Holly: August 2012 Archives
Velvet ric rac is one of those trims that I love, but I sometimes struggle to find the right application for it. I adore its yummy texture, but the wavey shape doesn't always translate as sophisticated. So, I decided to do some experimenting to come up with ways to add a little extra style to my already-beloved trim. For all of these projects, I used Riley Blake velvet ric rac.
For my first project, I sewed black velvet ric rac to a satin ribbon as a base. I ran two lines of stitching down the middle section.
Next, I plugged in my hot fix rhinestone applicator and some jet rhinestones, and added a little off-center sparkle to each interior arc of my ric rac. The glittery result would be great as an embellishment for holiday party wear, I think.
The second approach I took was to intertwine two different colors of ric rac, and stitch them together, picking up clear seed beads in my stitches. I love the combo of pink and black, because it always makes me think of Art Deco design. This trim makes me think of beaded handbag ideas ...
Next up is a project I like to call the nature stack. Since autumn will be here soon, my mind is already on the changing of the leaves. I selected three colors of velvet ric rac that reminded me of fall. I machine stitched the bottom two layers together, and then used a needle and thread and seed beads to assemble the last layer of the stack. I think I'm going to use this trim on autumn home dec projects like plump pillows and table runners.
The last trim treatment I came up with turned out to be my favorite, and it's so, so simple! I used a bit of 1/4" ribbon, and carefully wrapped it around the ric rac, ironing it gently as I went. (NOTE: Velvet ric rac does NOT play nice with the iron! You need to keep the heat fairly low and iron from the backside.) Because the pile of the ric rac is not terribly deep, I didn't bother with a velvet board or towel for pressing. Here's the backside of the twist method in process:
For my first project, I sewed black velvet ric rac to a satin ribbon as a base. I ran two lines of stitching down the middle section.
Next, I plugged in my hot fix rhinestone applicator and some jet rhinestones, and added a little off-center sparkle to each interior arc of my ric rac. The glittery result would be great as an embellishment for holiday party wear, I think.The second approach I took was to intertwine two different colors of ric rac, and stitch them together, picking up clear seed beads in my stitches. I love the combo of pink and black, because it always makes me think of Art Deco design. This trim makes me think of beaded handbag ideas ... Next up is a project I like to call the nature stack. Since autumn will be here soon, my mind is already on the changing of the leaves. I selected three colors of velvet ric rac that reminded me of fall. I machine stitched the bottom two layers together, and then used a needle and thread and seed beads to assemble the last layer of the stack. I think I'm going to use this trim on autumn home dec projects like plump pillows and table runners.The last trim treatment I came up with turned out to be my favorite, and it's so, so simple! I used a bit of 1/4" ribbon, and carefully wrapped it around the ric rac, ironing it gently as I went. (NOTE: Velvet ric rac does NOT play nice with the iron! You need to keep the heat fairly low and iron from the backside.) Because the pile of the ric rac is not terribly deep, I didn't bother with a velvet board or towel for pressing. Here's the backside of the twist method in process: And here are two finished samples of this trim. I LOVE the angled stripes this little trick creates -- and it's so transformative, it doesn't even look like ric rac any more. I am already thinking of ways to use a red and white version for holiday dressing this year!
So, those are four ideas I came up with, but I bet our creative customers can come up with dozens, hundreds, even thousands of their own! Got a great trick that takes ric rac to a whole new level? Share it with us on our Facebook page!
I'm pretty open about the fact that I'm a shoe hoarder. I get emotionally attached to footwear and often hang onto it long past its prime. Lately, I've been feeling guilty about keeping shoes I don't wear around, so I'm working on ways to make old shoes new-ish again, which will in theory prevent me from buying more shoes. I don't know if this mind game I'm playing with myself will pan out, but I sure am having fun bringing new life to old kicks! This is a project that's also great for sprucing up footwear to custom match costumes. It's great to have shoes that you already know are comfy when you're trick-or-treating or dancing the night away.
WARNING: Extreme glitter ahead.
For my first shoes-periment, I decided to work with a pair of sport Mary Janes. I love these shoes -- so much that I bought several identical pair when they were available. So I can easily spare a pair for a crafty project.
