Emergency Bow Tie

Seems like I’m having a lot of last-minute formalwear to sew lately.  Not sure what that’s all about.

Yesterday my sweet husband sent me a sweet reminder: “Did you make me a bow tie for tomorrow night?”  He’s hosting a Christmas party (for which I’m wearing my spectacular skirt) and I’d promised to make him a bow tie to match.  I didn’t get asked to prom, so this is my one chance–go easy on me for the matchy-matchy.

I got started last night about 9:30.  Good thing I’d done my research in advance: found a good pattern over at Threadbanger, which I discovered through this amazing list of free sewing patterns. The Threadbanger pattern (and instructions) needed a little tweaking (they call for a yard of fabric when clearly you need only 1/4 yd that’s at least 36″ across, and there are repeated unfortunate references to “inner facing”), but it formed a fantastic base for the bow tie, and they do provide really good links to instruct how to tie the actual tie.  Which I needed.

This first iteration, seen here, I used sew-in interfacing, which proved too stiff.  I also used the recommended seam allowance of 1/2″ which made for a small bow tie.  On the second iteration (currently around the neck of my beloved–he wore it to work today and has already emailed to say that he’s bragging on me every chance he gets) I left out the interfacing altogether and reduced the seam allowance (while also cutting a little larger at the body of the bow, on each end).  I also made the points a little pointier at the end, to make the bow really POP like all the new D&G ones that apparently are dead on-trend.

Including the second bow tie (and a little conversation, maybe a cup of tea), I was sewing for under two hours last night.  Which averages to about 15 min sewing per tie, plus 15 min turning right side out (it’s SKINNY), and 45 minutes of pattern corrections.  You can totally make one in less time than that.  I loved having our boy wear one last Easter, and am super excited to make a bunch more for my handsome husband.  Hooray for fancy parties, y’all!