Put This On

I made something.

A few months ago, my wife and I decided to learn to sew.  Our ambitions, to begin, were modest.  She would maybe make a skirt, or a romper.  I would make a scarf.

Of course, the sewing classes at my local community college were all-female affairs (with the exception of yours truly), and they were dedicated to making skirts.  Luckily, I was able to pick up enough skill that when my mom found us a sewing machine at an estate sale, I achieved my dreams: a scarf.

First, I bought some Harris Tweed yardage on eBay.  The color is tough to see in the photo - it’s sort of a gunmetal gray, with a tinge of blue and flecks of green and blue-green.  Then I headed down to my local fabric superstore (Michael Levine, in downtown LA) for a lining.  I initially intended to go with silk, but was struck by a beautiful linen woven in Italy by Armani.  I’m not a huge Armani fan, myself, but the fabric was undeniable, and had the heft to stand up to the tweed, along with the softness to be next to my tender neck.

I cut the fabric (the scarf is about 6”x70”), pinned it, sewed the edges to bind them, then ran a straight stitch down three and a half sides.  Got my fingers in there, pulled it right side out, and pressed the seams flat with my iron.  Then I closed the hole I’d pulled it through with a bit of Tear Mender, and voila!

Who knows… maybe if you’re lucky I’ll start a side business.

When working with a lathe, always wear a neck scarf.  Always.

(From a beautiful film on the design process at Walter Landor & Associates in the 1960s.)

(Thanks, Conor)

Street Etiquette: Dreaming of Fall

Look, we all know that Will from A Suitable Wardrobe is balling out of control with his all-bespoke-everything.  Some of us are on a budget.  But damn, Son, this is a fine scarf.  Like whoah.  [/TenYearOldHipHopSlang]

It’s On Ebay

Cashmere scarf by Columbo

Starts at $24.99, ends Sunday

It’s On Ebay

Vintage Ski-Themed Rayon Scarf

Starts at $9.99, ends Monday

I love this scarf that Ellie’s Bowties made for a customer from tweed cut from old Harris Tweed sportcoats.  I would have lined it with silk, though - Harris Tweed seems a bit rough on the neck.

A reader named James showed his mom (a Cary Grant fan), our post about black tie, which featured his photograph.  She insisted he watch the Grant film To Catch A Thief, and he was particularly impressed by this outfit.  So are we.  This is style FOR REAL.

James was wondering if Grant was wearing an ascot above - it looks like a scarf or a kerchief to us.  He asked if someone could wear something like this today, and I think it’s possible, but it would be tough.  You’d have to be consistently well dressed, and in a context where being casual but dashing was called for (seaside date?).  And you’d have to keep it modest, which Grant is doing here.  You’re making enough of a statement with the silk, you don’t need to flounce it around like a mid-80s Prince shirt.

Also: it doesn’t hurt to be spectacularly handsome.

It’s On Sale

Johnstons Scottish cashmere scarf

$39.90 from $95 on Sierra Trading Post

Eight Days of Style

Reader Lucy wrote to us to ask that we suggest eight super-basic, affordable Hanukkah gifts for her boyfriend “to replace his stained light-wash jeans and Nine Inch Nails t-shirts.”  We’ll offer one choice for each day the oil burned.

Finally, remember how much of his hot, hot heat he’ll lose through his neck, and get him a good basic scarf.  If he isn’t the losing-stuff type, then go with cashmere.  You can always steal it from him, right?