After cleaning the shoes thoroughly with a wipe and some rubbing alcohol, I applied a generous amount of Mod Podge to one section of shoe at a time using a wide paint brush. Because of the sticky nature of this project, it's really best to only do a little at a time. The sectional nature of the design lines on this shoe made it a breeze to do so.
Once I had a section of glue applied, I doused that area with glitter. In the photo below, you'll notice that I did my glitter dousing over a large Glad Ware container. That way, I can collect all unused glitter and return it to its container. Once I had my gluey section thoroughly covered, I shook all stray glitter into my container.
I repeated the same application method, section by section, working all the way around both shoes. I let each of my sections set for 15 to 20 minutes before moving on to the next section, but if you are adept, you can probably move around the shoe without having to wait in between sections.
My new glitter shoes are ready to sparkle all over the place!
I will absolutely be wearing these under some of my witch costumes this year. In truth, I'll also wear them to work, to the movies, to the grocery store, to the park ... basically, everywhere.
Of course, now I'm looking at other shoes in my closet with renewed interest and a madness for creation that might even rival Dr. Frankenstein. I'm going to need glitter in every color of the rainbow.
WARNING: Extreme glitter ahead.
For my first shoes-periment, I decided to work with a pair of sport Mary Janes. I love these shoes -- so much that I bought several identical pair when they were available. So I can easily spare a pair for a crafty project.
After cleaning the shoes thoroughly with a wipe and some rubbing alcohol, I applied a generous amount of Mod Podge to one section of shoe at a time using a wide paint brush. Because of the sticky nature of this project, it's really best to only do a little at a time. The sectional nature of the design lines on this shoe made it a breeze to do so.
Once I had a section of glue applied, I doused that area with glitter. In the photo below, you'll notice that I did my glitter dousing over a large Glad Ware container. That way, I can collect all unused glitter and return it to its container. Once I had my gluey section thoroughly covered, I shook all stray glitter into my container.I repeated the same application method, section by section, working all the way around both shoes. I let each of my sections set for 15 to 20 minutes before moving on to the next section, but if you are adept, you can probably move around the shoe without having to wait in between sections.My new glitter shoes are ready to sparkle all over the place!
I will absolutely be wearing these under some of my witch costumes this year. In truth, I'll also wear them to work, to the movies, to the grocery store, to the park ... basically, everywhere.The next project in Operation: Shoe Sparkles involves a beloved old pair of red Converse that I have had for years. They're battered and bruised, but I really love them. Even though they've been through the wash many times, they had funky stains on the white rubber toes and sidewalls (about 73 percent of those stains were the result of spilled coffee). I first gave them a good scrub with a 1:1 mixture of toothpaste and hydrogen peroxide, which I left on while the shoes sat in the sun for about 45 minutes before I rinsed them. They didn't come out perfectly white, but as you'll see in subsequent photos, the dinginess was substantially improved.
The other trouble spot on these shoes was the heel cup. The fabric had worn away, and the rubber was exposed, and even cracking in some places. I first cut all this shaggy, raggy fabric away.
The other trouble spot on these shoes was the heel cup. The fabric had worn away, and the rubber was exposed, and even cracking in some places. I first cut all this shaggy, raggy fabric away.Then, to re-cushion the heel area, I cut scraps of fleece into arc shapes about 6 inches long by 1.5 inches high to set into the heel cups.
I used a tacky glue to apply the fleece to the interior of the shoes, also making sure any loose rubber was secured along the way. They key here is to make sure that all edges of the fleece are secure. As you slip your shoes on and off, any areas that are loose will pull.
Once my heels were in better shape, I started applying Mod Podge to the shoes in sections, just as I did with my Mary Janes. Working around the grommets with the paint brush is a little tricky, and my application definitely was NOT perfect. I wiped glue away when I got it onto the grommets, but I wasn't terribly worried about it. I figure all the sparkle will distract from little imperfections. For a little extra dimension on these, I used tinsel glitter. Whenever I sprinkled it onto the shoe, I actually patted it into place VERY LIGHTLY before shaking off my excess. As before, I worked my way around each shoe in sections. For the tongue, I only applied glue and glitter to the center; I left the edges alone to avoid unnecessary bulk.
