Tag Archives: embroidery

1920s Beaded Silk Dress

1920s Hand Beaded Silk Dress

I made this 1920s beaded silk dress a couple of years ago and now we finally took photos of the dress. But this was way more difficult than we thought because it’s so difficult to take good photos of this white-on-white beaded dress. It sparkles and glitters in real life but on photos it looks just white! But you can see glimpses of the bead embroidery on the close-up photos. Continue reading 1920s Beaded Silk Dress

6 Ways How To Insert Lace – Heirloom Sewing Tutorial

Learn 6 different vintage ways to insert lace and improve your heirloom sewing skills! So if you’re wondering how to add lace trim like in earlier times, read on.

6 Ways How To Insert Lace - Heirloom Sewing Tutorial

Today, lace is usually inserted with zigzag stitches by machine. But in past, lace was either inserted by hand or with a straight-stitch sewing machine. In this tutorial I’ll show you 6 ways how to insert lace by hand or with straight stitches by machine. Let me know in the comments what’s your favorite way to insert lace! 😀 Continue reading 6 Ways How To Insert Lace – Heirloom Sewing Tutorial

How To Make Limerick Lace By Hand

Limerick lace is a floral tulle lace: It is hand-embroidered on machine-made cotton net. In this tutorial I’ll show you the basics of Limerick lace.

How To Make Limerick Tulle Lace By Hand

Limerick lace was made since 1829 in Limerick, Ireland, hence the name Limerick lace. There are two types of this beautiful, delicate lace: Limerick lace can be either worked as needle-run or tambour lace. In needle-run lace, the net ground is embroidered with a needle and darning stitches. Whereas in tambour lace, the net ground is embroidered with chain stitches and a tambour hook which is similar to a crochet hook. Usually, needle-run lace is more delicate than tambour lace, while some Limerick tulle laces use a combination of needle-run and tambour. Continue reading How To Make Limerick Lace By Hand

Handmade Mirror Work Cotton Ghagra Choli

Some years ago, I made a ghagra choli with yellow and pink cotton fabric, embroidery thread and large silver sequins to mimic Indian mirror work embroidery. Ghagra choli is an Indian blouse and skirt outfit which is usually worn with a stole, the dupatta or odhani.

Pink Yellow Mirrorwork Cotton Ghagra Choli

My handmade ghagra choli is inspired by traditional Rajasthani ghagra cholis Continue reading Handmade Mirror Work Cotton Ghagra Choli

Victorian Rag Ball – Tutorial

Learn to make an authentic Victorian rag ball for your kid, pup or as decoration.

Victorian Rag Ball - Tutorial

In the Victorian era, a rag ball was a toy of poor children. Old rags and fabric scraps were wound into a ball and covered with ball stitches to hold the rags together:

‘Ball Stitch – A stitch used in making ornamental balls for children.’ (Embroidery Stitches, 1872, p. 9)

Rag balls were popular Victorian Christmas presents. Victorian mothers would make rag balls for their toddlers, while kids could make their own rag balls – rag balls are so easy and fast to make! And cheap too – using just what you’d usually throw away! I’ve wanted to make a Victorian fabric ball for a long time and now I’ve finally found the time.

‘To make this coveted Christmas toy take a small rubber ball or a piece of cork, wind it with coarse worsted of any color, until the ball is of the desired size, then knit the cover.’ (Demorest’s Family Magazine, 1891)

Today, rag balls are still popular: They are a favorite decoration at Christmas time. Or you could make a rag ball as soft toy ball for your baby or toddler. And if you don’t have a toddler, your pup would love a new toy too!

‘There are innumerable games to be played with a soft ball which the very tiny children even can enjoy and profit by.’ (Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia, 1910-2)

 

How To Make A Victorian Rag Ball

You’ll need:

  • rags, old clothes or fabric scraps
  • yarn
  • needle and scissors
DIY Rag Ball With Old T-Shirts
I used leftover fabric from my T-shirt-turned-skirt refashion for the Victorian rag ball

DIY Victorian Rag Ball

Cut an old T-shirt into a long, continuous 1-inch (2.5cm) strip. Then roll the strip into a ball like you’d roll a ball of yarn. Tuck the end of the strip under one of the previous loops to secure it.

DIY Victorian Rag Ball Tutorial

The Victorian Ball Stitch

‘Bind some loose rags tightly together into a ball. Wind string across as in the illustration forming sections. Thread a needle with bright-colored wool, and work round and round, passing the needle each time under a strand of string. If different colours be used the effect is very pleasing.’ (Embroidery Stitches, 1872, p. 9)

Edwardian Neckwear: Collars, Jabots & Fichus

Edwardian Neckwear - Collars And Jabots
Miami University Liberal Arts Club, 1905

Neckwear was an important accessory in the Edwardian era. Jabots, collars, ties and scarfs lend variety to the severe shirtwaist, add a splash of color to dark wool dresses and help to keep the dress clean. Collars were usually detachable in the Edwardian era, ‘since the collar soils so much sooner than the waist.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1907)

Most store-bought neckwear was expensive in the Edwardian era, so it was recommended to make lace jabots and collars at home with lace and fabric scraps. Continue reading Edwardian Neckwear: Collars, Jabots & Fichus

DIY Boho Pom Pom Hair Accessory

DIY Boho Pom Pom Hair Accessory

I love the boho hairstyles by Mara Hoffman which are made with Indian camel swags! 😀 And finally I made my own pompom hair accessory. Yay! I love it! In this tutorial I’ll show you how you can make your own and how to use the pompom hair accessory for a cute boho hairstyle. Continue reading DIY Boho Pom Pom Hair Accessory