Bridal magazine inspirations - Buckles & Brooches

I love searching bridal magazines for embellishment ideas. My file of "inspiration" decorations and details has been waiting for the chance to come to life.


This fall I will be presenting some seminars to Boston and Chicago trade groups and wanted to make some new treatment samples for them. I searched my idea file for treatments to create for the October and November seminars. My goal was to present three different looks using one drapery panel, in order to showcase how decorative accents can transform the formality and look of a panel.


After purchasing some gorgeous gunmetal grey silk taffeta and some decorative accessories, I went to work.

Below is a photo of an inverted pleated panel which is lined and interlined and has hand-sewn side and bottom hems. Iridescent taffeta can be left with "pulls" when hemmed using a blindhemmer, so I went to work using lighter-than-air Gutermann hemshire thread.



Contrasting the gunmetal grey is a black grosgrain ribbon applied horizontally along the inverted pleat heading. A tailored bow and ribbon trails down the leading edge of the panel for interest and adding an accent color to the panel.


The photo below shows an inspirational bridesmaid's dress. I liked the rhinestone buckle accent and considered ways to incorporate it into my silk panel.

There is a wonderful fabric store in Houston - High Fashion Fabrics - with four floors of glorious fabrics, trims, and home furnishings. Across the street is their original store which is filled with apparel fabrics, ribbons, buttons, rhinestones, bridal fabrics and much more. The black, silver and rhinestone buckle was purchased there. I nipped off the buckle piece so it would not interfere with the sash I was using.

A matching silk taffeta sash weaves through the buckle, with the buckle being placed between the first two inverted pleats on the leading edge. I love the little bit of sparkle and the contrasting silver finish and black enamel.

One of my long-time favorite-potential-idea-for-a-panel pictures is this bridal gown, shown below. Isn't the sash and brooch gorgeous? The smooth texture of the fabric juxtaposed with the sparkling heaviness of the brooch is very appealing. Do you love it as much as I do?

The tailored sash hanging vertically was interesting also.

Of course, drapery panels do not have waists, and the folds and pleats can be dressed wider or less wide. I made the sash with a bit of extra fullness for a softer, more rounded heading.

What do you think?

The photo below shows a close up of the brooch. It pins on and has a small dangling rhinestone which hangs at an angle, providing more interest.

Isn't it interesting how a sash and some decorative accents can change the look of an already lovely panel? Which one is your favorite?

I hope you enjoyed my three-looks-for-one-panel blog. I have more new samples to make for the seminars, so more will be posted as they are finished!