Following the last column, we introduce three prints of GARDEN collection by Ellen Luckett Baker; Hydrangea, Crossed Leaves and Butterflies.
Hydrangea JG41700-4 cotton/linen canvas
“Echoing the fullness of a hydrangea, this pattern is printed in a vintage color scheme. Perfect for bags, quilts, table linens, or clothing”(Baker)
We are very pleasd to feature Ellen Luckett Baker’s new collection, GARDEN.
“All of the prints in this collection were inspired by the geometric shapes found in the garden. Flowers, birds, butterflies, leaves and raindrops, all inspired by nature in its simplest form. The colors have a vintage feel with both bright and muted tones”(Ellen Luckett Baker)
GARDEN collection has 6 prints in total. This time we are introducing three of them. Rest of them are here.
Dutch Garden JG41700-1 cotton/linen canvas
“This print features birds, butterflies and raindrops. I think it has a good feel for kitchen items like placemats, hot pads or table runners”(Ellen Luckett Baker)
Today’s project is a square style one-piece dress made with kalmia from echino’s 2014 new design collection. Kalmia has an impactful design as if a collection of large flowers are layered over. Since the dress is loose-fitting, it is perfect for a loungewear. It can also be worn like a tunic top with a pair of leggings or jeans. If you wear a belt around the waist, it becomes stylish casual wear.
It is easy to make with almost all straight stitches. Make sure to iron the folded fabric when preparing a bias binding tape for the neckline. Using an iron while attaching the tape to a neckline will result in a clean looking finish.
Continuing from our last Textile Story article, we are again introducing echino’s 2014 new design collection. This time the designs include birds and bees motifs. The bees, especially with their small sizes, will be great for making pouches and coin purses with clasps. The echino’s designer, Etsuko Furuya, shared stories about her design inspirations and how to make use of different patterns. We hope that you will find her stories helpful in your craft making.
bee JG95900-904 Cotton Canvas
Just like its name, the bee has a beehive design. “Since my childhood, I have always recognized the hexagon shape as a form of beehive. When I looked at this design anew, I was able to draw it as a geometric design in an interesting way. While the design consists of only bees and hexagons, the use of color made the beehives look very unique. It is a perfect pattern for making small items.” (by Furuya)
We are introducing a project using echino’s new 2014 design collection. Today’s creation uses echino’s “bee.” It has a unique beehive design with bees scattered around a sea of hexagons. The creator is Anri, the artist who introduced us to such projects as a lampshade and glasses case using echino’s decoro series of fabric. Her new creation incorporates “weaving (knitting).” Why not try to create this stylish basket that is perfect for using at home?
We interviewed Anri about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think about the fabric you used for this project?
Anri: It is a cute fabric. Because of its smoky color tone, I instantly thought of using it for a zakka (everyday household item) that has a natural feel.
KF: Can you tell us about any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Anri: Since a hemp cord for gardening and shipping is naturally twined, it has a nice feel. Adding a lining made from your favorite fabric quickly turns this into an original and darling basket.
KF: What are some tips for making this basket?
Anri: The basket is made using only moss stitches without having to increase or decrease stitches. You can create it in a variety of sizes by changing the measurements. Adjust the size of the lining bag after weaving the basket to match its size.
KF:How should we use this basket in everyday settings?
Anri: The lining is detachable and washable. It can be used in many settings. This time I made a square basket thinking it could hold towels and linens. By making it a rectangle, you can create a lovely house plant holder.
KF: Thank you very much, Anri! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
Instructions: How to make Basket
1.
Weave (knit) a basket by using gardening/shipping jute cord. More natural than a craft thread, the jute cord will make it look naturally stylish. Above all it is very inexpensive.
2.
There is no increasing or decreasing of stitches. It is very easy with only moss stitches.
3.
For the bottom, pick up stitches from four bottom sides. Though it takes an extra knitting step to continue from the bottom to the sides, it comes out to be a solid square basket.
4.
Close up the four corner sides using needles to finish the basket.
5.
After cutting the fabric, fold and iron the top edge of the sides while it is still flat. Then sew together the sides and press the seam open.
6.
Leaving the side seams open, run a stitch over the fabric. For the thread, after some thinking I avoided tone on tone and chose yellow, one of the colors of the fabric that was really distinguishing.
7.
Sew together the bottom and sides. Before sewing, iron the corner edge of the sides. It works as a marking as well as making it easy to sew.
8.
Cover the basket with the lining bag to finish.
9.
I wondered which directions of the design pattern on the side walls would be the best. For this one, I chose the direction so that it looks as if bees were circling around. If you are not too fussy about the directions of the pattern or the stitch lines, you could simply create a lining bag by making a rectangle bag with sides gussets.
Garden by Ellen Luckett Baker
Framework
Rough Cut
Garden by Ellen Luckett Baker 2
FOLK MODERN
echino’s Dress with Pockets
Cotton Sateen One-Piece Dress
Camisole Dress- Sewing Instructions
2014 echino Collection Part 3
10th Anniversary / 2015 echino fabric collection 2
2014 echino Collection
Tote bag with basket print fabric & strawberry print lining
Miniature Basket-Style Bag
Drawstring Bag