Bow Tie/Headband Pattern and Tutorial

I recently guest posted over at Mama Says Sew, as part of her Just Sew Series.  I shared a simple little sewing project for an elastic bow tie/headband.  It's a really quick project and is fun to boot.

I thought I'd share the link for the printable pattern and tutorial here on my blog as well, just in case you missed it.

Free Printable Bow Tie Pattern

Simple Suspenders-The Perfect Lil' Boy Accessory

I sewed up some simple ribbon suspenders recently.  You can find a tutorial for boys suspenders on the cotton and curls blog.  She used elastic for the suspenders, but ours are just made out of ribbon.

 I added a bit of contrast stitching on Miles';  I wish that I'd added it to Clark's as well.

I think that suspenders and bow ties are a fantastic pair.  They help break up the torso, and add a bit of visual balance.

 And with the lack of boys accessories out there, why not make some up.  They are simple and quick to make, and are really fun for photo shoots in the back yard.

If you missed my boys bow tie tutorial and pattern, you can find the original post here.

Thanks for reading, happy sewing, and a happy Memorial Day also!

Mama Says Sew Guest Post: Just Sew Week

Technique Tuesday has been postponed this week, because today I'm over at Mama Says Sew.  Terra is running  a Just Sew Week series, and I have a fun tutorial and pattern that is being shared.  Be sure to keep up with her series, not only is she fantastic, but she has several fantastic guests and giveaways lined up.

Boys in Bow Ties

I really do love my boys in bow ties.  I grew up with my husband, and one of the things that I've always loved about him (before I ever fell in love with him), is his quirky sense of style.  He's by no means fashion forward, but he sure can work a bow tie.  

I started making bow ties for my husband and Clark last Christmas, and it seems that for every gift giving holiday I end up making them new bow ties.  Some of you may tire from seeing the same projects repeated with new fabric, but I do love how this batch turned out.   

Here are a few of my favorite things about this batch:

1-The stripes.  I love a stripe cut on the bias.  I love that the stripes end up running in the same direction when tied.

2- The fabric, particularly the silver fabric.  It is the perfect weight for a bow tie.  I think that I am finally figuring out the appropriate weight for the bow tie.  The green and blue fabric is too thick, but the silver is light weight, and pressed so nicely.  It also looks crisp and sharp when tied.  A silk weight or silk like fabric is best.

3-Adjustments. The mens bow tie pattern that I used is The David Bow Tie pattern from Burda Style (free on their web site).  The only problem is that it is a bit short when sewn together.  I've figured out how much I need to adjust the length so that the tie is easy to tie.  I also decided to use a continuous piece of elastic for Clark's bow ties.  In the past I've used two separate pieces that velcro together, this just adds unnecessary bulk under the collar.  

 4-Texture. This rust colored fabric has some definite texture to it.  The darker stripes are embossed and velvety.  It adds a bit of bulk to the fabric, but I still love, Love, love it.

Ahhh....Stripes. Retro Pointed Bow Tie by Cheri .

In case you are wondering...Miles is going to sport his first bow tie Christmas Day for his baby blessing.  I'll post pics of his outfit as soon as I finish it up.

So do you have any gifts that you repeat every Christmas?  I know that my husband can almost always count on a new pair of socks from my parents?

Spring Bow Ties

I'd love to pretend that I had Easter apparel all finished in time for the Holiday, but I didn't.  I got around to sewing these lovely little bow ties earlier this week.

Clark's bow tie comes from the Retro Pointed Bow Tie, by Cheri of I am Momma Hear Me Roar.  You can find the pattern here.

Jake's bow tie is from the David Bow Tie pattern from Burda Style.  It is available for free download.

 I used a medium weight decor fabric for these, nothing special, just something that I had on hand.

Hip For The Holidays: Day Three- Bow Ties For The Boys

 It's day three of Hip for the Holidays, and I thought we'd spend a bit of time accessorizing the boys in our lives.  It seems that it is always a bit of a challenge dressing up a little boy (or big boy for that matter).  Shirt and tie with dress pants is about as dressed up as they get.  So why not play with what we have to work with.  Instead of the traditional neck tie, let's try a bow tie.  Recently I fell in love Cheri's (of Roar, and I am Momma Hear Me Roar)  Retro pointed bow ties.  She has some fantastic bow tie patterns for the little men in our lives.

The retro pointed bow tie is a fresh twist on the slightly ubiquitous bow ties that can be found around bloggerdom. I think that this bow tie is just what every little man needs to complete his holiday outfit.

I was thrilled to try out Cheri's pattern for Hip for the Holidays. The pattern was very easy to follow.  She does a fantastic job with all of her tutorials, and this pattern was no exception.  

I was a bit fearful that Clark would refuse to wear the bow ties, but to my delight he was more than willing to wear one to church last week, I think he's trying to charm the ladies in his nursery class.

Cheri recommends using cotton fabric, which I did with the tree fabric, but I also used up some scrap decor fabric that I had in my stash. I really liked experimenting with the different fabric weights.

The pattern is extremely reasonably priced, and requires very little fabric, making this a very economical

  (and fast) project for the holidays. You can find the pattern here, and her fantastic blog over here.

After making Clark a few ties, I thought that my husband might need one to match.  When I mentioned making him a bow tie, he looked less than thrilled.  I found a free pattern for the grown men in our lives at Burda Style.  Sadly, it's not retro pointed, but it is still a nice change for the holidays.

 The pattern is called the David Bow Tie.  It was also easy to follow.  This pattern does call for the bow tie to be cut on the bias, requiring a bit more fabric.  It was a quick and easy sew. You can find it here.

My bow tie tying skills need a bit of work...HELP.

 I think that my husband has the perfect build for a bow tie, and he can totally pull it off.  He wore his bow tie to church on Sunday as well, and I'm pretty sure that he's converted.  He hinted toward the fact that he was interested in having a few more.  One tip, I think that bow ties look great when paired with vests and cardigans.  My husband wore his with a vintage three piece suit, oh he looked handsome.

Remember to link up your holiday related projects at our Hip for the Holidays link party.  Anything that you would wear during the holidays to get a bit dolled up (jewelry, hair accessories, clothing, dresses, ect).

I'll be linking here.



This post dedicated to Scott Franson and his incredible bow tie collection.