To finish off my shiny new Chucks, I replaced the old laces with double-sided satin ribbon to make them extra girlie. (Because, you know, the glitter was not girlie enough. :p )
These are now ready for walks down yellow brick roads, Xmas elf duty, and even New Year's Eve dancing. One note: With fabric shoes like these, the glue does stiffen and tighten the fit a tiny bit. You make have to break your shoes in gently over a couple of wearings.
I used a tacky glue to apply the fleece to the interior of the shoes, also making sure any loose rubber was secured along the way. They key here is to make sure that all edges of the fleece are secure. As you slip your shoes on and off, any areas that are loose will pull.Once my heels were in better shape, I started applying Mod Podge to the shoes in sections, just as I did with my Mary Janes. Working around the grommets with the paint brush is a little tricky, and my application definitely was NOT perfect. I wiped glue away when I got it onto the grommets, but I wasn't terribly worried about it. I figure all the sparkle will distract from little imperfections. For a little extra dimension on these, I used tinsel glitter. Whenever I sprinkled it onto the shoe, I actually patted it into place VERY LIGHTLY before shaking off my excess. As before, I worked my way around each shoe in sections. For the tongue, I only applied glue and glitter to the center; I left the edges alone to avoid unnecessary bulk. To finish off my shiny new Chucks, I replaced the old laces with double-sided satin ribbon to make them extra girlie. (Because, you know, the glitter was not girlie enough. :p )These are now ready for walks down yellow brick roads, Xmas elf duty, and even New Year's Eve dancing. One note: With fabric shoes like these, the glue does stiffen and tighten the fit a tiny bit. You make have to break your shoes in gently over a couple of wearings. Of course, now I'm looking at other shoes in my closet with renewed interest and a madness for creation that might even rival Dr. Frankenstein. I'm going to need glitter in every color of the rainbow.
I couldn't resist! I had to take on one more vintage dress project! I love the shape and structure of all my vintage-style dresses, but I wanted to find a way that I could incorporate a knit fabric into vintage style to make something ultra comfy and easy to wear. Enter Vintage Vogue 2787. I actually made a version of this dress yeeeeeeears ago in a two-tone taffeta to wear to a 1940s theme wedding. But I can't wear taffeta every day, alas. I can, however, wear knits all day long; I love them. For this project, I opted for a Sophia Double Knit in heather gray. I love this fabric because it's got a good weight. It's comfy like a T-shirt, but has enough oomph to look a little more structured.
I didn't want to use a zipper on this dress -- my goal was a pullover garment. But, this dress is somewhat fitted, so I needed to come up with a solution that would keep the look of the dress, but would allow me to pull it on without fuss. So, I cut the pattern one size larger than my true size, and I added ties by stitching them into the darts on the back. Problem solved!
I have mentioned on previous vintage patterns that they sometimes call for a technique that isn't often used today -- an overlay approach to stitching pieces together. Instead of sewing the elements right-sides together, you prepare each piece, pressing under the seam allowance on the piece that will be on top, and then place it on top of the other section to sew it, stitching very close to the folded edge. It feels weird to work this way initially, but I find I really like it. The S-curve at the front of this dress would be really difficult to assemble without this approach. Here's a close-up of three of the pieces coming together this way (the two front bodice pieces and the skirt):
I'm pretty pleased with this little experiment. I like that I can wear this dress on its own through the summer, and then layer it with a long-sleeve undershirt or cardigan and boots for cooler weather. Versatile is always a win in my book!
I didn't want to use a zipper on this dress -- my goal was a pullover garment. But, this dress is somewhat fitted, so I needed to come up with a solution that would keep the look of the dress, but would allow me to pull it on without fuss. So, I cut the pattern one size larger than my true size, and I added ties by stitching them into the darts on the back. Problem solved!
I have mentioned on previous vintage patterns that they sometimes call for a technique that isn't often used today -- an overlay approach to stitching pieces together. Instead of sewing the elements right-sides together, you prepare each piece, pressing under the seam allowance on the piece that will be on top, and then place it on top of the other section to sew it, stitching very close to the folded edge. It feels weird to work this way initially, but I find I really like it. The S-curve at the front of this dress would be really difficult to assemble without this approach. Here's a close-up of three of the pieces coming together this way (the two front bodice pieces and the skirt): I'm pretty pleased with this little experiment. I like that I can wear this dress on its own through the summer, and then layer it with a long-sleeve undershirt or cardigan and boots for cooler weather. Versatile is always a win in my book!
