Since discovering the 3-story fabric store Otsukaya in nearby Gifu City, I haven't been hitting the Craft Heart Tokai in my town very often, but today I was passing by and stopped in on a whim -- only to find they were having a huge sale, with a big display of Shinzi Katoh fabrics front and center. I didn't have a lot of money on me, but I did manage to buy a meter each of these canvas fabrics:
A Shinzi Katoh elephant taking a bath, with help from a tiny, toothbrush-bearing elephant. It says "I wish I could melt into the water like a mermaid!" on the tub.
Various postage stamps.
The Decole mushrooms.
Plus three fairy-tale-themed cottons:
The only problem with buying cute, special fabric is that I feel like it's almost too good to use. I don't want to waste it on something less than incredible...any ideas?
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Comments (20)
Well, here's one idea: How about sending me that elephant in the tub fabric and I'll make a little quilt from it? I LOVE that fabric; how can I get some?
Posted by Bonney | January 30, 2007 9:36 PM
I'm not too crafty...but it needs to be something big to show off the wonderful prints! Maybe handbag/tote?
Posted by Sera | January 31, 2007 12:41 AM
you could make a nice wallet or a messenger bag with the pretty postage stamps fabric :), and with the wonderful decole you could make a pillow or some coasters for your home ^_^
those two fabric are my favorites, enjoy your day!
Posted by Denise | January 31, 2007 2:38 AM
holy shit!
Posted by Mariko | January 31, 2007 5:53 AM
I guess I`m going to see if I notice any of this stuff at the local shop.... I`m not up on designer fabrics.. but I am totally into "on sale". and when I do get stuff like that I add it to my collection and wonder what to make with it.........my brain is usually satisfied with plans for future totebags... or quilt backs.. shinzi Kato?? I wonder if I have any......
Posted by jan in nagasaki | January 31, 2007 7:10 AM
I vote for making fabric covered journals - that way you always get to keep a piece of each. You could even "quilt" a cover out of a bunch of snips. I'm watching Lost In Translation right now and thought I'd check in!
Posted by Lori Magno | January 31, 2007 11:16 AM
How about a fabric (fabric-covered?) photo album or day planner? Tea cozy? Apron? They're too cute not to see everyday. =D I'd love to swap for some of the elephant or mushroom fabric if you have any leftovers. Please let me know. Thank you!
Posted by Vicki | January 31, 2007 3:26 PM
Wow such gorgeous fabrics! I would be too scared to use them as well, but I would try projects where you can see plenty of the print. I think covering a photo album like Vicki suggested is a great idea!
Posted by Emma | January 31, 2007 4:34 PM
i'd be the same way! those fabrics are to die for. i am coveting the decole mushrooms! (ps let me know if you're interested in a swap of any kind. i am here in los angeles, so i can send you any favorites you may be missing!)
Posted by mipmup | January 31, 2007 6:57 PM
Hi Anjali! It's so timely that you say this--I was just thinking about how I look at the pieces you sent me all the time but can't bear to think about using them. I do think that pockets are a cool idea but last night I had a brainstorm and came up with an idea that might be uber lame...a book-weight!
http://www.sjca.edu/media/images/medium/sf/bookstore/bookmark2.jpg
I could really use one. I'm using sushi rice as the weight to make it a 100% Japanese reading aid.
Posted by Cirilia | January 31, 2007 11:42 PM
Okay, I just realized you weren't exactly talking about small pieces. In that case I think they'd be great linings for tote bags. I love a witty lining.
Or pillow backs...or aprons...etc...
Posted by Cirilia | January 31, 2007 11:44 PM
How lucky you are! That fabric is gorgeous, especially the mushroom and elephant fabrics! And you are right, it's difficult to cut nice fabric like that. BTW I'm still interested in a little swap with you - if you are still doing swaps...
Posted by Christine | February 1, 2007 3:04 AM
OMG!! Cutest fabric ever! I'd have a hard time using it too. I'd probably just take it out and hug it every now and then.
Posted by myra | February 1, 2007 10:11 AM
ooo i like the idea of a fabric covered journal. getting ready to write every morning and looking down to see a ridiculously adorable journal waiting for you can't help but make you happy! hehe.
but for big things i dunno. when i look at that red fairy print i can only think of a skirt that poofs out in a 50s poodle skirt way. with yards of taffeta of course. hm...kind of like the girl in the fabric itself...
i'll reply to your email soon! we need to ichat/skype for sure.
Posted by sonya | February 1, 2007 10:37 AM
Thanks for the suggestions! There will be at least one totebag I'm sure, but I'm also thinking about a journal cover and a book weight with the scraps.
Sorry, I don't have any online sources for the fabrics for those who have asked. And no time/money for swaps at the moment, but I'll keep you all posted.
Posted by Anjali | February 1, 2007 11:27 AM
I was going to suggest fabric-covered notebooks as well. A friend of mine makes some regularly, and they're lovely!
Is there enough to make a pillow cover? I think someone said she would simply hug the fabrics - with a pillow, that would be much easier (and enjoyable). :)
Posted by Barbara | February 1, 2007 7:57 PM
wow those fabrics are amazing.. im very jelous we dont get those here.. in sydney australia or at least i cant find them.... all the best with the sewing
Posted by sarah | March 1, 2007 5:29 PM
The fabrics are lovely... do they sel them online?
Posted by Zelia | November 15, 2007 6:21 PM
Love your new fabrics and have some beautiful small pieces of my own. I'm also thinking of fabric covered notebooks for gifts for friends and wondered if you have found a great way to make them? there's a tutorial on paper covered books (will get back to you on that address) but I think the fabrics might be too bulky. Still I think i'll give this one a go. let me know if you are successful. Tote bags are so useful and easy to whip up, as are aprons, but my 'art' apron is so covered in paint I wouldn't use those beautiful fabrics.
Posted by Liz in Sheffield UK | December 3, 2007 8:56 PM
This is the video tutorial on covering a notebook with paper...I think spray adhesive would be a helpful additon wih fabrics. http://uktv.co.uk/style/item/aid/578445/displayVideo/hi
Posted by Liz in Sheffield UK | December 3, 2007 9:05 PM