Old ties can hold memories of the original owner, and this colorful tote is a perfect way to showcase them with fashion flair.

Finished size: 14" x 13" x 3" Tote

Skill:    1    Time:    1    Cost:    1

You will need:
•  10 to 12 neckties
•  3/4 yd. 45"-wide lining fabric
•  3/4 yd. 45"-wide batting*
•  1 yd. 24"-wide paper-back fusible web*
•  4" x 4" heavy-weight craft interfacing
•  1/2" magnetic purse fastener
•  Matching sewing thread
•  12-weight cotton thread*
Iron & board, pins, ruler, sewing machine, sewing scissors

*The following products were used for this project: Sulky 12-wt. cotton thread • The Warm Company Steam-A-Seam2 paper-back fusible web, Warm & Natural batting.

Note: For product information, see end of article.

Whether you're harvesting the beautiful silk fabric from the ties, or using them intact like on this easy-to-make bag, your collection is sure to grow as you find more and more uses for them. Check thrift stores and estate sales for bargains on these basics.

•  Print and cut out full-sized pattern here.
•  Use a 1/2" seam allowance for all sewing.
•  See photo for details and placement.

STEP 1. Cut fabric. Use pattern to cut two bag bodies and two 4 1/2" x 21" gusset rectangles from batting, lining, and fusible web. Note: Piece web if needed.

STEP 2. Piece bag bodies. Fuse web to each bag body and remove protective paper. Draw a line down vertical center of each piece. Center wide end of a tie over line, and abut edges of subsequent ties to cover bag body. Fuse ties in place and trim to fit batting. Repeat for second bag body using a single tie center and narrower tie portions to fill in.

STEP 3. Decorative stitching. Using a bridging, feather or other decorative machine stitch, sew along tie junctions, allowing needle swing to catch adjacent ties.

STEP 4. Prepare gussets. Fuse web to each gusset and peel protective paper. Using two ties, pull out construction stitching and press silk flat. Fuse tie fabrics to gussets and trim excess silk. Join one end of gussets, press seam open, and topstitch 1/4" from seamline on both sides.

STEP 5. Assemble bag. Stitch gusset to both bag bodies, easing around curves. Trim excess length.

STEP 6. Add handles. Hold up bag in a comfortable position and pin tie handle in place. Adjust placement for proper strap length. Note overlap amount of tie on gusset, and cut fusible web scraps 2" wide and that length minus 1". Fuse them to tie end undersides. Fuse tie strap ends in place, leaving 1" free at upper edges. Topstitch in place.

STEP 7. Make lining. Construct lining in same way as bag, leaving 4" open at lower center for turning. At upper center, insert magnetic snap closure 1 1/2" from edge, backing it with interfacing for reinforcement. Fold straps out of the way and slip lining over bag, with right sides together. Stitch around upper edges.

STEP 8. Finishing. Trim upper seam allowances and turn bag right side out. Close lining opening using a scrap of fusible web. Tuck lining into bag and firmly press upper edge; topstitch 1/4" from the fold. Lift tie strap into position and continue topstitching to upper edge and across tie width.


Sources:

Sulky of America
(800) 874-4115
www.sulky.com

The Warm Company
(425) 248-2424
www.warmcompany.com