If you read my last blog, you already know that I am crazy about fascinators. So crazy, in fact, that I made too many to fit into one blog post!
So, to pick up where I left off ...
In last year's Ballgown Witch post, I shared my favorite way to make quick trim. I used it again for the next fascinator. It's easy as pie -- just start with a length of ribbon and use a running stitch to work diagonally back and forth down the length of it as shown in the diagram below. When you draw your thread so the ribbon gathers along it, it creates a scalloped trim.
This is the autumnal headpiece I created using this method. I used a striped grosgrain ribbon, and added two darling acorn buttons. Ready for fall fun!
The next fascinator has a tropical vibe with a fun, cute twist. We're going to build a grosgrain flower! It looks like a lot of steps because I tried to capture the whole process, but it goes very quickly. First, I stitched together a sleeve base out of green grosgrain ribbon by sewing two 4" pieces together along the sides. The ends can be singed over a candle or hit with fray check to prevent fraying. Then I cut three lengths of the same ribbon and arranged them like an asterix on the base. I glued them in place.
To make a flower petal, I started with a length of pink grosgrain about 4 inches long. I looped it so the ends criss-crossed a little, and used a needle and thread to stitch it in place.
Once I had tightened my stitches to gather the base of my petal, I secured my stitches with a knot, and then picked up the next petal on the same needle and thread so they would be joined.
I did the same with three more petals, then I trimmed the tails off all at once.
I fanned the petals out to create a flower shape, and stitched things into place.
Once I got my flower shaped the way I wanted it, I added a hibiscus flower button to the center. I know, the center of a flower is not another flower, but I'm pushing science aside in the interest of artistic license on this one.
I glued the assembled flower to the leaf base.
Then I trimmed the ends of the green ribbon to look more leaf like, and slid my new flower onto my headband.
Now, I will share with you a secret about where to get tiny adorable hat bases for fascinators. I buy the tiny hats in craft stores that are intended for dolls and stuffed bears. The mini size is perfect, easy to embellish, and already built, which saves me the trouble of making one!
This next piece starts with a mini top hat. I first glued striped grosgrain ribbon around the hat.
Then, I added a puff of ostrich feathers that I had in my stash.
To add a little sparkle, I added a single silver blossom button.
In part one of this blog, I mentioned that I love to make a bunch of sleeves to go over headbands so I have them on hand while I'm creating. This is one of those times when I use them! I glued one to the bottom of the hat -- just on the ends where the sleeve makes contact with the underside of the brim. You want to be very careful to not let any glue seal your sleeve shut!
For me, this is a perfect New Year's hat -- fun, kicky, and a notch up from anything bought in a store.
My last fascinator is an easy quickie. I started with a simple doll hat from the craft store, made a bow out of grosgrain stripe (can you tell I love the stuff?), and then topped it off with another laser-cut flapper button, this time in red. I glued a sleeve to the underside, and I'm ready to celebrate.
So, to pick up where I left off ...
In last year's Ballgown Witch post, I shared my favorite way to make quick trim. I used it again for the next fascinator. It's easy as pie -- just start with a length of ribbon and use a running stitch to work diagonally back and forth down the length of it as shown in the diagram below. When you draw your thread so the ribbon gathers along it, it creates a scalloped trim.
This is the autumnal headpiece I created using this method. I used a striped grosgrain ribbon, and added two darling acorn buttons. Ready for fall fun!The next fascinator has a tropical vibe with a fun, cute twist. We're going to build a grosgrain flower! It looks like a lot of steps because I tried to capture the whole process, but it goes very quickly. First, I stitched together a sleeve base out of green grosgrain ribbon by sewing two 4" pieces together along the sides. The ends can be singed over a candle or hit with fray check to prevent fraying. Then I cut three lengths of the same ribbon and arranged them like an asterix on the base. I glued them in place.To make a flower petal, I started with a length of pink grosgrain about 4 inches long. I looped it so the ends criss-crossed a little, and used a needle and thread to stitch it in place. Once I had tightened my stitches to gather the base of my petal, I secured my stitches with a knot, and then picked up the next petal on the same needle and thread so they would be joined.I did the same with three more petals, then I trimmed the tails off all at once.I fanned the petals out to create a flower shape, and stitched things into place.Once I got my flower shaped the way I wanted it, I added a hibiscus flower button to the center. I know, the center of a flower is not another flower, but I'm pushing science aside in the interest of artistic license on this one. I glued the assembled flower to the leaf base.Then I trimmed the ends of the green ribbon to look more leaf like, and slid my new flower onto my headband. Now, I will share with you a secret about where to get tiny adorable hat bases for fascinators. I buy the tiny hats in craft stores that are intended for dolls and stuffed bears. The mini size is perfect, easy to embellish, and already built, which saves me the trouble of making one!This next piece starts with a mini top hat. I first glued striped grosgrain ribbon around the hat.
