Blog Update: 06/11/2013

For those who have been following this blog, I sincerely appreciate you reading the news articles I have found and discuss.  Its been enjoyable, but I'm feeling the need to expand on what I am doing and offering.  Identifying and discussing trends in T-shirts has been fun, educational and a great experience, but I want to do.

For anyone following this blog, I would welcome input on what you would like to see me cover.  Would you like to continue to see me cover news stories on T-shirts?  I'm contemplating what I want to do, an offering a modified new round-up is certainly something I have been considering.

Again, I appreciate everyone who has found this blog, and those who continue to read it.  I hope to be back again soon with a new approach.

Thanks.

Do good things!

Stop bullying T-shirts offers as Hutto high school student conduct rally

June 1, 2013, students from the Hutto High School's Students Against Destructive Decisions along with many others will join forces and converge on the steps of the Texas state capital in a rally to bring awareness to the problem of bullying.

Working in conjunction with SADD and Zero Tolerance Project, they will be selling T-shirts with the slogan "Stop Bullying" across a red stop sign.

I don't know where the funds will be going to, but I expect and hope, the proceeds will go back to keeping the SADD and Zero Tolerance Project operating to keep the awareness going and offering anti-bullying tactics.

Do good things.

F*CK CANCER T-shirt gets sisters ejected from shopping mall

Three sisters were ejected from a shopping mall in King of Prussia, Philadelphia for wearing a T-shirt many people found offensive.  In big bold white letters on a black T-shirt was the message "FUCK CANCER".  

Sisters Makia Underwood, 32, Zakia Clark, 29 and Tasha Clark 27 were ejected from the mall by security staff when they refused to cover up the offending design, or remove the T-shirts.  They refused on the grounds that they were not being offensive, but expressing their hatred of cancer, and so were removed from the mall.

The sisters were mourning the death of their mother who was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and died May 14, 2013.  They saw what cancer does to a person and we mad, terribly mad at cancer.  They want cancer to get cancer, and die.  

I understand the anger and blind hatred of cancer.  Its a terrible thing to accept when someone is taken from you years, decades, before they would die of natural causes.  In this case, we see T-shirts being used to express a personal message.  They are not flying colors or a brand.  They are not selling anything, or raising funds.  They are mad.  Mad!  And, wearing T-shirts with a message telling cancer to, well, die, can be argued as a step in recovery from the loss of a loved one.

Do I agree with the T-shirt?  In spirit, yes.  The boldness, which will almost certainly get you ejected from most public locations, no.  Wrong move.  Clouded with hate caused the sisters to make a poor decision.  They have a very power T-shirt, one they won't be able to wear as often as they want.

My advise, coordinate with CustomInk and create a campaign by selling this design on a T-shirt and donate the funds to a cancer research charity, or some other charity that supports and helps those afflicted with cancer.  You already have the press coverage.  Act on that.  Create a design which honors your mother's memory with a powerful message.  My suggested, instead of 'F*CK CANCER', how about "I hope cancer gets cancer and dies."

You're welcomed to contact me and I'll help you with a design for free.  

Steven Soderbergh's new website sells movie-related T-shirts

Do we have any movie trivia fans out there?  And, do you like T-shirts?

If so, I've got a treat for you.  Hollywood directory Steven Soderbergh has created a new website with a section dedicated to T-shirts with obscure movie references.  I'll let you read Steven's explanation in his site.

http://extension765.com/categories/threads

In the site referenced below, someone has taken the time to decrypt the references and determine from which movie they refer to.  See if you knew the references.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/05/22/steven_soderbergh_movie_t_shirts_quiz_extension_765_merchandise_doubles.html

Enjoy.

Cordova Elementary School kids send signed T-shirts to Oklahoma tornado victims

Students from the Cordova Elementary School in Cordova, Alabama have signed about 100 T-shirts and sent them to the tornado victims which displaced thousands of families in Oklahoma in May 2013.  The T-shirts display the messages "We are praying for you" and "we love you."

