A tie for a gentleman

My husband is not a tie-wearing man. In over twenty years, the only times I've ever seen him wear a tie have been at weddings and funerals, so why would I ever make him one?! Well it sort of happened by accident... A few weeks ago I was invited to a sewing afternoon to celebrate the opening of the new Sew Over It shop in Islington. My youngest had been struck down with a sick bug the whole weekend, so by the time Sunday afternoon came around I totally forget to bring a project to work on. Lisa kindly suggested a few quick makes, one of which was making a tie. I had some vague idea that I could give it to my father-in-law or my son's teacher and set to work. I used the Sew Over It Tie Making Kit which I recently featured in my xmas gift round-up.  The kit includes pattern pieces for the front, back and lining as well as separate pattern pieces for the domette, which is the fleece-like interfacing used in ties (no, I didn't know that's what it was called either!)  The domette fabric is also included in the kit. 

I chose a navy polka dot cotton for the main tie (naturally), and a light blue polka dot cotton for the lining. As the tie pieces are cut on the bias, polka dots probably weren't the wisest choice as they're now all in straight lines rather than at an angle! The front and back sections are attached together and lining sections added. This is all done by machine and takes no time at all. The domette pieces are then positioned down the centre of the tie and the sides pressed inwards. The long seam is then slip stitched and that's it! I didn't slip stitch mine during the sewing afternoon as I was too busy chatting - I finished it at home that night and even though I hate hand sewing, it was a strangely satisfying job!

There is a degree of accuracy involved in pressing the sides inwards and getting a nice sharp edge at the tip of the tie. I'm sure if the Tie Police saw my sorry effort they'd lock me up and throw away the key, but I'm pretty pleased with it! Look, you can barely tell the difference between my tie and a posh silk one from Paul Smith….

Ties separated at birth:

Paul Smith polka dot tie….

Handmade Jane polka dot tie….

When I showed the tie to Jon and asked who we could give it to for Christmas, he immediately pounced on it for himself. Who'd have thought it eh?! I agreed he could have it for Christmas on one condition….. that he model it for the blog. Well, that was like a red rag to a bull, he insisted on 'modelling' it complete with pipe!

I can honestly say I haven't laughed so much in years as I did taking these photos! My (pretend) pipe-smoking, tie-wearing husband is in good company though, a quick online search provided him with plenty of famous role models: 

Gregory Peck

Cary Grant

Bogey

Clark Gable

And, because it's Christmas, Clark Gable again, with pipe... but no tie! Have a great Sunday everybody!  x