Tulle time: the beauty of vintage netting

Today you will learn how to really work the net.

When people hear the phrase working the net they usually think of a tech guru or internet enthusiast. Well now you are going to learn about a new kind of net that has nothing to do with the world of computers. Tulle is a type of netting that can be traced all the way back to the 1700's. This type of net is lightweight and similar to mesh. The use of tulle is seen in everything from vintage crinolines to bridal veils. Tulle gives anything an ethereal almost fairylike quality while also offering what could be termed as a fluff factor which makes skirts and gowns seem to float and bounce.

So where did tulle come from? The name is derived from Tulle , France. It was first made by machine in 1768. It has also been referred to by the appropriate name illusion for its sheer almost invisible quality. Early versions of tulle were made with natural fibers like silk. Today modern day versions are often made of rayon or silk. Tulle can be difficult to launder so a less stiff and rigid material makes for a more practical product. Tulle is used mostly for one time special events like proms and weddings.

What are some modern ways someone could wear tulle? Tulle can be wrapped around a persons shoulders and closed with a flower or vintage rhinestone pin. The look softens the upper areas of the body and adds a romantic flair. It can be wrapped around the hair to create a type of head scarf. It can be used as netting for vintage hats and the list goes on. For accessory type uses, tulle can be used for handbag trim or lining and can even cover your favorite blossoms for scented saches. The colors of tulle are just about anything you can think of and so is the variety of embellishments. Pearls and velvet dots and sparkles are all elements that can be found on tulle.

Tulle can also be used for events with everything from table top draping to floral arrangements. Bridesmaid can carry their florals with pieces of the colorful netting. Tulle can be used to coordinate with various elements of an event. For example the bridesmaids flowers with net could compliment the table arrangements. Can you overuse tulle?  Anything done in too much excess with fashion and furnishings is almost never good. Select highlighted elements of an outfit or event to utilize tulle. It is amazing how many people wear and admire tulle but many have no idea what it is called or the history of it.

Some beautiful color ideas for your tulle netting is going with an ombre effect using a particular color and going from light to dark. The other is to pick a theme for instance autumn and incorporate colors associated with that time of year like gold and amber and red. Another beautiful look is to do everything in white tulle creating a snow effect with a dramatic contrast of just the flowers being color or everything white including the flowers.

Take care of the tulle that you are using. This stunning netting can rip easily. The advantage of having many layers is that if something tears it can be pulled away and covered by another layer. The damage to tulle is not very noticeable. Try not to have anything put on top of the garment or area as the netting creases very easily. There is a reason why the netting appears so delicate. The fact is the fabric is very delicate and should be handled with care. If you need to clean tulle it should be professionally done by a dry cleaners that specializes in bridal gown cleaning and restoring.

For vintage lovers tulle crinolines are a lot of fun to wear alone or under clothing. Clothing of the 50's really lends itself to the netting. Many people that sell their clothing on the internet add a tulle crinoline  that makes the dress more visually appealing. Be careful to ask prior to purchasing whether the tulle is attached to the garment or will be included in the purchase of the item. It is dissapointing to receive an item and put it on and have it hardly look like the item pictured. Many dealers will put in their description whether the netting is included. A very fun look is to find a tulle crinoline in a vibrant color and have it peak out from underneath the clothing. You could select a color from the clothing pattern or do something unusual. A look that is really pretty is a black and white check skirt with a red crinoline. The element of suprise is always a fun fashion choice. If you are more conservative you could pick a full navy swirl skirt and add a white or ivory net underneath and have the net match a tailored shirt of the same color. When it comes to fashion whether worn or displayed a persons personality should be expressed. If you are working with an event planner or fashion coordinator you should clearly express your likes and dislikes. There is nothing wrong with experimenting a bit and incorporating some new ideas one by one.

Tulle for bridal is and has always been popular. It makes one feel like a fairy princess. Tulle does not have to be just white or ivory for a wedding. A few years back singer Gewn Stefani wore an ombre gown of rosey reds to her wedding. It was very unusual but very very Gwen Stefani. The bridal effects that work really beautifully especially if the wedding is being put on video is the use of crystals both clear and colored and rhinestones. The crystals and stones twinkle on camera. They also look amazing under high hat lighting which is almost always used in event venues. The twinkling effects are never more evident then with candlelight. The tulle also appears to take on a supernatural effect. To get the most out of tulle is to use it creatively with beautiful accents,lighting and event tie ins. Lighting underneath tulle is stunning but should be handled professionally.

Where can one purchase tulle? Tulle can be found at fabric and craft stores like Jo Ann Fabrics. Tulle is relatively inexpensive when bought from these types sources. Any bridal store will have basic tulle veils and gowns. It is usually an upcharge to add embellishments to plain items. Some dresses are already made with crystal,pearl or rhinestone elements and would or should be included in the price. Custom orders are determined by the store and the bridal manufacturer so ask a lot of questions. If you purchase custom you will own the garment whether you want to or not. Also the store will inform you on additional time that might be required to produce a custom piece. You can if you are handy do some embellishing on your own.

For event planning a popular local party rental company is Panache but you can ask for referrals from some craft and bridal stores or just in your usual networking opportunities. You can also look under event planning and party rental in the yellow pages or on the internet. If you are at an event and you see something you admire ask questions of who you could contact. Magazines are a great source for ideas from bridal to entertaining to couture crafts. Local areas have their own bridal magazines which may be more helpful than national magazines for contacts. The national publications often however have more ideas.

You have now learned everything from the history of tulle to the uses of tulle in current day. You now have some fashion ideas to contemplate and some sources to give you inspiration. You have a starting point for purchasing tulle and some sources that might assist you in the purchase and use of this beautul netting. The more you work with and wear tulle the more ideas you will be able to come up with. It is amazing that an item created so long ago is still so popular today. This will be a common theme in future articles. Garments and accessories from the past reappear in fashion all the time. To the younger generations it might look like a first time idea but usually all or some of the item has appeared before. I am sure however that new uses of tulle are still to come. It is very hard to resist a fabric that just screams beauty.

So now you can truly work the net with the proper tulle. Have fun and feel beautiful. Please feel free to email me some pictures of outfits or accssories where you utilized the tulle. Perhaps some pictures will appear in upcoming columns.

For additional sources of vintage try Glam Vintage ,World Thrift and Goodwill. For cleaners that specialize in bridal and high end cleaning try Spartan Cleaners in West Palm Beach. For another craft store choice try Michaels.