Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Designer Spotlight: Laura Kluvo

The person responsible for sending me down this path of sewing with neckties, my inspiration, my mentor (if you will), is Laura of Rick Rack Ruby.

Ironically, Laura doesn't sew much with ties anymore, but her past projects are full of inspiration.
Her work is so professional--it brings 'recycling' to a whole new level.
And on top of all that, I've had the pleasure of meeting her, and she's delightfully nice, upbeat, and fun.

Check out this beautiful messenger bag.
Tutorial on craftster, and also on craft bits.

"1000 points" Messenger Bag,
she says, "If you look closely you can see that I have inserted tie tips into the the seams on the front like feathers. It was really hard to keep everything lined up. It turned out great though, didn't it?"

Big Bag


Slouch Bag


Crazy collaged bags

She has several shoulder bags she calls the Cora, including this pink and purple one.

"Here is the handbag that I made from the leftover bits of the Pink and Purple Necktie Skirt. I lined it in hot pink velveteen and added a giant rhinestone brooch."

Her peacock bag is accented with a peacock brooch


And don't forget her Gypsy Rose bags!

Red Rose Valentine Bag


Make the Rose embellishment
Tutorial on craftster, but sadly most of the photos are missing

Or you can make Necktie Daisies
Tutorial on craftster.

Necktie Backpack


Other goodies include a Corset belt
Tutorial on craftster

Funky beanie
Tutorial on craftster

Christmas Stockings


Necktie strawberries (pins and necklaces)


And yes, she makes skirts too.
Necktie skirts are usually made with the ties 'as is'.
Meaning the 'guts' are still inside, and the tie is still folded in its standard shape.
Take the tie apart and lay the fabric out, however, and you get what Laura calls a "Swishy Skirt"

A long skirt

"This was a tough design. There are about 30 ties and it is HEAVY! They're sewn together about halfway down and then loose at the bottom. You should see this in motion...."

Laura has lots of examples of the 'standard' necktie skirts too.
Instructions. Class pics.
Her "Paris Hilton" is made with all pink ties


Here's another


Orange ties

Cartoon ties for a child's version

Look at all the things that can be made with 15 ties! (read more here)


Article about Laura in the Arizona Republic newspaper.
And another article here regarding her Project Runway blog.

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4 Comments:

Blogger kt said...

Wow!

I'm pretty sure that rickrackruby is how I found YOU, Barb!

Good things in life circle about, hey?

Loving the tie-blog idea--still holding onto my dear brother-in-law's ties until I find just the right item. Will enoy peeking in to see what else yo've got here!

March 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM  
Blogger Wendy said...

Oh Man, what a bunch of great ideas! I have a box full of ties from my Nana, she outlived 5 husbands... she recently passed away 2 days before her 103 birthday.
Thanks for the inspiration!

March 9, 2008 at 10:19 PM  
Blogger Jenny said...

I love neckties, too... and have a few little purses/ bags that I have made and swapped on my blog, www.CraftTestDummies.com. Hope you'll come and visit!

March 14, 2008 at 7:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is fantastic! My friend themed her 25th birthday party "A Corporate Affair," and asked everyone to wear a tie somewhere, somehow. We're so excited to make these skirts and wear them to her party. It's super creative and sure to be a conversation starter. Thanks for the great idea!

September 11, 2009 at 9:54 AM  

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