Ribbon remnants reborn into tulle tutus

I had some ribbon remnants leftover from various projects that were really too small to use on any large projects. Since I hate to let pretty things go to waste, I decided to use them as the inspiration/decoration on some tulle skirt. First up, the Black Orchid tutu. I had some a black trim with a bit of an art-nouveau feel featuring lavendar and pink flowers and silver accents that I thought would look quite nice on a waistband. I picked up the light colors of the ribbon in the top layer of tulle, then placed a layer of black underneath in an alternating pattern. It takes a LOT of pins to attach gathered tulle to a waistband. Many ouchies go along with the sewing of these skirts. To finish it off, irridescent sequins with silver beads dot the top layer of tulle. By the way, sewing sequins and beads onto tulle is the sure way to insanity. They do look so nice, though. Good thing I'm already a little crazy!

Skirt number two, the Circus tutu, is based on the one little piece of ribbon left from the Twilight Cape. At just 15 inches long, this little leftover wasn't going to go very far! I sewed it onto a length of 2" wide black satin ribbon, and started choosing tulle. I loved the "harlequin" look of alternating larger sections of black tulle with smaller sections of pink and gold glimmer tulle. Gold and irridescent sequins added extra sparkle, and I deliberately left the black areas matte and unembelished for contrast. I really like the way it turned out, and I think I'll use that harlequin-style pattern on some other skirts. It looks so pretty and reminds me of a old-fashioned circus costume (hence the name of the skirt).

Both of these skirts are available for sale at Nymbol’s Secret Garden in Langley, Washington (on Whidbey Island). If you are interested in them, you can contact me via email for more details. And I’m always happy to share what I know, so if you’re interested in more information on any of the techniques I’ve used, I’d love to hear from you.

Have fun today!
Melinda