In our June tip, we suggested a method of shortening jeans that will leave the hem looking identical to the original off–the–rack garment. We also offered suggestions of tanks 4006U0 and 4047U0 to wear with those jeans.
 |
 |
Our July Tip of the Month is courtesy of Bobbi Bullard, of Bullard Designs. In this tip, we will teach you how to embellish those tanks and jeans to add a little bling to your clothes.
Bobbi’s bio from her website says, “I have been sewing for 38+ years and a computer ‘nerd’ for 22. The marriage of computer and sewing machine was very exciting for me. I am a contributing editor for Machine Embroidery Journal and Designs in Machine Embroidery and I have written for Creative Machine Newsletter, Fitting Tips, Threads and Total Embellishment Newsletter. I teach classes around the country on unique methods for individualizing garments with a variety of embellishment techniques and new ways of using machine embroidery.”
Bobbi is also a Member of Unique Patterns and has written articles on her experiences with our patterns.
 |
She sells beautiful embroidery designs for garments, linens and craft projects and complementary notions such as Swarovski crystal zippers, clasps, buttons and chains. One of Bobbi’s specialties is combining embroidery designs with hot fix crystals and most of her designs include instructions for both crystallized–versions and non. The supplies used below are courtesy of Bullard Designs and can be purchased on-line. For all of Bobbi’s wonderful products, visit www.bullarddesigns.com. |
1. The two large surfaces of the acrylic block have protective paper – peel those off. Peel the desired stamps from their sheet and place them on the acrylic block in a design that is pleasing to you. (Remember: If you are going to use the paint sticks, your design will end up the same as you are looking at it on the block; if you stamp the design onto your fabric, the final design will be flipped.)
| 2. If you are using paint sticks, place your block under the fabric in the desired position. Carefully rub or trace the paint stick over the stamp area of your fabric – you will see the design transfer. |
 |
 |
3. If you are stamping, ink the stamp by clapping it against the ink pad. If any ink transfers onto the block, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Stamp the design onto the fabric. If you hold the stamp down a long time or press really hard, the ink might bleed into the fabric. That can be cool, too. Allow the ink to dry 24 hours and then heat–set it with your iron and a press cloth. The acrylic block is perfect for stamping because you can see right through it to line your designs up. |
| 4. Pick your favorite crystals and the matching tip for your L’Orna wand, fire it up and start adding some bling to your designs. All the instructions you need on using the heat–fix tool and crystals come with your L’Orna wand. |
 |
5. It’s easy, fast and most of all – FUN! Enjoy yourself!
| Need some more ideas? Try using Bobbi’s designs and Swarovski crystals in the gaudets of pattern 6013U0 or on the breast of 2012U0. All–over stamping will go easier with fewer seams in a garment like 4020U0 (and mandarin–type collars are all the rage this fall!). For abstract ideas, shirt 4043U0 will make the perfect canvas for your full palette of colors and rich imagination! Remember, there is no one else on this planet like you: talented, creative and unique! |
 |
Member Feedback
I find that after hemming jeans a little sandpaper rubbed along the new hem helps it to blend in better. A little theatre costuming trick! (Also great for creating that “antiqued” look on jeans without paying those “modern” prices!)
Aimee Kluiber
Lakewood, OH