Monday, February 17, 2014

Scarf magnetism!

Today's style challenge has been submitted by SSJD via blog comment, on the Capsule wardrobe #104-105 post
A new challenge for you, talented MaiTai:
Lately I find myself trying to use my scarves as a border, base, or underlayer for my clothing. For example, peeking out from the boat-neck collar of a dress, lining the front lapels of a blazer, or providing coverage and warmth under a v- neck (a/c is cold in corporate America!). This is a departure from the knot-tying I have learned so well on your site. It requires a new skill that is related to folding, layering and placing the scarf just right, so that it peeks out without bunching, moving, or becoming uncomfortable. I do not know if I am being clear, nor whether this challenge is compelling, but I thought I would share it, because I'd love to know what you might imagine.
Kind regards,
SSJD
Many thanks for the beautiful and compelling challenge, dear SSJD! As you already said, folding and layering is the key... so knots are ruled out, they create too much bulk. The scarf still needs to be secured, to prevent it from sliding and to avoid the need for constant re-adjustment. I found a simple solution in the form of small magnets, and I hope you like the suggestions!

Magnet playtime #1

The principal behind this idea to hide the magnet in the clothing. Any blazer, dress, coat or shirt with lapels (or extra folds around the neckline) is perfect for this. 


Fold your scarf in the basic bias fold, and place around your neck. Hold one part of the magnet under the lapel..


and place the other onto the backside of your scarf.


Repeat with the other side


Any top with folds in the neckline works equally as well as those which have lapels



Magnet playtime #2

This is a wonderful way to line crew and turtle necks with small scarves, here with a Gavroche (pocket square)


Fold your scarf in the basic bias (below left), and place a magnet underneath one of the ends (below center). Place the other magnet on top of the other end (below right).


Bring the ends together (one on top of the other, below left), and place the resulting collar around your neck (below right).


tuck the ends in


Magnet playtime #3

 The same method as above, only with a 90 Carré (below: with the magnet already in place, in the center of the scarf)


This lets you create soft and easy necklines for cardies, jackets, shirts, blousons, blazers etc





Further variations can be achieved by experimenting with different scarf formats, or by starting off with a rectangular or triangular fold.




Finding the right magnet is essential, as they need to be the right strength and have completely smooth surfaces. They need to be powerful enough to secure the scarf safely, and yet have to remain manageable. The best magnets I have found are the Circular Disc Magnets by E Magnets UK. They come in a huge variety of diameters and thicknesses. The one I like most has a diameter of 15mm and a thickness of 2mm:

 EP31015mm dia x 2mmAN42 - NiCuNi plated, pack of 10 magnets (£ 7.30)

A thickness of more than 2mm results in a magnet so powerful that it becomes a challenge to take the discs apart. The best way to separate them is to slide them away from each other (rather than trying to peel them apart). Please take care to never separate the magnets by pulling or wrenching the silks/fabrics apart. Instead, hold on to one of the magnets while gently sliding the counterpart off your scarves or clothes.

Variation without a magnet







This fold provides warmth in the chest area and is perfect for v-neck sweaters


Start with the basic bias fold

Then fold your scarf into a 'V'

Tie the ends together and make a small double knot

Place around your neck, and tuck inside a sweater, cardie, blouson, blazer etc.


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79 comments:

  1. Hi there Madame MaiTai! Loving this magnet ruse, really brilliant! How ever did you think of it? Very clever. Now, in Blighty Scarf News, I have to tell you I dropped by Hermes in New Bond Street today and, with the expert help of Boys 1 and 2 (come on Mum, we want to go home now!) I bought a pink gavroche, very jolly. But most importantly, I mentioned you to the sales assistant and she knew of you, from other customers, and had looked at your scarf tying tutorials. See, you are definitely famous and a world authority on Hermes. I am thrilled with my new scarf, it will certainly perk up the raincoat and wellies which I seem to be in permanently these days. Best wishes Blighty xx

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    1. Congratulations on your new Gavroche! Happy about the timing of the above, a pink little collar is a perfect cheer for this time of year. So nice to hear about Bond Street too. I bought a Gavroche (Coupons Indiens) there years ago, it’s such a lovely store x

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  2. Maitai, you are just amazing! Magnet, what an amazing idea.

