by contributing writer Jasmine
A few weeks ago, my sister visited our family during the biggest blizzard I have ever seen. Although the kids enjoyed the snow, they did get restless being cooped up in the house all day. Thankfully my sister brought a surprisingly fun project for them.
Before leaving sunny Florida, she stopped by the thrift store and found a bag of old neckties for just a few dollars. Everyone got to pick out their favorite necktie and make a necktie rattlesnake. It reminded me of Christmas time when the kids drop the toys and play with the boxes and wrapping paper.
My kids have an entire tub of stuffed animals that they never play with. But for some reason they loved playing with their handmade, disjointed, crudely sewn snakes. Just a guess, but I think they loved them because they had a hand in making them!
Supplies Needed
- old necktie(s)
- scissors or seam ripper
- stuffing
- buttons
- empty pill bottle (put in a few beans or rice for a “rattle” sound)
- needle and thread
Instructions
1. Using scissors or a seam ripper, undo the seem that runs down the back of the tie, and open up the large end of the tie.
2. Pull back the lining (so that it doesn’t get caught when you sew on the buttons for eyes). Sew buttons on the front side of the tie.
3. Open up the small end of the tie. Insert the pill bottle in between the tie and the lining.
4. Gather the sides of the tie together, pin a short section, then whip stitch them closed. (This is a great “learning to sew” project for younger kids. It doesn’t have to look pretty, just let them put the needle in one side and out the other…over and over.)
5. After sewing a short section, add some stuffing in. Continue the entire length of the tie.
6. If desired, sew on a forked snake tongue made from the tag of the necktie.
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