"What Are You Up To Now?"

The Quest for the Perfect Bow

2008-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Quest is Over--

In my quest for "the perfect bow", I came across Girly Things. Since that day, my bows have never been the same! We receive lots of compliments on our bow collection and more requests for lessons! Thus, the reason for this site. I am not affiliated with any of these businesses or products. I do not make bows to sell them; I simply do it because it brings me joy and saves me money=)

In the posts that follow, you will find information from numerous sites (Girly Things, Jessica's Bows, Lamb Products, The Ribbon Retreat, Little Pink Ladybug...), and a basic supply list, how-to-videos and photos, original creations/cute ideas you might want to try, and helpful tips from different bow makers and myself. Please feel free to let me know if a link has expired.

Enjoy, and share your joy!
Jennie Bender

My Basic Supplies

2008-11-16T08:02:00.001-08:00

Getting Started--

Small pair of needle nose pliers--Craftsman is the best, they must be able to cut!)
Quality scissors--an absolute necessity
"Fray Check" (available at Jo-Ann's/Fabric Store) or clear nail polish--for polyester satin ribbons (prevents ends fraying)
Basic lighter-- to heat seal grosgrain ribbon
*24 or 26 Gauge wire (I prefer silver) (available at any craft store/Walmart), embroidery floss, or thread (white or matching)
*Some designers prefer embroidery floss over wire
1 box alligator clips from Sally's Beauty supply (100 clips--$3.99), there are several styles. I prefer the one posted below, a great fit for fine hair.
French clips can be bought for thicker hair online at ribbon supply stores, ebay...

Needle--its eye large enough to thread embroidery floss easily
Sewing pins (with large, colored heads--for safety purposes (trust me on this one!))
Masking tape-- for korker bows
Thimble-- for pushing needle through multiple layers of ribbon (optional)
A few strong clothespins --for baking korker bows (optional)
A large beautician's clip with a open area in the center--to hold your bow while wiring/tying, slit. The slit is for passing your wire/thread around your bow easily (*An instructor illustrates her use of this clip in her video. If you want to see the video, go to the sidebar: "How-to-Videos", find "boutique bows.").

Quality glue gun--not a high temp mini--I have the scar to prove it!
Glue sticks
Several dowel rods (width 1/4"-3/8" --as large than the width of a pencil) (available at Craft Stores/Walmart/Lowe's... ) cut into lengths of 18" or length of your cooking sheet. Buy several rods to make lots of korkers in one baking session.
Ruler or tape measure
Fabric pencil (mark center of ribbon)

Plastic tote with a lid--for storage (optional--you will make more, I promise)
1-2 zippered, pencil pouches --for the loose items listed above

*Other mounting options: *Basic colored, "ouchless" ponytail holders, basic colored headbands, "White Stag" white, size large, women's socks (for baby headbands), elastic lingerie lace (also for baby headbands, you would have to measure, my guess 15", elastic woven crochet (for baby bands) (available at JoAnn's), and French clips (it is cheaper to order them online).
To make a baby head band out of a nylon sock, cut the toe and calf cuff off the sock. Cut the sock in half--traveling up the length of the sock, you will have two pieces. This will make two baby headbands. Sew the ends of a single band together with a needle and thread. Your bow will be placed over the raw edges and will not be seen. Same methods are used for the lingerie lace, or crocheted elastic t lengths.

Picking and Choosing--

Grosgrain ribbon is best for beginners--width over 1/2"

Approximately 14 inches-22 inches per bow--small bows that are approx 1/2"-1" ribbon width)

Approximately 3/4yds.-1.5 yards for wider bows with more loops, depending on the style you choose (*all the links listed below give you an estimate yardage).

A three inch bow--20 inches of 7/8" ribbon

A three inch bow--29" of 1.5" ribbon

3-5 yd. spools are available at Walmart/Michael's/JoAnn's and are the best buy, unless you wish to buy bulk.
Most spools (such as Offray) will make 6-9 bows, depending on the bow style you choose

*If you prefer satin/polyester choose one that is over 3/4"" and has body/stiffness.
Many stores (Hobby Lobby) will bag mass amounts of left-over ribbon (that are bought by the yard and are less than 2 yds.) and sell them for ridiculously low prices.

