Inspiration 23
When you get remnants…

If you subscribe to this website, you are fond of textiles, aren’t you?
While being in charge of this site and updating new fabric each week, I am one of those fabric lovers. Once a month we do a photo shoot of fabrics to be featured in the following month. Whenever I get the samples for shooting, various ideas cross my mind; “This panel pattern fabric can be a table runner!” “How about making an ornament by cutting out and stuffing this motif?”, and all that.

Sometimes I need to cut samples to make props for photo shooting. Then odd-shaped pieces from cutting cloth are left over. What do crafters make with such remnants? Wondering so, I surfed some websites posted by the artists we had featured at this site.

I found it! neige+, who recently presented how to make the round-bottom sewing case in our Craft & Sewing column, has shown practical uses for remnants in her blog. Surprisingly, that remnant is from cutting our tiketiketic print!

In the blog, neige+ wrote;

“After finishing the project requested by Kokka, I lined the remnant at the bottom of the clear tray and put it into a drawer under my sewing table♫ This drawer is usually used as a temporary storage. I considered how to organize the drawer that had been messed up with bobbins, stilettos, binding clips, and any small things. The solution was simple and so easy♪”

You can get a clear tray at reasonable price for 100 yen apiece. With the remnant, the simple container could be transformed into a colorful and delightful drawer organizer. “This tray must be for sewing materials and tools.” Everyone can say so by looking at the tiketiketic print which is depicting sewing items. That is great idea!

One more thing! This inner cloth was assembled from remnant pieces to fit the tray.

“I sewed pieces of fabric remaining after making a round-bottom sewing case, then laid it over the tray. I have not trimmed the seams. How exciting to use it with large and outstanding prints! When you have no idea what to do with remnant, before dumping them, try to make something special like a liner for a drawer?

What great advice neige+ gives us! Wishing she would advise us how to store such fabric scraps, too.

For neige+’s blog, go to http://yunyuns.exblog.jp/

Inspiration 22
Bead embroidery bag

In Japan, we have a saying “Neither heat nor cold lasts beyond the equinox”.

Autumn has already arrived. The weather is balmy with weaker sunlight compared to summer. Some stores have finished clearance sales on summer clothes to make way for the new autumn line.

Autumn is the season to enjoy dressing up. It is almost the end of season to wear sandals and about time to put away your summer accessories such as your basket bag or linen tote. Then, don’t you want to make a chic and a bit elaborate “autumn special” bag?

The bead embroidery bag in the above picture was created by Miki Suzuki, the designer for Angelica Leaf. She added the handspun plant-dyed yarn and beads to the hand-dyed grayish-purple velveteen fabric. The material for the handles is soft leather from Italy.

Suzuki says “By tapping with a felting needle, the handspun plant-dyed yarn can stick to the fabric because the fibers get twisted. You don’t have to sew it! It is a convenient technique to add a little touch to your item.”

The artist created these flowers by using transparent seeds and bugle beads while needling leaves with the same colored embroidery thread. Such a simple work made the bag significantly stylish. By adding a tea-dyed lace, it may be classy with a vintage look.

It is said in Japan that autumn is the best season for reading. Though it is not bad idea to spend a night with a book, don’t you think needlecraft would be one way to calm your mind? Sewing on a machine in daytime, stitching by hand in the night…. Have fun on these autumn days.

You can see the website of Angelica Leaf at http://angelicaleaf.ocnk.net

Tunic dress

Finished Measurement：50cm(W) x 65cm(L) – Ladies）

The fabric “hana circle” with the pattern of swirling small flowers in cocca’s “Showa Retro” collection is changed into a pretty tunic dress. The confortable dress made by the sheer rayon fabric is perfect for the coming season. The neckline consists of a yoke as an outer layer and facing as an under layer. These yoke and facing should be prepared for front and back.

Materials
□Fabric 110cm(W) x 190cm(L)
□Lightweight Interfacing 100cm(W) x 20cm(L)

Fabric shown for this sample：cocca (hana circle) JGC-103

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

Fujiyoshi Brother’s TEXTILE

Kaleidoscope of colors create magical rhythms

The Much-awaited Fujiyoshi Brother’s TEXTILE is finally here! Fujiyoshi Brother’s is an art unit formed by two brothers, Taichiro Fujiyoshi (older brother) and Koutaro Fujiyoshi (younger brother) in 2000. Their works are very distinctive with vivid colors and dynamic touches. The brothers are active in various fields of the art world including live painting, movies and theatrical arts. The world of Fujiyoshi Brother’s is now re-created into a fabric. The first of the series is themed, “Walk of Eyes.” Koutaro says, “Gorgeously colored animals and a bit mysterious plants…I hope you enjoy the rhythm created through a combination of these creatures and colors.” With such an eye-catching design, these fabrics are perfect not only for children’s clothing and bags but also for interior décor accents such as fabric panels.

Wonderland　JG35000-1 Oxford (Ox)　

A “Wonderland” – there may be an island like this somewhere on the globe. It is a mysterious place where many animals exist. Such a fun-filled world is condensed into this fabric. With large design motifs, Wonderland is suited for such items as curtains and fabric panels.

Continue reading →

petit trèfle

A double gauze fabric with small prints – perfect for children’s clothing

Soft double gauze has high absorbency and its airy texture is perfect for making children’s clothing. On today’s fabric, petit trèfle, a small single motif appears repeatedly. As the design spreads throughout the fabric, you can use any part of it without worrying about matching the patterns of the cut pieces. The ones with robots and busses are great for boys shirts, while the cupcake design and elephant print are recommended for making girls dresses. The gauze fabric has perfect qualities for making masks. With many color variations, you will have fun wearing different choices.

Bus　　P24600-600 Double Gauze