Silver Leafed Chima

My latest project is a silver leafed Chima to go with my bad ass Korean outfit for Crown Lyst.

A Chima is a wrap around skirt that wraps around the chest. Modern Chima have straps but for this one I am not adding them.  I am going to make the Chima full length even though it is a secondary skirt so that I can wear it later.  I will just pin the front up so you can see the Red Gold Leaf Chima that will be under it.  

This is a Cobalt Silk Chima.  The silk I obtain from Silk Baron.  Love the Silk Baron, he has wonderful colors that are 54" wide.   

I use cotton for the dress band and Chima ties.  Once I have cut those out, I then pleat my silk.... and pleat.... and pleat..... and pinning the silk to the dress band.

  

  Once I did that I sew the pleats down to the dress band.  I then sewed the dress ties to the band.

 

 

Once the band and ties are attached I hand stitch the raw edges down. Then the fun part.  Silver leafing.  I use a modern gold and silver leafing kit that is designed for fabric from Laura Murray Designs.  The kit comes with directions on line.

   

 I used a stencil for this one.  The adhesive is thick and you will have to play around to get the right amount on.  It also helps not to be rushed like I am.  He waited until the last minute to tell me he felt like fighting..... men.  :P

Once the adhesive is dry, you lay the leaf over it and iron on.  I use parchment paper or a paper towel then iron.   Rub hard or the leaf wont stick! 

When the leaf has cooled carefully peal it back.  

  

I had some issues with the stencil - I usually like painting it on but ..... I had short notice.  :)  Love my man.  

Update:

The finished product: