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!

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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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.

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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This is a second project using the Irome series of fabric. From the collection, the winter fabric was selected today. It has a soft tone with a winter snowscape in mind. A handmade craft artist and popular blogger, Yuki Inomata, aka neige+（which means snow in French, the same name as Irome Winter’s theme）is introducing an easy-to-make throw pillow cover. This cover does not even require a zipper! A leather tag accent adds Yuki’s stylish flair.

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 tone is quiet with soft colors. I decided to incorporate its original material with a leather accent, trying to maintain the feel of the fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
YI: I think that the fabric in soft color tones looks unified when used for a bigger item than for small goods.
Rather than combining it with other colors, I wanted to incorporate these six colors for a coordinated look. Accent stitches and the fabric’s balanced combination make this piece special.

KF: What are some tips for making this throw pillow?
YI: For items like pillow cases with visible inside seams, it is recommended to serge the seam or finish with zigzag stitches. Afterwards adding sewing stitches at 2mm from the edge will create a clean finish.

KF: How should we incorporate this throw pillow in your room interior decor?
YI: Place several pillows in different colors in a place where families gather like living room. It will make the room look really cheerful and is highly recommended!

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

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A palm size small accessory case is today’s project. Mioko Sugino, a popular hand craft artist, aka the famous blogger komihinata, is introducing a cute case using the colors of Irome, a fabric inspired by the Japanese four seasons.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Mioko Sugino (MS): With small prints, it is a perfect fabric for making something small! It was so much fun to come up with fabric combinations as any Irome would work with each other. Even a small part uses the Irome.
　　　
KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
MS: I used a layered flap, instead of a zipper, to keep items inside from falling out. While the catch for the closing is made with fabric, it is secure. Quilt batting can protect the accessories and make a solid case even with a thinner fabric.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
MS: For a delicate look, the cord attached on the exterior is very thin. If you find it difficult to sew, you may widen it or use a ribbon instead.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
MS: With the same fabric, you can make a stylish cosmetic case or scrunchy. Matching items may draw attention from your friends♪

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

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