I have been requested by a soon-to-be bride to sew bowties and suspenders for all the guys in the wedding party. Sew...I am asking for any help you can give me. I have never sewn these items. As you can see the fabric is a lovely brocade. I know it was expensive and there is no more available if I mess up. Yikes!
The bride purchased the fabric with her mother. She also provided the pellon interfacing. I found a simple pattern online along with a how-to for a basic bowtie but no suspenders. I bought this Simplicity pattern only to find out it is for a pre-tied bowtie and won't work. It has no suspenders. I haven't even been able to find anything about suspenders except elastic ones...not fabric.
As you can see the fabric is striped and very directional. It is also very prone to ravelling. Shall I interface the entire fabric and then cut out bowties and suspenders? I am really nervous about this project and wonder how I got myself into such a bind. I welcome any and all help you might have. Thank you in advance.
Here are the last of my pink hydrangeas and I am loving how beautiful they look with Fall decor and fresh fruit. We are getting some tiny drops of rain but are told it won't be much at all. At least it will water my plants. Tomorrow back to sunshine and Fall colors.
Living my life with purpose and promise to enjoy every moment. Creative Bliss to all...
such beautiful fabric!!!! you will do a beautiful job, I have never made them before but I think this fabric looks like it will be a good weight for this job!! your hydrangeas are beautiful,
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous fabric! I did a quick search for making suspenders with fabric. I found this one tutorial, but I'm not sure it is what you want. http://coconutxoxo.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-better-easier-faster-way-to-make.html
ReplyDeleteThis one looks easy, too! http://www.theorangenest.com/suspenders-bow-tie-tutorial/
ReplyDeleteI just finished a knitting needle case with similar fabric. It was a slow process, but the only way I could handle the raveling edges was with a thin line of Fray Check....on every edge. Messy, too. BUT, end result was great.
ReplyDeletethe only suspenders I know are for ladies to hold up the old fashioned stockings, wondering what a man will use them for? Good to see you have 3 links form previous comments best of luck I am sure you will make a great job of them
ReplyDeleteAwwk... no pressure or anything! The fabric is beautiful. I'd suggest a visit to JoAnn's to survey the various kinds of stabilizers available. I would think you would want a very thin, almost "silky", flexible and lightweight type to back the fabric before cutting bow tie pieces. And use a press cloth to protect the fabric from heat when applying. Might you purchase suspenders and cover them with the printed fabric- either as in make a tube to cover, or fuse fabric on top where they're seen? Not if they really need to stretch though. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteWhile the brocade is beautiful, I would not put a single snip into it without first making a muslin or "ugly" samples of both pieces, made of either muslin or a fabric similar to the brocade (search the clearance bolts).
I've been "requested" for tasks like these before, which is why I'll never say yes again. LOL! I would show the sample pieces to the bride and MOB and (me talking), "They will be just like this, only made in your brocade." I also would agree to NO changes-- no ifs, ands or buts. "Yes, like these, only could you change ________...?" Sorry. Like it or leave it.
A "simple" sewing project can ruin friendships-- especially around a wedding-- and fast. Sad, but true. Honestly, I'm even feeling nervousness for you, Sherry!
Hugs and happy satisfied women,
Kelley~
Oh my, Sherry. Good luck with this project. I would have to go stand next to Kelley on this one.
ReplyDeleteOh Sherry, you good hearthed woman,- I`m sorry, I can`ty help you,- and would also be afraid to start cutting and sewing this beautiful fabric... BUT ,you are far more experiensed in sewing all kind of things, so I`m sure you will succed in doing this beautifully, too !
ReplyDeleteI love your pink hydrangeas- so lovely they can dry !!
Hugs and xx, Dorthe
Oh wow, what gorgeous fabric!! I wish I could help but I can't sew :( I would be afraid to make a mistake with the beautiful fabric, but I have complete faith that you will do a fabulous job!! And your hydrangeas are so gorgeous!! They look beautiful with the fresh fruit!! Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
I'd be nervous, too, with such a lovely fabric. If you can't find suspenders patterns, maybe she'd agree to a cumberbund instead? Wouldn't suspenders be lost beneath the jackets? Just a thought. I'm not as skilled a sewer as you, Sherry, so I'm sure you'll do the fabric proud.
ReplyDeleteDo you like Martha?(link below) I thought maybe this would help and I'm sure there will be something for the suspenders as well. I like the idea of adding the brocade fabric to existing suspenders and Not Cutting anything until you do a trial run.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to you! I have said yes one too many times, with projects like these and the best thing to do is 'Just Stay Calm' lol xxxsusie
http://youtu.be/lRJjH30Nhso
How nerve-wracking! I would definitely make samples first out of similar weight material. What if it looks too bulky? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThey provided the fabric and interfacing. The PATTERNS and the thread should also be provided.
ReplyDeleteCouture sewing is for professionals, people who do that for a living, are trained. They're worth every penny usually, too.
Still feeling nervous for you, Sherry. PRAYING FOR YOU!
Hugs,
Kelley~
EEK! The heat is really on for you! But, I know you can do it!! I can't wait to see how they come out.
ReplyDeleteHoping for more rain for you :)
Bowtie Bliss!! (lol)
xxD
Goodness, that's some project! Such a gorgeous fabric... I'm sorry I have no idea how to tackle this. Making samples with cheaper fabric definitely sounds like a good advice. Good luck dear! I know you can do this! Hugs, Wendy
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, this fabric is gorgeous and looks like it will be a good weight. Not sure about the interfacing if that might help with the fraying.
ReplyDeleteWhen is the wedding? Do you have the time to do some research and sew a sample? I know anything you do will be stunning as all your work.
I can understand being a bit nervous, but I think you will do very well!!
Love your last hydrangea. I picked one of my last this week and trying to dry it now.
Wishing you a great weekend.
Happy Sewing and sending hugs your way!
I would cut a small sample of the fabric and see how to work with it. There is a thin knit fabric interfacing. Crazy Quilters use it to fuse to the back of fancy fabrics and blocks. The interfacing is so soft it does not add stiffness and allows for handstitching. I am thinking the suspenders will be easy. A stripe of the fabric backed with ribbon and attached to those clip thingys. I think maybe after interfacing the bowtie should be cut on the bias maybe a bit of elastic in the center back for ease.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work and such a beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteYour Friend in ART,
Linda
I see another challenge that you'll accomplish!!! Fabric is wonderful! Suspenders??? Hmmmmm
ReplyDelete