Blogs of interest

Becky has an interesting post about the 25 top purse-related blogs.
Read it here.

Trick or Treat Bag Tutorials

Who wants a hard plastic pumpkin or an old pillowcase, when you can sew up an adorable trick or treat tote following one of these tutorials?!

Cute Scrappy Owl bag by Ohdeeoh

Quilted bags from Teeny Tiny Quilts

Felted candy corn bag, made by Purling Sprite (pattern by Lion Brand Yarn)

Felt or fabric candy corn bag by My Little Gems

And this absolutely adorable slouchy bag by Lazy Daisy Cottage
She also sells readymade bags, and they come with a pocket for a little lantern

Contest to win a Birkin Bag

Nadya contacted me from Fab Sugar, informing me that the site will be having a Birkin give away.
Normally I don't post things like this, but dude...a Birkin?
As in Hermes Birkin. Quality craftmanship.
I am aaaall over that :)!

It only takes one simple step: just sign up their newsletter

Here are a couple of short videos for more info:
Why Does Everyone Want a Birkin Bag?
What Makes a Birkin Bag So Special and How to Spot a Fake!

Birkin Bag Contest Details + Official Rules

My computer is too old and slow to verify the videos, so hopefully these sites are all of interest--let me know.

More Necktie Inspiration, from Etsy

This bag is aimed to inspire people to create their own bags, but I hope you also support your local crafters.
I use Etsy links to both inspire, and to encourage you to shop for handmade items.

Purse in recycled denim and other recycled fabrics, with necktie embellishment, by Marci9922 in her Treasured Designs Etsy shop


Another embellished bag, this one by Maven Studio


Necktie "Barbara" tote from CreoNodo's Etsy Shop


"The Persephone Tote" by LindaEve, formerly known as Untied

LindaEve also made this Bluesy Shoulder Tote

Necktie Coin Purses

Celeste from CC Star Accessories makes coin purses from neckties


Her Etsy shop: CC Star

Tie Bags vendors

Purse by Rene's Creations


Tamajesy's Roar sells a variety of purses made from ties.
Her designs are interesting in that the seams are out


Lisa's Bags and Things often have a theme to each design


Bags by Sew Retro


Creative Dangles has a crochet bag with a tie running through it.


Jeans and Ties Messenger bags, by Bags by Meggie


Have items woven from your own ties, by Endless Possibilities


Crazy Quilt Purse Pattern, by Henrietta's Handbags


Or Pail Purse Pattern, also by Henrietta's Handbags

Necktie Purse tutorials

Sonya Style do-it-yourself


Purse on Thrifty Fun


Backpack made with a placemat, and necktie handles, from Crafty Gal


Necktie Bag on the DIY Network


Sulky Mini Purse


Two-tie Sling Bag, by Betz White

Small sizes necktie bags

You might consider making a wristlet, a wallet, or a coin purse from neckties.

These "cardholders and change pods" by loscann, are available in
her etsy shop


I think this one is particularly lovely


Prixprix makes wallets from neckties.
These are available in her etsy shop

Clutch, made by Flyball Bags.
Her etsy shop


Muff bag, by Etui Design

Wristlet by Buzz Buzz Designs


Zipper Pouches from Rick Rack Ruby (Laura Kluvo)
The top one is from necktie scraps and the other is ribbon scraps


Nancy Gamon's drawstring pouch, made from vintage neckties
her etsy shop

Purse Patterns, etc

When you're approaching one of the challenges here, you can always use a pattern.
There are lots of indie companies out there other than the big four (Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue).

One of my favorite sites for Japanese fabric, is Super Buzzy.
You can buy Japanese purse patterns that aren't the same worn out designs--they are fresh, fun, and worth a try.
These sewing patterns are by designer Etsuko Furuya, for Echino Fabrics:
Boston Bag
These bags are especially stunning in the gorgeous selections of Echino fabrics (I would love to have them all!)

Laptop Bag

Messenger Bag

And of course we all know that Japanese Craft Books are the creme de la creme.
I am drooling over this one, Favorite Fabric Bags

The site also sells supplies for making bags, such as these cute
cherry bag handles

Inspiration from Laura Kluvo

A year ago on my neckties blog, I posted about all the amazing projects made by Laura Kluvo.
She has such great examples of bags, I'm going to repost here so you can get some ideas, get excited, and participate in the current challenge.

Laura was my inspiration to start blogging, and my inspiration to start sewing with neckties.
Laura is the creative force behind RickRackRuby, as well as the popular Blogging Project Runway.

Necktie Schoolbag
tutorial on Craftster, and also on Craftbits

The amaziing 1000 Points Messenger Bag.
(click on image to enlarge)
She says, "If you look closely you can see that I have inserted tie tips into the the seams on the front like feathers. It was really hard to keep everything lined up. It turned out great though, didn't it?"
Back of bag:


Big Bag

Slouch Bag

You can collage with necktie pieces--some of the wild fabrics available on neckties would be perfect for this technique
Gypsy Rose Bags, with rose embellishment made from a necktie also



Necktie Rose
Tutorial on Craftster

Or, if daisies are more to your liking, make Necktie DaisiesTutorial on Craftster

Necktie Backpack


Determined to not waste any portion of her ties stash, she started making handbags that utilize the middle section (large points go into skirts, small ties go to making necktie daisies)
"Here is the handbag that I made from the leftover bits of the Pink and Purple Necktie Skirt. I lined it in hot pink velveteen and added a giant rhinestone brooch."






"This one has a peacock theme and is accented with a vintage peacock brooch".