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Mrs Bowden’s top tip – a bit of bling!

Mrs Bowden’s top tip – a bit of bling!

December is knocking at our door and, if we are lucky, we will be celebrating at various festive events.  This week’s top tip encourages a bit of vintage glamour by looking at beading and sequin techniques.
I don’t know about you but I am a big fan of 1950s style beaded cardigans.  Here are some lovely examples which are heavily beaded as well as contemporary versions (this one is available from Monsoon.  These garments can add a dazzling element to your wardrobe and keep you cozy!  However, finding a vintage version in the style, size and price can present a challenge and sometimes it’s more lovely to create your own.
I thought I would share this excellent diagram with you as it very clearly shows a number of techniques for attaching beads to fabric.  It is taken from a great booked called ‘Couture Sewing Techniques’, by Claire B Shaeffer.

In the photographs below you can also see a CND pattern of stitches for attaching sequins which keeps the sequin flat to the fabric and secure.  You can mark out a simple motif or pattern on your fabric and go from there.

Now, a cunning way of adding some decoration to a cardigan is to embroider a band, pictured is a length of velvet ribbon.  The ribbon can then be slip stitched to the sides of the button band down the front of your cardigan and hey presto, a vintage inspired cardigan in a jiffy.   The ribbon can be removed easily for laundering or if you want to use the cardigan without the ‘bling’ on another occasion.
I do hope you enjoy any festive occasions you may be attending and have a very happy time.

in stitches,

Mrs Bowden x

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