Replies

1. 
   Elaray | May 22, 2007 10:08pm | #1

   Manila file folders are made of oak tag. It's a stiff buff colored paper product.
   You can probably buy it in stationery or art supply stores. If all else fails, school supply stores probably sell it.
   --------------------------------------------------------I sew, therefore I am

   Edited 5/22/2007 3:09 pm ET by Elaray

2. 
   Pattiann42 | May 22, 2007 10:56pm | #2

   If you have a Wal*Mart close by, that may be the least expensive place to purchase a manila folder................you may even have some and didn't realize the product they are made of is referred to as oak tag.

1. 
   PASDENOM | May 23, 2007 01:10am | #3

   It's worth finding. Oaktag makes a nice clean, sharp edge of any shape. It's great for templates to press over.

3. 
   Josefly | May 24, 2007 04:18am | #4

   Just a suggestion about pressing your tie. I learned by doing it the wrong way. Don't actually put your iron down on the fold of the fabric. Ready-to-wear ties don't have a crease along the edges where the fabric folds to the back. Just try to steam the soft fold in place.

4. 
   ctirish | Jun 03, 2007 04:59am | #5

   Hi, I was looking through the Gatherings postings and saw your question on oaktag. I have also been perusing the stores listed on the Sew Stylish site for places to find trims and notions and other unique items. I was just going through a site called http://www.greenberg-hammer.com/  and I saw they have oaktag by the yard and the roll. It is described as a green and ivory tag board measuring 48" wide.  It is listed under Pattern Paper if you are looking for it.  

   This store seems to have almost everything you can imagine for sewing.  It has really been interesting going through their site. 

   I hope the tie came out great!

   jane

1. 
   lynnche | Jun 03, 2007 06:54am | #6

   Jane,
   Thanks for the tip, I will definitely check it out! I have at least learned now what it is, though file folders or manila envelopes seemed to be too small for a necktie "pressing template", I haven't yet tried them but was worried they would not be that stable if they bend in the middle (or had to be pieced for the length of the tie pattern piece). At 48" wide, this sounds ideal! I am a gadget and notions junkie, so I am sure I will enjoy this site. As far as the tie goes, I haven't gotten back to it yet, the day I was trying to do it there was a lot going on (husband home, roofers here and 3 year old granddaughter as well, trying to "help") and was having some confusion about the directions, finally just said this is not the day for this (matching vest looks great, tho). I have since found a site that goes step by step in color pictures on how to do the tie and it is making more sense now, so I haven't given up by a long shot. I WILL conquer the necktie!! If I can do wedding and formal wear I should be able to get this, right? I really would like to get good at them; my brother pays a fortune for his at a big and tall men store (he is both), and I would love to surprise him with some, as well as some for my son. I remember a neighbor when I was a teenager that had attended a class on them, I don't think her husband wore the same one twice! She could whip one up in about 15 or 20 minutes! Again, thanks for the tip. Cherie

1. 
   ctirish | Jun 03, 2007 12:58pm | #7

   Cherie,

   Where did you find the site for making ties.  My sil is always looking for soemthing related to math,  physics  or surfing to wear while teaching.  Maybe I can make him one or two.  Thanks, jane

1. 
   lynnche | Jun 04, 2007 01:45am | #8

   I found it on this board but can't remember exactly what I searched for; I did bookmark it, tho. It is http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Tutorials/HOBERHowToMakeANECKTIE.htm Hope this helps. Thanks, CherieI did check out that site for the oaktag, it is awesome! Didn't have a chance to go over it all but found the oaktag, it is actually a lot less expensive than I thought it might be. Do you know if they have an actual catalog, or just an online one? I would love to be able to wish and drool even when not online. Thanks again, Cherie

   Edited 6/4/2007 12:53 pm ET by lynnche

1. 
   ctirish | Jun 05, 2007 01:31pm | #9

   Wow, the necktie site is amazing. I started looking around and read about how they make silk and then I found the fabric they sell.  Maybe some day I will be courageous and buy a piece.  I have saved the page on neckties in my sewing file on my PC so hopefully I can find it when I want it.

   I don't know if Greenberg has a print catalogue. I know what you mean about having one to drool over, take to the beach  or keep in the car for traffic tie-ups.  If you go to the Sew Stylish site they had a great page of sites for sewing supplies.  I have enjoyed going through the sites.

   j

2. 
   SewistKitty | Jun 05, 2007 05:52pm | #10

   Greenberg's does not have a print catalogue. They are a reliable company to order from according to members of Pattern Review.

3. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 06, 2007 06:43pm | #12

   Thanks for the link!  I think this is a very interesting site.  Mary

2. 
   NovaSkills | Jun 10, 2007 06:20pm | #15

   I went to the Husquvarna Viking convention one year, while I still worked at the dealer, and the president of the company, a tall, personable Swede, wore beautiful ties, all with impeccable and tasteful embroidered enhancements. It turns out that HE makes every one of his ties! Attendees dared him to teach that at the next convention, and I hear that he did. So, teach your male tie-wearers the art and turn them loose with their imaginations.

2. 
   dotty | Jun 05, 2007 07:18pm | #11

   I live in the NYC burbs, so I've been to Greenburg and Hammer. I'm sure they would be fine to order from. They do carry some stuff that can be hard to find elsewhere. The problem with their oaktag is that it comes in a roll. I have some in my closet. It's difficult to unroll. I've tried ironing it, but it still has a bit of curl and it's quite awkward. Sometimes I cut first, iron then recut(wasteful). Sometimes I iron 1st then cut (very awkward). If you can find oaktag in sheets I think that would be preferable. Posterboard is close to the same thing.

3. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 06, 2007 07:18pm | #13

   Hey!  This is a super referral!  Thank You!  Finally, a source for sew in bra cups for swimsuits and such for those of us needing larger sizes!  This is what I have been looking for!  So many items of interest, will have lots of fun checking out this site! Mary

1. 
   ctirish | Jun 07, 2007 02:56am | #14

   You are welcome, but I found the list on the Sew Stylish web site.  enjoy, jane

5. 
   cycler1729 | Jul 06, 2007 01:11am | #16

   Just to add, oaktag is also called poster board and it's sold in any paper-type supply store or in that section of a bigger store (I saw it in K-Mart).

   It comes in several sizes in sheets - some as big as 36" and really doesn't need to cost a lot.

   It's what we used to use for posters when I was in school.