So as of my last post, it looks like most of you are leaning toward covering the wedding lovefest first. Before I can get to that, it's only right that I share with you the details of how Mama Frog and I were able to personalize my dress for the big day (and by Mama Frog and I, I mean Mama Frog - she's got skillz).
From here on out, I hand over the reigns and let her take you through the steps of how to make a silk sash and chiffon ribbon flower...go for it, Mom!
Hello hive - I'm thrilled to be here! I hope you enjoy the tutorial as much as I enjoyed creating it for you.
To Make the Silk Sash:
You will need 1/3 yard of silk shantung. Make sure that you have a straight edge when they cut the fabric at the store.
Cut (3) - three inch strips across the width of the silk fabric (If you don’t have good, sharp sewing shears, Michael's has shears by Martha Stewart for about $20.00).
Fray the edge on each side of the fabric strip by separating a thread and pulling it across (gently). I find it easiest to fray by holding the center of the strip while standing and letting the ends hang down. Carefully separate a single strand (of thread) and pull it out away from the strip. It should easily pull away to each end. Continue fraying until you have about a ¼ inch on each side of the strip. You will need to cut off the extra thread at each end.
I used a French seam to join the 3 strips together. To make a French seam –
1. Cut ½” off of the ends of each strip, making sure to cut a straight line.
2. Determine which side of the fabric is the right side (the side that you want to show). It should have more sheen to it.
3. Pin 2 wrong sides together (see photo below) and sew a ¼” seam. Trim the seam to 1/8”.
4. Fold the right sides together along the seam line and pin together.
5. Sew a ½” seam.
6. Press the seam to one side, pin and stitch in place near the outside edge - you will need to remove the pins as you sew this seam to prevent puckering.
Note – You can skip the last step and just press the seam to one side, if this is too difficult and you will still have a finished look.
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To Make the Chiffon Ribbon Flower:
You’ll need-
40” of 3” chiffon ribbon (without wire)
1” square of netting (for backing)
6 rhinestones for the center of the flower (sew or glue on)
Fabric glue for rhinestones (unless you are sewing on)
½” flat button to glue the rhinestones to (optional)
1. Lay out your ribbon and divide the ribbon into 4 equal sections. Place a mark at each section.
2. Starting at one end, sew a basting stitch (by hand) leaving 12” of thread at the beginning point for pulling later. Sew down the end, round the corner and sew across the bottom until you get to the end of your first section mark.
3. Continue basting back up to the top of the ribbon and then immediately back down again. Continue this process across the ribbon – ending with the basting going to the top of the end side (leave 12” of thread at this end also).
4. You should end of up with 4 sections.
5. Grab hold of the thread at each end and (very gently) pull, gathering the ribbon as you pull. It will start to take on the shape of 4 flower petals. Get your gathering as even as possible and gently shape the flower with your hands. When you are happy with it, tie off the thread ends together.
6. Take your 1” piece of netting and sew it onto the center of the back of the flower by hand.
7. Now you need to finish the center of the right side of the flower. You can sew rhinestones on or you can glue them on using fabric glue. It also works to use a flat button and sew the button onto the center of the flower and then glue the rhinestones to the button. (Make sure that you lay out the rhinestones on the button first to make sure that the button will be covered.
8. Now you can sew the chiffon flower onto the silk sash or attach a pin clasp to the back of the flower and pin it to the sash.
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And there you have it my dear hive! Thanks Mom for the step-by-step tutorial, I have no idea how your sewing skills skipped a generation but I sure am glad that I was able to benefit from all of your hard work. :) Oh and get this, she actually made me a second sash for the reception which I'll show you later...it's very blingy. I keep telling her she should go into business, maybe this will be a fun jumping off point?
Also, can I just say...it was one of the most special parts of the wedding to be able to wear a piece that my Mom made for me. I will always treasure it - not only did it make my dress 100% unique, it was a symbol of the love and support she has given me throughout my life.
Are you planning to wear something that was handmade for you? Anyone planning to use the Frog tutorial to create your own sash or flower?
