For the Love of Ribbon

There's something so cheerful and well, hopeful, about ribbon, isn't there? That's why we use ribbons to raise awareness for different causes. (Are you ready for the onslaught of pink next month??) This practice of using ribbon as a symbolic token dates back to the 19th century when women would wear a yellow ribbon around their necks to signify their devotion to their sweethearts serving in the Calvary (thank you Wikipedia!).

But there's something about a little girl wearing a bow in her hair that is so charming and optimistic- to me it represents the promise of beauty and grace that all little girls carry inside them. It says to the world, "This little girl is special."

I love shopping for ribbon. I love all the different colors, textures, prints, and solids. I love grosgrain, satin, organza, velvet and glitter ribbon. But it took me awhile to learn that not all ribbon is created equal and not every ribbon is good for every purpose.

For hair bows, you'll mostly want to use grosgrain, (although a mixture of textures can make your stacked or layered bows extra special). I started off buying my ribbon at Hobby Lobby because it was the most affordable, but eventually discovered that just like everything else, you get what you pay for. Now, I buy my ribbon in a variety of places.

So how can you tell cheap ribbon from quality ribbon? Do this experiment: go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby and buy a spool of grosgrain ribbon. Then go to Joann's or someplace where they sell a brand like Offray and buy a spool of their grosgrain (I've found Offray ribbon in the craft section at Meijer and Walmart, too). The cheaper ribbon is often shinier, thinner, and almost has a "slick" feel to it. By contrast, the Offray brand will feel thicker and more substantial. Make a few bows with each and you can tell the difference. The more expensive brand will hold its shape much better and is generally more attractive. (Not to say you can't make a cute bow with cheap ribbon- but it's kind of like the difference between using margarine and real butter.)

If I just need a spool of something I usually run to Joann Fabrics. But if I am going to be getting more than a few rolls, need more than 5 yards, need something in a variety of widths, or want more variety, I order online from a store called RABOM (Ribbons and Bows Oh My). Their ribbon is great quality, and more affordable, especially if you get it on sale. I am a part of their "club" which costs $20 annually and that entitles me to other sales and discounts.

Other places I've seen online are The Ribbon Retreat and The Ribbon Carnival. I've never ordered from either of these places, but I sure like browsing, and I just noticed the Ribbon Carnival has collegiate ribbon (super hard to find).

So those are my thoughts on ribbon. I still have some cheap ribbon leftover from when I first started making bows; every now and then I think, it can't be that bad, so I try using it for something, and I am once again reminded why I normally don't.