Gallery of In Progress Projects

[Rowan MacD]

 That would have been my first choice too ^_^.   It is so very different than the head wear you usually see at faire.

[Irma]

I was home today because of wintery mix, freezing rain, sleet.  So, I was able to put this together to go with my gown.  All from remnants and bits left over.  GEM, I didn't go with the fancy frame.  It was looking too Victorian.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Absolutely gorgeous fabric, Irma!

[gem]

That whole thing is too smashing. If I saw you in person, I would want to pet you!    Can't wait to see all the pieces together!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

More progress on beading the forepart as I watch the Olympics. I do need to place an order for more pearls and red beads. The next gown will not be as ornate with pearls as this one is.

In the meantime, I will get the overskirt started and the sleeves finished.

[Irma]

Lady Kathleen:  I've never tried beading.  What sort of thread is appropriate?

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Irma.

I like to use  the Coat's and Clark's Strong(Upholstery) Thread, doubled. I do back stitching to anchor the beads securely to prevent them coming off. The thread itself feels as though there is a wax coating to make it easier to pass through small eyes of needles.
It is also the same thread I use for hemming garb as well as cartridge pleating.

Beading takes my mind off food and my hands occupied.

[isabelladangelo]

Lady Kathleen:  I've never tried beading.  What sort of thread is appropriate?

I'd say it depends on the bead.  The heavier the bead, the heavier the thread you'll need.  You may also need a beading awl because the beading holes on items like fresh water pearls are small.  I personally like the big eye beading needles - they are awesome.   However, right now I'm just using a thin sharp for my Regency era gown (adding sequins all over the sleeves) and it works fine for that.   

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Sewing sequins can be as tricky as 6mm pearls and beads. But I see that an awl would be a good tool to have to widen the holes. Thanks for the tip.

[isabelladangelo]

Not a problem!   The problem I'm having with the sequins is that they are like big pieces of glitter - they get everywhere and I'm sure I'll find more years from now.   

[Rowan MacD]

 Question-I was at Micheal's last Sunday and was looking over the beading needles; the ones that look like wires.
  Can those be used to sew beads onto fabric? I use an extra fine embroidery needle for beading fabric right now...

[isabelladangelo]

http://www.eebeads.com/ideas/51_BigEyeNeedle.html

This is the type of needle I use for beads. 

[Rowan MacD]

http://www.eebeads.com/ideas/51_BigEyeNeedle.html

This is the type of needle I use for beads.

Those look pretty close to the ones I saw..I'll give them a try.

[gem]

...the ones that look like wires.
  Can those be used to sew beads onto fabric?

You mean, as opposed to beading looms? They include them for beading in needlework kits (that's how I have a bunch of them), so people must. I prefer the tiny sharps (or betweens, I think mine technically are) like Isabella mentioned in her first post. I have never gotten the hang of the wiry needles....

[Rani Zemirah]

Oh, my goodness!  If those are glass pearls... I can just imagine how much that will add to the weight of the dress!  How beautiful, LadyK... and what very intricate the work!  Huzzah!