Famous last words right? We all see something and think, ‘I can make that myself’ and then don’t. Well, this time I finally did…..
For a long time I only wore belts that came free with my pants. I did buy a skinny belt as a souvenir like five years ago in Florence. And, my friend Sheryl brought me a belt from Italy as a gift (I do her eyebrows, hem her jeans and watch her cat). But, I don’t really buy belts. And, since I don’t really buy pants anymore, I have no belts.
But, my final project dress desperately needed something to dress it up. And, the Lazy Milliner was on point when she said a red belt. Soooo, Anthropologie to the rescue again. I copied their Highly Gifted Sash. Retail $40.
I bought two 3/8 wide rolls of grosgrain ribbon for the braids (I may not know how to cornrow, but I can make a braid!) and one of the 5/8 inch wide. Anthropologie useded all 3/8 wide ribbon.
To make, sew the layers of ribbon together on top of each other – slightly overlapping. I used four rows. The original belt is 3.5 inches wide, mine is a little more narrow (limited only by the size of my buckle). I do recommend pressing the belt with a warm iron when you are done. This helps the braids lay nice and flat and helps provide some shaping to the back of the belt. I only had a small buckle at home and I just wrapped the narrow ribbon around and threw a few stitches on the back to keep it together. No gluing! For the end of the belt, I serged it, folded it down once and stiched it to neaten.
Behold:
My version, $5? Maybe? For some reason the red was photographing really hot. I tried to adjust. But, it was really easy. I think it could easily be done in an hour or two. If you don’t love it here, you will when it’s on the dress. I hope 
There were so many ribbons and trims at Joanns that my mind is rushing. Guess what people are getting for Christmas this year?
