Cami Dress

Size: Dress length 80cm

Today’s project is a cami dress made with “seed,” a 150cm-wide large print fabric from echino’s 2014 collection. This fabric contains a mixture of nature-inspired motifs like animals and plants combined with graphical geometric designs. Kayo Shimizu, who appeared in the past Inspiration column with her echino backpack creation, has returned with another interesting project.

Design & work ：Kayo Shimizu

Fabric shown for this sample：　echino JP95210-10 (A)

Materials：
□ Fabric: 150cm×120cm
□ Elastic Tape: 60cm (1cm width)

We interviewed Kayo about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Kayo Shimizu (KS): It is a beautiful fabric. The bright pink color stands out so much in the sea of gray. The color tone is versatile and seasonless. It is a great fabric for any type of project.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
KS: Since it uses elastic tape, it is an easy to wear, one-size- fits all dress. This dress is based on a design that I created before. I added a design twist to the previous version that was 15cm shorter at waist length. If you prefer a skinnier look, you can tighten the width toward the center on the pattern. This dress can also be worn as maternity wear.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
KS: Please pay extra attention when finishing the piping. Other than that, this is a relatively easy project. Also you need to make sure that both shoulder straps are at the same length.

KF: How should we wear this dress in everyday situations?
KS: Since it is a loose fitting dress, you may want to mix it with a slim look inner top or bottom. Cropped pants or rolled up pants, which will show part of your legs, will make you look very feminine.

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

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Throw Pillow Cover

Size: 45cm×45cm（for a 50cm×50cm pillow）

Today’s project is a throw pillow that comes in three colors, made with a polka dot border design from the Geometry of the Nordic series. It is a perfect complement as an accent for simple Scandinavian interior décor.

Design & work：： Izumi Sato

Fabric shown for this sample:　Geometric of the Nordic P28100-101（B)

Materials:
□ Fabric: 100cm×50cm
□ Interfacing: 10×50cm
□ Concealable zipper: One 56cm piece

We interviewed Izumi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Izumi Sato (IS): This satin fabric has the right level of sheen and smoothness. It also has a soft, nice texture. It is not only suitable for clothing and interior décor items but also for bedding such as a blanket cover and pillow cases. A bold and pop design with large and small dots prompted me to make something that can be used as an accent for home décor.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
IS: Since it is a bold fabric, I created a throw pillow cover as an interior décor accent. This gives a fresh new look for a room makeover. With a slightly smaller case (45cm x 45cm), the 50cm pillow will be tight yet puffy.

KF: What are some tips for making this throw pillow?
IS: When attaching the concealable zipper, attach an interfacing on the seam allowance so that it prevents the fabric from stretching and reinforces the seam. Also using a zipper attachment helps to sew. Before turning over the fabric, make sure to press the seam. This way, the corners will look nice and clean when turned over.

KF: How should we use this throw pillow in everyday situations?
IS: Randomly placed pillows on a sofa or a wooden chair will look very cute. A single pillow could be an accent for your room décor. Multiple pillows in different colors will still look coordinated.

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

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Geometry of the Nordic

A fabric with Scandinavian taste

Like a Scandinavian interior print, this fabric incorporates geometric motifs such as simple dots and triangles. To soften the feel, painter’s techniques like gradation and patting have been added. Glossy and thin satin drapes beautifully, and it is perfect for making a tunic or a dress in a simple design. Why not make an outfit for an outing for spring through summer?

Scallop　P28100-100

The striped scallop design reminds you of a piece of paper cutting artwork. The irregular movement of the design almost creates a rhythmical feel. Among this series of fabric, this is the only design with small motifs. Clothing as well as small cases and coin purses will be perfect for this fabric.

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CANDY PARTY

For moms who love to sew – with this fabric they can create any items they like!

Known for its cute style, a new line of Candy Party fabric has arrived! The concept of the latest series is “to create a fabric that will make your sewing moments more fun!” when people get together to sew. “The fun of sewing is to enjoy new designs that are created by different combination of patterns.” (by Candy Party)

tuzuki2　H-3049-1　Broadcloth

With the 80’s feel reflected in the design, tuzuki2 contains four different designs in one fabric, making the usual hand crafting moment more fun by four times. “You may pair this with other fabric or use it as is… We hope you will enjoy creating a continuation of the design starting with this fabric. Have fun with your originality through a different combination of the fabric’s material, color, design, notion and buttons.” (by Candy Party)

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Caramel Pouch

Size: 12.5cm (w), 10cm (h), 10cm (d)

Today’s project is a caramel pouch (caramel wrapper shaped small case) made with a folded gusset. It is something that you would like to try making at least once. You can create original and cute versions by adding embellishments such as ribbon, pompoms or lace on the gusset and that is why this pouch is very popular. Always cute Candy Party fabric’s new collection is featured and today’s artist is Naomi Kakei.

Design & work：Naomi Kakei

Fabric shown for this sample:　Candy Party H3049-3(A)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 30cm x 40cm
（Lining fabric, Bias fabric）:50×40cm
□ Zipper: One 20cm piece
□ Pompom embellishment: 50cm (with 0.5cm diameter pom poms)
□ Ribbon: 30cm (2cm width)
□ #25 Embroidery thread

We interviewed Naomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Naomi Kakei (NK): It is absolutely colorful and pop. It has such a cheerful image. With its nice texture, I wanted to make an everyday item. Since it is a colorful fabric, the shape is kept simple.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
NK: I matched the color of the zipper with one of the colors in the fabric. Repeating the same color emphasizes its cuteness. In order to keep it simple, the color of the ribbon is subdued. A color from the outer side is matched with the lining fabric to create a uniform feel. The cuteness of the fabric is emphasized without putting too many embellishments on the fabric. Using a subdued color for embellishments can keep it simple without making it look too busy.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
NK: It only requires straight stitches and is easy for the beginners. You will have a clean finish as long as you work carefully on each process. You may use only hand stitches since the featured fabric is easy to sew.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
NK: A pastel tone embellishment can create a soft look and will also be suitable for small children. This type of case can hold many things inside, like makeup items. A square shape allows you to store things inside and you may use it as small storage containers at home.

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

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