Make it Pop - Embellish

Adding that little extra trim, decorative stitch, or texture to a project makes it pop. 

If it’s not embellished, it’s not finished! – Betty Blais

This sounds like my mother, too!

Pop = Extraordinary

Ordinary with a bit of “extra” thrown in makes a huge difference in the finished project.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration to add that extra bit of pop?

For those who are on Pinterest (and if you’re not, I highly recommend it!), I did a search for embellishment ideas. You’ll find over 800 pins to get the juices flowing!

Elle has comprised a Pinterest board “Sewing Embellishment Ideas” that gives some wonderful inspiration.

Then I simply did a google search “embellishment ideas” and found some websites/blogs that I want to keep bookmarked for future use!

Fabric flowers, yo-yo’s, and covered buttons are the rage! Sew Mama Sew already comprised a list of great places to visit for tutorials.

Have you thought of using crazy quilt stitches to enhance a neckline or bodice or a napkin, or handkerchief corner? Here are twenty seam embellishments!

Also, TAST is amazing… Over on Pin Tangle, she does a Take a Stitch Tuesday and has oodles and oodles of hand embroidery examples and great step-by-step instructions! I signed up for her weekly email!

Embellishing doesn’t have to be sewn on…

When you train your eye to look for those small details found in magazines, on web sites, and even television shows or movies you’ll find a wide variety of embellishing techniques for your project.

Do you have a favorite embellishment?

Saturday Sewing - Embellishment

Two questions are contemplated each time a new project is created at Lanetta’s Creations: what type of embellishment should be added and how much. At times the fabric’s print design with top-stitching is all the embellishing I think is needed. Sometimes the item calls for a bit more to make it that little “extra” to become extraordinary! It’s then the first question must be answered, what type of embellishment should be added?

When I think of embellishments, I think of: ruffles, lace, piping, appliqué, yo-yo’s, fabric paint, buttons, binding, rick-rack, cording, brads, eyelets, ribbon, charms, beads, fringe. Embroidery, smocking, and decorative stitching are also forms of embellishment! What else is there? I know I’m missing some!

Combining different forms of embellishing techniques either on aprons, doll clothes, or bags can be so cool, too! Take the apron designs found in any issue the fabulous magazine, Apron-ology!

By the way, this new issue

is expected

to hit the newsstand

in less than a week!

I can hardly wait!

Anyhoo… right now my focus is not only in searching for more techniques to embellish items handmade at Lanetta’s Creations, but easier ways to apply, helpful hints and tips, and whatever else I can find that will make answering that first question a snap!

Cool techniques using buttons and buttonholes are found at Threads Magazine's site. A must try on an upcoming project!

I’ve never tried Pintucking before, but with the great instructions I found, it's now on my list to learn how to do!

Rather than continuing on here, I’ll keep handy a blog site of embellishment sewing tutorials available around the internet that the author graciously compiled!

What forms of embellishment do you enjoy working with?