Then, I added a puff of ostrich feathers that I had in my stash.To add a little sparkle, I added a single silver blossom button.
In part one of this blog, I mentioned that I love to make a bunch of sleeves to go over headbands so I have them on hand while I'm creating. This is one of those times when I use them! I glued one to the bottom of the hat -- just on the ends where the sleeve makes contact with the underside of the brim. You want to be very careful to not let any glue seal your sleeve shut!For me, this is a perfect New Year's hat -- fun, kicky, and a notch up from anything bought in a store. My last fascinator is an easy quickie. I started with a simple doll hat from the craft store, made a bow out of grosgrain stripe (can you tell I love the stuff?), and then topped it off with another laser-cut flapper button, this time in red. I glued a sleeve to the underside, and I'm ready to celebrate.
I totally plan on wearing this for Valentine's Day, but I'm sure I'll find some reason to wear it (or several!) long before then.
What I really love about making these little concoctions is the fact that I can use a combination of new items and little bits of glitz from my stash to create really fun accent pieces.
If you've got a hats-required event coming up, or if you just want to add some new accessories to your style, I hope I've helped you with ideas. Be sure to share your creations with us on Facebook!
What I really love about making these little concoctions is the fact that I can use a combination of new items and little bits of glitz from my stash to create really fun accent pieces. If you've got a hats-required event coming up, or if you just want to add some new accessories to your style, I hope I've helped you with ideas. Be sure to share your creations with us on Facebook!
Fascinators have grown very popular over the last several years, and even though I see fashion mavens claiming their time is up each season, I still see them everywhere, from chain accessory stores to high-end boutiques. There's something so alluring and almost magical about topping off an outfit with that little extra something.
Making fascinators is always fun, because you can create a little piece of personal couture using only a few bits and bobs.
All of the fascinators featured in this post are meant to mount on a headband. I find I get irritated with clips because they don't always stay in place, and headbands will always work, no matter how long or short my hair is. That said, you can adapt almost any design to work on a clip or barrette if that's your preference -- the whole point is that it's just for you! My headband is 5/8" wide, but you can use any size -- you just might have to alter the width of some of the ribbons you work with to make sure it fits your headband.
The first two projects use Organza Rosette Ribbon. You can make a simple sleeve to fit over your headband using just a length of rosette and a matching length of grosgrain. As you can see, my grosgrain is narrower than my rosette. I still match up the edges, and the resulting bubbling of the rosette gives it a little added dimension.
I folded the ends of the ribbons in so there are no raw edges. Here it is with one side stitched:
For a little sparkle, I added two Theater Jewel buttons to the center two rosettes.
The next project used the same rosette ribbon in black, and I made it a little shorter -- just three rosettes instead of four:
Then, I slipped a feather I had in my stash into the loop of a black and white Flapper Button, and glued that into place on the headband sleeve. I am in LOVE with these buttons -- they're carved, not printed, so they have a beautiful, delicate dimension to them that feels very Art Deco.
Voila! Ready for a Roaring '20s party, or a snazzy day at the office.
Then, I folded a scrap piece of satin ribbon into a V shape.
I added a few more feather bits from my bin of random fun. (See? THIS is why you buy little sparkly or fascinating things with no real plan. You're laying in stock for fascinator creation.)
Once the decorative portion was complete, I glued it to my felt circle base, and slid it onto my headband.
The next fascinator base is a long, tube-like sleeve that starts with two pieces of grosgrain ribbon wide enough to encase your headband. I pass the cut ends over a candle to seal them and prevent fraying. If you choose to do this, remember to be cautious! Flame is dangerous! (Duh.)
