Neckties. They're not only handy as last-minute Father's Day gifts. They also provide a multitude of materials and designs for sewing projects.

"Anything you can sew you can make with neckties," says Nancy Gamon of Cincinnati. "You just have this (necktie) line that becomes part of the design element."

Peruse the Internet for ideas, and be astounded. Crafters like Gamon are turning vintage and everyday neckties into astounding things — from home decorations, such as pillows, chairs and lampshades, to apparel. The latter gets pretty high-style in the hands of those who sew neckties into skirts, tops and evening wear.

Necktie crafters include author Shirley Botsford of Beacon, N.Y., who began crafting with ties in the early 1990s and now teaches others; Barbara Lawrence of San Diego, who quilts with ties and blogs about her obsession; Ronnie Ryno of Spokane, Wash., who took up sewing three years ago and now crafts elaborate ball gowns; Stacey Sharman of Berkeley, Calif., who creates complicated quilts; Laura Kluvo of Scottsdale, Ariz., who makes skirts and purses, and blogs about it at Rick Rack Ruby; and Peter R. Russo of San Francisco, who dreamed up a chair using neckties for the seat... continue