FYI Magazine
Vintage T-Shirts Gain New Life as Unique Holiday Gifts
- Created on Friday, 16 December 2016 00:51
- Published on Friday, 16 December 2016 00:51
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That sports jersey from sophomore year of high school has seen better days, but you can't seem to part with it even now. What about that hair band concert T-shirt you're too embarrassed to admit is still tucked in the back of your closet?
Are the kids making fun of your college alma mater tee that has holes under the arms? T-shirts hold special places in the hearts of many people. Now quirky, athletic and downright memorable tees can be turned into customized gifts for everyone on a holiday shopping list.
T-shirts tell a lot about a person -- interests, political views, favorite sports teams -- and more. The average person has a collection of T-shirts acquired through the years taking up space in closets and drawers, all because it can be difficult to throw out shirts that have so many memories. Clever gift-givers can use these T-shirt collections to create unique and thoughtful gifts that will be appreciated throughout the years. Here are some ideas for gifting.
- Cut up T-shirts to make a scrapbook of certain times in a person's life. Include funny anecdotes, photographs and artwork to customize the book for the recipient.
- Head to the local craft store and pick up an empty shadowbox frame. Fold a friend or loved one's prized T-shirt and place it on display in the shadowbox (the depth of the box makes it easier to accommodate the bulk entire shirt). The "artwork" can then be displayed in a bedroom or den.
- Turn T-shirts into a decorative or cuddly quilt for adults and children. stitch'T (www.stitcht.com, 212.860.7029) crafts one-of-a-kind, handmade compositions from your own special T-shirt collections -- for any occasion. The company will produce quilts that fit twin- to king-size beds, crib quilts and pillowcases and shoppers can customize the color, size and layout of each project.
- "Each T-shirt tells a story, each one is a part of my life," offers happy customer Judy Caliendo. "My stitch'T quilt makes me laugh and remember -- and that's the best part."
- Talented sewers can turn vintage T-shirts into new works of fashionable attire. For example, a graphic tee can be sewn to an elastic-waisted skirt to create a pull-on dress perfect for a budding fashionista. Downsize favorite T-shirts so they can be worn by children.
- Make holiday decorating easy for individuals who love to "do up" their homes in holiday decor, top to bottom. Gather ugly, quirky, and seasonal holiday T-shirts and sweatshirts and have stitch'T turn them into a holiday-inspired quilt perfect for tossing over a recliner or sofa. Every year the quilt can be part of holiday decorating tradition.
Take out those T-shirts hidden in drawers and closets and show off tee pride with custom gifts sure to bring a smile to the faces of friends and family this season.
