Neckties find new life
By James Card
Peg Burington retired as director of the Waupaca Area Public Library in 2022 and a year later she had her own booth during the Arts on the Square festival.
Her new creative venture is Tie One On: Haberdashery Reimagined by Peg.
She repurposes old neckties and transforms them into custom bags. The bags come in different sizes that range from a large messenger bag that could hold a notebook computer to smaller side pouches or purses. The bags can be designed by theme or color scheme. Customers can pick and chose their designs.
“Now I have more time and about a year ago I decided I want start a little hobby that I can make some money. I was just giving them to family and friends. I applied to be an artist on Arts on the Square and I was really excited. This is my debut show,” said Burington.
The necktie combinations for her to work with are endless from staid regimental stripes, polka dots, Green Bay Packer logos, Looney Tune characters, food and flowers, and holiday motifs.
Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia was an artist who also had a creative side outlet in necktie design. At one time Jerry Garcia ties were the most popular neckties in America.
Burington rounded a bunch of them up to make Deadhead-themed bags with names like “China Cat Sunflower.” A bag with a Tabasco-themed necktie is named “Some Like it Hot,” and a bag named “Born to be Wild” has neckties from the National Wildlife Society and the Humane Society.
“People give me neckties because they know what I do. But I also go to Goodwill and thrift stores and antiques shops. You seem to find them everywhere. I quilt the backs and the gussets are all stitched with a machine so they will be really strong and durable,” said Burington.
To inquire about her bags, she can be contacted at [email protected].