For anyone keeping score at home, Cordova was hit by a tornado April 27, 2011.  The kids and community have that recent memory wanted to say they understood the trauma those in Oklahoma are going through.

Do good things.

39 fun craft projects for old T-shirts

Its been a while since I've reported on the craft of reusing T-shirts.  In the link below are 39 projects to Reuse, Restyle and Rewear T-shirts.  Each project has an picture and link to the detailed steps.  Be advised, the page takes a while load.  But, if you're into crafts using old T-shirts, it will be worth it.

Project #1 with the latch hook rug is new to me.  I expect that is super cushy and soft.

Project #32 is a new one for me.  Pajama pants.  Its seems so obvious, now that I see them.  I have some T-shirt that would make great short.  With summer coming, these would be very cool.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/sewstacie/39-ways-to-reuse-restyle-and-rewear-your-old-t-s-9gri

Have fun.

Let the healing begin with T-shirts from Strongville teachers strike

After 8 weeks, the teachers strike in the Strongville school district in Strongville, Ohio, came to a conclusion.  With the strike resolved, students, parents, community members were looking for a way to begin the healing process after a long ordeal of doom and gloom.  

Owner Sue Walick of Strongville Spirit Shop teamed up with Colette Fine, and with some inspiration for high school student Robbie Kensinger, designed two T-shirts.  After numerous requests from people about how to begin the healing process, the T-shirts were designed.

One design shows the slogan "I survived #CSSstrike2013", which was used on Twitter by students, parents, community members and reports.  The other design has "Team Strongville" on the back and "One City.  One Goal.  One Team." on the front.

The T-shirt sell for $10 and sales have been brisk.  It doesn't appear the proceeds are going to a cause, other than allowing everyone to buy a low-priced T-shirt and celebrate the strike is over.

The power of a T-shirt.  Sometimes, even when the issue is about money and schools, a T-shirt can be a rallying banner, allowing everyone to come together and continue on with life.

Crackstarter T-shirts raise funds for 90-second video of Mayor Rob Ford

Politicians and T-shirts rarely combine into a positive story.  And, Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto in Canada, does not seek to change the balance of stories.  In may 2013, a crowd funding campaign was started, asking for $100,000 to release a 90-second video clip of a person who resembles the mayor allegedly smoking crack cocaine.  The campaigns appears to have raised the required $100,000 in just four days with a few people claiming to have seen the video.

All the obnoxious political nonsense aside, there are people selling T-shirts to raise funds to have the video purchased so it can be distributed and verifiers if the person is in deed Rob Ford.  The T-shirt shows a picture from the video and sells for $15 with all proceeds going to what called the Crackstarter campaign.  Too bad it takes incidents like this with Rob Ford to get people involved with government.  

Doing good things for those affected by the Oklahoma tornado

With the deadly and distractive tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on 05/20/2013, Hollywood, Universities and other people and groups are stepping forward to help raise funds for the families affected by the tornado.

First up is Kristin Chenoweth (star of Deck the Halls), who is a native of Oklahoma, is selling special T-shirts from the charity "Lending a Helping Paw" for $25 through her own animal charity "Maddie's Corner."  Her goal is to sell 1,000 T-shirts which should allow her to donate $17,500.  As an added bonus, an anonymous donor will match $25 for each T-shirt sold.  As of 05/24/2013, $3,500 has been raised with an additional $5,800.  Maddie's Corner doesn't indicate which disaster relief these funds are going to, but I'll assume she allocating these funds to an organization with boots on the group which can give immediate relief.

You can see the red T-shirt shown below.

Next, we have three Oklahoma universities banding together to raise funds for tornado relief by selling T-shirts.  University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa.  The T-shirts will be produced by Box Seat Clothing Company, but will only be available through the respective university's online stores.  

That's an excellent combined effort.  See dark colored shirt sporting the logos for each university.

My prayers go out those impacts by the tornado in Oklahoma.

Do good things.