Curl it Up!

Korker bows--grosgrain ribbon works best, nothing under 1/4"
To make korkers, simple take 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, tape one ribbon end to a 1/4" dowel rod, place the ribbon at a diagonal line, wrap the ribbon around the rod (creating a line like a barber shop sign). Wrap the entire length of the rod. Tape the end of the ribbon to the rod. Clamp the ribbon ends with your clothespins, one on each end. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet, you can bake as many as you can pile on the tray--even on top of the other rods. Bake in the oven 215* for about 15 minutes. Remove and see your curls. Simple as that=)
Cut in equal segments. To make a korker bow, drape a piece of cord elastic over a rectangular container (I use a Hillshire Farm meat container--clean, of course), drop the korkers into a rectangular plastic container, grab the elastic ends, tie--in the middle of the korkers lengths, secure to your hair accessory of choice.
Girly Things How-to-Photos give you exact amounts of yardage you will need of pre-curled (Korker) ribbon.
With these bits of combined information, you will be on your way to making Korker bows!

Counting Costs--

Average cost to get started: $25.00-$40.00

All projects are much more fun when you are with a friend! Consider splitting the cost and sharing alligator clips, ponytail holders, and ribbon with your girl friend.

Ribbon Suppliers and Bow Making Systems

2008-11-16T08:00:00.001-08:00

http://theribbonretreat.com/

http://ribbonandbowsohmy.com/

Bow Making Systems:
Just in case you are still a bit intimidated=)

brilliantbowmaker

Gator-Bite System

How-To-Videos

2008-11-16T07:56:00.001-08:00

Watch This--

Below are numerous videos illustrating several bow designs, bow making tips and finishing techniques, woven headbands, personal business promos, and other various crafts. They are very helpful. *To the far right of this video's tool bar are options for full screen viewing and volume control (the videos vary in loudness). *You can drag the circle to rewind/fast forward/skip to end.

These videos are from youtube. Enjoy=)

So Many Bows, so Little Time!

2008-11-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

"It will be our little secret!"

Enjoy, these are links to cute bows along with their individual "How-to-Photos!"
So pick one and have fun! My personal favorites are the loopy-surround, tuxedo, perky loops, and the pinwheel.

Link for Korker Bow Instructions/Other Unique Bows--Ribbon Retreat/Great Info

http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/perky_loops.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/loopy_surround.html

http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/pinwheel_bow.html

http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/boutique_bow.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/collar_bows.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/korker_bows.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/loopy_bows.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/tuxedo_bow.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/interchangable.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/button_flower_clippie.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/christmas_tree.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/cupcake_clippies.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/beaded_bobby_pins.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/bottle_caps.html

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/monogrammed_button_covers.html

http://littlepinkladybug.com/catalog.php?category=8

"Don't tell anyone!"

Cute Creations

2008-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

If you would you like to see some cute creations,
click here to see beautiful bows/ideas:
http://www.girlythingsbows.com/show_it_off.html

...but remember,

"Life, in its simplicity, is always...

--beautiful."

More Bows

2008-11-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

From Marthastewart.com

Medallion
As shown as ornaments. We started with 1 yard of wide grosgrain ribbon.

1. Make a series of accordion folds (our folds are 1 inch), holding the folds in place with your fingers as you work. Finish with both ends of the ribbon facing the same direction. Thread a needle and knot it, leaving a 1-inch tail. Pass the needle and thread through the layers, about 1/4 inch from the selvage edge.

2. Bring ends of thread together; knot, close to the ribbon. Cut off excess thread. Glue ends of ribbon together, covering the knot. Shift folds so they're evenly spaced.

3. Press the center of the bow to flatten, rotating the folds in one direction.

Sash
To make a triple-loop sash bow with extra-long tails, start with four pieces of satin ribbon: one 16 inches long, one 20 inches, one 24 inches, and one 4 yards (for the tails). For a double-loop sash bow, eliminate a layer of loops. For shorter tails, use a smaller length of ribbon. Notch if desired.

