November 09, 2009

Tie one on this holiday!

Can you believe it's November? I certainly can't. It's only a matter of time before plummeting temperatures (although it was 70 DEGREES in New York today!), crowded malls and shopping-'til-you-drop-'cause-you're-overheated-and-wrapped-in-a-down-coat combines to create the most unwonderful time of the year.

Well don't I sound like the Grinch today.

Don't get me wrong; I love the holidays, and my live Christmas tree and my cookie party and spending time with my family and friends. But despite being a Jersey Girl I'm not a fan of the mall. (Don't tell; they may kick me out of the state.) Especially when they are filled with overzealous shoppers and enough tinsel to stretch from the shore house to China and back again. I like to shop at my local haunts, support local artisans, and make my own gifts.

And speaking of making my own gifts...

Starting today, Violet Posy is hosting a week-long celebration of all things thrifty, so be sure to stop by her place throughout the week, and maybe even contribute a thrifty goody of your own to the idea pool.



I'm planning a post every day this week (oh yes I am!) featuring a different thrifty project. And every single one will be below $10 US to make, but may require a little elbow grease and imagination on your part.

Let's start by tying one on...

Remember when I bought a bunch of ties at the Monmouth County SPCA Cats and Dogs Thrift Shop for 50 cents each?


Now look at them:


This thrifty pouch is also the perfect (and environmentally friendly!) way to wrap a bottle of wine or sparkling cider (which would certainly keep it under $10 total). We have a lot of BYOB restaurants near us, so these will come in handy for toting vino to our favorite haunts.

While I didn't have much of a "plan," I took photos of the second one I made which went quite a bit smoother than my first attempt. So here goes...

Measure out three of your four ties, about 10" up from where the point at the bottom starts:


You can use the bottle you plan on wrapping as your guide. Also try and find at least two wider ties so your bag won't be a super tight fit. Cut and pin them together, with one full tie on the end:


Top stitch them together...


..but leave about one inch unsewn on the tie that is next to the full length tie:


Roll the top (hence the one inch above that you didn't sew)...


...and flip the "handle" around to the tie that will be on the opposite side of "full tie." Now you can run a top stitch across the top, and when you get to the handle be sure to back stitch to reinforce:



Now it's time to bring the bottom points together. As with the side panels, you just sort of pin together on the outside...


...and top stitch:



Voila! I added a button as a tie tack to anchor the flap. You could also top stitch that whole tie flap, which I think I'll do with the next one to both anchor the flap and reinforce the handle a bit more.


Tomorrow: Recycling (in more ways than one) my favorite thrifty gift idea.

19 comments:

Sue said...

Well the kid did a tutorial....Bravo!!
I was in the GW the other day and saw the rack with the 50 cent ties and i thought of you....I can't wait to come back and see what your making all week....You and daughter could go into business together you with the ties and her with the nose blowing containers....

rh said...

Can you make a bunch of these for me stat?

I can't sew a button, so no chance of me doing it myself.

desiree said...

super cute idea! I might try it...but I think my sewing skills are not this advanced! Seriously stop laughing.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, that is very creative, and I like it a lot! I ought to do that with Mr. Magpie's ties, but I keep thinking of fashioning some sort of crazy quilt from them. Probably a crazy idea considering the number of ties it would take. I would be 90 by the time it was done. LOL! ;-)

Thanks for the tutorial. Now, if I can learn to use a sewing machine, we're set!

XO,

Sheila

Lorrie said...

What a neat idea this is Laura. Each one is unique. Yours turned out great and your instructions are nice and clear too.

Maureen said...

That is so clever. Love it.... and just got the title... I am little slow today. Or maybe I had too much wine last night while we were outside enjoying the weather. :)

Joyce said...

Now this is a neat idea! I can't believe how fast the holidays are coming. xoxo

Unknown said...

Hi Laura,
Can't wait to see all your thrify ideas! I love what you did with the ties!!

:) Diane

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Cute idea!!!!there's some really funky ties out there...the variations are endless! xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Cute idea!!!!there's some really funky ties out there...the variations are endless! xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Rue said...

Look at you! Love the tutorial! Finally, something to do with those damn fifty cent ties! Unfortunately, I don't think I bought enough to actually make this project.... call me crazy, but I keep envisioning some sort of clutch handbag out of some of the ties! ;) ANYHOO! Looking forward to a whole week of thrifty holiday gift ideas! Love IT!

Local Girl said...

Laura, that is such a great present! Genius idea. I can't wait to see what other ideas you come up with :) x

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow that turned out great! You are so creative, I'm so excited to see what else you have in store for us! And I'm shocked a jersey girl who doesn't like the Mall! One think I love doing when I visit Jersey is shopping! We don't even have a Mall here!!:(

Purple Flowers said...

I'm a NJ girl, and I don't like the malls either. I do my shopping in family business stores, or the individual store owner. I feel they need it most. And I think I also get better service.
You are a very creative person. The recipients of your "tie one on" bag will love them!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Nice project Laura, and a very practical bag for a BYOB!

I saw a lot of things made from men's ties when I was at the Renegrade Craft fair this summer.

I'm looking forward to all your goodies :-)

j.cro said...

This is incredible! I see an etsy store in the making. Between this and the cake stands - You GO girlfriend!

Beach House Living said...

Cute idea...a closet raid maybe in order!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Laura...You are turning into a blogging rock star!!!! Great tutorial on the ties and what a smashing idea.
♥, Susan

Nobody Puts Mama In A Corner! said...

WoW!!! Adorable!! I never would have thought of this!! Such a great idea and a great gift! Thanks for shairng!
Mama Holli