Phil Taylor of Cleveland Browns sells T-shirts to help families of victims of West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion

Phil Taylor and several players of the Cleveland Browns football team wear T-shirts (photo below) dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the victims of those affected by the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.  Not to make light of the Boston Marathon bombings, the incident in West, Texas hasn't received as must attention.

Taylor, who attended Baylor University in nearby Waco, Texas, wanted to raise awareness and funds for the victims.  Recent stories in the news have overshadowed the West, Texas explosion and he wants to correct that.  Taylor and his manager started a campaign to market and sell T-shirts with the slogan "We Are West, TX" for $25 each with all proceeds going to families of the victims.  They have a goal of $100,000.

This is a great story.  Someone (Phil Taylor) with the stage of a professional team took the initiative to be the voice of those who needed one.  He could have just donated money, but using T-shirts prompts others to recognize the awareness is needed and provide help in the form of buying a T-shirt.  You look good wearing it.  You look good buying it.  You look good for helping.

Do good things.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III who played at Baylor is supporting the campaign by posing in one of the T-shirts.

Barbasol shaving cream now offers T-shirts for sale

The company Barbasol, makers of the men's shaving cream recently released a new advertising campaign.  Their first in five years.  The new, and humorous, commercials have generated a lot of new visits to their website.  As a result, Barbasol took notice of the attention and thought there would be a passionate fan base will to wear clothes with the Barbasol logo.  So, they create an online store to sell T-shirts.

Jill Crumbacher, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said this is the first time since Barbasol was acquired by Dublin-based Perio Inc, that they've offered clothes for sale with the well-known brand.

This example further shows that T-shirts, and their use for making a statement, or generating income sources is constantly evolving.  Many new and well established companies are seeing T-shirts as a viable income source from marketing a brand is still possible.  

Eric Fisher, NFL No.1 draft pick already has T-shirts

The value of being the No. 1 draft pick in the 2013 NFL draft cannot be measured merely by a signing bonus or a fat contract.  No, its measured by the merchandise.

Eric Fisher became the No. 1 draft pick, being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs.  Without having played a game yet, Fisher's jersey number 72 is already on sale along with various T-shirts.  The T-shirt picture below displays the statement "When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks the closet for ERIC FISHER."

How valuable are you?  When people are willing to put out good money for a T-shirt with your name, you instantly become a beacon of hope.  A brand.  For now until the last T-shirt faded from this earth, you will live forever upon these T-shirts.

Now its time to live up to the pressures of being selected first.  Earn the value of those T-shirts.

Sam Moon offers beautiful women's T-shirts

From a pure love of T-shirts, I present to you a beautiful collection of women's fitted cuts with the short shoulder length sleeves.  In addition to the intricate and beautiful designs, Sam Moon uses a mineral wash on their 100% cotton T-shirts.  Additionally, they use rhinestone accents.  As an added bonus, the design is printed on both front and back.  

To say the least about their T-shirts, its a steal for only $21.99.  These are some of the best T-shirts for the money I have seen in a long time.  I wish they offered unisex T-shirts.  Their cross designs would work well with men as well.

http://sammoon.com/product.asp?cat=giftitem&tempcat=tshirts&sub=sub556

Kenny Chesney adds T-shirts to Spread the Love Fund

On April 30, 2013 Kenny Chesney announced that proceeds from his downloaded single "Spread the Love" will go to the newly created charity Spread the Love fund which benefits post-acute care for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.  That's all good, but Chesney has now added T-shirts to the funds's store, and proceeds from the T-shirts will go to his Spread the Love fund.

 I really like these dark charcoal (Dark Heather) colored T-shirts.  The "Spread the Love" slogans pops off the material.  These should do well as Chesney has a loyal fan base and he's combining music, T-shirts and his persona to help the Boston Medical Center to provide prosthestic limbs to the victims.

Do good things!

Blondes Make Better T-shirts help nonprofits

In addition to the clever slogans and voguish feel of the designs by Blondes Make Better T-shirts, they also conduct business to support charities.  Their current program involves donating 20% of the proceeds from the sale of their Cats & Dogs T-shirts to support animal shelters in New York.  In March 2013 they printed T-shirts from the children affected by the tsunami in Japan by supporting the Hug Japan charity.