1. Make loops: For each of the three shortest ribbons, fold ends toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Stack loops. Lay the 4-yard piece across the center of the loops, and knot.

2. Rotate knot to back of bow. Trim ends of tails at an angle. Slide 20-gauge wire through knot at back for hanging.

Winged
As shown on the chandelier.

1. Cross left end of the ribbon over right.

2. Knot by passing left end behind right, under, and up through opening (make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched).

3. Pull on the ends of the ribbon to create a tight, smooth knot.

4. Adjust to desired shape, and notch the ends.

Tuxedo
As shown on the ribbon card holder, the candy tray, and the votives.

1. Fold ends of a piece of ribbon in toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Flatten at center and glue to secure. Cover center with a second piece of ribbon, gluing at back of bow; for a cinched bow, wrap center more tightly.

2. Adjust to desired shape.

Bow How-tos
Bedecked with Bows
Ribbon and Bow Accessory How-tos

More Bows

2008-11-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Fall Sweets for my Sweets!

I hunted through Hobby Lobby high and low for candy corn woodcut outs, bobbles, or buttons--no luck. So I took the creative plunge and made my own.It was cheaper anyway, I guess=)

The candies are just 1 1/4" triangles of white cardboard (the tip has a blunt straight edge).

You start with the white ribbon, then move to yellow, then finish with a band of orange to cover the center.

Start at the tip of the triangle and fold about 1/4" (or less) white to the back of your cardboard.

Trim the outer, unglued edges at an angle (matching the angle of your candy), fold them tightly in with glue, too. Do the same with yellow at the top, trim its sides, too, then glue. Wrap orange band around the candy. Glue onto your bow.

My white was 5/8", orange--folded scraps of my 2" (I am so cheap!), yellow was 1/2". They were cut wide enough to wrap around my triangle with 1/4" excess.

Here is a similar link glued on a clippie using an entirely different method. Whatever works=)! Other bow making links are available here, too. I used the boutique bow for the white bow and orange bow. I used this video (boutique bow) for the base bow, it is 2" ribbon and 4.5" wide, approximately 30" long.

Another sweet one!
Here is the link to the instructions.
Mine has a few variations, again, because I am cheap and quite the *free* thinker!

My own sweet variation, requiring no korkers.
I cut out the cupcake icing shape with cardboard, I started on the back of the shape by gluing a ribbon edge down. I left a bit of extra ribbon extended to make the ruffle appearance, then began a zig zag pattern at the bottom of the cupcake icing. When I reached the end of the row I cut and glued the ribbon to the back of the cardboard.

I went to the row above the completed row and did the same thing until I reached the top of the cupcake.

On the cherry, I cut a four inch strip, I began to tie a knot, leaving the tail inside my knot circle. I glued it, then finished the cherry stem off with a slanted cut.

To finish it off in the back, I cut straight strips of cupcake icing ribbon, heat sealed and glued them over my mess.

Gingerbread Christmas bows for two of my best girls...2010
Felt scrapbook stickers, Hobby Lobby, $3 for 3
Hot glue to center
I still covered my tying material with a flat, folded ribbon strip,
then added the felt sticker with hot glue.

For Sabrina Glynne--
She is not too interested this morning...
...but she will look quite cute come the 4th of July!
https://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/modules/FreeProjects/PDFFlowerLoopBow.pdf

Above, Easter bows, 2009. These are my latest conquests.
They took quite a bit of time. I still have lots to learn!
Here is the link to this bow if you want to try your hand at it!
Enjoy=)

Our Mess!

2008-11-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

"This is our mess..."

"...and we LOVE it!"

I love this picture!

"Button, button...
Who's got the button?"
Darcy is happy to answer, "ME!!!"
Don't tell your Daddy, sweet...
We will both be in BIG trouble!
This is why we love our mess!

Hair Clips

2008-11-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

From:

Children will love the butterflies and flowers that adorn these hair accessories.

