My Margo Iron Dress: Making Sleeves from Grosgrain Ribbon

[Cilean]

I bought 100 yards of this deep blue 3/8" ribbon, I want to do a basic basket weave, my issue you might ask?

I had some wood I thought I could use push pins and do the length and then weave across and stick pin those together, when I finish I have that wonder under stuff I was going to iron the weave onto the wonderunder and then iron that onto a backing of linen and then add pearls.  However? I don't have the  strength to get the stupid push pins into the wood, I have tired all the wood around my house, and I don't think this is going to work!  So I will try tomorrow to use tape.  I have begun working on my ruffs, so they are working, I have the bodice cut out, but I want to decorate it a little more (this is the only hand work I can do and not be in pain so I do what I can!!!).

I will report back to you all if the silly tape works....ARRGH, what you think will happen sometimes does not happen! LOL  Oh right the temps are heading to the 90's for the next few days! Why? Why do they hate me? Why not lovely 70 degree weather? 

Wish me luck, I needs it!  Oh? My cat has taken over one of my fabric boxes, it is hers & if I put anything into it? Cat hair to the max!  I love her really I do!

Cilean

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Which is why I do not have cats. They would be doing the same thing. I love those furry critters to death,  but my clients would not appreciate hair all over their garments. Aespecially the ones I do Alterations for.

[Anna Iram]

Cilean, cardboard might work just as well. A large box from the grocer should be easy to find.

[Rowan MacD]

     Cardboard will do in a pinch, but ideally, if you know of anyone who has recently bought those build-your-own-shelves in the boxes-those usually come with big 1/2" thick sheets of Styrofoam.
      They tend to be the rubbery kind, and hang together better than the stiff, breakable stuff, and hold pins better than cardboard.  Keep an eye out for it for future projects (they fit nicely behind dressers until you need them.)  Check the dumpsters and loading docks behind furniture and department stores too.  Free is free.

   If you need something durable right now, go to Home Depot and buy cork board squares (for bulletin boards.)  You can stick them on to a wooden board for an instant, pin-able project surface.. 


Good luck.




 

[Lady Gryphon]

Foam Core is even better than Cardboard, and you can get 24 x 36 sheets of it at Wal Mart.  (they may be 20 x 30 now.)  That's what I would use if I was going to weaver like you are. Also it's mor ridged than Carboard.  If your Walmart doesn't have it try Hobby Lobby or Michael's.

[Anna Iram]

Cilean, try the cardboard first before spending money on other materials. A thick box will work fine for a one time project. Yes free, and recycled is good.   Perhaps if you want to do more weaving in the future or even if you have time for this project you can find someone strong to hammer nails into your wood so it will be good and sturdy. Pinholes in most other materials will become loose over time.

I guess I should explain my thoughts here. Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard the size of your project. Take a measuring stick and mark along the sides how far apart you want the ribbons spaced. If it's an open basket weave sort of thing then cut a slit at each mark and then cutting the ribbon to the right length tie a knot at the ends and insert into slit to hold in place. Then weave the cross ribbon in and out and attach into measured slits along the coresponding sides. No brainer once the measure and mark the edges of the cardboard.

Some fun ways to weave with cardboard:

http://weavolution.com/group/cardboard-loom-weavers/cardboard-loom-weavers-links-10533

[gem]

Any reason you can't pin to your ironing board? It's there already, free, and securely pinnable. And then it will be all ready for your fusible interfacing, without having to move the project.

[isabelladangelo]

Why not just draw the lines you need on to the linen and sew it down that way?

[Anna Iram]

Any reason you can't pin to your ironing board? It's there already, free, and securely pinnable. And then it will be all ready for your fusible interfacing, without having to move the project.

True that.

[Cilean]

Success! You all are awesome, we just put together one of those metal racks for surplus stuff in the garage, so when you all mentioned using cardboard, I was like???!!! DUH! I have one of those!

Gem~ Cuz I don't have a large enough Ironing board that would hold at least 18" all the way down!

This is what I am doing, I have bunches of thumbtacks due to my youngest son's latest school project. I also am glad I thought about purchasing 2 50 yard rolls of the ribbon. Just putting forth the first long lengths? Took most of the first roll!!!  I kept thinking....I probably won't need the other 50 but just in case....






Thank you all! I can't wait to show you the results!!

Cilean

[Anna Iram]

 
Glad the cardboard worked out. Looking forward to seeing the completed sleeves!

[Rowan MacD]

Any reason you can't pin to your ironing board? It's there already, free, and securely pinnable. And then it will be all ready for your fusible interfacing, without having to move the project.

True that.

genius!

[Cilean]

Okay so here is the weaving all done, I have the Pellon underneath and I have tried to iron the crap down? But it is not listening to me~~~



I wonder if I spray fabric adhesive to the now front and then add the silk, will it be okay on the then back/front?

Cilean

[Lady Kett]

WOW! That is just outstanding, Cilean!

[Cilean]

Okay so, I have 2 ways to complete these and I am having an issue on what to do!  Look at how the weaving came out! Pretty spiffy so thanks to all who helped!!!






Which should I do?

Cilean