Lifestyle

A Beaded Belt, By George!

June 12, 2008

George!
By George! Embellished Waist Belt

Paired with a plain dress, skirt ensemble, cardigan, blazer or sweater, a beaded waist belt transforms a look from "simple" to "sizzling." You can buy one or create your own one-of-a-kind belt with materials from your local fabric store for as little as $15 (materials for the one shown here cost $25).

Time: 20 minutes with a sewing machine, about 45 minutes by hand.




INGREDIENTS:

belt materialsbelt materials

  • NYLON STRAP - The one I used is 2" wide, but any width from 1.5 to 3 inches is fine. This should cost under $5. To find the amount you need, measure your true waist (the smallest point just below your rib cage) and add 6".
  • BEADED TRIM - The trim I'm using is about 1.5" wide and is anchored to netting, but any type of beaded trim will work. This one cost about $15 dollars for 24" which is not super expensive but is not super cheap either. You will need the same length as your true waist measurement.
  • METAL SEW-ON SNAPS about ¾" - The heavy-duty kind are best since you don't want your chic beaded belt to pop when you sit down!
  • STRAIGHT PINS - The long ones with the balls on the end are easiest to work with.
  • THREAD - Color should match the trim.
  • NEEDLE
  • SEWING MACHINE WITH ZIPPER FOOT- Optional since this project can also be sewn by hand.


INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:
Make sure the ends of your trim are not unraveling. If they are, secure them with a needle and thread, and resist the temptation to pull on any loose or hanging threads as that will cause your trim to unravel further and lose beads.

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Finish the edges of the beaded trim to prevent unraveling

STEP 2:
Finish off both ends of your nylon strap with a ½" hem. Fold over about ½" towards the back of the strap and sew the edge down using either the sewing machine or by hand with a needle and thread. If both sides of the strap look the same then chose a side for the front/back.

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Pin the beaded trim to the belt strap in preparation for sewing

STEP 3:
Position your strip of beaded trim at one end of the nylon strap and secure it with the straight pins. Make sure the hem stitching is on the back of the strap. Your trim should be about 3-4" shorter than your strap.

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Sew the trim to the strap

STEP 4:
By hand or machine, sew all the edges of the trim to the strap. I used a zipper foot on my sewing machine in order to sew right next to the edge of beading. I will be trimming the excess netting on the sides leaving about ¼" of raw edge for a "deconstructed" look. For a more "finished" look, I'd trim the netting all the way to the edge of the beading (but outside the seam that fastens the beading to the strap).

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Trim the netting; for a more tailored look, trim right up to the beading

STEP 5:
Position the "female" half of the snaps on the back end of the strap where there is beading and sew each of the two snaps in place about 1" and 3" in from the end respectively. Position the "male" halves of the snaps on the front side of the strap end without trim and also sew these so they line up exactly with the "female" halves.

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Attach the fasteners - note placement

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A FEW TIPS: You can skip STEP 5 by using wide, heavy ribbon instead of the nylon strap and tying the ribbon in a bow in back. For this look, you'll need at least 24" inches more than your true waist measurement, so that you can make a nice bow! Skip STEP 2 if you want a "deconstructed" look.

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Et Voila! Special, yours, and yours alone

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Who's George? Find out here!

Comments

Add Comment
  • Posted by Caprice | July 4, 2008 10:30 AM

    LOVE the look! This belt idea is sooo unique and such a great idea for a classy accessory. Im excited that Restless Style is REAL! I love Y&R!

  • Posted by JB | June 23, 2008 7:40 PM

    I was thrilled to find out that Restless Style actually existed and wasn't just a prop for the show. I love the idea of having the magazine online and its just a click away. I would really like the fashion section split into 2 groups: established hot designers and the unknowns showcase (i.e. AMBER MOORE!!! I'm dying to see what she has to offer). I would also like to see more editorial stories, possibly something from each of the founders? Congrats on an awesome start and I can't wait to see whats instore next.

  • Posted by becca | June 23, 2008 11:44 AM

    I'm confused. Is this an actual magazine that someone decided to incoorporate into the Young and the restless storyline, or is this just an offshoot of the soap. Does anyone know?

  • Posted by Ashly | June 23, 2008 11:01 AM

    I love that idea for the belt. I love the edge appeal of this magazine. I would like to see some of Amber's designs at some point. She has talent. I hope you guys don't ever lose the the egde.

  • Posted by Tiffany | June 23, 2008 9:38 AM

    I'm suprised this is a real magazine. lol. I thought this was just a fake thing on Young and the Restless. Great Job Guys! Phyllis-I think you should be nicer to Amber. :D (and give her designs a chance!)

  • Posted by Julie Diz | June 23, 2008 3:17 AM

    I am hoping to see Lauren Fennmore work with a celebrity stylist on these pages in the future. I hope you will also feature small, independent, new, hip, swank, sexy, and edgy designers in this fabulous online mag.

  • Posted by Lisa | June 22, 2008 2:58 PM

    This song is amazing....thanks to Restless style I own the CD as of last Tuesday! FABULOUS! Katy is HOT HOT HOT!

  • Posted by miranda | June 22, 2008 12:35 PM

    i was wondering too where i could find amber moore's clothes. i really like theme alot!!

  • Posted by amanda | June 20, 2008 9:43 AM

    I was wondering where I can find Amber Moore's designs? I've been dying to see them and can't find them anywhere

  • Posted by Keisha | June 18, 2008 2:08 PM

    I like the different fashion and styles they have for clothes...! Love this issue can't wait to see more...Crazy song but a perfect fit for the Website...:)

  • Posted by Kerry | June 18, 2008 2:04 PM

    Love the second edition, although I would like to see more editorials/articles from staff members, specifically Phyllis. Thanks.

  • Posted by Marilyn | June 17, 2008 9:52 AM

    I am going to send this to my daughter, she loves belts all kinds and making one will just thrill her. Continue doing a great job!

  • Posted by jolene | June 17, 2008 3:34 AM

    I love the new cover of restless style. This magazine is so cool and totally with the trends. Very Cool!!!

  • Posted by jackie | June 16, 2008 4:05 PM

    hey first time to visit and i will say i'm enjoying my visit i will visit offer it's the cool ideas u have little needed to make something u can wear with style and class
    great job!!

  • Posted by Stacey Mata | June 16, 2008 11:14 AM

    I love love love Restless Style!
    They should have a new copy every week, instead of every month!
    thanks!

    ~Stacey Mata/ Florida

  • Posted by Carolyn | June 14, 2008 7:07 PM

    Fantastic! Keep it coming! Love it! What a way to spruce up whatever you are wearing - more more more!! Can't wait for the next issue!

  • Posted by Kandice | June 14, 2008 12:03 PM

    I love this! I would like to see more easy and do it yourself projects that will make my clothes more fab!! Thanks George and RS!

  • Posted by Kimberly | June 13, 2008 8:50 PM

    That is "hot" looking---tres chic!!!

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