1. To make flowers: Cut a 12-inch length of 28-gauge nickel wire. Thread 20 size 11 seed beads (available at craft stores) onto middle of wire, then bend wire and twist it one rotation, using flat-nose pliers to isolate the petal. Thread 20 more beads, and twist again. Repeat until you have five petals. Thread one size 6 seed bead onto one of the two remaining ends of wire. Twist petals around bead, and thread wire through petals to secure. Use remaining wire to attach the flower to the curve of a bobby pin. Trim excess wire.

2. To make butterflies: Using the same technique, create four "wings," making sure two are larger (40 beads instead of 25). For the body, crimp one end of an 8-inch piece of wire with round-nose pliers, and thread on 25 size 11 seed beads. Bend back three or four beads at uncrimped end to make the head, wrapping wire around head between beads to secure, and trim. Attach body to wings by wrapping a separate 5-inch piece of wire around middle of wings. Trim. Attach the butterfly to a bobby pin, using the technique above, or to a headband. For a headband, glue ribbon or seam binding to one end of a metal or plastic headband. Wrap ribbon around the band as shown, overlapping as you go. Add butterfly, twisting excess wire around band; use ribbon to hide wire. Glue ribbon in place at the end.

Tie Posies

2008-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/2010/02/tie-headband.html

Fabric Flower Bows/Accessories

2008-11-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2006/03/fabric_flowers.html
I was talking with two friends lately about these...so cute.
The above link is a pattern/tutorial if you are interested.
I have seen a few of these on purses, clothing accessories, clipped onto notepads, hair barrettes, and baby headbands. Very sweet and whimsical.
...another option for instruction
http://boutiquenutmegdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/07/fabric-flower-tutorial.html
Along with...
http://sewritzytitzy.blogspot.com/2008/11/from-annas-gardenfabric-flower-tutorial.html

A variation: Great Tutorial=)
http://terelauritsen.blogspot.com/2010/07/fun-fabric-flower-tutorial.html

And,
Wise Craft: Fabric Flowers
This is the tutorial/pattern I used for Sabrina's posy in the above picture.
Enjoy!

http://lindseycheney.blogspot.com/
My favorites, from the The Pleated Poppy. She makes so many in various designs--all too cute. Her site is quite inspiring. I love stopping in and seeing what she is making on any day of the week!

Ribbon Belts

2008-11-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

marthastewart.com

These attractive belts and bracelets can be made with any grosgrain ribbon, from an ornate brocade to a sporty nautical stripe.

Ribbon Belt and Bracelet How-To
1. Choose your ribbon, and select two D-rings that are a suitable size for the ribbon's width (D-rings are available from about 5/8 inch to 1 1/4 inches wide).

2. To make a belt, measure your waist or hips, depending on where you want the belt to sit, and add 10 inches. For a bracelet, measure your wrist, and add 3 inches.

3. Cut the ribbon to twice that length, the fold it in half, and pin its sides together.

4. Starting at the folded edge, stitch neatly all the way around the perimeter of the ribbon, staying close to the edge. Thread the cut end of the ribbon through both D-rings; fold the cut edge under 1/4 inch, then fold down about 3/4 inch to cover the D-rings, securing them snugly but not tightly.

5. Stitch across the length of the ribbon, enclosing the D-rings.

Posies

2008-11-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

From Wise Craft: Fabric Flowers

Materials:
templates- download here

Rosettes

2008-11-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

From:

Silk flowers never wilt or fade, which makes them a fitting memento of your wedding. Share them with your bridesmaids by making these pretty hair bands. Begin with a full-bodied silk flower, such as camellias, and attach a metal-free hair elastic with a twist of the flower's wire stem. Clip off any excess wire. Cover the wire by sewing a bit of 1-inch wide ribbon, ends folded under, to the base of the blossom using a few stitches.

