Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Handmade cuffs...Tutorial
Tutorial- "Cuffs "
Jasmoon: The wrist cuff I created is HERE
I used recycled scrap materials:
Damask
Lace
100% Silk
Velvet ribbon
Muslin
Tutorials about the fun ways you can make a cuff when designing with a theme such as Steam Punk, shabby chic...
Ideas for materials you could use are below:
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Fabric Scraps, Interfacing Scraps, Co-ordinating Threads, Embellishments, Button/hook
, ;Lace, Ribbons, Linen, Fabric flowers
Music sheet -
it is the Victoriam era, music of that romantic age.
Watch face-
Always ever present in most steampunk themes.
A token of a time traveling memory perhaps?
Gears-
Another persistent icon, other things that are popular that can be added; keys, watch hands, springs.
Letter-
It adds personalization to your piece.
Chain
- Completes the path from the watch piece to the gear, adds movement.
Curio Bottle-
Adds dimension and mystery. What lies inside this tiny vial? A secret code, Magic potions? Or maybe a love letter from the future. Held in place with copper wire.
Pleather- Fake leather. Easy to work with, affordable.
Lace- Stained with leftover tea. Adds a feminine touch.
~*~
Start with a piece of fabric that will be your base-something fairly sturdy
-I used some plain muslin that I coffee dyed. I actually tore the fabric, so the edges are frayed, but you can certainly cut, or hem for a neater look.
I tore because I like that look and it was easy! The fabric is 2 inches wide.
Measure your wrist and cut the strip 1 inch larger than your wrist.
My wrist is 7”, so I cut a 8” piece of fabric (so the fabric is 8” x 2”).
Next I fold over one end of the fabric 1/2” and stitch. (My bracelet is now 7 1/2” x 2”). I am showing you the stitches with red thread, just so you can see them.
Use straight stitch on machine but you could also sew by hand, or use fancy stitches. These are not rules, just guidelines!
This folded over piece will be where we make a button hole, or where you attach snaps/Velcro, or whatever you use to close the bracelet.
I thought initially I would tie mine with ribbon, but then I thought
A) ribbon might get in the way and be too bulky, and
B) how would I tie it if no one was around to help me?
You will want to use a thread that matches your fabric so your stitches don’t show.
I do all my stitching on a machine using a straight stitch
Before we make a button hole, I start layering my bracelet .
I like my bracelets to look like a fabric collage, so you don’t have to use big pieces that go all the way across the length of the bracelet.
You can piece things together. I start with the bottom and top, adding trims that will extend over the edge of the base fabric and hide it.
I usually use a larger lace on the bottom, because it will hang down on your wrist like a ruffle, and use a smaller piece on top, that overlaps just a little.
I sew the top and bottom pieces onto my base fabric, and then start playing with layering other trims.
I try to pick a color scheme and stick with it, this one is all neutral cream and white. I play around with positioning my trims and overlapping until I get a nice layered, overlapping look.
I use bits of crochet trim and lace, seam binding and lace bias tape, rick rack...whatever you have on hand.
I also pick a central element to use as the focal point of my bracelet…
a buckle, a piece of appliqué, or a beautiful button.
A special piece that will be the “cherry on top” of your bracelet.
I play around with all these pieces (stacking and overlapping) until it looks pleasing to me.
Then I carefully take each layer off,
and starting with the bottom layer first, stitch the layers on.
keep layering…
Once all the layers have been sewn on, I choose a button to use for the closure (you can also use snaps, hooks, or Velcro).
If you have a machine that makes button holes, then good for you :)
If you don’t, here’s what I do:
Use a pencil or a disappearing ink marker (used for sewing) to mark the size of your button on the BACK side of your bracelet, on the end that has been folded and sewn. I marked this in black ink just so you could see it.
connect the two marks with a line…
machine stitch around the line with a small stitch,
I stitch around several times.
Use an exacto knife to cut a slit to make the actual hole.
You will also be cutting through the lace on the front of the bracelet.
Add your focal piece (button/buckle/bow, etc.) to the front center, and stitch in place. For this one I used a flower appliqué and a rhinestone button.
You can sew another piece of fabric to the back of the bracelet to give it a more finished look if you want,
but I usually don’t, so you can see my stitches on the back.
That’s it! Wear it, Give it, Love it! xo
Written tutorial by : Suzanne Duda
Love & Light
Trace
OXO
Only four sleeps!
Well its been a very busy two weeks...
Schools plays, xmas decorating & shopping,
Creative time limited but we still managed to fit some in :0)
Time to catch up with blog land today!
Lewis happy after decorating, great fun!
Especially watching daddy up the ladder
& giving him decor directions hee hee
Time to chill out now :0)
No peeping Lew...yes you! lol
School play no.2
Xmas - Scrooge
Lewis and his friend Daena
Cake making & decor
Hmmm sprinkles!
Yum!!!
We bumped into santa!!
How cool was that, of course I whispered in his ear..
This guy was great!
Yep santa's sleigh is empty, he was stopping by
to pick up some carrots and milk for his reindeers.
School class play
no.1
Romans
Oh and the highlight of these pass two weeks
possibly the arm wrestle with nana, question is who won? lol
I want to wish you all a merry christmas,
have a magical time
Big love and hugs
Tracey and family
oxo
Creating presents...By Lewis
Lewis (my son) wanted to create a present for a friend.
So we played with Diamond glaze, glitter, paper, beads,
and jewellery pieces.
There is no better present than one you have made :0)
L=Lewis D=Daena
&
Pretty glitter earrings
Once the Diamond Glaze set we connected the charm to a bracelet
My favourite by Lewis
Necklace for Daena
Used beads & his own words/sketch
all sealed with Diamond Glaze ( Hard setting resin)
Below is a pendant for Lewis's sister, she will love it Lew!
A bookmark for mummy :0)
How happy am I...
Drying - In progress
Wonderful ideas' for presents :0)
Love & light
Trace
oxo
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