DIY handfasting cords

I ended up buying some thicker cord and instead of braiding them together (which would have looked awesome) went with a 6 cord look.

Now I wanted to add beads and knots, I knew that so I went on an internet hunt and found this awesome one: Monkeys Fist

I looked up a few youtube videos and practices a few times and then went to work knotting one of each of my 6 ropes. I then went to bead store and got some bobbles for the ropes. 

I went with one dangly one and one simple one per rope. 

TA DA 

That is 6 ropes and some wonderful Kona Coffee! 

Now in order to keep my ropes nice and happy, and for after the handfasting I bought a nice box to keep them in. So here they are in their forever home! 

I'm happy with the box too, I think its super cute!

Thats all for now!

Oh god....

That is what my mom said when I told her I was making my dress. But never fear! I am almost done! Like I said in the previous post I already for married last year, and this event is more of a reception just a year later.

I got married in a dress I made last year, and so the idea of making another dress is not totally out of left field. It’s just that, I'm super busy... so... this was an crazy idea. I basically took 2 weekends off the calendar and worked. I have 2 more weekends, and I am almost done.

I also purposely went for an easier pattern, and I am happy the way it is turning out. I still need to sew a sash, attach the lining for the skirt, the zipper and hem.

SO CLOSE!

I'm not sure I recommend sewing a dress the month before the event, but it has been calming to just sit down and sew.

handfasting: making the cord

I am already legally married.
So I can do whatever the hell I want! It is a wonderful feeling.

So, we are going to get tied together! Handfasting!

Handfasting is something that I see echos of all over the place. Some eastern traditional weddings there are either ropes or cloths or something tied or draped over the couples hands. There is also the phrase "tying the knot". This seems like a ritual that is so full of imagery and meaning and history.

Now comes the hard part. Making the rope and writing the ceremony. I found one online that had a motif of hands. I liked that one a lot.

I am working on the making the rope part first and thinking about the wording and ceremony as I go. My husband wants to use a knot that he can write meaning into. I am excited that he is getting into this as well.

So. Onto making the rope.

I really like this design!

I bought three cords today at the fabric store. I am going for jewel colors. deep and rich. Purple blue and green. Now I need to braid it. I like that this braid looks thick and round. So I spent some time googling around and found this video. 

I need to practice... first pass didn't go so well 

So I am working on it! I'll let you know how its going!

DIY wedding

I have no idea what I am doing.
No really.

I never liked weddings that much as a kid (and didn't really think I would have one, I saw myself more as the cat lady) and then I met this wonderful guy (awwwww). We eloped, and are now having a 1 year anniversary/wedding/party thing.

I really seriously have no idea what I am doing. I think I keep doing things backwards. I got the venue booked and then made the guest list. Invites are out and now I have to do the rest.

What follows is a series of posts about my lack of knowledge about how to plan a wedding. I tend to flip out every few days or so... should be entertaining....

~Pohaku