Weekend Project: Enough Rope to Hang Myself

Question: Why did the chicken cross the mobius strip?

Answer: To get to the same side.

~Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory

As predicted, after seeing this tutorial, I couldn't resist trying to make my own lanyard! I started with scraps from my Amy Butler laptop case and threw in one additional fabric. This was my first layout:

I used 6 inch long strips and I tore them, rather than cut them, to make sure they were on the grain.

The lanyard came together very easily, but I wasn't happy with my design choices. The strips were too long and the colors too "matchy-matchy."

I decided to try shorter strips (4 inches) and fabrics with more contrast. This was my second layout:

This time I did something smart - before any sewing, I pinned the pieces together and put it around my neck and - drum roll, please! - didn't like the sequencing.

So, I tried a couple of combinations in this manner (rearranging the strips and pinning them together) until I found one that I thought looked good. ;)

The actual sewing is quite easy. First you stitch all your pieces together to make a single long strip. Then you iron it in half length-wise, open it up and fold the edges to the middle crease, and iron it again.

Before stitching it along the pressed folds, I opened up the 2 ends and closed it into a circle. I did remember to insert the metal loop before stitching it closed...

However, simply by not paying attention to the orientation of the fabric when I made the loop, I was able to create this impressive Mobius strip lanyard - as you know, if you trace one edge with your finger, you go 'round and 'round forever! Cool, huh? ;)

Of course, I'm a professional (something, not sure what...) and I wouldn't recommend this variation to anyone else. So, I suggest that you make sure that your fabric strip is straight and flat before connecting the ends to make a loop. ;)

Other than that little hiccup, I was pretty happy with my 2nd lanyard. I'm going to wear it to work on Monday and I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with orders for lots more!

I hope you had a good sewing weekend and are ready for Monday! :)