Unlike most T-shirt sellers, BMBT uses 100% sustainable, sweatshop-free and ethically responsible fabrics.  One of their fabrics is called Promodal which is comprised of 40% beech tree and 60% eucalyptus tree.  Another fabric they use is made of 50% recycled plastic bottles mixed with organic cotton.

I really like this company.  Combining sustainability with some charity work - outstanding.  

http://blondesmakebettertshirts.com/

Do good things.

North Carolina law enforcement raise funds for Special Olympics

North Carolina law enforcement will spend the last couple weeks of May 2013 in a 15-day event to raise funds for the North Carolina Special Olympics.  Starting in Gaston County, officers will carry the North Carolina Special Olympics torch, called the "flame of hope" across the state on a 2,000 mile trek as they coordinate with 2,500 law enforcement officers and 200 law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.  To raise funds, officers will be selling T-shirts for the 2,000 trek.

This Torch Run is a great event.  Even more so when you consider the logistics are incredible to organize that many people over 15 days.  The Torch Run will end in Raleigh, NC and will be used to ignite the cauldron for the North Carolina Special Olympic summer games.

Do good things.

Williamsville, NY lacrosse team remembers Billy Wilson

The Williamsville North High School (New York) lacrosse team honored the memory of former player Billy Wilson who was killed in Afghanistan in March 2012.  The T-shirts carry the slogans "Home of the Free", "Because of the Brave".

The story of Billy Wilson begins in high school when the lacrosse coach was forced to throw five players off the team for violating rules.  One of the players was the goalie.  To fill that hole, Billy Wilson, a freshman at the time, was put into that position.  While his start was rough, he took the opportunity to become better and show a quiet leadership that most took notice to.

Upon graduation, Billy entered the US Army where in his seven year career he led his squad on 200 missions, until sadly, he was killed in eastern Afghanistan.  

At the one-year anniversary of his death, 1,000 mourners gathered to remember Billy Wilson with T-shirts.  The lacrosse team had been selling air fresheners and buying T-shirts to raise funds for the Billy Wilson Scholarship Fund.  They presented the Wilson family with a check for $1,500.

Do good things.

Mark Zuckerberg Fashion Statement - Gray T-shirt

I found this collection of pictures of Mark Zuckerberg and a brief writeup concerning Mark's fashion expression of gray T-shirts.  Regardless if its for show or he's really that overwhelmed with other aspects of his life that he doesn't have time to consider a dress code, its an interesting visual look into Mark wearing gray T-shirts throughout the world.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/05/17/mark-zuckerbergs-favorite-shirt-proof-that-the-facebook-ceo-wears-this-gray-t-shirt-everywhere/

Harry's Place celebrates being on The Travel Channel with a T-shirt

How awesome is this story.  The seasonal hot dog and hamburger stand, Harry's Place in Colchester, Connecticut, is celebrating being filmed by the Travel Channel for an upcoming episode of "Burger Land".  Scheduled to air sometime in June 2013.

Harry's Place has been in business for 90 years, and owner John Garret is not letting an opportunity to market the appearance on the Travel Channel.  He's printed T-shirts and the regular patrons are ready to buy one.  Garret expects that when the episode is aired he expects visitors will want to buy a T-shirt as well.

I expect Garret will sell some T-shirts.  Heck, I bought one from Pie Town, New Mexico because the pie was really good, and I saw an episode of some show on The Food Network that talked about Pie Town restaurant.  

If you're running a business, don't forget to merchandise.  Specifically T-shirts.  You can find some extremely amazing designs and quality T-shirts from restaurants.  Just recently Tesla Motors announced they are making millions of $ from merchandising their brand.  And, they're not even trying.  

Let that be a lesson for you.