Flower Clips

2008-11-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

From:

Rose and Peony Templates
Dahlia Templates

To attach a bobby pin to the back of a silk flower, cut a rectangle of fabric that's about 1/2-inch wide and about two-thirds the length of the bobby pin. Slip the fabric into the bobby pin, and slide it all the way to the other end of the pin. Lay the pin facedown on the work surface (so the flat side of the bobby pin is facing up), and apply fabric glue to the small piece of fabric.

Then attach the piece of fabric, with the bobby pin still in place, to the back of the flower. Let the glue dry. The fabric will hold the bobby pin in place.

See More Paper and Fabric Flower Ideas

First Published: Summer 2009

Button Clippies

2008-11-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

From:

You'll want to fashion lots of these pretty hair clips (enough for friends -- and a few to keep). Using heavy thread, sew a button or two to the top of a colored bobby pin (for a flower, first sew button to a felt leaf). Stamp name on card stock, cut slit, and insert hairpin.

First Published: November/December 2005

*A reader suggested colored bobby pins found at Sally's --JB

Ribbon Headbands

2008-11-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

Ribbon Headbands
Martha Stewart.com

A great project for a rainy day or weekend afternoon, making this pretty and practical headband doesn't require much more than a length of ribbon, some elastic, and a few basic stitches.

Tools and Materials
Tape measure
Scissors
Ribbon, about 20 inches long and no wider than 2 inches
4-inches length thin elastic, flat or rounded
Needle and thread

Ribbon Headbands
1. Measure the wearer's head with a tape measure at the point where the headband will be positioned. Cut a ribbon 1 to 2 inches shorter than that length.

2. Fold one end of the ribbon over an end of the elastic. With a needle and thread, make several stitches back and forth through the fold. Check to see if the headband fits; trim the ribbon or elastic if needed. Repeat the fold on the remaining ends of the ribbon and elastic.

Zipper Bows, Headbands, and Pins

2008-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/zipper-flower-
Follow the above link. Click the picture to watch the video.

From:

Tools and Materials
36-inch Zipper
Scissors
Hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks
Scrap of felt
Brooch or hair clip
Needle and thread

Zipper Flowers How-To
1. One zipper makes two flowers. To begin, cut the zipper stop and plastic reinforcement off the ends of the zipper. Open the zipper to divide it in half.

2. Place a dab of hot glue onto one end of the zipper, on the fabric part, and close to the teeth. Fold in cut edge; press down to secure.

3. Roll end of zipper into a very tight "bud," securing with another dab of hot glue, and spiraling downward so teeth do not overlap each other.

4. Roll three more times, tacking down each roll with a dot of hot glue.

5. Continue rolling, making looser coils. Once the bud is about the size of a nickel, make a petal by forming a loop perpendicular to the bud; secure with hot glue.

6. Make your next petal by swirling the zipper to create a figure eight; secure with hot glue.

7. Repeat until you reach the end of the zipper. Sew a heart-shaped piece of felt to a brooch pin or hair clip. Hot glue to back of flower.

How to Make a Pom Pom Bow

2008-08-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

BHG Pom Pom Bow
I have seen this bow, but always forget about it...

Pom-Pom Bow

Making perfect gift toppers is easy. Follow these steps to craft beautiful, full bows.

Step 1

Form a ribbon circle that's approximately the width of your bow. Ours measures about 6 inches. Continue winding ribbon around for the number of loops you want. We wound our ribbon 8 times.

Step 2

Flatten the loops, and using scissors, make diagonal cuts at each corner.

Step 3

Refold the flattened loops, matching the notches in the center. Firmly tie a thin piece of ribbon or wire around the center.

Step 4

Working on one side of the bow, pull out the innermost loop, and twist it to the right. Pull out the next innermost loop, and twist it to the left. Continue in this way until all loops on one side have been twisted. Repeat for the other side of the bow.

Step 5

Arrange the loops as needed to make the bow. Use the thin ribbon or wire ends to attach the bow to your project.
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/gift-wrapping/how-to-make-a-pom-pom-bow/

Fabric Flowers

2008-08-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Saving for later--
From Design Dazzle--
Look how cute her fabric flower add-on is! So many possibilities with these fun flowers...a flower hair clip, add to a shirt or pillow, etc. The tutorial is here.

