Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay, a book review

What do you do with all those concert t-shirts in the bottom drawer?  What about those two or three favorite tees that have a bleach spot or a hole?  Sure, you can turn them into rags for waxing the car or cleaning up kitchen spills, but what about turning them into something that is actually cool and still lets you enjoy the unique artwork or favorite saying? What you need for inspiration is Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay.

This is Megan Nicolay's second book which is a how-to guide for turning those beloved t-shirts into fashion statements.  Her first book, Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt, came out in 2006 and was followed up by Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt in 2009.  (From the back of the book) Megan has been "an obsessive DIY-er since the age of nine, when she won an Earth Day T-shirt design contest.  [She] ... now runs workshops and consults at craft events all over the world.  She is a book editor and lives in Brooklyn, New York."

After the intro and the first chapter, which is about the technical aspects of deconstructing, sewing tips, sizing, and embellishing, the book is broken down into seven other chapters.  These chapters include step-by-step instructions with illustrations for turning t-shirts into clothing for Everyday, Kid Rock, Pet Central, and Mr. T, to name a few.  Each chapter has anywhere from six projects in the pet chapter to as many as 29 projects in the casual-wear chapter.  Some projects are as simple as making a few scissor snips near the neckline to as complicated as using t-shirts to make a dress or backgammon board.

Each project includes things like

*what materials/how many t-shirts are needed

*if sewing is required or not

* what level the project is (1 is easiest, 5 toughest)

*numbered steps with illustrations

*variations for making it uniquely your own

In the center of the book are full-color photographs of Megan and her friends wearing their creations and having fun on the streets of New York.  These pictures show how wearable and usable these items really are.

If you are a DIY king or queen, this book would be a perfect how-to guide for creating unique and one-of-a-kind presents for the hip teenager, new baby, college nerd, or even grandparent on your Christmas list.  If you know a DIY-er who is looking to try something new or the wanna-be fashion designer, this is a great book to give as a gift.  It definitely belongs in the library of every green-living, repurposing, thrift-store treasure hunter.

Other book reviews by the Examiner

Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts

Green Like God

Both of Megan Nicolay's Generation T books can be picked up at bookstores nationwide.  Try some of these independent booksellers if you live in northern California.  Also, SUBSCRIBE to the San Francisco Recycling Examiner and be alerted by email each time a new article is posted.  This is a free service that is also safe and spam-free.

Village Books
320 N. Mount Shasta Blvd.
Mount Shasta, California 96070
(530) 926-1678

B & B Booksellers
140 Main Street
Chester, California 96020
(530) 258-2150

Almost Perfect Books
1901 Douglas Blvd # 82
Roseville, California 95661
(916) 781-7935

The Book Seller
107 Mill Street
Grass Valley, California 95945-4701
(530) 272-2131

Anna's Books
1150 Sunset Blvd. #155
Rocklin, California 95765
(916) 435-1335