Returning veteran from Afghanistan welcomed home with a sea of T-shirts

This story is late, but but worthy of being covered.  JB Sports Gear produced a T-shirt to welcome home a local soldier, Corporal Zachary Higley who had been serving with the US Marine Corps Reserve in Afghanistan for the past year.  The T-shirt, based on a field of fire engine red, sports the Town of Farmington emblem on the front and a patriotic design on the back.

Proceeds from the sale of the T-shirt were donated to the FIsher House which builds and maintains long term housing near military hospitals for families of seriously injured soldiers.  

No indication of how many T-shirts were sold, but here's hoping they sold enough to have a sea of red T-shirts at the Unionville and Farmington (Connecticut) Memorial Day parades.

Personally, I don't feel enough is done for our vets returns from battle.  This act of using T-shirts is great way for a community to show love and support for a local veteran.  Welcome home, Zachary.

Do good things.

T-shirts worn to honor those killed in Schenectady, NY fire

In Schenectady, NY, mourners wore T-shirts bearing the phrase "Gone, But Never Forgotten" in honor of David Terry and his three small children who died in a virulent fire on May 2, 2013.  Others wore T-shirts emblazoned with "David is our hero" along with the Superman logo.

Its a sad and senseless act of arson which killed the family.  But, in a beautiful act of memorial honor, David Terry and his children were remembered with these T-shirts.  

Goes to show that the sense of solidarity and the ability to express a feeling or sentiment without having to say a word.  My heart goes out to the family.  

Prayers for Tornado victims in North Texas

We here at Red Hot Inkers send out our sincere prayers and good wishes to everyone touched by the devastating series of tornados which, at the time of this writing, has left six people dead, seven missing, dozens injured and hundreds displaced from their homes which struck the evening of May 15, 2013. 

I am saddened by this devastation.  I am too far away to physically help, so instead, I'll create a design for T-shirt for sale in support of relief for the communities impacted by the tornados in Hood county Texas.  For each T-shirt sold, Red Hot Inkers will donate $10 to a charity fund which directly supports the families impacted by the tornados.  I'll look for a chastity relief fund and report in a later post with details.

Let's come together and do good things.

Bristol youth helps Boston marathon bombing victims

Brooklyn Mullenax is at it again.  Last year she crafted bracelets, wallets and purses out of duct tape and sold them to raise money for Marisa Kay Vincent who was run over by a bobcat loader.  She also sold lemonade.  With the recent Boston Marathon bombings, she wanted to help again.  She was going to use duct tape again to make things, but her dad, Gus Mullenax, convinced to think of something new.  So, they decided upon T-shirts.  Brooklyn decided on one decide out of 30 she did.  It has a road inside of a peace sign, calling it the road to healing.  

Working with a local T-shirt printer, she's selling the T-shirts and donating all proceeds to The One Fund which helps the Boston marathon bombing victims.  But, she said a part of the proceeds will be denoted to a separate funds which is specific to the 8-year-old victim, Martin Richard.  As of May 2, 2013, 400 of the T-shirts have been sold.  She hopes to eventually sell 1,000 T-shirts. (Trib Today)

This 4th grader from Bristol, Ohio has done more in the last couple years that most people have done in their entire lives.  She's giving to people who need help.  If she doesn't have the money she's raising it.  I can't imagine what she'll be able to do if she continues on this path of greatness.

Do good things.

Farmers Guardian T-shirts raised funds for farming families

During this year's annual convention of the Young Farmers group, 1,000 'Farmers Guardian' T-shirts were given away to the 4,500 young farmers who descended upon the The Winter Gardens center in Blackpool, England.  Attendees were asked to donate £1 for the T-shirt.  Money raised was donated to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute which helps farming families in times of distress and hardship.  Farmers Guardian team members have already raised £13,000 for the charity. (Farmers Guardian)

One thousand T-shirts from 4,500 attendees.  I bet they wished they had more T-shirts.

Do good things.

Penn Wood High School Students show unity with T-shirts

In an effort to show solidarity and unity in the face of adversity, the graduating senior class of 2013 at Penn Wood High School (Yeadon, PA) chose T-shirts to express what they had endured.  An arson fire destroyed one of the two main building on campus, forcing students to relocate to different buildings throughout the year.  That's not including bomb threats and split-shift classes.

