Mixed Quilt

Here's a fun quilt from Quilt Words.

It is made from silk neckties, and men's wool suits (all thrifted fabrics).


I really like that she was not afraid to mix both fabric content and texture.

The finished blocks are less than seven inches, with individual logs cut at 1-1/4" to render 5/8".
Whew, that is really small when you're dealing with slippery silk and nubby wool.

More info about this quilt posted here
with better pics here,
and more details here.

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.

ANOTHER blog, Barb?

Yep, another blog.
I decided (thanks to Gina) that I have too much interest, and too many links about neckties...
and that my love of sewing with neckties deserves its own blog.
I'll eventually link up all the info I've previously posted so it's available in this space.
Please take advantage of all the links, tutorials, and ideas in the sidebar.

For now, let's drool over chairs, shall we?

Recycled neckties on antique chairs, by Alabama Chanin.
Originally posted by Poppy Talk and Domino Magazine (thanks for telling me, Cindy)