Tree Skirt Made Of Ties

Ties are made of such beautiful fabric and interesting designs. I used my husbands favorite ties as a memorial to him. He loved ties. There is one for every occasion and every mood. It speaks volumes about a man.

The family knew that ties were a passion of Jay's. He carefully chose a tie for every occasion. It quickly became an easy choice for grown ups and children to buy "Popaw" a tie. It turned into a collection.

I didn't know when I was making this, that I would be sharing it with anybody. So I don't have step by step pictures to show how I did it. But I'll try to explain it the best I can.

Yes, it is time consuming. But oh how wonderful! It is a treasure. It makes me smile.

The Material

Use any kind of material you want for a base.

This is quilted polyester, and has a very thin cotton layer inside.

White or green satin would be beautiful also.

I used an old tree skirt for a pattern.

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Pin the ties

Lay the ties on the circle you have cut.

Move them around to get the best effect.

Then pin each tie down.

At the small cirlce where the skirt fits around the tree, cut the ties off matching the edges of the circle.

Use a big Tailors stitch just to tack the ties down so you can remove the pins.

Then hand stitch each tie and remove big stitches

Choose a blending thread throughout

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Use the same pattern to cut an identical a lining. Plain cotton. I used an old sheet. Match up the edges (right sides together). This can be sewn on the machine. Sew just the circle only. Leave the small circle open and the opening that folds around the tree. Trim the seam and turn.

Closing the small circle

Cut a bias strip of matching color about 2 inches wide

Hand stitch to right side of circle, turn and stitch the underside

Use the same width of bias at openings that close the skirt around the tree

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The ties that bind

Each tie has a meaning, a memory. A Baptism, a dinner, a graduation, a wedding, a holiday.

All happy ties.

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Do not think of me and weep, tho I'm not there. I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night

Do not think of me, and cry

Tho I'm not there, I did not die