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My first T-Shirt Overhaul

I know there are all sorts of crafts out there involving turning your old t-shirt into something cool and fun.  Yesterday, I got so excited when I found this (Rediculiously easy) tutorial on Cutoutandkeep.  Now I'm going to be fishing around for T-shirts in all sorts of colors to make cute little shrugs.  If you don't know how to sew, you should try this, it's very hard to mess up.  The only thing you need to know is to use a knit stitch on your machine.

I know you're jealous of my pink tile bathroom.  Just admit it.

Two Articles about my Bow Ties

I've had two interviews in recent weeks and I want to share the articles that were posted about my bow ties.

The Columbia State Newspaper- Singer's Bow Ties make Fashion Statement

EJForbes.com - Bow ties anchor cottage industry for South Carolina mom

Now I'm off to go to the swimming pool with my babies.  I've spent too much time on the internet this morning!

Nifty Car Organizer

I'm loving this Nifty Car Toy Organizer.   Check it out.  I wonder if I can get one made before our major road trip starting on Monday.  It sure would be nice to have a place for the kids stuff.  Our car is TINY!!!

Image from instructables.com

Busy busy day or Indian Madras Bow Ties

Today I made a record breaking 9 bow ties and had a phone interview with Columbia South Carolina's The State newspaper about bow ties. Needless to say, I was quite busy today and never really got around to mopping the kitchen floor like I really wanted to. I'm getting together 3 dozen seersucker ties to send to the Gentleman's Closet in Columbia, SC. If you're in the area, please drop in and say hello to those guys and check out the ties.

Today I made 2 Indian madras bow ties out of a men's shirts. I promised my dear husband that he could have one in exchange for recording a little promo video for me- hopefully more on that tomorrow. I think I'll be able to make 3 more of each pattern so let me know if you're interested.  ellielaveer@gmail.com

You may have noticed the Store tab at the top of my newly updated blog.  I will keep this updated with my current offerings so check back often.

Seersucker, Madras, Linen and Silk Bow Ties for Sale

E-mail me at ellielaveer@gmail.com if you want one or have any questions.  

Converted Bow Ties

These ties are converted from neckties of 100% silk. Note that sometimes the creases from the fold of the necktie will be somewhat apparent on the back side of the bow tie, but these folds are virtually entirely obscured once the bow is tied. Naturally, there is only one of each available. First come, first served.

We can also convert YOUR necktie to a bow tie for $23.

#1C  - 

Silk red with navy and white polka dots. Converted from Banana Republic necktie.

$23

#2C

Silk blue with red dots. The silk has some faint watermarks from the iron (it was one of the first silk converted ties we made), but these are virtually impossible to see when tied. Due to that "irregularity," this one's yours for

$15

#3C

Silk pink paisley in a narrower cut. This was the first necktie we converted to a bow tie. It's not perfect, but it ties up beautifully. You can own the original for

$15

From-Scratch Handmade Bow Ties

#1FS

Patch Madras Bow Tie. 100% Cotton Madras. Only 1 more available.

$23

#2FS

Green Seersucker Bow Tie. 100% Cotton. Available in any cut/shape.

Currently also available in these colors:

$23

#3FS

Navy with White Pinstripe Linen Bow Tie - Pictured with Diamond-point. Available in any cut.

$23

#4FS

100% Cotton Seersucker Striped Bow Tie. Gutsy Summer Colors. Only 3 available.

$23

E-mail me at ellielaveer@gmail.com if you want one or have any questions.

Handmade Bow Tie from Neck Tie

Andy found this rather ugly neck tie at the thrift store.  Today I turned into a rather cute bowtie.  This was actually my first time sewing with silk.  It was rather slippery, but I think I figured it out.  I'm excited to do a bit more of this type of work.  What do you think?

I'm sure Andy's glad that I've figured out how to tie these things by myself so that he doesn't have to get all dressed up for my photo-shoots.  He actually wore it to church tonight but we forgot to take a picture.

And I just had to show off these super cute guys.  We snapped this shot on the front porch after church today.  Can you tell that Andy dressed Deacon?  He looked sharp.

Seersucker Bow Ties for Wedding Party

This is one of the most exciting orders that I've had: six green bow ties for a wedding in August.  I just finished them up tonight and will make a few children's bowties for them as well.  The bride has already promised to share the photos with me and I cannot wait!  

Oh where oh where could my dining room table be?

Also, I've been experimenting with fabric pouches to put the ties in.  I like this one.  Thank-you very much Ikea scrap bin!

The online store will be up and running hopefully by early next week.  I'm going to need YOUR help in getting this thing off the ground.  More on that to come.  I'm having so much fun with this and my creative juices are flowing like mad.  It makes me really happy.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions.

Until the store is up, ties ($23) and pocket squares ($18) can be ordered by e-mailing me at ellielaveer@gmail.com

Cheers.

Hand Rolled and Hand Sewn Linen Pocket Square

Today, I made this pocket square out of a lovely pinstripe linen fabric.  I'll be selling these in my up and coming etsy shop for $18.  They are hand sewn and hand rolled and thus more tedious than you would imagine.  Nonetheless, it looks quite sharp, doesn't it?

Handmade Patchwork Seersucker Bow Tie

I think I may have gone too far.  But I couldn't see all those little pieces of scrap fabric go to waste.

I won't make too many of these, but if you want one, e-mail me at ellielaveer@gmail.com and we'll talk about it.

Women's Ribbon Belt

This morning, I made this pink and red ribbon belt.  I'm experimenting with different accessories to hopefully start an online shop soon.  I thought this turned out pretty well.  I love the colors, but I would like to get a sturdier set of D-Rings.  And maybe a bit more feminine too.  What are your thoughts?  I'm trying to decide if I should go back to the fabric store and snatch up all the ribbon they have like this.  

It also makes a pretty fun baby toy.  Although I think this baby thought the camera on the macbook was even better.  

 Speaking of cameras, I'm going to just bite the bullet and buy another camera today or tomorrow.  I'm hoping that I can sell some things like this belt and bow ties to justify the purchase of 2 cameras in a matter of 6 months.  Too bad Canon couldn't fix it, it was a great one.  They didn't care about my sob story, apparently.