Thursday 31 March 2011

Pencil cases...

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on a special present of a pencil case.  I wanted it to be a 'wrap' style case with no zip, and to make it from a piece of felted, embroidered and beaded linen, and to use some Japanese fabric for the lining.

When I do projects like these I always start off with a rough sketch of what I hope it will look like, with approximate dimensions - this becomes the 'pattern' that I work from (although I don't actually use pattern pieces, just measurements).  I generally make two of anything so I can iron out any problems with the design in the first attempt.

Here's my rough sketch:

The first pencil case I made was like this:

It has a pouch for storing pencils and pens...
(the black and cream lining fabric that you can just about see is more from my vintage kimono stash that I got from Kyoto)

...and then rolls up like this.  It's held closed with an 8-tama kumihimo braid.

 Here's a closeup of the front felted area:
Fortunately the pattern worked out ok, which meant I could also make up the second pencil case - this time in my favourite autumnal shades:

 the inside has red kimono fabric:
(I used felt for the lining of the pouch to provide some extra protection for the contents)


The Autumnal pencil case has been given as part of a special present, but I am keeping the blue prototype for myself - and I'm looking forward to using it on our next sketching trip!

6 comments:

FeltersJourney said...

They are absolutely beautiful!

taiqi said...

I have just started sketching. I would love to buy a case if you should start making them. Otherwise, I guess I need to make one myself. You ar a talented lady. I have several of your pieces and love wearing them. Janet from San Juan Island in Washington State, USA

kasia said...

Beautiful work! And I love your rough sketches. Looking forward to our next sketching trip:)

Kate said...

Thank you everyone!

And Janet - lovely to hear from you again! The sewn parts of these were really very simple to make. I hadn't considered ever making them to sell! If you wanted to have a go at making one yourself I would be happy to go into more detail about the process involved :)

Kate x

Playing by the book said...

ooh kate, I'd be interested in buying one if you made another - do let me know!

Georgia said...

These are really beautiful!
The blue design reminds me of the ocean...

Georgia x