Red, White and Bow

It's almost the 4th of July and it's time for all of us to do our best Betsy Ross impression and hand make all our clothes, decorations and flags...or maybe just wear red, white, and blue while enjoying fireworks with family and friends. But, you can still give an homage to the woman that sewed the American flag by making something yourself!  

Learning to sew is one of those things that no one really thinks about. We all wear clothes (most of the time), but if I were to ask 20 people at the mall if they know how to sew I would get maybe 3 affirmative answers. I personally do not know how to sew, and hate myself for it (as I should). But, until such time that I can make my own clothes from a piece of fabric and an idea, I will have to try to work my way around it.

Here is how anyone can make a bow for any occasion. Use these as hair bows, bow ties, dapper dog collars, accents on dresses, purses, hats; the possibilities are endless. 

You will need a few things first.

-Fabric (1 yard is way more than you'll need for a single bow)
           * There are many fabrics you can choose from to make your bow. The fabric shown is a metallic sequined knit fabric. If you are looking to create something along the line of a bow tie, I would suggest you lean towards a charmeuse  (the smaller bows pictured at the bottom are made with charmeuse). 

-Fabric Scissors

-Glue Gun

-Ruler

Once you have these, it's time to begin:

1. First you will need to cut two pieces of fabric: one large rectangle and one tiny rectangle. Depending on the size of the bow you want to make, the measurements of the fabric will differ. For this hair bow you will need a 12" x 12" square of fabric and a small 1"x 3" strip of fabric.

2. Now that you have cut your fabric place the big piece face down.

3. Fold the fabric into thirds (if you are not using a square piece of fabric, make sure you fold it along the length of the fabric).

4. Once in thirds, fold the sides inward so they meet in the middle. Try to make the sides as even as possible.

5. Flip the fabric over.

6. Pinch the sides in to create your bow. (I pinned it for the picture but you would probably still want to be holding it).

7. Place a dab of  glue in the center, right where the fabric gathers. Apply pressure for about 30-60 seconds to make sure it holds.

8. Wrap your remaining strip of fabric around the center of the bow to secure it. Remember to try to keep the fabric on the backside pinched so you don't get a random flap flying around.Glue the strip closed, securing your bow.

9. Enjoy your bow! 

To get fabrics to make your own bows and more, visit us here.

See you soon,

Horacio


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The Super(fabric) Friends!

Comic Con is coming up pretty soon and that means there will be countless Batmen, Supermen, Wonder Women and every other member of the Justice League walking about. So, rather than look exactly like everyone else and buying your costume, add a bit of your own personal flair by making your own or embellishing a costume you already have. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Batman

There are a few iterations of Batman from the 1966 television show, to the 1990's cartoon, to the Batman of the Dark Night trilogy. They each have their own style but they also have a couple things in common: a cape and the bat insignia. To create these two iconic pieces, I suggest you use a fabric that is easy to deal with while being heavy enough that it does not look like it's made of construction paper (although if you can pull that off, kudos). Cire Coated Interlock Fabric is perfect for this (it's also pretty good for the utility belt and the briefs). As for the actual body of the costume, it consists of tights, briefs (over the tights) and the top; 70 Denier Interlock Fabric will work for the tights and top. And, if you want to add a bit texture to your costume, lay a bit of Power Mesh over it.

2. Superman

Much like Batman, there are a few versions of the Superman costume. However, there is one version that is most iconic: the red underwear over blue tights. Again, Cire Coated Interlock Fabric is going to be your best bet for the chest insignia and belt.  You can revisit the two fabric combo (70 Denier with Power Mesh over) for the tights, briefs and top however Superman is a far less gritty hero than Batman and a smoother approach might be more to your liking. In that case Honeycomb Pique is what you are looking for. 

3. Wonder Woman

No Justice League is complete without Wonder Woman. The most famous variation on Wonder Woman's costume is no variation at all, it's the classic Linda Carter version that was taken straight from the comic books. The base of this costume will be Stretch Charmeuse. For the stars, golden insignia and gauntlets (unless you have your own)  use Cire Coated Interlock Fabric.

Now that you have a few ideas to get the ball rolling, go forth and dawn your cape or mask or golden lasso and fight crime! Or, just walk around a convention center and look amazing (that's probably safer). For more crime fighting materials click here.

Until Next Time

-Horacio Tweet