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  3. You continue to amaze,dear friend, with your creativity! This is absolutely genius! Between the magnets and your scarf rings this makes it all seem so simple...even for the 'knot' challenged!
    You are one clever,clever lady indeed! A toast to you,clever one! T xx

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    1. Aww my dearest Trudye, so happy you like the idea! These discs are such cute and useful new little friends. Here’s to more closet fun, and many happy scarf playtimes! xx

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  4. SO clever Maitai - I've never thought of using magnets, but they'd be perfect for doing the scarf- as- a -top style as well. I've always found knots and scarf rings to be a bit bulky or awkward with some of the options for halter tops, or they haven't felt secure enough. I will be giving this a try, along with the options you've just posted. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you, Heidi! Great idea to use the magnets with scarf tops, will definitely give it a try comes summer.

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  5. Using magnets to secure a scarf is so ingenious! Thanks so much for sharing this very clever solution.

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  6. Maitai,

    I was alerted to this post via my friend H. Is there NO END TO YOUR SCARF ARRANGING TALENTS?!

    The magnet idea is genius. If I could figure our where to find some magnets I'd steal this idea for myself!

    Interesting to read that the aircon in Corporate America is very cold. It is also quite chilly at The Coalface in Australia.

    Love absolutely everything about this post.

    Cheerio x

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    1. Thank you, dear FF!

      You can get the magnets from E Magnets UK (see links above), and they also ship to AUS. If you google ‘Circular Disc Magnet’ you might find an Australian based supplier too.

      Hope you’ll get them soon, can’t wait to see you magnetising your scarves!

      xx

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    2. Kate B has already placed our order!!! So excited!

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  7. Absolutely brilliant!!!! I can't wait to try this. I have quite a collection of v-neck sweaters - this method makes the scarves look like a shirt - I just love it.

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    1. Yes, it's perfect for v-neck sweaters... a scarf lining gives such a beautiful and special touch!

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  8. Dear MaiTai,
    Your magnet idea is a triumph. I love to wear my scarves 'peeping' out of shirts but like the original writer they never sat well.
    Now madly off to Google if Circular Magnets ship to Australia!!!
    Kate Bx

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    1. Isn’t it just great when a tiny little thing improves so much... it's so very uplifting and happy making! Re shipping, please see the response to FF above. Good luck! x

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  9. Thank you so much for this post. I have been wondering for some time how to do this. Now I need to get some magnets ...

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  10. I adore the pink jacket and scarf combination. Gorgeous!!

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    1. Merci, dear Jen! I'm always drawn to this combiniation when the almond trees are in blossom..

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  11. MaiTai, your scarf styling skills always impress me. Speaking of scarves "peeking" out, I remember a post some time ago where you modeled a scarf tucked into a roll / cowl neck sweater that I thought was quite chic and clever way to add a touch of silky color.

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    1. Oh I remember the post so well...it’s the same ‘Tour de Clés’ scarf as in the first picture above. Such a great pop of color (and touch of silk!) on a Winter's Day!

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  12. Wow! Dearest MaiTai,

    I absolutely LUV your brilliant use of magnetism, in every sense of the word! (of course, you, being a magnet for anything beautiful; i remember the modeling pix of your styling of 'fabrique du polyethene' looking ravishingly gorgeous).

    The magnets retailer will certainly sell out instantly now that you've shown us your clever way of reducing the bulk of 90cm scarves. I esp. luv luv luv how you added a chic little collar to a simple sweater--much like how Ms. Minky adds that finishing touch to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

    Thank You for sharing with us!

    Cheers,
    sammie xoxo

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    1. Oh sammie, the the fun we had with the ‘haut en sac poubelle’! I share your fondness for little collars, and it is nice to wear Gavroches in a different way. And yes, I can imagine the magnet seller to be a little bit perplexed today... ;-) xx

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  13. This is BRILLIANT! I've done something similar to some of these by tucking the ends into my bra, but this is so much better!

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    1. Thank you, Pam! It’s true, the 'tucking in' never really works.. this one does x

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  14. Oh this is so creative! Simple but really useful. Love how you fold the pocket square.

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    1. Thank you Mimi! I like the pocket square fold too, and it’s nice to see the design without the border sometimes :-)

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  15. Oh MT it gives me envy to wear again my H scarfs, lately I wore more big shawl because cold here.
    Is your rose vest a.Chanel? I dont think so bit it chandes and it suits you very well.
    Thanks for your excellent advices.
    Amities
    Monica

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    1. You can wear your scarves as clothes lining, and then your GM on top... cosy and warm, bathed in silk and cashmere! The jacket is from Zara, bought in 2006 :-) Amitiés

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  16. Mai Tai this is genius incarnate!

