Improvements
It is a new year and its time for some improvements to shine forth. Maybe a little late for the Gregorian calendar, but just in time for the lunar calendar. After a bit of reflection on the sewing pattern and constructive comments from customers, I have pinpointed some area in which to improve. More instructions are needed, the shape of the pattern, details on the pattern, and a few extra bells and whistles for the website.
After making a number of ties, I took for granted a few steps that someone unfamiliar with my pattern may not realize. So with some work, a set of more detailed instructions have been written and will be sent with each pattern. These steps should take out some guess work of how to fold the seven fold tie. These instructions correspond to the new markings on the pattern itself. I haven't gotten a chance to change the website instructions yet. But that will soon follow with more detail and a printer friendly option.
The pattern itself looked a bit off to me after analyzing it to death. The width of the tie changed a little quickly as it approached the collar. Along with the width rate change, the widest portion of the tie is now 3.75 inches instead of 4 inches. A few requests have been made by gentlemen of a larger stature for a longer and wider tie. To accommodate them, the limited number of patterns have been scaled up to 4.25 inches. The length of the tie could always have been extended with a little extra thought, but now there is an extra extension that can be sewn into the pattern. But the best way to go about it still is to probably just cut one section a little longer or shorter to adjust the length.
With length being an issue for a few, I decided to have a little more fun and try to figure out the optimum length for each person. This moves us into the bells and whistles part of the improvements with a handy dandy uber-cool length calculator. A few more improvements are still needed. And finally when those are done, I can finish up the redesign of the website that gives it a cleaner sharp look.
posted by Ben Folds Seven @ 3:07 PM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
Ben,
I am new to the whole 6 fold, 7 fold tie thing. Until fairly recently I had no clue that ties could be made with such craftsmanship.
I am now going to attempt to make my first tie when I get your pattern that I recently purchased.
The biggest problem I am having is finding any decent silk fabric for ties! Not living near a large market, like L.A., I can't find many shops that carry silk. Those that do have a very limited variety, and not really for tie making anyway.
I was wondering if you would be interested in buying some fabric for me next time you make a fabric run. Sort of being the fabric middleman! I'll be happy to pay a markup for your services. Let me know.
Thank you so much for your site. I've searched and Googled and can't find much of anything on the making of these wonderful ties, a pattern, or a forum, etc.
Regards,
Glenn
Well, I completed my first seven fold tie. The pattern of yours was very good. I got a little confused about folding at the marked line at the base (where you roll the edge and make the point). I'm glad I didn't use silk because I made several mistakes. I followed your idea on that. I've had to re-close the tie with the proper stitch, twice. The thread broke the first time because I kept going over the tie too much. Also, I didn't use a good hidden stitch at first when sewing the edges of the fabric at the base. I decided not to re-due this because I caught the error before I got so far that it would show when looking at the folds.
Considering this is my first ever attempt at sewing anything though, I think it turned out pretty well. Pictures to follow soon.
G
Ben are you still offering the patterns? I ask, since I haven't see a post with a recent date. Also, what is the turnaround time for orders?
Thanks,
Gary
eli_jonas@hotmail.com
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