Kristen: Hairwork Technique of Gimping

Hello fellow readers! Since I have gotten so much positive feedback on my hairwork post, I thought I'd continue with another about the basic technique that is used in most hair wreaths/boxes. I am of course talking about gimping.

http://www.everhart-museum.org/

Most of the little loops and curls and finished in the deceptively difficult process called gimping. Before I could even begin, I had to do a little research to find some instructions. I stopped at www.hairwork.com. The first basic tutorial that pops up is for "Hair Flower Instructions." If you are at all interested, spend the $5 and they'll send you a little history and a few pages of instructions with pictures. Seriously, I recommend buying this. 

Very helpful!

The instructions seem easy enough at first: "It is really nothing more than a row of hair loops wrapped over a knitting needle with wires crossed under each loop holding it fast to the needle." Alright, (I thought), simple gimping. There is no way I can mess this up!

I am of course referring to the last gimping fiasco. Thankfully no one was hurt...

I will prevail! This time I made a point of having a dry, steady hand. Now I will include basic instructions (still...buy the instruction packet...I can only do so much). 

First, cut and halve your wire

Then make a little loop around the metal rod

Twist a few times

Then lay it out like this

Make a loop with the thread

Twist the wire

 Repeat!

And repeat some more

 It will look like this when its finished. Then pull it off...

 And ta-da! A big mess of string!

That you will form into a ball to attempt to make a flower

This time though, I studied my technique and went a bit slower. I realized that I wasn't completely crossing the wire underneath the string, so it flailed around everywhere. Also, since I left string at the beginning and the end, even the smallest of tiniest of movements tugged the whole line out of place. Instead of getting frustrated, I decided to get even.

This time, cleaner loops. I also worked in the extra thread. 

I was more careful pulling it off the metal. 

I see (small) improvement

I knew this process would be a large undertaking, so I am content to simply let this be today's work. Back in the time when this was popular, a young lady would learn this from a family member who would pass the skill to future generations. I imagine that it took more than a few lessons to get it just right! I will try to practice at least once a day and see my progress over the next few weeks.

I must be careful to remember that I still need to complete my mourning dress! Before I blog next, I must PROMISE to myself to do the following:

1. Re-gather the bodice to make a better fit

2. Add the waistband

3. Finish creating all piping

4. Start the armscye piping

Until next time everyone! Please leave a comment, I enjoy them very much!

~Kristen