Finished Edges and Polished Bows with Mela Hoyt-Heydon

The Victorian’s had a way with both millinery bows and decorative brim edgings.

From the Butterfly Bow to the Alsatian Bow to the True-Love Knot, they knew how a needle and thread can change everything about a bow, how cable cord can transform flat, soft satin into beautiful perfect loops along with the importance of wire and when to use it.

As for their brim edges, they can be adorned with wide bias bindings, wired flanges, shirred velvets and more. Learn how to also make your loops stand tall and stay upright.

This class is for both those who can tie a perfect bow and for those whose sides are always uneven or loops look smashed.
We will use both ribbon and fabric to create a plethora of bows and loops along with dressmaking fabrics to edge our brim edges giving them a custom and personalized look.

Supplies

• 1 yard of 1-inch-wide wire edged ribbon 7 ¼ yards 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inch wide ribbon (can be 3 colors- 4, 1 ½ and 1 ¾ yards each) 2 ¼ yards 2-inch-wide ribbon 7 yards 3-inch-wide ribbon 4 yards 4” wide ribbon 1 ½-2 yards white cotton cord (1/16”-1/4” thickness) 1 yard size 21- or 22-gauge millinery wire or any lightweight wire 3 yards of 18- or 19-gauge millinery wire Heavy thread (buttonhole or button/craft or quilting in a neutral color such as khaki or grey) 1-2 brims in any type of straw, wool or fur felt (do not have to be attached to a crown as we will be creating edging samples. Can be any size and even a partial brim piece can be used. Great way to use a cheap straw) Yes, you can bring a hat you want to edge. 3 yards of 1-inch-wide French elastic or tarlatan or even cotton bias tape for covering wire 1 yard taffeta, dupioni, silk or silk like fabric for edging and fabric bow (can use two different fabrics) Sewing thread to match edging Basic sewing kit with: Wire cutters, needle nose pliers, sewing shears, scissors you can cut wired ribbon with, tape measure, ball head pins, wonder clips or pegs, fabric marking pen or chalk, milliner’s needles, small curved needle, 18 “clear plastic ruler to assist in cutting bias (optional), rotary cutter (optional) Sewing machine-If you are driving and wish to bring your sewing machine you are welcome to do so. Arrowmont has a few machines for our use.