips for making this skirt?
This fabric is very easy to sew. You can make this skirt easily.

KF: How should we wear this skirt in everyday situations?

Color coordination is easy with this fabric. Wear something in a solid color for the top as an accent and it will make you look very stylish.

KF: Thank you very much, Yuka! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Continue reading →