Stitch down either side of your ribbon layers to create the casing.
This is the first batch -- I've got more to show you! You'll have to tune in next time for more fascinator fun. Including tiny hats! I hope this has sparked your creativity. I find that fascinators are like potato chips -- one is never enough! The more I make, the more I want.
Making fascinators is always fun, because you can create a little piece of personal couture using only a few bits and bobs.
All of the fascinators featured in this post are meant to mount on a headband. I find I get irritated with clips because they don't always stay in place, and headbands will always work, no matter how long or short my hair is. That said, you can adapt almost any design to work on a clip or barrette if that's your preference -- the whole point is that it's just for you! My headband is 5/8" wide, but you can use any size -- you just might have to alter the width of some of the ribbons you work with to make sure it fits your headband.
The first two projects use Organza Rosette Ribbon. You can make a simple sleeve to fit over your headband using just a length of rosette and a matching length of grosgrain. As you can see, my grosgrain is narrower than my rosette. I still match up the edges, and the resulting bubbling of the rosette gives it a little added dimension.
I folded the ends of the ribbons in so there are no raw edges. Here it is with one side stitched:For a little sparkle, I added two Theater Jewel buttons to the center two rosettes.The next project used the same rosette ribbon in black, and I made it a little shorter -- just three rosettes instead of four:Then, I slipped a feather I had in my stash into the loop of a black and white Flapper Button, and glued that into place on the headband sleeve. I am in LOVE with these buttons -- they're carved, not printed, so they have a beautiful, delicate dimension to them that feels very Art Deco.Voila! Ready for a Roaring '20s party, or a snazzy day at the office.The next type of slide-on accoutrements features felt circles as the base. I use my headband to gauge the width of the channel I need to stitch into the circles, layer two together, and sew two lines into it. This creates the pass-through for the head band. They key is make sure your headband can slide through, but that it stays snug to avoid slipping.
To build this one, I started with a damask button. I have always thought these buttons are so cute, but it took me a while to think of them for something like this.
To build this one, I started with a damask button. I have always thought these buttons are so cute, but it took me a while to think of them for something like this.Then, I folded a scrap piece of satin ribbon into a V shape.
I added a few more feather bits from my bin of random fun. (See? THIS is why you buy little sparkly or fascinating things with no real plan. You're laying in stock for fascinator creation.) Once the decorative portion was complete, I glued it to my felt circle base, and slid it onto my headband.The next fascinator base is a long, tube-like sleeve that starts with two pieces of grosgrain ribbon wide enough to encase your headband. I pass the cut ends over a candle to seal them and prevent fraying. If you choose to do this, remember to be cautious! Flame is dangerous! (Duh.)Stitch down either side of your ribbon layers to create the casing. Check to make sure that your headband fits into the casing.
I like to make multiple casing bases at once so I can just play with the trimmings to my heart's content.
I found a ridiculously sparkly autumn leaf in the floral section of a local craft store recently and fell in love with it. So naturally, I want to wear it on my head. I carefully glued one of my prepared casings to the back of the leaf, making sure no glue got into the casing opening.
And now, I'm going to have to come up with some sort of Thankgiving dress to match this!
I also have a couple of feather and bell sprays that I have had in the stash for a while, and decided to glue one of them to a grosgrain casing to see if I liked it as a fascinator.
And I did! This is obviously not for every day, but would be great for a dress-up occasion when a more dramatic look is perfect.
I like to make multiple casing bases at once so I can just play with the trimmings to my heart's content.I found a ridiculously sparkly autumn leaf in the floral section of a local craft store recently and fell in love with it. So naturally, I want to wear it on my head. I carefully glued one of my prepared casings to the back of the leaf, making sure no glue got into the casing opening.And now, I'm going to have to come up with some sort of Thankgiving dress to match this!I also have a couple of feather and bell sprays that I have had in the stash for a while, and decided to glue one of them to a grosgrain casing to see if I liked it as a fascinator. And I did! This is obviously not for every day, but would be great for a dress-up occasion when a more dramatic look is perfect.This is the first batch -- I've got more to show you! You'll have to tune in next time for more fascinator fun. Including tiny hats! I hope this has sparked your creativity. I find that fascinators are like potato chips -- one is never enough! The more I make, the more I want.