While wearing the T-shirts, which were provided by the school district and paid for through donations, a class photo was taken for the yearbook, as shown below.  The T-shirts, the photo, they allowed the graduating class to show their strength to overcome these difficulties and carry on. (CBD Local Philly)

Often, we see springing up from high school students are T-shirts in association with causes related to health and well-being of a student, or some conflict with the school board.  In this case, this T-shirt is more than the traditional senior graduating class T-shirt that is ubiquitous among all graduating senior classes.  This is a T-shirt that shows a unity with peers to overcome the difficulties in life.

Well done graduating class of 2013.

Job T-shirts for kids

Here are some fun T-shirt designs for kids.  When a full costume is too much, a T-shirts can be a good substitute.  In the images below we have airplane pilot, doctor and a police officer.  And who can ignore the sugary sweet cute couple with their lace and tie.  

Seeing these designs, I don't recall hardly, if any of these types of T-shirts on kids.  You'd think something other than their favorite super-hero or animated characters would be more fun to wear.  Sure, a a really nice Spider-Man T-shirt will look great, but I'm sure a kid walking around with a airplane, doctor or police office T-shirt would also get attention as well.  

Where is your T-shirt made?

In the wake of the tragedy of the building collapse in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013 which killed at least 1,100 people, the spectre of sweat-shops and poor and even dangerous working conditions has risen again.  But, some things cannot go un-noticed.

I've resisted covering this tragedy because, while terrible as it is, its not inline with discussing the power the design of a T-shirt can have on society, health, happiness and humanity.  But, under the design resides the vehicle to display the message, slogan or art, for charity or for profit.  Its that vehicle, the physical T-shirt itself which has caught the attention of the world again.  At what cost do we measure an affordable T-shirt.  How high is too high, and are the measuring sticks inappropriate?

Its a rhetorical question with a variety of answers, all equally important to various peoples of the world.  

Since 2005, 1,800 people have died in Bangladesh in fires and collapseds buildings.  The working conditions are horrible.  Outright dangerous and life-threatening.  The pay in Bangladesh is by far the lowest in the world.  People can expect to earn .24 a hour.  

All terrible and dismal statistics which will drive hordes of protestors to any retail location in the western world, spouting ugly cries of abusing the poorer nations of the world for cheap T-shirts.  I won't deny those people their combination of guilt for enjoying cheap T-shirts and the sincere desire for improved working conditions in countries like Bangladesh.

But.  But, let us all step back a moment and recognize this terrible incident and its relation to all that we, I believe, sometimes take for granted in the western world.  The world of plenty and cheap.  While there will be cries for the horrific tragedy in Bangladesh, let's remember the on-going punishing work conditions in China and the continued trend of workers committing suicide due to intense working conditions to produce all of the wondrous electronic gadgets we feel that we cannot live without.  

When a terrible incident such as the Bangladesh building collapse occurs, its easy to use that as a rallying cry.  Its something physical.  Tangible.  Something we can look upon with sorrow.  But, we all need to recognize that T-shirts shouldn't be something to die over, but neither should a cell phone.  Or a trinkets from a tourism gift shop.  Pointing fingers at this company or that company or the general populace of the western world solves nothing, unless you understand the problem is bigger and more complicated than most are willing to understand.

For decades, the movement of jobs in the textile and garment industry has slowly moved from the western countries to the poorer nations of the world for one simple reason.  Low wages.  The western world, able to breath a sigh of financial relief at lowered garment prices due to impossibly low wages in places like Bangladesh, turn a blind eye to the loss of American jobs in return for lowered garment prices for everyone else.  Seems we'll suffer a few lost jobs for the benefit of everyone else.

