As some of you may know I have an obsession with men's ties. The textures, the colors, the fabrics, oh my! I can't get enough of ties! I've accumulated quite a collection; so I am always on the look out for clever new ways to use ties. One evening, I came across instructions to make envelopes out of heavy paper bags. This inspired me and I just started experimenting with a tie and this is what I came up with - little gift envelopes. They are super easy and fun to make and and the fabric for the lining helps use up some of that fabric scrap bag! I use the envelopes as little gift bags for small gifts, thank you notes, money, and pictures.
My friends who have received the tie envelopes have been using them to hold music devices, money, radios, feminine products, makeup, phones and even regifting them. Some friends have even suggested I put cords on them so they can wear them and use them as small pocket purses!
The tie envelopes are so easy to make; first I open up the tie lengthwise, cut off the narrow end (save it for something later), take out all the lining and batting and etc. I carefully remove the sewn on or glued on label. I leave the pointed end of the tie pretty much intact because this creates the point of the envelope. Most envelopes are about 14" long before folded. Using my straight edge and using the point as the center I measure about 3" on either side of the center. So the envelope will be approximately 6" wide. Using my rotary cutter and straight edge - I cut the tie to form a 6" x 14" rectangle with a pointed end. This is just an approximate size. Each envelope is one-of-a-kind and will be a different length and width depending on the length and width of the original tie.
I then find a vintage button and sew that near the point of the tie. I then cut a coordinating piece of lining fabric the same size as the rectangle tie. If the tie fabric is really thin and light and if it is silk I use quilt batting or a heavier piece of lining fabric. I pin wrong sides together and sew around all the sides leaving an approximately 1" hole on the side to turn the piece right side out. I turn it right side out; press it nice and flat; fold the bottom end up approximately 5"; press it; sew sides together to form a pocket. Fold the pointed envelope end over and press. Easy! A little envelope is made!