Flower Posies: Hair Clippies or Corsage Pin

2008-07-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Flower Clip Hairbows--scrapbook brads brads from Hobby Lobby, hair clip, Gerbera Daisy bunch from Hobby Lobby (or wherever=). Pull all the hardware off the flower leaving only the petals. Stack the flower back up largest petals to smallest petals (this is two sets of gerbera daisies put together for added fullness), put the brad through the flowers' manufactured hole, cinch the brad prongs around your hair clip (or broach pin--for a lady). Heat seal both ends of a 1 1/2" ribbon strip, open your alligator clip, then glue the ribbon strip over your hardware area.
These are great fun and make lovely gifts. Older girls can make them as a birthday party craft.

I found similar flowers at Graceviolet.com.

Bows for Everything!

2008-06-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

From:

Ribbon card holders descend from extra-large tuxedo bows, bound tightly in the middle for a billowing effect; cards slide into "pockets" created by gluing narrow satin ribbon at various intervals.

Garlands are traditional for staircases, but a satin ribbon swag with lots of bows hung beneath a windowsill can add architectural interest and a bit of whimsy. Make the bows first -- these are classic bows -- then pin them to ribbon taped to the sill.

A figure-eight bow fashioned from wire-edge ribbon serves as a wreath topper for a triptych of oval boxwood rings, made snowy with floral spray; the bow's tails were wrapped around a broom handle to form playful, pirouetting curls. Since these displays are temporary, hang them from removable self-adhesive hooks that won't damage the walls.

Tuxedo bows accessorize dapper glass votives wrapped in satin ribbon. You can give a set with a ribbon-covered matchbook as a gift.

This tabletop tree is trimmed entirely with bow ornaments: Grosgrain medallions, crisscrossed figure eight bows, and petal bows spin like snowflakes; layered-loop bows, hung vertically, mimic ribbon candy; paper trays filled with mints dangle from tuxedo bows.

Bedecked with Bows
Bow How-Tos
More Bow How-Tos
Ribbon and Bow Accessory How-Tos

First Published: December 2004

Strawberry Clippies

2008-06-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

From Be Different Act Normal.blogspot.com
You can check out the tutorial HERE.

Free Downloadable Instructions with Details/Pictures

2008-04-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is the boutique bow with very detailed instructions. It is made differently than the above links from girlythings. It just goes to show, there is no wrong way to make a bow!

http://bowbusiness.com/files/EBow_Instructions.pdf

This link offers exact measurements of ribbon for an adorable stacked boutique bow. It could be changed to match your tastes simply.
http://bowbusiness.com/hairbowrecipes.html

Enjoy,
Jennie

Easter Bows and Purses!

2008-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Easter is upon us!
I saw purses that would look adorable with my girl's Easter outfits at Kohl's. Rather than pay the price, I went a different route=) The "hhmmmm...I can do that cheaper myself route..."
So I set out to make the girls matching hair bows and purses....

(Before)

For the Posies/Hair bows:
Buy decorative scrapbook brads from Hobby Lobby, hair clip from Sally's, a flower of your choice--mine are from Hobby Lobby. Pull all the hardware off the flower leaving only the petals. Stack the flower back up, put the brad through the manufactured hole, cinch the brad prongs around your hair clip or glue the flower to the clip. If you don't like to see the messy glue (I don't=), cut a strip of matching polyester ribbon large enough to cover the glued area. Heat seal (using a lighter's flame) both ends of the ribbon strip, then glue the ribbon strip over your glued area. I found similar flowers at graceviolet.com. They can be added to a corsage pins, too. They take only minutes to make and I love them!

For the Purse:
I simply removed the floral embroidery to start with a clean slate. The flowers are from Hobby Lobby, I clipped them on to the purse with a hair clip from Sally's. A corsage pin or hot glue would work, too. I wanted to be able to use them when the girls tire of the purses. So a hair clip seemed the best option for us.

(After)

I think they turned out pretty cute!