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  17. Mai Tai - you are amazing!! I am actually laughing at how brilliant this all is! You are just so creative and ingenious. truly...xxx

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  18. What a great idea. Thanks for that. I will definitely try the magnets. My GP recommended magnets for my osteo-arthritis and I did not know where to get any so I might try them attached to my trousers by my knees as well. You never know they might just work.

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  19. Une amie partage tout, y compris ses trucs pour nous rendre plus belle ou pour nous faciliter la vie.... venant d'une "amie particulière" comme vous c'est un plaisir et un cadeau de tous les jours.
    Magnétiquement vôtre,
    Catherine

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  20. I never would have thought of magnets! So creative, and they work perfectly!

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  21. very nice idea ! très bon idée , je l'applique de suite :)

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  22. What a brilliant idea, dearest MaiTai! You´re just amazing and never cease to suprise me!

    This is a wonderful post! Thank you so much. I´ll try to get some magnets as well, of course!
    Magnetic hugs, Manuela

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  23. Brilliant solution to a thoughtful challenge! Who knew?! (she says, running out to buy some magnets)
    More snow today... looks like the H Cashmere again!
    Ayez une semaine magnifique!

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  24. Truly a magnificent idea from our ever-clever MaiTai. It always annoys the heck out of me when carefully placed scarves keep slipping out of necklines, etc.

    Now . . . to find those magnets!

    Merci beaucoup,
    Jerrine

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  25. Fantastic! I wear scarves in this manner a lot, but Never thought of magnets! I have two sets of magnets that are designed to use with brooches so that you don't pierce fabric; here is a link to one of these type sets on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Magnapin-Magnetic-Brooch-Fastener/dp/B00CBZ64SE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392734369&sr=8-1&keywords=brooch+magnet

    Thank you so much for this Brilliant idea, and for your wonderful website and products.

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    1. A thought: you could add "scarf magnets" to your collection, and the exposed-backs could be in different colors to blend with whatever color jacket you are wearing, thereby making them even more invisible should a lapel fly up in the wind or whatever.

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    2. Colored magnets already exist in a wonderful array of shades and sizes.. Have fun googling!

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    3. Many thanks for sharing the link, dear Glenda. What a clever idea for brooches!

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  26. This is brilliant, love this magnet tip!!!

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  27. Yes, I did it, too: I ordered magnets to play with them immediately after coming home. The idea to use magnets is so great and somehow easy, but I would have never thought about it... Thank you so much for your creativity! Best wishes from magnetized Claudia

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  28. ITA with others: very clever and brilliant idea! I can so easily see myself wearing the last option the most, as out in my area of the world, I'm almost always wearing a cardigan. Love the Carre Kantha. I remember that it was your least favorite at one time. I hope you've changed your mind on that, as it looks beautiful on you.

    Warm orange hugs, dear
    CS

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  29. I absolutely love this and your scarves look perfect with the clothes you wear. Now I wish I can find that one H scarf that goes with a lot of my clothes...
    Viele Gruesse,
    Janine

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  30. quelle idée géniale ces aimants! les foulards en soie ont toujours tendance à glisser si on ne les attache pas!comme toutes les autres je vais me précipiter pour les commander et ressortir mes pulls col V!Véronique

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  32. What a trully amazing idea dearest MaiTai!! You never seize to amaze us with new ways to wear our beloved scarves. Needless to say I ordered the magnets!!!!
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
    lots of love
    Tania T

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  33. MaiTai, thank you for this simple, practical, and BRILLIANT solution! Love the pink on you, it makes you look all glowy from within. I am so excited having just purchased Colliers de Chien in white and black with soft accents of pink and gray. It really pops with my silver hair and will look great under sweaters using the magnets. You ROCK.
    Warm aloha,
    Fifi

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    1. Fifi,
      twins on the CDC black white and pink! It suits very well to blond hair too! I'll think of you when playing with it and magnets!
      kindly,
      Catherine.

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    2. Catherine, how marvelous - scarf twins! I love blond hair, I'll bet you look beautiful in your scarves. I'm a natural brunette but enjoyed being blond for six fun years before going silver.
      Aloha,
      Fifi

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  34. Love these looks the pink is so soft and pretty:)

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  35. Simple, yet brillant. I've got to get myself some magnets. Thanks for sharing!

