Fantastical Fringe!

I started this particular costume a few months ago and as is my way- put it aside. Now that I’ve finished with Bewb Armor and it is time to move on. So enter “Nekkid Costume”-at this point the belt base is covered and one is decorated about half way with crystals.

I had a new idea (spring fling- I know I know I promised you)- she was all lined up but this beauty just keeps staring at me so I figured it was best to jump in. What I love about this costume right now is that it is extremely portable and it’s simple- straight forward. It’s fringey with sparkly so it should come together with little effort (other than time vested). You join me as I jump right back in to making fringe. easy peasy lemon squeezy!

And if I’m being honest I really should finish making things I start new, you know-not just moving on to new projects (adulting is hard).

This is about where we are with this- almost one quarter of all the belt fringe is completed- and the back panel of the belt needs all it’s crystals still. The bra isn’t complete on this- so I’ll be detailing that process in a week or two when I finally get to it.

I really wanted the texture of V shape fringe. Of course I did- because straight fringe- or a simple “add one bead” angle- wasn’t good enough. ON top of that I’ve got two layers of fringe- which both of those statements are a fancy way to say this will be taking FOREVER- but in the end it’s a choice that’s 100% worth it for the look. You can see that shape taking form here:

The plan is to layer the pink over a translucent tan color which will create a really lovely subtle texture. This was all inspired by this beautiful iridescent pink and gold circle chiffon fabric I bought on line to make circle skirts. They are all very pale- which pretty much means when I say NEKKID- I’m going to be NEKKID. Which is a wee bit scandalous- but who doesn’t want to be sparkly, fringey AND a little scandalous? That’s half the fun right! I think it’s important to note for me this is a marked moment of costume evlution for me. Not a lot of design or heavy embellishments but a focus on movement- which fringe and the crystals will REALLY bring out. So I’m thrilled.

I’ve included a video collage of my fringe making process- it’s pretty straightforward- ribbon- double layer of heavy duty thread- secure- bead- secure. Ideally you would want to secure these knots at the end with some glue. But I get to that later when I have nothing better to do. Also- note most of these have at LEAST a small seed bead at the bottom- the tan I started doing it at the top as well- it’s easier on the thread and you’re less likely to cut the thread with the sharp edges of the cut glass of the bugle beads.

I’m really pleased in about 2 weeks I’ve finished half the pink fringe (one half of the belt) and put a huge dent (IMO- the math may say otherwise) in the translucent tan. I’ve been beading at gigs- and any events with down time, pretty much everywhere. But that’s the way it works sometimes 🙂 you can see the progress of the base layer here- isn’t this just magical? It’s going to be so amazing.

And obviously- TIME LAPSE- to show you- what it really looks like doing fringe work. #excitingnot But it’s the way it works- and I’m to “frugal” (you can read cheap here- it’s okay- I’m not offended) to buy fringe- I want what I want and I don’t mind doing the work for it.

Just a side note here: a product known as a bead spinner DOES exist, here, here, here and here. So they are definitely easy to come by- I just don’t care to use them that much because of the needles and the sewing- most bead spinners use specific needles and it doesn’t work as well (for me) with thicker thread that I’m trying to sew through something at the top- sooooooo I just don’t have one. When I DO make long swags- I have a make shift set up and it works just fine- but I honestly don’t need another gadget I’m not really going to use- so yes I know they exist they ARE super useful- but no it’s not something I need. Following up on this conversation- here’s a list of things that I’m using on this project!

Fabric.com for the iridescent chiffons

Spandex world

Fire Mountain Gems