Ideas on using Freestanding laces-Machine Embroidery

Freestanding laces seem to be the “in” thing amongst machine embroidery enthusiasts. Various ways to use the laces, combined with amazing designs at each and every Machine Embroidery digitizer’s website are in abundance. With the holiday season upon us, I have been a bit busy in trying to finish up a long overdue collection “Kanta Lace 7″ as well as incorporate the laces in every day items so they can be used as gifts. Jeans is an attire that literally anyone and everyone has in their wardrobe. With that in mind, I wondered how I could utilise the laces in such a way that they would seem like a designer item yet be easy enough to make. One of the main designs in Kanta Lace 7 is an open (no borders) square lace motif. Placing the motif in a straight line on the side of the denim leg, I realised that I could add jazz to an otherwise plain pair of jeans. Ofcourse, my signature metallic thread had to be used which definitely gives the jean a bit of a semi-formal look. Great idea not only for the young teens, etc but also for those of us who don’t like to disclose our age (it is 30 and going backwards, LOL).
The panel does not have to be completely all the way up to the waist, rather it can end deliberately around the knees. And the best part is that one does not need to position the jeans so the embroidery would be perfect, rather the freestanding lace panel is joined together first and washed to rid of all the water soluble stabilizer. Once completely dried, the panel can now be attached to the jean leg using a simple zigzag stitch. My main fear was that denim tends to fray a lot so I used fray check on the inside of one leg and the other leg I trimmed the denim about an inch away from the attached lace (towards the inside). This allowed me now to fold back the denim and do a loose whip stitch therefore enclosing the raw edges. Either method works great as when I checked the fray check applied side, I noticed that it was pretty stable and there is no chance of the denim fraying in the wash.

However, one does not only have to attach laces to the side of the jeans, be bold. Lace motifs placed randomly on the leg of the jeans can definitely give a designer look and yet be innovative and by all means get the “wow” from the recipient. Another one of the designs from the Kanta Lace 7 collection is a spiky type leaf design which I am dying for the machine to finish stitching so I may attach it randomly on the jean legs. Yes ofcourse, the detested task of opening the other side of the jean leg is very much needed, unless the leg is a flared type.

Not just wanting to stop at the jeans, I wondered how the motifs would blend towards creating a simply belt, another great fashion “in” thing these days especially amongst the younger generation. However, I am not of the  younger generation so I wondered if there was a way to enhance the look of a simple “black dress” (a must have in everyone’s wardrobe). So, with that in mind, I stitched out some more motifs, joined them together and attached simple glittery type cording for the ties. The effect was absolutely stunning. Retrieving my lace necklace that I had created last week, I realised that if I had used the same threads in the belt as the necklace I would have created for myself the perfect outfit for any of the holiday parties. Oh well…..

Lots of ideas and lots of ways to use just one or two designs to create stunning outfits not just for a particular age group but any age group.