Media

As some of you heard, Generation T taped a short segment with MTV last week. It’s going to be super short (30 to 60 seconds!), for a show called 10 on Top with host Lenay Dunn. It won’t air till after the 4th of July, but I thought I’d give you guys a sneak peek behind the scenes of our shoot in Central Park! The bikini that Lenay is wearing is made from a custom Fanta logo T-shirt. I call it the “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Fanta Polka Dot Bikini.”

Here’s the before and after: From XL T-shirt to X-tra Teeny Bikini (project #49 in Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt). I had a lot of fabric left over!

For taping, we sat, chatted, and refashioned a bikini on the blanket — like a bikini picnic! And then Lenay bravely modeled the little number.

Lenay talked to the camera while the director was rolling and the still photographer was clicking away.

We’ll keep you posted when we have an air date for the episode!

…or at least contestant Seth Aaron Henderson does! Look what we spied inside his case on the April 1 episode “Sew Much Pressure” of Project Runway:

It’s a Generation T Transform It Kit! We’ve been rooting for him anyway, but this totally sealed the deal.

And, earlier on the episode, doesn’t Seth Aaron look like he has a Generation T measuring tape draped around his neck?

Go, Seth Aaron! Here’s the line he showed at Bryant Park (NOTE: Obviously, if you want to wait until the finale episode of Project Runway season 7 airs on Lifetime to see his collection, DO NOT click through!).

Fun fact: This isn’t the first time Generation T has crossed paths with Project Runway. On August 23, 2006 (way back when Project Runway was still on Bravo), this very website (edition 1.0, below) was featured on the Project Runway blog.

They had this to say: You know there are some old raggedy, ready-to-rip-up shirts in your dresser, so instead of tossing that old fave top, turn it into a hot, new T. Megan Nicolay shared great tips on how to transform shirts in her book Generation T. It’s all about personalizing, baby. And even the not-so-crafty can follow her instructions. Check out generation-t.com. — Nia R.

Posted in: Style
08.23.06

March is Women’s History Month (it’s also National Craft Month in some sewing circles), and I was recently flattered to be invited to take part in M.I.S.S.‘s Women Making History interview series. Just in time to round out the month of celebration and reflection, click through to read my ruminations on the ever-important DIY high, desired super powers, turn-ons, turn-offs, tutus, and what the heck an “Ernie burrito” is.

And just a reminder, around the corner is April, otherwise known as Earth Month. If you’re in the New York area, don’t forget to grab an old T-shirt or two, hitch a ride on the subway to Port Authority (I suppose a bus would be appropriate, too!) to the Green Up shop on April 8 for a Tee Party and DIY Scraptacular — hope to see you there.

Over at Tiny Choices, Jenn and Karina are giving away a copy of Generation T: Beyond Fashion–yippee! All you have to do is leave a comment on their post describing your favorite crafting tool. Anyone can enter, whether you’re a scissor sistah (or bro), a glue gun slinger,  knitting needle natural, a wrench wrangler, or…. . Hurry on over and comment already! The winner will be chosen on Thursday, November 26, so check back at Tiny Choices on Thanksgiving.

Excitement abounds! Today on Brokelyn.com, you have the chance to win not one, not two, but three special Generation T items:  1) a copy of the Generation T book, 2) a copy of the Generation T: Beyond Fashion book, and 3) a limited edition totebag (photo, right, by Eric Reichbaum; more views below), made by me from a Brokelyn T-shirt. Not long ago, I met up with Brokelyn writer Trevor Dye to talk T-shirts for his upcoming post. He handed off the T-shirt, I handed off the books, and afterwards, I headed home to my collection of T-shirts to pick out the perfect soft black T-shirt to use on the reverse of the tote. The bag came out super cute (if I do say so myself) and I am now committed to sending it off to a good home. To enter the giveaway, click to join the Brokelyn. com email list by midnight on Wednesday, November 4. (All new and existing subscribers will be eligible, and per Brokelyn, you’ll receive additional contest details on Thursday, November 5.)

If you’d like to make your own tote in the meantime, the instructions can be found on page 210 of Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt (it’s project number #84, Rock the Tote).

