Small sizes necktie bags

You might consider making a wristlet, a wallet, or a coin purse from neckties.

These "cardholders and change pods" by loscann, are available in
her etsy shop


I think this one is particularly lovely


Prixprix makes wallets from neckties.
These are available in her etsy shop

Clutch, made by Flyball Bags.
Her etsy shop


Muff bag, by Etui Design

Wristlet by Buzz Buzz Designs


Zipper Pouches from Rick Rack Ruby (Laura Kluvo)
The top one is from necktie scraps and the other is ribbon scraps


Nancy Gamon's drawstring pouch, made from vintage neckties
her etsy shop

Purse Patterns, etc

When you're approaching one of the challenges here, you can always use a pattern.
There are lots of indie companies out there other than the big four (Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue).

One of my favorite sites for Japanese fabric, is Super Buzzy.
You can buy Japanese purse patterns that aren't the same worn out designs--they are fresh, fun, and worth a try.
These sewing patterns are by designer Etsuko Furuya, for Echino Fabrics:
Boston Bag
These bags are especially stunning in the gorgeous selections of Echino fabrics (I would love to have them all!)

Laptop Bag

Messenger Bag

And of course we all know that Japanese Craft Books are the creme de la creme.
I am drooling over this one, Favorite Fabric Bags

The site also sells supplies for making bags, such as these cute
cherry bag handles

Inspiration from Laura Kluvo

A year ago on my neckties blog, I posted about all the amazing projects made by Laura Kluvo.
She has such great examples of bags, I'm going to repost here so you can get some ideas, get excited, and participate in the current challenge.

Laura was my inspiration to start blogging, and my inspiration to start sewing with neckties.
Laura is the creative force behind RickRackRuby, as well as the popular Blogging Project Runway.

Necktie Schoolbag
tutorial on Craftster, and also on Craftbits

The amaziing 1000 Points Messenger Bag.
(click on image to enlarge)
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?"
Back of bag:


Big Bag

Slouch Bag

You can collage with necktie pieces--some of the wild fabrics available on neckties would be perfect for this technique
Gypsy Rose Bags, with rose embellishment made from a necktie also



Necktie Rose
Tutorial on Craftster

Or, if daisies are more to your liking, make Necktie DaisiesTutorial on Craftster

Necktie Backpack


Determined to not waste any portion of her ties stash, she started making handbags that utilize the middle section (large points go into skirts, small ties go to making necktie daisies)
"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."






"This one has a peacock theme and is accented with a vintage peacock brooch".

Blog color

It was suggested to me that I change the background color of this blog from the black.
Do you prefer this new color?

I played around with different colors (a white background, green post titles, pink header...)
Aqua and purple is what I am ending with today.
All suggestions welcome.

I still have to figure out how to add the banner.
I have a banner on my Woof Nanny blog, but it only shows up in Explorer (not in Safari or Mozilla).
Aarrgghh.
I have the old classic template, so I can manually manipulate the html.
Anyone have any helpful hints?

New Challenge, and Scarf Gallery is up

I just realized it's April already, so I had better get on the ball and post a new challenge!
I'm actually still putting the finishing touches on my scarf bag, but that's okay, I'll post it soon.
The scarf challenge, sadly, didn't generate much participation.
The scarf challenge gallery is up for viewing.

The new theme is...neckties.
About time, huh?

So get a stash of neckties from the thrift store, or from a family member, and use them as the handle, or the side, or as the bag itself.

The great thing about neckties is the fabrics are often wild, fantastic, novelty prints.
If you have questions about washing the fabrics, I have lots of information on my necktie blog.

Let's shoot for finishing these by May 31.
Please email me a jpg at barbian 7(at)yahoo(dot)com, and I'll post the gallery by June 1.

Here are a few examples to get you inspired to create something fun (and of course I'll continue to post examples in the next few weeks).

Necktie bag from the etsy shop Devore Jones


Patchwork by Etui Design

Designer Katie Sonin describes the construction as "quilt blocks of recycled neckties and scarves with hand embroidered embellishments. Bag body is faux suede. Straps are seatbelts trimmed with jacquard ribbon".

Another gorgeous and unusual bag by Etui Design, this one called Sutton
These bags are available on her website
The bags utilize neckties and vintage scarves.



Messenger bag by Betsy Grace
Several variations of necktie bags are available in the
etsy shop Tart Design.


This shoulder bag by bakkems uses a necktie for the side thickness and handle.
The rest of the purse is made of a recycled shirt and upholstery samples.
This bag is currently available in her etsy shop: minimeg.