Today’s project is a headdress made with mosaic from the JUBILEE collection. Stained glass-like translucent color tones of this fabric are so pretty. Familiar to this craft & sewing column, Anri has returned with her creation.

We interviewed Anri about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Anri: It is a thin #60 lawn fabric that has many beautiful colors! It instantly reminded me of a scarf, and I wanted to create something to wear over your head. Though it is a thin fabric, with slight tension, it is manageable. Even for a project with complicated details, it is an easy to sew fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Anri: Rather than folding, a gathering technique is used to determine the width. A natural pleated detail accentuates the top. Its style is not edgy nor cutesy. I tried to make it versatile so that you can wear it every day.

KF: What are some tips for making this headdress?
Anri: The size is free, though you can change it by adjusting the length of the elastic tape for about ±0.5〜1cm.

KF: How should we use this headdress in everyday situations?
Anri: In the photo, loosely braided hair is incorporated into the headdress. You may just tie your hair with it, or you can wear it with your updo. You may casually wear it with your bob or short style hair and transform to a stylish look. A perfect hair accessory for busy housewives in the morning.

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

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Rose corsage in a double gauze fabric

Gathered “Cashe coeur” Bag

Garden Apron

We are introducing a rolled rose corsage created by titocetera, who runs handmade*titocetera*, a web store featuring handmade everyday goods. random dot from the Joielinne series of fabric is selected for this project. Incorporating the softness of this chambray double gauze, a gentle look corsage was created. The well thought out process makes it possible for you to make this by hand. Romantic styling photos featured in this column are also the works of titocetera.

We interviewed titocetera about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
titocetera (tc): When I saw this soft touch fabric in gentle color tones, I thought of something with a tender nuance. So I came up with a corsage incorporating the fluffy texture of double gauze fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
tc: Gauze is a fabric that is smooth to sew, and that is why I chose a corsage that only requires a simple set of sewing notions and hand stitching to make. There is no complicated process and it is a piece that is fun to make for anybody. Using a thicker interfacing for the base allows hand stitching to go smoothly.

KF: What are some tips for making this corsage?
tc: For assembling some pieces, adhesive is used. You can take time to make it by using craft adhesive or use a glue gun to make the process go faster with shorter drying time. Since the body and the base are pieced together at the end, allow some spaces around the edge when gluing pieces together so that it will be easier to sew them together. Instead of using a suede tape, a lace or a ribbon can create a cute look. You may substitute layering thinner pieces of interfacing or use a cardboard paper in lieu of thicker interfacing.

KF: How should we use this corsage in everyday situations?
tc: You can wear it on your clothing or put it on a bag. It can also work as tassels for curtains. Though I chose to make a corsage with a broach pin, you may attach a chain or a piece of hair elastic to make a hair accessory. It is very versatile and the possibilities are endless.

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

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Fluffy Drawstring Bag in Double Gauze Fabric

Cami dress in double gauze fabric

Green Bag in Double Gauze Fabric

A tiny basket-style bag was created using various fabric pieces cut from a patchwork design fabric with small geometric motifs. Five bags are introduced in slightly different sizes and patterns for each size. Mioko Sugino, aka komihinata and the author of “Small Handmade by komihinata-san” is today’s creator.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:

Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?

Mioko Sugino (MS): It is very bright and striking! Every part of the fabric is so cute that I wanted to make multiple pieces so that I could line them up. Incorporating the motifs in different proportions, I came up with a basket-style bag in a variety of sizes.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
MS: To complement the bright colors of the fabric, I chose a pure white canvas lining fabric. This will make the bags visually appealing and pleasant. Adding a handle makes it convenient to carry around.

KF:What are some tips for making these bags?
MS: Don’t be too concerned about the sizes and choose the motif you like from the fabric. You only need to prepare the matching size lining fabric and it is very easy to make. For handles, synthetic leather tapes are convenient as you can sew through the material without having to make a hole. If you can’t get the synthetic leather tape, you may substitute it by using your favorite fabrics which can create a different and fun look.

KF: How should we use these bags in everyday situations?
MS: You may put your keys or accessories in them. These bags are made for storing items yet they can be displayed decoratively.

KF: Thank you very much, Mioko! Step by step instructions and photos are coming soon. Enjoy crafting!

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Tote bag with basket print fabric & strawberry print lining

Leather Handle Drawstring Bag

Small Shoulder Pouch with a Gathered Accent

Strapless and handleless clutch bags are increasingly gaining popularity in the world of handcrafts. Responding to this move, a popular blogger, Yuki Inomata came up with an attractive bag for today’s project using “Alice in Wonderland” themed fabric from nunokara x Etsuko Furuya collaboration series.

We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric（KF) : What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Yuki Inomata (YI): The overall fabric is so cute that I did not even know which portion to use. I made a point of choosing the design where Alice and the rabbit appear together. A large pattern comes alive when you use it like a big illustration rather than using it for small items.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
YI: The clutch bag was selected since the canvas fabric has tension and is suitable for a well-tailored item like a bag. You expect this type of bag, which is carried under your arm to securely hold the items inside, to be somewhat solid yet not too soft. An interfacing is adhered to the fabric to give it more body.

KF:What are some tips for making this bag?
YI: What seems most difficult in the making process is attaching the zipper, which is an important element. How do you handle this? Your sewing machine most likely came with a zipper foot attachment. If you have it, please use it as it will ease the process and will lead to a clean finish. If you don’t have it, you might as well purchase it this time.

KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
YI: A4 (210mm × 297mm) size documents and items fit perfectly in this bag. It is convenient to use as a case when carrying important documents in a tote bag. You can also use it as a secondary purse in addition to a main bag. Clutch bag is a modern interpretation of what we used to call a second bag. While the only difference is how you call it, the clutch bag gives such a classy impression. I wonder why?

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

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Backpack

Clutch Bag

Clutch Bag

Today’s project is a skirt made with stripe patch fabric from Joielinne. It has colorful tones and is perfect for all seasons. The creator, Kaori Sawa came up with very simple instructions that only require straight stitches that make it easy for sewing beginners.

We interviewed Kaori about her creation:
KF （kokka fabric：以下、KF) What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Since the fabric is thin and soft, I thought of using the entire design to make it attractive.

KF:Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
In order to display the design all around, I incorporated the gathering. It can be worn all year round – single layer in the summer (add a petticoat if you want to avoid seeing through) or layered look with tights or pants underneath in the winter time.

KF:What are some tips for making this skirt?
It can be made very easily as it only requires straight stitches. When putting through the elastic tape, use a safety pin and a clip to keep it from coming off. Try to make variations as you can create a different look by having extra gathering to make it more fluffy or by changing the length of the skirt.

KF:How should we wear this skirt in everyday situations?
The cute design of the skirt will be enhanced with a solid color top. For the winter season, a pair of boots can create a lovely look.

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

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Gathered Skirt with a Ribbon Accent

Gathered Skirt with Yoke

Two-Way Skirt