That *IS* a great idea, Jaybird . . . and one I can definitely use! My DH wear a dress shirt and tie to work every day, M-F; this will be a good way to repurpose his frayed discards. Any good ideas for old silk ties???
Thanks!!!
Lynn

DD makes skirts out of silk ties...here are her directions:

Step
1 Measure the size of your hips by wrapping a measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, where you would like the skirt to fall. This length will determine how many ties you will need to form your skirt.

Step
2 Determine the desired length for your skirt. Some women prefer longer skirts while others want knee length or mini skirts. Because most ties taper, you will need more ties depending on the length.

Step
3 Lay the ties so that the bottom of them will be the bottom of your skirt. This will help keep the a-line shape. Arrange the ties in an aesthetic pattern. Placing the ties side-by-side, overlap the entire edge of the ties by 1/8 inch and pin them together.

Step
4 Make a 1/8 inch wide zigzag stitch to sew the overlapped section of the ties together. Begin from the bottom of the tie and sew to your desired length. Continue with the overlapped sections of the other ties.

Step
5 Wrap the sewn ties around you to determine how many ties you will need to add until you reach your desired measurement.

Step
6 Determine your desired length by holding the skirt up to your body. With a fabric market, mark each tie one inch above the desired length. Cut off the tops of each tie at the mark. Make a zigzag stitch 1/8 inch below the cut to prevent the fabric from fraying.

Step
7 Fold the top of the skirt down and hand sew a straight stitch 1/2 inch from the folded edge. This will secure the folded edge to the inside of the skirt and will create a nicer edge at your waistband.

Step
8 Sew a zipper in between two of the ties and sew the rest of the skirt shut. Sew a hook and eye at the top (waistband area) of the zipper to keep the top edge closed nicely.
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I had just read in a magazine where they used pinking shears on the edges of a napkin then that Fray Check to keep them from raveling. Sure sounds easier than sewing two hems around them, and would be handy for quick casual napkins for cute theme tables.

Luvs

Thanks for the link Jaybird, that's a great repurposing idea.

Lynn, I recently saw a lampshade covered with old ties which looked quite cute altho funky. I've also seen them made into patchwork pillow covers. It's just fabric, I'd wash them first by hand if it's anything that needs to be washable. Even many 'dry-clean' only silks can be successfully washed.

I got that emailed from Martha too..:)
Wouldn't that fabric be a little thin for a napkin,,esp if it is well worn?
I had a friend who made a skirt from ties...it was about 25 years ago, but I still remember it. It was lovely..but then she was very thin so the conglam of patterns looked ok on her..

uh-oh Lynne, my question got the girl started.....

Here is a link that might be useful: ties

and she can't seem to

Here is a link that might be useful: stop

OMG, people sure do come up with a lot of ideas for ties! DD is slender enough (Size 0) to wear a skirt made of them, but DH's ties are much too conservative for her tastes . . . in skirts, that is.
I do like the idea of making a patchwork throw out of them, although I don't know if I'm up to that much sewing! Hmmm, it's an interesting idea. But, then again, his ties are all silk, so cleaning a throw or placemats made of them could be a real PIA!