Reversible Purse Pattern

2008-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Reversible Purse
From:
Martha Stewart Show
template

This simple reversible purse is a wonderful project for beginning and advanced sewers alike.

Tools and Materials
Bag template
Heavy paper or cardstock
1/2 yard of patterned fabric
1/2 yard of solid fabric
Pencil
Fabric scissors
Pins
Sewing machine
Coordinating machine-sewing thread
Iron
Needle and thread for basting stitch

Reversible Purse How-To
1. Download, enlarge, and print template on heavy paper or card stock. Trace template twice on each fabric and cut out.

2. Align and pin the two solid pieces together, right sides facing. Do the same with the two patterned pieces.

3. Using 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew along the top of each handle and along the bottom curve of each pinned piece, leaving both sides of both handles open.

4. Turn the solid piece right side out, and insert the solid piece into the inside-out patterned piece. Line up seams, raw edges, and handles.

5. Pin the edges of the "neckline" of the bag and sew with a 1/4-inch seam.

6. Going through the longer handle, turn the entire bag right side out (patterned fabric on the outside). Press all seams.

7. Fold raw edges of "armholes" in 1/4 inch and press. Baste together. Topstitch 1/8 inch around bag handles to finish.

Flower Wrist Corsage

2008-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

Marthastewart.com

We printed clip art onto heat-transfer paper and ironed the designs on-to fabric for this sewing project.

1. Print corsage design on iron-on heat-transfer paper. Following the manufacturer's instructions, iron design onto silk organdy.

2. Cut out each clip-art flower with scissors. From one side, cut away a V shape that reaches to the center of the flower.

3. Trim approximately 6 millinery stamens so they are 1" in length. Slide stamens into center of flower. Fold stamens into an L shape, and glue cut ends to back of flower.

4. Pull the corners of the V together, slightly overlapping; the fabric will form a cup shape. Use fabric glue to glue shut.

5. Print corsage petal template onto paper and cut out. Fold a square piece of organdy in half diagonally and then into thirds. Lay template on top of organdy. Lightly trace with a pencil. Repeat until you have 8 flowers for each corsage, and cut them out with scissors. Roll flower petal with your fingers to make edges curl.

6. For each corsage, stack 8 flowers and sew together at center. Attach two strips of 28"-long ribbon to flowers at the center. Glue clip art flower to top of flower stack using a dab of fabric glue.

7. Tie corsage to wrist.

Get the Lace Corsage Clip Art

We used:
-Swiss cotton organdy in ivory (45" wide), B&J Fabrics, 212-354-8150.
-Pale-gold and taupe 9mm silk double-face satin ribbon (#02309), M&J Trimming.
-White millinery stamens (FL422, 288 heads per bunch), Tinsel Trading.

See more Lace Projects

More for thought--

Same as above idea--

Silk flowers add elegance to a ring pillow. A crisp fabric holds its shape well; we used silk dupion, shantung, and taffeta. For petals, cut straight-sided ovals with scallop shears. For the flowers on the garland, our petals were 8 by 16 inches; for the flowers on the tables, 5 by 12 inches or 6 by 14 inches; for the 6-inch ring pillow and the flower girls' bouquets, 4 by 8 inches.

Silk-Flower Ring Pillow How-To

1. Gather the center of one petal and hold it firmly.

2. Gather the center of a second petal and lay it on the first at an angle; continue holding the center gathers in place.

3. Repeat with a third petal, positioning the stacked petals so they make a complete rosette with no gaps. (If you want a fuller effect, make the rosette with up to 5 petals.) Wrap floral wire tightly around petals at the center, and twist underneath to secure. Excess wire becomes a stem.

4. Make 2 more rosettes (for a showier flower like the bouquets, make 4 total).

5. Stack rosettes, slipping each wire stem between the petals of the rosettes beneath.

6. Twist stems together; cover with floral tape. Fluff petals. For the garland, wrap stem around greenery. For the table flowers, cut stem short. For the ring pillow, cut stem short, sew flower into place through wires at center, and tie on a ribbon, threading it through wire on top. For a bouquet, add millinery leaves.

First Published: Winter 2008

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