A BOWTIE AND A TV APPEARANCE

Jeremiah Williams, Executive Editor, wanted to share his experience last week involving a bowtie and a local morning show appearance:

I am not a morning person. I can be, but it takes a lot of work. Last Thursday Pattern Indy Editor and myself were invited to do a morning show in Indianapolis, to talk about Indianapolis' Fashion's Night Out. I knew what I wanted to wear but couldn't find a camo patterned bowtie. I decided why not make my own, it can't be that hard. I did design and construct ONE women's dress once, about 5 years ago. I could concur the bowtie.

Thanks to Google, I was able to find some measurements for making the pattern. I already knew I had to be extra creative since I did not have a sewing machine or quality fabric. Not to mention my DIY skills are a little out of practice.

The process is actually easy, but like most sewing projects you have to pay attention to detail and make sure that every step is exact. To start I recommend using a bowtie that you currently have, if not making a pattern is a little bit of a challenge to make sure it is the right size for your neck. I drew my pattern out, or you can trace around an existing bowtie, and made two copies. They will connect in the middle to form the full tie.

Next I found some scrap knit camo patterned shirt. The shirt was to thin to hold the shape of the tie, so I used a thicker black fabric to reinforce the bowtie. I copied the pattern on the two fabrics and cut out the pattern. At this point I was kind of over doing the project, but I was already committed to making it. My attention span is sometimes distracted very easily.

The next step is the step that I really really really wished I had a sewing machine. I guess add that to the list of things I need at the Social Club 19 offices. Instead I hand sewed the bowtie. Since most fabric has two sides, you will have to make sure you are prepared to sew the fabric together, so it doesn't look half way finished. Also at this point I already had tweeted that I was making a bowtie to wear on the morning show. Think before you tweet is the lesson. AFTER the task of hand stitching the bowtie together, it was ready to be right-side-out and stitched in the middle. Again a sewing machine would of been way easier in execution of this project. Got it all finished and tied, and actually liked the way it turned out. It gives a cool street look. I got some ideas that I hope to share in the future, but lets just say many liked the bowtie so who knows - maybe a Social Club 19 collection of bowties.

I am fully aware of the imperfections in the tie, but I was happy with the finished look. I am already making adjustments to pattern to get the bow part of the tie to be the proportion that I want. Not to mention bowties don't have to be stuffy patterns and fabrics. I have a feeling that the bowtie isn't going anywhere as a men's accessory. I pared the camo pattern with one of my favorite gingham shirts. I of course wore a black hoodie and Big Star USA denim. Blam my morning show look was complete. You can check out the video interview on the sidebar link.

I have some other tie looks that I want to try. First step is to get down the pattern and sewing machine. Never know might have a few special Social Club 19 collections coming out soon. BUT FIRST, have to make it through Fashion's Night Out and covering New York Fashion Week. September is a busy month.

I hope to see you guys at the #FNOindy Social Media Lounge on 9/6 at the Artsgarden at Circle Centre Mall. Social Club 19 is one of the official local sponsors of the event, and there is a lot of fun stuff planned. Then celebrate with Social Club 19 and Pattern Indy, as we host the Fashion's Night Out After Party at Blu.