Sewing

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Review And Giveaway – Japanese Creations

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Japanese Creations is a Japanese arts and crafts experience creator offering unique
Japanese crafts and courses. With all materials hand-selected in Japan to assure
authenticity, Japanese Creations shares traditional Japanese heritage through
treasured crafts.


Chirimen is the Japanese name for fabric with Shibo, or soft wrinkles, on the surface.
Traditionally used to create kimonos, this unique fabric is typically made of silk. Since
the 17 th century, the art of Chirimen has been used to transform small pieces of this
textured material into exquisite, hand-sewn pouches and ornaments.

The Japanese Creations Chirimen course has been designed by Nobuko Naito, a
renowned Japanese Chirimen master crafter, and includes all materials, detailed online
instructions and tools, including needles, thread and patchwork board, to create
beautiful keepsakes and meaningful gifts. The course includes 5 motifs: a makeup bag,
a pin cushion, a coin purse, a dove pouch and a stuffed bear. The course price is $275.

We are giving two Craftgossip.com readers stand-alone Chirimen kits! For your chance
to win, signup for our newsletter and comment below telling us why you would like to win these kits

Giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only; giveaway
closes December 15, 2018.

Japanese Creations also offers courses and stand-alone kits in the Chigiri-e craft, an art
that uses hand-dyed fibrous Washi paper to create textured images traditionally used in
greeting cards or other modern-day crafts; as well as courses in the Etegami craft, a
colorful folk art consisting of Sumi ink drawings, Gansai paints and sentiments.

Visit www.JapaneseCreations.com. Rooted in Japan. Made by you.

Comments

  2. These are fantastic – I have some from my time living in Japan but never learned how to make them.

  5. I always enjoy learning new techniques. I love the brilliant colors of the various clothes and the beauty of your creations. Receiving this class and supplies will enrich my sewing experience.

  16. The Japanese crafts are beautiful. I signed up to get their newsletter. I would like to take a course to learn one of their crafts and I would enjoy winning the items in this give-away.

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern Saturday: Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 Sewing Pattern Review

There’s something especially meaningful about sewing for babies — and comfort items sit right at the top of that list. The Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 sewing pattern stood out because it’s designed to become that item. The one that gets carried everywhere, washed a hundred times, and quietly becomes part of a child’s everyday routine.

This isn’t a decorative nursery piece meant to sit untouched on a shelf. It’s a practical, thoughtful design that understands how babies actually use comfort blankets — for cuddling, soothing, and familiarity. Patterns like this always catch our attention because they’re about function first, with handmade heart woven all the way through.

Quick Pattern Overview

  • Pattern type: Baby comfort blanket / lovey

  • Skill level: Beginner

  • Format: PDF sewing pattern

  • Sizing range: Baby / infant

  • Designed for: Comfort, soothing, everyday use

  • Where to find it: Etsy (PDF sewing pattern)

Skill Level – What You Really Need to Know

This is a very beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice if you’re new to sewing for babies or want a gentle, satisfying project. The construction is straightforward, with no complex shaping or garment techniques involved.

Accuracy still matters — especially with neat seams and soft finishing — but this is absolutely a pattern you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also a lovely option if you’re sewing during nap times or want a project you can complete in short bursts.

Fabric & Material Suggestions

Fabric choice is especially important here, as this is something babies will cuddle and handle constantly.

  • Best fabrics: Cotton muslin, cotton jersey, soft flannel, bamboo blends

  • For texture: Mix smooth cotton with a slightly textured backing

  • Fabrics to avoid: Anything stiff, scratchy, or heavily embellished

Softness and washability are key. Choosing fabrics that get better with washing will ensure the finished blanket holds up to real use.

Fit, Sizing & Wearability Notes

This comfort blanket is designed to be easy for little hands to hold, fold, and cuddle. The size is intentional — not too large, not too small — making it suitable for prams, cots, and everyday outings.

Because it’s not size-dependent in the way clothing is, this pattern offers a lot of flexibility. It’s also a great option if you’re sewing gifts and don’t know exact measurements.

Before You Start Sewing This Pattern

  • Pre-wash all fabrics to avoid shrinkage

  • Read instructions fully before cutting

  • Choose thread suitable for frequent washing

  • Take time with finishing edges neatly

  • Double-check PDF print scale if templates are included

These small steps help ensure a soft, durable result.

Customisation & Styling Ideas

This 2-in-1 pattern is easy to personalise and makes a wonderful handmade gift.

You could:

  • Use contrasting fabrics for visual interest

  • Personalise with embroidery or appliqué

  • Coordinate fabrics with a nursery theme

  • Make multiple versions for rotation

  • Pair it with a matching bib or blanket

It’s a pattern that encourages thoughtful fabric choices rather than complicated sewing.

Who This Pattern Is Best For

This pattern is a great choice if you:

  • Sew for babies or new parents

  • Want a quick, meaningful project

  • Enjoy beginner-friendly sewing

  • Like making handmade gifts that get used

You may want to skip this if:

  • You’re looking for a garment project

  • You prefer complex construction

  • You dislike repetitive stitching

Why We’re Sharing This Pattern

We love sharing patterns like this because they highlight the emotional side of sewing. Comfort blankets aren’t about fashion or trends — they’re about familiarity, softness, and care. This pattern is simple, thoughtful, and designed for real use, which makes it incredibly rewarding to sew.

It’s exactly the kind of project that reminds us why handmade matters.

About Sewing Pattern Saturday

Sewing Pattern Saturday is a regular series here on CraftGossip where we highlight sewing patterns created by independent designers, with a strong focus on Etsy sellers and small businesses. It’s our way of supporting talented pattern makers while helping sewists discover patterns that are practical, well-designed, and genuinely enjoyable to make.

Find the Pattern Here

You can find the Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 PDF Sewing Pattern on Etsy ?