I’ve been searching high and low for a set of vintage sweater clips or guard that I suit my fancy but to no avail.  Then one evening it dawned on me that I could make some!  I have a large collection of vintage millinery flowers that is oft admired but rarely used and I figured some little velvet flowers would a perfect way to decorate a cozy sweater.

In this post I’ll show you two versions: one with flowers (velvet brown pansies to be precise) and one with tiny velvet bows made from ribbon.

Tools you’ll need:

• A ruler or something to measure with
• Scissors (for fabric)
• Glue (more about this later)
• Small wire cutters
• Smooth-nose pliers
• 4 alligators clips
• Optional: pinking shears, another set of small pliers and fine grain sandpaper

Supplies to make 1 set of flower clips:

• Millinery flowers (these pansies are approximately 1″x1.25″)
• 2 pieces of felt, 1 1/8″ x 3/8″ each, cut with pinking shears (Instead of felt I cut these strips from a damaged millinery leaf.  Just use something that won’t ravel or cause a mess.)
• 1 piece of Medium-weight chain (4″ chain, approximately 3mm wide, is shown.  You may want a longer or shorter chain for yourself.  Use wire cutters to cut desired length.)
• 2 - 24mm alligator clips with holes
• 2 – 5mm jump rings (big enough to hold chain and fit through the holes in the alligator clips.)

1. Optional: if the teeth of the alligator clips seem a little rough you can smooth them out with fine sandpaper (the kind used for jewelry).  Or you can glue tiny pieces of felt or ribbon to the insides; that way your sweater is protected.  Let glue dry.

2. Glue felt strips to the tops of the alligator clips.  Included in the Tools photo above is beading glue which, in hindsight, was not the best choice.   Something like E-6000 would be better: it’s both waterproof and is thick enough to make it easy to work with.  (Just make sure to use proper ventilation!)  I didn’t have any on hand so I just used the glue I had.  Use the alligator clips from the Tools list to hold down the fabric to the clips.  Let glue dry.

3. Attach the chain to the clips with the jump rings.  Use the pliers to open and close the rings.  If you have 2 sets of pliers (one in each hand) this might be easier.

Make sure that the chain is not twisted when you attach the other clip.

4. Squeeze a small drop of glue onto the top of the alligator clip and position flower(s) as desired.  Repeat for other clip.  Let glue dry before attaching to sweater.

Now you have a pretty accessory to wear…or better yet, a nice little homemade gift for a vintage gal!

…..

To make the velvet bow sweater clips you’ll need the same tools as before (except for the pinking shears) and:

• 1 – 7″ piece of ribbon 3/8″ wide
• Matching thread
• 1 piece of Medium-weight chain (I used a 3″ piece for this set.)
• 2 – 24mm alligator clips with holes
• 2 jump rings big enough to hold chain and fit through holes in alligator clips

1. Cut Ribbon into 2 – 2 3/8″ pieces and 2 – 1″ pieces.

2. Take one longer piece and fold down the ends to meet in the middle (forming a loop) and sew into place.

3. Take a shorter piece and tightly wrap it around the center of the loop overlapping ends, covering the loop’s ends and sew into place.  (You’ll likely need to trim the short piece of ribbon depending on how tightly you wrap it around the loop.)

4. Repeat #2 & 3 for the remaining pieces of ribbon.

5. Glue each bow to the top on an alligator clip.  Use remaining alligator clips to hold down bows while glue dries.

Of course you can use various other kinds of ribbons too.  Or you may glue other ornaments on your alligator clips like brass stampings, little crocheted flowers, etc.

Enjoy!

I know I’ve talked a lot about “non-planning” a “non-reception” (at least it seems like a lot!) but that’s not to say I’m not absolutely looking forward to celebrating our marriage with our dear ones.   I only want to keep stress at bay and although there is a part of me that would love to go over every detail and make things “perfect,” it probably better if I take a more casual approach to things.  I even considered not sending out paper invitations but I figured, when would I get an opportunity to do this?  And I do love paper goods so…

We are having at least two parties.  The first one will be with our friends; it might seem a little disjointed to do it this way but it seems like the most convenient thing for everyone and convenience is a good thing, in my opinion.  The festivities are to be held in October; something low key but fun…wine, cheese and plenty of finger foods, a cake (not a fancy wedding cake but perhaps it still will be tiered, just for fun), and even some Halloween-inspired goodies and decoration.

I made these silhouettes based off some wedding photos that had our profiles in them.  I like the old-fashioned look and color theme.  These scalloped cards are great, aren’t they?  I got them at Staples of all places!

I had to make matching address labels, of course.  And don’t you love these stamps?  They may be my favorite, next to the Edgar Allan Poe ones.

The invitations that I’ll make for the November’s Texas BBQ and Country Western Dancing Reception (!!!) will be similar but perhaps with a few difference like the colors, for example.  And then perhaps we’ll have a family gathering around Christmas, like a post-holiday brunch.

I’m really trying to be productive this weekend but I can’t help but feel fried by the heat.  Hmm,  it doesn’t seem like something I ever tire of complaining about! Well, I think I’m more of a cool weather person anyway.  It is supposed to be only in the 80s this weekend so hopefully we’re getting a break from the hot temps.

I hope you all have a magnificent unofficial last days of summer!  Any fun plans this weekend?

I’ve been working on this pattern in conjunction with the Wendy Reversible Tote Bag.  *Phew!*  I was going to wait until my new shop opens to post these for sale but since I’m a little behind on that I might put up these patterns in Etsy.

Which reminds me, the Blog Housewarming Handmade Giveaway ends tonight – I’ll announce the winner Wednesday!