An Item a Week #12: A Canvas Shoulder Bag

I made this canvas shoulder bag as a prototype. A friend of mine is expecting her first baby very soon and asked me to make a diaper bag. After I did some research, it seems it's supposed to be roomy, handsfree and lightweight.

I tried this trial bag last week when I visited Setouchi Triennale 2013. A guidebook, a bottle of mineral water, DSLR, etc... all could be packed in the bag. I was basically happy with the result but also found some points to be adjusted or improved. (I put 3 pockets outside and 1 inside, but I'm going to add 2 more inside pockets.)

Now I finally selected the fabrics for her bag, and it will be finished within next week. Let's see!

An Item a Week #11: A Small Glass for Japanese "Sake"

A friend of mine asked me if I'm interested in glass making. My answer was definitely yes! 

So, we joined in a trial lesson at Toyama Glass Studio (sorry, the website is only in Japanese.) 

It was about an hour lesson with two instructors per person, 

and I enjoyed so much to feel heat in the studio and see the making process.

And, here is my work:

Love the jade green color!

Sparkling silver around the edge.

My glass and a bottle of sake...

This is my friend's work. Beautifully made!

An Item a Week #10: A Linen Dress

I made a linen dress with a tiny collar for this week.

I haven't noticed till now but the shape looks like a penguin...doesn't it?

The sleeves are pretty much like dolman sleeves.

This kind of sleeves are easy to sew,

but I wasn't sure if comfortable or not.

It seems I was worrying for nothing.

The result is...very comfy!

Pockets on the side seams.

I love covered buttons.

- pattern: my own

based on the magazine, ”Tennen Seikatsu” 2013 spring p.81

- material: linen 100%

I find many signals of the start of spring here and there.

Can't wait for the season of cherry blossom.

Have a happy, relaxing weekend.

An Item a Week #9: Cargo Pants

I made a pair of cargo pants for this week.
I purchased this cotton pencil stripe fabric for pants some years ago and could finally finish the project. I skipped the fitting this time, and the result seems to be too roomy. Fitting is "must do" for desired results. I knew it but learned again from this project. Anyway, it's still comfy. I'll enjoy this spring-summer season.

A tucked pocket on the left side.



Pockets on the both side.
Can you see the flower pattern in the pocket?
I wanted to add a feeling of spring, and mint!
Mint is my very favorite color.



pattern: my own
based on the magazine, ”Mrs. Style Book”　2013 spring p.183
material: cotton 100%

Have a wonderful weekend!

An Item a Week #8: a Dog Raincoat

A friend of mine asked me if I can sew a raincoat for her dog.
This is Mr. Daikichi, a handsome corgi.



It was only the second time for me to sew dog outfits (I used to make an apron for him before,) and I still wasn't very sure how to make a pattern, so I made it from his old raincoat with some small adjustments. Well...I think I tried my best, and my friend and I are happy with the result! I hope Mr. Daikichi likes his new raincoat, too.



Have a great, relaxing weekend!