Sadly, we've let that trade-off of jobs for lower costs on our products become the standard until it reached a critical mass.  The USA has high unemployment with a work force that have 72% of its workers in the service industries.  Where'd our productive capacity go?  Oh yeah, we allowed government and large global industry to move those jobs from the USA to places like Bangladesh where large corporations in dominate control of the textile industry can pay impossibly low wages and place workers in dangerous work environments.  It is only now, after 1,100 people have died in one building collapse does the western world think to suffer any guilt in allowing those jobs to be stolen from the USA and moved to Bangladesh, and for enjoying low-priced T-shirts.  It is only now that you suffer your rightful guilt.

That's all easy to cast shame upon the western world.  Where were you before the collapse of the building in Bangladesh?  Enjoying your soft, nicely sown and low-priced T-shirt, texting on your cell phone?  Instead of questioning the terrible working conditions and miserable pay, you need to ask the correct question.  Not WHERE are the T-shirts made.  But, WHY are the T-shirts made in Bangladesh.  Why there?

In these days of economic uncertainty, the cost of fuel makes delivery of even regular mail a costly effort.  The postage on a letter in the USA postal service is more than what most Bangladesh workers make in a hour.  Yet, with the high cost of shipping in the western world, and that of shipping to other countries, one has to stand in awe at being able to grow cotton in one part of the world, ship it to a facility to be turned to yarn, shipped again to be turned to fabric, shipped again to be cut into T-shirts and sown, and shipped again to the western countries, and shipped again to store, one last time for you to purchase it.  With all that shipping, very few have the funds available to buy $50 T-shirts in the western countries in workers in Bangladesh received USA worker wages.  So, who pays the price for all that shipping?  The Bangladesh workers with low wages.  

Before you stand too quickly to cast blame, you need to decide what you are willing to accept for your products you purchase in the store.  If you are concerned for the health and safety for the workers in Bangladesh, then raise awareness of the issue and seek a solution.  It solves nothing to just hurl insults.  Bring a solution with you to the rally.  If you prefer the lower prices of T-shirts as apposed to higher prices and more jobs in the USA, than stand quiet.  

This is why I have not spoken on this issue, until now.  Its not an easy subject for the peoples of the western world to discuss, because it requires an ability and willingness to self-analyze.  And, the subject is not a T-shirt or textile issue.  Many things you buy at the store are made in countries like Bangladesh, China and other nations where terrible working conditions and low wages are allowed to occur, and are encouraged.  

If you are concerned about where your T-shirts comes from, contact the manufacturer of the T-shirt.  Learn the source of the T-shirts.  Then, you can make a decision as to what is acceptable for you, as to what denotes a proper T-shirt source.  If enough people do this, then many the textiles industry might move back to the USA where it will bring with it, much needed jobs.

What are you willing to sacrifice to cast blame upon for the T-shirts you wear?

Memory Quilts by Molly - a great way to preserve your favorite T-shirts

Molly FIsher, founder of Memory Quilts by Molly, is a wonderful venture into the world of T-shirts and quilts.  I've covered this type of craftiness into T-shirts before, but it never gets old for me.  There's something incredibly special and personal when a quilt made from your T-shirts, each with their own unique history, keeps you warm at night, or comforted on the couch as I watch TV.

In addition to Molly's skill in quilting, she also donates her efforts, as shown by a April 26, 2013 posting on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MemoryQuiltsbyMolly) where she provided the grand price for the Parkinson's Unity Walk.  Very good.

Its nice to see someone be able to combine a for-profit venture and give back to the community.  

Do good things, and be crafty, too.

Stoke Poges village uses T-shirts to campaign against free school

In Stoke Poges, a village in Buckinghamshire, England, there is a push to open a free school in the village. This was met by a campaign of protesters with plans to gatecrash opening day for the school with T-shirts and banners.  The protest was conducted, silently, by hanging T-shirts and banners saying "Say NO to secondary school" outside the Pioneer UK site.

I thought the Clothesline Project was the only organization to hang T-shirts our for display without actually wearing them, to make a  statement.  Here, we have a case where people don't even have to physically wear the T-shirt for the T-shirts to be used as a vehicle for communicating a message.

