loops and lots of buttons

Fortunately for me, my Bride loves buttons and loops as I have sewn for her before. On her formal dress we put 40 buttons and loops down her side seam.

I thought I would share the way I make these babies!

Firstly I have cut 2.5 cm bias strips from the satin fabric. I then fold it in half and place it under the machine foot with the foot directly on top of the fold. That makes the needle sew at 0.5 cm which is approximately half of the folded strip and with this fabric that means I don't have to cut back any excess.
I then use a 'Rouleaux Turner' which I insert through my sewn tube until it pokes out the other end. The turner takes a small 'bite' of the fabric where it has poked through and then you pull the turner back through toward the other end.

Hold the fabric tube with thumb and forefinger of one hand as the other hand pulls through the turner. This process guides as the turning happens, it is a slow gradual process.

The seam allowance that you left on the tube now forms a padding in the middle of the rouleaux.

I then cut each strip of finished rouleaux into 5 cm lengths ready to pin in place.

This is my first sewing lesson I hope it is clear enough to understand. Maybe only my own daughters will read it so I hope it will help them.

and sew it begins...

I have just started creating a new wedding gown for my dear friend's daughter. As I start I pray for clarity of mind before I cut into the expensive fabric and lace they have entrusted me with .... it is a big responsibility!

This time I have decided to blog as I go ... something new to me.

And ... this time I am attempting to use Spiral steel boning in my bodice.

The blogging is giving me something new to learn and to maybe help someone out there like myself with some tips on sewing!

In the last week I have spent more time reading blogs than sewing 'the dress'. I have been searching for help on how to use the spiral boning. At the end of the week I have decided to jump in and take a little of what others have to say and try some of my own ideas as well.

Stitches and weaves.

I like to create things.....I don't really design, it is more like an evolving, a coming together of ideas and eventually the finished work. I used to say to myself that I was a ' Jack of all trades and Master of none '. Now at this stage of my life I know that I am Master of some of my works !

Most of the time I am successful, some of the time I am not! I think this is to keep me humble and on my toes. This includes creations from the sewing machine to the kitchen table and in living each day.

I create Wedding Gowns, however today I am creating a Zeppelin, a Blimp, a Dirigible. A prop for my daughter's film making.

The beautiful photo above was taken to show the construction of the Blimp but in the taking, instead of rough white cotton sheeting it looks as though I am sewing a beautiful piece of bridal fabric....the magic of a camera in the hands of a talented young woman.