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Meet Rina

December 9, 2013 By Chie

Rina has been helping me with odds and ends of running Vivat Veritas including sewing for over six months now. She is also a contributor for the blog. When it comes to sewing, she is extremely detail-oriented, as you can see from the close-up photos of this button down shirt and wedding dress. I interviewed her about her background, how she started and her future plans. Here is Rina:

1. When did you start sewing? What made you want to start?

I started sewing when I was 10-11 years old. I remember I made stuffed toys with felt, bags with used jeans, and camisoles with stitched bandannas. I started making garments more formal way when I was 24.

My mom used to sew my clothes when I was little. She let me use her sewing machine, and told me how to use it. I think that experience in particular made me want to start sewing.

2. Do you have formal training?

I went to a small sewing school once a week from 2011 to 2012. The school gave me basic sewing skills and knowledge. I loved going to the school but had to quit it because I moved away. After that, I’ve learned from books and online sources.

3. What is your favorite material?

I like natural material such as cotton, linen… I like buttons, too! I can’t stop checking out button shops even if I don’t need them. My favorite button shop is here http://www.l-musee.com/ They have a lot of imported antique buttons, which are not that cheap but it’s fun to see them.

4. What do you enjoy sewing the most?

Forming. The most interesting process of sewing is to put parts together and make them solid. The process of bringing the two dimensional design to three dimensional is the most exciting for me. I also take great pleasure in executing small details beautifully.

5. Do you have any recommendations for Japanese sewing books?

Pattern Magic series. The ideas and patterns on the books are complicated and a bit difficult for me, but it’s unique and impressive.

こぎん刺しの本　津軽民芸刺繍　I’m a big fan of Sashiko, Japanese traditional hand stitch. Kogin-sashi, a type of Sashiko, is really powerful and beautiful folk art in Aomori, northern part of Japan.

6. When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love reading books. Haruki Murakami is my favorite author.

I enjoy going to a cozy cafe and talking for hours over cups of coffee with my friends on the weekend.

Photos taken at Iriya Plus Cafe

7. What’s your plan for the near future?

I decided to go to a sewing technical school from next April. I would like to make comfortable, beautiful, and universal garments. I feel I need to learn more about patterns, design, material and more.

I’m excited to get myself in new environment!

8. Let us know what you are planning to sew this winter for yourself!

Coat! A beautiful coat designed by Raf Simons got stuck on my mind for a while ago, and coat has been on my to-make list since then. This winter is a good time to make it! Chie’s plan inspired me, too 😛 I gotta find out pretty fabric!

Holiday Gift Idea:: Easy Fabric Wall Art

December 6, 2013 By Chie

Can you believe it is already December? The latter half of the year 2013 is literally flying by! I’m sure many of you are prepping for holiday gifts, so I want to introduce easy holiday gift ideas every week this month.

The first up is this easy wall decoration. Since Andy and I moved to a bigger place this fall, so we have more walls and rooms to decorate (on budget). I love this easy DIY, where you can use scraps of unique fabric!

All you need is cardboard (I used a box from Amazon), paper cutter, cutting mat, duct tape, fabric of your choice and stapler. Once you have everything, decide on the size of the decoration. Mine is quite small, perhaps 6 inches each corner. The great thing about this little DIY is that you can make a giant wall art but it won’t be heavy, since it is just the weight of the cardboard and fabric. As a renter, I’m always a bit conscious of hanging stuff on the wall so as not to be fined by the home owner when I move out.

I cut the cardboard in the size I want, and drew lines from 2cm (1 inch) from the edges.

Then, you follow the lines you drew above with a paper cutter, but not enough to completely separate the pieces. This is to make the the cardboard easier to bend. Cut out the four corners of the cardboard.

Using duct tape, secure the corners. After that, cover the cardboard piece with fabric of your choice with a stapler! I used a stretchy fabric, which made it really easy to stretch on the cardboard piece.

I found these free printables that would be fun to add to your holiday gift wrapping. (Christmas rectangle tag printable, and vintage bird printable).

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ANTHOM Thread Event

December 2, 2013 By Chie

My sister got married in August this year, and right after her wedding, her husband and she relocated to Washington D.C. She kindly agreed to check out the event hosted by ANTHOM at Thread in D.C., where some of exclusive VV items are sold. Too bad that I was not able to attend it with my sister, but she gave me these pretty photos from the event, so I can enjoy it visually. The boots above is by Miista. Such killer boots! I love the combination of cutout and clear heels.