Nancy Watts
Manhattan Skyline
Inspired by the city skyline. This dress is pieced entirely of recycled men’s ties, mainly silk ties. The neckline represents the skyline and ties were used to represent all the city office workers. As I was cutting, piecing and sewing, I envisioned all those Wall Street deals being made and now their ties are a gown. Also, the tie tags were hand sewn into a purse and a hat with black ostrich feathers complete the ensemble.
The Red Queen
Over 300 tea bags were stapled into strips and sewn together with bias tape for the skirt. The corset was made with plastic bags, newspaper and painted. Newspaper was also used for the little curly circles. The tea bag tags were cut into hearts for the front. The jacket is made of packing material and dryer sheets.
Driving Miss Doily
Recycled doilies are sewn onto a sheet creating an ombré effect from white to different colors. There’s a net skirt from a pageant gown underneath to give the bottom some body. The hat is a big doily molded with mod podge over a bowl and painted again for the ombré look. The ribbons are thrift store finds and from old sewing projects.
Nancy Watts’ twitter handle is @wearwatts.