Pattern #1347 - Fantasy Dresses - hardware

A couple of these dresses needed metal things ... buckles, beads and chains. And, as I always try to do, I look for stuff in places I think most people are able to shop. So, off I went to my local Joann's and this is what I brought home.

I thought the chain would be the easiest option ...

Needle nose pliers are a necessity for working with chains.  To separate links pull each end in opposite directions, front and back. Do not pull the ring open in a way that makes the circle bigger.  You will never get it completely closed again.

But, after making this I had many second thoughts.  The main one being that the chains were really expensive since 2 whole chain sets had to be purchased to get two lengths long enough AND I wanted to give a method that had a little more flexibility.

So, I opted to string together different beads. I figure everyone can find some kind of beads to make something in the same spirit.  First, I take a small bead and turn it into a stopper by knotting thread around it, then put the various beads on, in the order I want.

Then I go back through all the beads for strength and sew to the belt.

This is what I ended up with.

For the buckle on the other blue dress, not knowing exactly what size I wanted, I ordered 3 buckles on line from Simplicity (you know ... sometimes it's just quicker to order and pay for this stuff than try and get them to send it to me) and found a 4th from a local independent fabric store. A 5th one with pearls was the winner was the winner, for size mostly, but the pearls are nice, too. It is the same size as the one with rhinestones, but I liked the pearls better.


Alas ... the pearl one isn't on the website right now ... but the rhinestone one is and it is the correct size. Here's a link to it.


So sorry, I've just done a bit of looking and I can't find a buckle exactly like the one I used.
And please don't think you have to use what I used.  You might find something much better, or I bet some of you could make one!  AND, there is always nice stuff on Etsy and Ebay, so check them out.

The application of this buckle is super straight forward. First stitch it to the center front of the bodice over the pleats.

Then thread on one side tie, then the other through the buckle.

And tie in the back, or not ... read blog about problems with this "cross your heart" sash!


Next time, the sewing of the pleather belt and gauntlets, also I'll show you how I cut the rough jagged hems.