Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of fabric that seemed to tell a story with every thread? That’s how I felt when I met Kanariya, an independent fabric designer from here in Japan.
Wondering how our paths crossed? Well, follow along — but I guess some encounters are just meant to be.
A Tokyo FABRIC Tale: The Canvas of Kanako’s Creativity
Close your eyes and imagine Tokyo – not the bustling center, but a serene neighborhood where Kanako Takeda’s creativity takes center stage. Join me on a short train ride to Kanako’s atelier and family haven, where modernity meets earthy tones, and every nook tells a story in colors and lines.
Tokyo is Kanako’s playground, a place where her family thrives, and inspiration is as abundant as the cherry blossoms in spring. The story begins with a glance at her modern, light-filled home, adorned with creations from her fabrics and art.
Serendipitous Encounter: The Allure of Japanese Fabric
Now, let’s rewind a bit to the moment when our paths intertwined. It all started with a captivating fabric, this mesmerizing blue beauty.
I had admired the deisgn from afar and it had been lingering rent-free in my mind for way too long. When one day during a visit to another designer, I saw the very same captivating design. It turns out, Kanako and the other designer were old friends from university, still close and even having regular playdates with their kids. Introductions were made immediately, and Kanako seamlessly became a cherished member of the Indy Bindy family!
Who is Kanariya?
Now, picture a world beyond the ordinary – colours that dance and shapes that make you pause and reflect. That’s the magic Kanako infuses into her creations. She creates in a variety of mediums, from gouache to watercolour, and cut paper before getting her designs printed on the fabric. The patterns she creates are inspired by motifs found in nature and the things she sees around her. Curious to see how others brought Kanariya’s fabric to life? Let’s take a peek!
Japanese Fabric in Action
Geri of @geri_in_stitches’ backless dress for summer, using both Ribbonand Drawing fabric from my shop left me in complete awe!
Jo of @cactus.in.a.teapot recognised the art that Kanariya fabric is and stretched this Drawing design over canvas and it now adorns the wall of her family home!
Here is one of my makes that I’ve been wearing on repeat!
Now, it’s your turn to explore these stunning Kanariya fabrics!
Each piece is a masterpiece, created using mediums ranging from gouache to watercolor, pen, and cut paper. Kanako’s inspiration? Nature’s motifs and the wonders around her.
Find out more about Kanako and her designs below.
Happy sewing!
Aims
xx
