Cami dress in double gauze fabric

Size: Dress length about 107cm

Today’s project is a cami dress made with “Sitting Geese,” a new double gauze cotton fabric from Ellen Baker’s Framework collection. A fabric artist, Kimie Shimizu, came up with a comfortable and relaxing dress in this soft texture fabric with lots of gathering.

Design & work：Kimie Shimizu（style of ile)

Fabric shown for this sample: Framework JG41800-800 (A)

材料：
□ Fabric: (Front and Back Body) 112cm width x 2.0m
(Strap (Linen)) 112cm width x 5cm
□ Button: One piece (1.5cm diameter)

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

Kimie Shimizu (KS): It is a solid feel double gauze cotton and very easy to handle. Utilizing the softness of the double gauze, lots of gathering is added. I designed a relaxing cami dress as lounge wear.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
KS: This cami dress is made of two square fabrics. Rather than serging or using zig zag stitches for the edges, the fabric’s edges are utilized as the seam for this project.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
KS: When gathering the fabric, place them evenly on the front body fabric. For the back body, put more gathering in the center. Afterwards, make sure to press them with an iron so that it will be easier to attach the strap later.

KF: How should we wear this dress in everyday situations?
KS: The weight of the fabric creates a U shaped neckline. The dress can be nicely coordinated with a camisole shirt, tube top or a T-shirt. It is intended to be lounge wear, but this versatile design allows you to make a dress for outings if you use a different fabric.

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

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Clutch Bag

Size: About 32cm (l) x About 25cm (w)

An ever popular item, a clutch bag in Ellen Baker’s new print, Framework, is featured today. It combines two cotton-linen canvas fabrics, Daisy Chain and Corners. A diagonally cut opening and an addition of the solid fabric of the same color tone on the corner accentuate the geometric patterns.

Design & work Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
　Framework Corners JG41900-902 (A)
Framework　Daisy Chain JG41900-900 (C)

材料：
□ Outer Fabric A 40cm (110cm width)
□ Outer Fabric B 40cm (110cm width)
□ Lining Fabric 40cm (110cm width)
□ Fusible Interfacing 40cm (90cm width)
□ Coil Fastener (zipper) 30cm one piece

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

A reversible vest in double gauze fabric

Size: 37cm (garment width) 35.5cm (length)（for 110cm height）

Today’s project is a reversible vest for boys made with a fabric filled with boys’ favorite patterns, working vehicles. Hiromi Niikura, whose brand is known as “Ichi Nino San” is here to introduce her creation.

Design & work：Hiromi Niikura (Ichi Nino San)

Fabric shown for this sample:　Children’s Castle P29200-201 (B),(D)

Materials:
□ Fabric (A): 110cm×40cm
(B): 110cm×40cm
□ Button: Two kinds of three buttons each (1.8cm diameter)

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

Hiromi Niikura (HN): I thought that soft texture and pretty colors were perfect for children’s clothing. I chose a vest so that a child themed pattern and colors will be best utilized.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
HN: I made it reversible to take advantage of the color combinations.

KF: What are some tips for making this vest?
HN: The pockets and loops should be prepared first. Though it may involve some detailed work, having them ready will help and expedite the process. Since the seams will all be tucked inside, serging the seam will not be necessary except for finishing the shoulder seam with hand stitches.

KF: How should we dress a child in this vest?
HN: The small pattern will go well with either solid color or printed shirts and T-shirts. For this project, I used printed patterns for both front and back sides. You may use a solid color for one side, which will make the vest more versatile when coordinating with other garments. This simple shape vest will look cute in wool or quilted fabric especially for winter.

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

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Garden Apron

Size: about 40cm (length)

Today’s project is a garden apron using Colorful Bouquet, a gorgeous print fabric full of colorful flowers. Known for her works with stylish taste, a popular craft artist, Anri is here again. With this apron, your gardening moments under sunshine will be a lot of fun!

Design & work：Anri

Fabric shown for this sample：Real Flower　P29300-300 (B)

Materials：
□ Fabric: 80cm (110cm width)
□ Interfacing: 10cm (110cm width)
□ Adhesive tape: 50cm (1cm width)
□ Twilled cotton tape: 1.5m (3cm width)

We interviewed Anri about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Anri: It is an oxford fabric with the right thickness, suitable for both clothing and everyday items. It has a very realistic flower print! Initially I thought of using it for a pocket or use it as a main portion with a pocket in a different fabric. Since the colors on the fabric are so vibrant and beautiful, I decided to use it boldly, covering the entire apron.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Anri: Though I thought of making it more casual by adding a different piece of fabric, the edge of the fabric was left as-is, making the piece more western. When looking at it from the back, the line in unbleached color of the base fabric accentuates the look.

KF: What are some tips for making this apron?
Anri: The pattern is large and vivid, yet it is repeated quietly with small intervals. So I did not think matching the patterns was necessary. What is important for a fabric with large patterns is to select the appropriate color threads. Since the sewing requires many top stitches, uneven stitch lines stand out where motif colors are different from the thread.

KF: How should we wear this apron? Can you share a coordination advice?
Anri: I added a loop to hold a pair of garden scissors. This is something that I, as a gardener, have always wanted while gardening. The loop is also useful as a pen hook. Be creative and place it for other convenient purposes as well.

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

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Sun visor

Size: 46〜62cm (around the head)

A joyful fashion show featuring animals is a theme of the Animal Runway series of fabric. Today’s project, a sun visor, uses an elephant motif from this fun fabric. The design features English letters right on the back band. Our regular craft artist, Masumi Saito, aka sinafuku, has returned.

Design & work ： Masumi Saito (sinafuku)

Fabric shown for this sample：animal runway HFG-102 (1A)

Materials：
□ Fabric: (Outer fabric) 30cm×50cm
(Lining fabric –knit) 50cm×30cm
(Fabric for threading elastic tape) 20cm×10cm
□ Interfacing: 30cm×30cm
□ Elastic tape: 30cm(1cm width)

We interviewed Masumi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Masumi Saito (MS): It is a solid and thick fabric, which I thought is normally suited for a bag or interior décor item. I wanted to take this opportunity and decided to come up with a project that uses a charming design as an accent.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
MS: For the interfacing on the brim, make it appropriately solid. Adding three lines of stitches also reinforces its strength. I intentionally did not add a cardboard on the brim. Since visors are heavily used in the summertime, I wanted it to be washable in a household washing machine without using a paper cardboard.

KF: What are some tips for making this sun visor?
MS: When sewing the brim part and the band together, align the curb to the straight band and pull it slightly as you pin it. It will help to have a clean finish.

KF: How should we wear this visor?
MS: It is easier to make this than you think. I hope you will make a matching visor for your children. Just adjust the brim size smaller and shorten the band.

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

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