Here’s another neat commercial product that could easily be stolen adapted for the home game. These ties are freehand machine embroidery, and I like the loose, casual look of the finished skulls.

There are all kinds of embroidery patterns and clip art that are there for the googling, or if you’re artsy you could draw a design yourself. Be sure to keep the lines relatively simple, since you’re going to have to follow them with a sewing machine.

If you’re sufficiently comfortable with your sewing skills to attempt a freehand design, get a blank silk necktie or scarf (psst: Shadow Manor sells these) and either draw the lines lightly on the tie using tailor’s chalk or transfer the pattern to tracing paper and pin the paper securely on top of the tie. Then, moving slowly, follow the lines with your sewing machine.

If you’re no good with a machine, hand-stitch the pattern using a contrasting color of thread; the stitches won’t be quite as tight, so you’ll need a contrasting color for the design to stand out. Either way, you’ll have a unique and fashionable accessory.