Hello. My name is Phoebe. I've been visiting this site for awhile now, but finally decided to join. I've been wanting to make some items for both myself and my husband. It seems like I can never find what I like in the store or if I do it costs way too much. I want to try to save some money, but at the same time have some nice things for my husband and I to wear.

I wondered how hard it would be to make pocket squares and neckties for my husband. I've seen some sites online that show how to do it. Has anybody ever tried it before? Any advice? I know I would like to make myself some scarves as well as some jewelry. Anybody here ever made these?

I don't want to bust the bank just to make some things at home. I do want to be frugal about it. I'm tired of just having store bought items. I like the idea of making things for yourself. Instead of having to settle for what is out there, I love the idea of being able to decide for myself. I can make whatever it is I want.

If anybody has any suggestions on fabric, etc. that I should check out or any other advice at all, it would be well appreciated. Thanks so much. Take care.

Sincerely,
Phoebe

Hi Phoebe, welcome! My name is Wendy, I sew, quilt, and knit (among other things).

Your idea is a great one, it really can save money to make things yourself sometimes.  It just depends on what the item is... sewing isn't always the cheapest way, as many of the fabric collectors here will tell you!  :)

It can be a lot of fun to just wander around a fabric store and see what catches your eye, they usually have lots of samples to look at so you can get some ideas for fabric/pattern combinations.  There is a lot to find online too, a Google search for the things you are looking to make will usually give you lots of results!

I haven't made ties before, but can't imagine that they'd be difficult.  Just tricky to work with the slippery fabric in narrow pieces.  You'd want to be really careful of the stitching & finishing work, since it's all very visible when worn.  Prints will give more leeway, and maybe try a couple practice pieces in muslin or scrap fabrics. 

Pocket squares and scarves shouldn't be hard... just simple shapes with straight edge seams.  These would be fun and easy to make in many different styles!

Have you done much sewing before, or is this your first time making things?  Do you already have a machine, or will you hand sew?

Be sure to share pictures when you're done!

Hi Phoebe!

Welcome to the board. :) I made my DH a tie many years ago. I used the same fabric as the shirt I made him so that maybe he could wear the tie and take it off during the day and nobody would notice. Hehehehe. I just used one of his other ties as a pattern and it didn't turn out too bad.

I think it's great that you want to get into sewing more. I know that's one of my goals. My mother use to make a lot of our clothes. I think the fabric really depends on the piece you're going to be making. I haven't looked lately but it seems that the pattern you use would give you some suggestions on what would be a good fabric choice. I love looking around the fabric stores looking for that perfect fabric for whatever I'm making.

I can't wait to hear what you're going to tackle first and how it's going!

Well, for me the machine sewing is a lot faster, it depends on how much you enjoy hand stitching (I don't like it at all).

Though, with a delicate fabric, like silk (for instance) you may want to hand stitch to avoid needle holes. If you're using a machine, just make sure you have the right needle for the fabric you are using, it makes a HUGE difference and is worth the effort to check & fix.