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  36. This does look very sleek and clever and you look lovely. I would feel uneasy to have the magnets so close to my body/heart.
    Warmly,
    Tanja

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    1. Magnets are also sold as healing therapy and pain relief for the body. I use them as treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome & they work wonderfully. I have a friend who used them for MS and pain relief: she claims that magnets and a Paleo diet & lifestyle has cured her. You can Google "magnet therapy". They won't harm your body nor heart.

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    2. Dear Tanja, happy you like the ideas! Obviously magnets are out for those with pacemakers or defibrillators, but otherwise they are considered as safe, or as Glenda said, even therapeutical x

      Dear Glenda, Many thanks for stepping in. It is truly fantastic to hear about the success of your and your friend's alternative treatments. The best of luck and good health to both of you!

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  37. Hahaha. The magnet man is packing and sending another 10 15x2mm magnets to australia!! Xx

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  38. This solution is so genious ! Thanks so much, I'm going to try it quickly !
    Anne Marie

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  39. Magnets, well who would have thought?
    Great post Mai Tai. Thank you.
    Linda C.

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  40. Dearest MaiTai,

    Is there a risk that the magnets might damage the silk or is it relatively easy to pull the magnets apart without damaging the scarf?
    I love the final result but am a bit concerned...
    Warm hugs, Manuela

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    1. I am glad you asked the question, dearest Manuela! The magnets are pretty strong, and to separate them, NEVER put the strain on the silk (ie don't try to pull or wrench the silk away from the magnet). Instead, hold firmly onto one of the magnets, while gently sliding/lifting it's counterpart off your scarf or clothes.

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    2. Thank you, my dear. I have already ordered them and am having fun experimenting. Sunshine hugs to you, M xx

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    3. Thank you, my dear. I have already ordered them and am having fun experimenting. Sunshine hugs to you, M xx

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  41. Thank you for taking up my question with such enthusiasm and creativity. You have offered several wonderful ideas and solutions. I look forward to trying them soon.
    Best wishes, SSJD (Sara)

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  42. This is so utterly brilliant!! I am sure that magnet retailer is wondering why so many women are suddenly buying sets of magnets!!

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    1. How nice people, how good the friendship they all share, how generously tips and knowledge are shared! Dear MaiTai, you are truly 'un rayon de soleil' with nearly every post you deliver; Thank you, thank you. Marie B. Belgium

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    2. And I forgot: als in Antwerp they know you and acknowledge you as an authority on everything Hermès. Marie B.

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  43. Another set of clever ideas! Fantastic.

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  44. My dear ladies and wonderful scarf friends, Thank you so much for the sweet and kind comments and notes, each one brought warm sunshine into my day!

    Very happy you like the ideas, and many thanks again to Sara for the challenge...it sparked the idea in the first place! Hope the little magnet boxes will travel speedily across the globe, and wishing you the best of fun playing with them <3

    Have a wonderful weekend everyone xxx

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  45. Waow! Received the magnets this morning and I bet you won't guess what has been the major difficulty for me and took me quiet some time...... trying to divide the magnets from the stack in order to have 4 of them separatly and then avoid all of them to be attracted all together again ! But it really worth it because IT woRKS so well with my silky treasures.
    I just LOVE your ideas my dear MT!
    XX Catherine

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  46. Thank you so much, magnets are en route.
    Can't wait to have a silk lining to my cashmere cardie. Wonderful! I love checking into your blog and it always brightens my day.
    best wishes.

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  47. Absolutely brilliant, my dearest MaiTai! What a fantastic style challenge and a most ingenious solution. Only you can marry the aesthetic with the practical in perfect union. I too sometimes love a little peek and hints of color under the lapel or warmly tucked inside a sweater. Thank you, dear MaiTai - your creative solution has once again enriched our scarf enjoyment manyfold! Sending you much love with warmest orange hugs xox

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  48. These are truly wonderful ideas-will be "experimenting" soon! I have a set of magnets that are rectangular in shape, quite narrow, approximately 2.5 cm long. (I had told my husband about this post and he had these,apparently used to secure a name badge instead of the usual pin style.) Last Friday I was wearing a denim skirt with a white T to a casual supper. With this outfit, I like to wear 2 Twillys as a belt, knotted together in the back(with small mother of pearl scarf ring at the front). This time, I held the Twillys with right sides together, securing them at one end with the magnet, rather than a knot. It looked so smooth and lovely in the back....Thank You for the inspiration! Cathy Wong

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  49. Se puderes me dar uma dica sobre agradeco bastante!

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