The GloveYou know you want one.
It's actually pretty easy to make your very own Michael Jackson style glove.
First, find a glove, try a thrift store, costume shop or hardware/automotive shop. Lots of times white gloves are worn to protect things from our skins natural oils.
If you want to make a version with rhinestones. You can still find the original beadazzler on line, some craft stores still sell them and there are tools available that do the same thing. Rhinestones that glue on are available too. There are lots of options out there.
Follow the manufacturers suggestions to cover your white glove with the rhinestones. Rhinestones and backs are available in a wide range of colors and sizes in stores and online.
You can also make a version using sequins. Figure out the yardage you'll need and hand stitch the sequins row by row around the glove.
Yet another option is to purchase sequin fabric. Just make a pattern using your own hand. Sew it together and add some elastic around the wrist.
Sequin fabric
Then go out and strut your stuff.
So, why did the King of Pop use a glove? There are varying opinions as to why: it has been said that it was a symbol of non-conformity, while others are of the opinion that the glove was used to hide a skin condition.
Regardless of the real reason behing the single, white sequined glove was just one more way in which Michael Jackson redefined pop culture. What's not debated is the how the glove became an iconic part of the singer's image starting with the video for the hit song
Billie Jean from the 1983 album of the same name. After that, Michael Jackson became known as 'The Gloved One' and his fans began to imitate the trend.
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Novelty Fabric Posts by J&O
Fabric StoreLabels: Fabric, fabrics, how-to, how-to-sew, michael-jackson
Gele: The Art of WrappingOften times I am stopped and asked about the 'hat of fabric' on my head. To the children, it is something of amusement....spawning giggles and curiosity. To the adults, it is often an interesting accessory....creating a fascination towards not only its symbolism, but to its technique as well.
This 'hat of fabric', as it is often referred to, actually has a name. It is called a gele. The word stems from the Yoruba people of West Africa and it is not actually a hat, but a coil of fabric wrapped on top of ones head in a designed fashion. In many African countries, this piece of attire is symbolic of several things. For starters, it is worn only by women . Secondly, it serves to identify anything from her family bloodline to her social, cultural and/or marital status.
The technique for wrapping the gele varies depending on the purpose. Often times if the woman is attending a specific affair or ceremonial event, the style, color & print will play an important part.
To wrap your own head only a few steps are needed.
Step 1 Select about 2 yards of fabric . Any color or print that appeals to you will do. I suggest you use a light-weight fabric that does not have a slippery feel to it. This will allow your hair to breathe, and the gele to stay comfortable and in place on your head. The piece should be rectangular and anything less than 2 yards might prove difficult to utilize, as this covering is formed by wrapping and requires length to do so. If you want to have more options in your style of wrap, use more fabric...but keep in mind that your gele may be heavier as well.
Step 2 Wrap your head starting from one end of the material, leaving the bulk of it in the hand that will carry it around. Hold it at the base of your neck and cross over it with the remaining fabric creating an overlay. This will hold the gele in place. Wrap the rest of the fabric around your head and tuck the end into the folds of the fabric to secure. Shape the formed layers
as you wish. For a tight fit, once you complete your first rotation, continue to secure the fabric around your head as you go. For a looser style, be more carefree in your wrapping.
Step 3 Once your wrap is complete, trust yourself. You look beautiful!
Posts by J&O Fabrics Store
Labels: easy-craft, fabric-project, head-wrap, Headwrap, how-to
Last week, I had to sew a button back onto my husband's work shirt at the last minute. Once again, my little sewing kit saved the day. If you find yourself in a similar bind, this is what I suggest.
Here are the steps:
1. First use a small needle and matching thread.
2. Start by threading your needle and knotting the thread at the end.
3. To make sure that the button is aligned and straight with the others, place the shirt flat and button it from top to bottom.
4. Place the button that needs to be sewn on next to the corresponding hole. Starting from the inside of the shirt, sew the button in a criss cross pattern - making sure not to miss a hole .
5. Repeat this pattern several times before looping the last stitch on the inside of the of the shirt to make sure that it is strong and won't fall off again.
My husband went happily off to work and I put my sewing kit away until next time. With the above suggestions, I'm sure both you and those you sew for will be just as happy.
Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: hand-sewing, helpful-sewing-tips, how-to, how-to-sew, sewing