Necktie Quilt

[Rachel57]

Hello Everyone, I went to a Goodwill Warehouse with a friend after work just to see what it was all about. Mostly it was a mess LOL and by the time we got there after work, it was very picked over. BUT I walked by a bin and there was a large pile of men's neckties. I have always heard of people making quilts out of neckties. SO I scooped them up. It's only 99 cents a lb so they didn't cost much at all. Now, I need to know how to make the quilt? I thought I just took them apart and sewed one little end to the next one big end. However this doesn't work because then the center is skinny. LOLLOL Also, can I wash these ties in cold water on delicate cycle and air dry them in the dryer? Most are dry clean silk ties, a few are polyester or rayon but most are silk, and I can't afford to dry clean 95 ties. LOL So any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I have to say some of these ties are very beautiful. I will go once in awhile and scout for more ties, but they said they change out their bins 3 times a day so it's hit and miss to find things. Not sure how many it will take to make a quilt, but it is very cheap way to make a nice quilt. Thank you so much in advance for any help or suggestions. Rachel

[QUODDYNLILLYMOM]

Rachel, I have made many ties in various fabrics over the years, so I would suggest that you use these cautiously. First if they are of different fabrications, seperate them into like groups.Then take a good look at the colors in each. They are made on the bias and will have a lining. If you really want to use them, the best thing would be to make a decorative throw that is in the Dresdan plate pattern .You would ---before cuttting anything---lay them in a circle side -to-side---see how this looks to you if you like it, find something round-such as a saucer and lay it in the center--do this on a table so that your dog does not get tempted to help lol let it sit for a bit, if you like it and decide to use that design, cut them so that they will have raw edges that go under the plate, then cut fabric that is 1/2" larger in diameter than the plate,you can leave the tips of the ties intact and merely sew by hand-- the sides you will then put this on a solid piece. or you could use 5 of them in the same manner to make a fan and do several use the scraps for a crazy border. you could also do a turn one tip in and out every other one and have a row, but in each of these cases, you will need a base to put them on. Meanwhile, they will need to be washed-by hand--put them in a large bowl or a jar and gently shake them to wash -use cold water and a small amount of detergent--liquid is best do not rub or wring them put them over a hanger that has a towel over it to help absorb water and hang til mostly damp then press to dry--use a cool iron (make sure to rinse them 2 or more times so the chemicals that they may have from dry cleaning come out and the water is clear.
You really need to use a cotton or cotton blend to start--this will be a fancy throw and it seems that is not what you are really after. I put suggestions in your earlier post when you inquired about the storage items. Did you contact any of these places? You would be better off even checking w-mart for dollar fabric and practicing on a simple strip quilt just get 4 yards --total in a variety of 3 or 4 pieces that you like together, cut width of fabric strips--12 total-sew those together and bind for your first--you would have enough for backing and would need a batting, but do a quick turn and use crochet thread to tie it. How long have you sewn and do you have a machine or do you plan to sew by hand. quilting can be relatively simple, but it does take time and you need supplies and basic info. go to the library and get a book and read over it or go to a fabric store and look through books, magazines and really look at the tools and fabric. maybe your son can let you spend time on line at his place checking web sites. El has free patterns on her home page and quilters cache has free patterns and tips .many sites do. The group here will help,but you need to take some time to plan a simple project that does not break your bank and gives you something that you can really use. Good luck

[MainelyMe]

I agree that you should use like fabrics together if possible. Also, no matter what the fabric, you can wash it yourself and let them air dry. Then you'll be able to wash the completed quilt too.
If you search the internet using the words, tie quilts, you'll see many pictures of ways to use the ties. I have a couple of different patterns that I'm planning to use in the future. I love the look of tie quilts. It sounds like a great buy for you. Congratulations and good luck.
Joan

[FarmChick]

A friend made a beautiful crazy pieced quilt using ties of all fabrics. She washed them all first and removed the lining. She used the foundation muslin that is printed with a crazy quilt pattern. She pieced the blocks then stitched over them in the crazy quilt manner using her sewing machine and all its fancy stitches in all colors of shiny rayon thread. She put the quilt together and stitched in the ditch quilting between the blocks then fancy stitched over that. I think the blocks were around 6" or so. It was a beautiful quilt. I think she made a couple of them. Even ugly ties looked amazing in it. I'm sure it was a quilt that wasn't made to be washed often--maybe wall quilts or back of the sofa throw.

You could make your own crazy piece foundations by piecing on muslin or scrap fabric--it won't show! When you are finished, trim your blocks to uniform size and put them together... back and quilt.

Good luck! I always look at all the ties in the thrift store and see a crazy quilt. I had saved my late DH's ties and some shirts to make bow-tie blocks and small wall hangings for remembrance. Unfortunately they burned up in our house fire, so I got rid of a UFO. There were some neat ties there...

I have seen those big Dresden circle pieces--makes a good Christmas tree skirt, too. I recently saw an apron made from ties at a quilt show--very pretty! I wouldn't want to cook bacon in it--maybe just put it on for serving dinner.

Enjoy!

[larynx]

Rachel, In the photo section Izzy put on wonderful pics of the Louisville Quilt show...if you scroll down you will see a quilt block of a butterfly...I think that would be another idea for using your neckties.......All these ideas here are great ones....but,I could have written Miriam's post (except for the fire and late DH)...I have many ties from DH since he left the "corporate" world (THANK GOODNESS!)..at least the part of it that requires dress up and endless hours away from home...and except for church he rarely wears ties anymore...I was also given some of my dear grandpa's many years ago (time to use them...maybe some for a pillow for Papa... Good Luck!...Sonya

[purrfect-lady]

Check on line. There are lots of ideas and I've even seen books of necktie quilts.

[MainelyMe]

So, I'm curious, have you started any projects with the ties yet?

[scrapquilter48]

Rachel. quoddy has great idea of ties, I can just see it now..