Yesterday I was able to extend my stay in our nation’s fair capital with a visit to Channel 8 News’ “Let’s Talk Live” afternoon show with hosts Natasha Barrett and Doug McKelway. Natasha and I gabbed about DIY, projects for baby showers, and why T-shirts are so darn unintimidating (they’re so easy! they’re so lovable! they’re so inviting!). I’ll have pictures soon to post from this weekend’s event in Washington D.C. at the Proper Topper (where they still have signed books available for sale for those of you in the area)–and thanks to everyone who came out despite the cold (and the heat)!

Many of you may have seen this BetterTV segment playing on your local station in the past couple of days, but if not, check it out here! My fabulous models Natalie and Chrissa joined us on the set while host Audra Lowe and I refashioned that famous halter top and showed off some more of the 120 (and counting!) ways to transform a T-shirt. Note: It may be getting too cold in some parts of the world for wearing halter tops, but don’t forget, T-shirts can be used to make scarves, gloves, hats, and more that can keep you cozy in fall weather!

Good morning, Generation T timers! Just wanted to share a really lovely review by Mimi Guethe at HandmadeNews. Click through the link and leave a comment over there for a chance at winning a copy of the new book!

120 New Ways to Transform a T-Shirt: A Crafty Book Review

September 29, 2009 | By Mimi Guethe

The humble tee-shirt gets a fun and flirty makeover in Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt. Author Megan Nicolay offers quick and easy projects that can be made by refashioning the tee-shirts already in your closet. The book, which is a more wide-ranging follow up to the author’s previous book on the same subject, says, “A tee-shirt is a terrible thing to waste.”

The Projects

The author’s enthusiasm for her DIY subject is enjoyable to read, and the variety of uses she finds for this wardrobe staple are creative and fun.

With clear step by step instructions and illustrations, the book offers up a whopping 120 tutorials covering a wide range of uses, including date nights, home use, pets, kids, and more.

Sample projects include:
–Dresses
–Laptop sleeve
–Grocery tote
–Toddler jumper
–Rag doll
–Pet bed
–Halter top
–Laced glovelets

The Style

Repurposing, recycling, reusing clothes and other items around the house is a popular subject these days as consumers become more conscious of waste. Many books tackling “green” crafts can sometimes sacrifice form for function, but that’s not the case with the projects here. The design aesthetic is modern, youthful, and edgy, and Nicolay encourages even beginners or non-sewers with her “can do” attitude, going so far as to include tips and tricks for knotting and braiding and “faux sewing,” as well as a cheat sheet for basic stitches.

The amount of ground covered in the book is fairly substantial, with additional ideas included for embellishing, appliqué, and sizing. For those who are shy about starting out in transforming their clothes, Nicolay suggests strength in numbers by organizing a Tee Party, with the idea being that the camaraderie and feedback is helpful and fun. This chatty, conversational tone and sociable ideas peppered throughout the book provides just enough narrative, along with plenty of useful information and playful projects.

With just a pair of scissors and some needle and thread, Megan Nicolay proves how a creative eye can transform an object into something you like into something you LOVE.

Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay
ISBN: 9-780761-154105
310 pages, softcover
Price: $15.95
color/b&w photographs, illustrations
Skill Level: Beginning – Mid Level
Usability: Very Good

Win a Copy of Generation T: Beyond Fashion!

Leave a comment describing your funniest sewing project and you may win a copy of Megan’s book!

You may enter as many times as you like by leaving separate comments, but be sure to leave your email as well so we can contact you. And don’t worry, spam isn’t fun, so we won’t be using your info for any other purpose.

Additional Resources:

Tee-shirt Projects with Megan Nicolay

If you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to make your own tee-shirt wonder, try an upcycled tee product featured in this article. It’s a great idea to support artisans who feature recycling and going green in their shops.

recycled chicken tee dress
salmon Spring Sprouts eco tee
Frog and Toad tote
Recommended Reading:

Printing By Hand: A Crafty Book Review
Vintage Baby Knits: A Crafty Book Review
Project Runway: Lessons for DIY Design

Photographs courtesy of Workman Publishing and the individual artisans.
Mimi Guethe is a writer, crafter, and former film publicist who lives with her husband and three cats in Los Angeles, CA. Her work has appeared in numerous publications across the country, including The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly magazine. She spends her days dreaming of living by the sea.