DIY T-shirt Necklace

Here's a detailed DIY article on converting T-shirts into upcycled T-shirts necklaces.  Combining video, pictures and step-by-step text, you too can create these fashionable accessories.  I've seen quite a few crafty uses for T-shirts, but this is the best necklace I've seen.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/blogs/diyboston/2013/05/5_minute_diy_upcycled_t-shirt_necklaces.html

Let's see your T-shirt necklaces.

Memorial T-shirts with confederate flag raises tension at Nixa high school

This is one of the super-charged subjects that involve schools and kids.

At Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri, the student handbook clearly states that students cannot wear clothing to school which bears the confederate flag or swastikas, a policy which was adopted in the 1990's.  

On the anniversary of the death of Colby Snider, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning, student wanted to wear a T-shirt to school in mourning of snider, but were told they could not, as defined by the dress code.  Most did not wear the T-shirt, but some did and were disciplined.  Thursday night, a group of school student stood in defiance of the school board and wore T-shirts with the confederate flag.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue of the confederate flag and it being allowed in public schools, the act of putting the flag on a T-shirt and wearing it to school is a very powerful statement.  Those who want to wear the shirt are doing so out of respect for a friend and to show solidarity and remembrance to their heritage.  To others, that heritage and the symbolism associated to it is still a very naked and are racial issue that still persists in today's world.  It demonstrates that while the motives behind wearing such symbols of T-shirts are shrouded in controversy, it is a very powerful tool to show unification, division and make a statement about pride.

Telsa Motors makes $ millions from apparel sales without trying

Do you have to be in the T-shirt company to make money selling T-shirts?

In the bloated market of T-shirt printing companies and niche sellers, we can look at the car manufacturer Tesla as a prime example that T-shirts are good for business.  On May 9, 2013 Telsa announced its first ever profitable quarter.  The company expects to deliver 21,000 cars for 2013.

So, how does this relate to T-shirts?

In a press call, CEO Elon Musk of tesla noted a surprising revenue stream; their apparel department.  Telsa makes millions of dollars selling T-shirts, hats, water-bottles and more "without trying hard."  While the millions of dollars may be insignificant compare to their car sales, one thing is very clear - there is popular enthusiasm for the Tesla brand. (Business Insider)

This is a great example of how T-shirts, and merchandising in a for-profit company, create a connection between the fan, customer, follower, and the product or service.  Apparel is not necessarily reserved for causes inspired by charity.

Phappim Drawn T-shirts offer one-of-a-kind treasures

Anusom 'Q' Praneerat-chalert, owner of Phappim Drawn T-shirts is offering one-of-a-kind T-shirts.  Nestled in the Cicada Market in Hua Hin, Thailand on the days Friday - Sunday between 5PM - 12AM, you can find Q.  

"I can draw anything from animals to celebrities and I only take about 10-15 minutes, which is our advantage since customers don't have to wait too long to get their T-shirts," Q said.

Q has always wanted to be an artist since being a little boy and wanted to apply what he studied in school, which was art.  So, he decided upon T-shirts.  He likes the idea that every T-shirt is unique, giving each customer the opportunity participate in the creative process.  He's very proud of the T-shirts.  With Hua Hin being a world-famous holiday destination, Q gets all kinds of request from all kinds of people. (Bankkok Post)

Based on the images below, Q has an amazing talent.  Drawing in itself is spectacular skill to have, but being able to apply that to T-shirt material is impressive.  If you have not tried writing or even making a straight line with a pen on a T-shirt, you don't have the proper appreciation for what Q is able to do, as seen by the incredible detail on the drawings.  The detail Fantastic work.

Oklahoma Thunder gives away 18,000 T-shirts to build community with the team

Aside from music concert T-shirts, sport team T-shirts are a MASSIVE portion of the T-shirt sector.  Right now, the NBA playoffs are occurring and the Oklahoma Thunder in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma are using T-shirts to establish a connection with fans and community.

The Thunder team operates under three primary principles; Team Work, Community and Selflessness.  To engage the fan base and establish a sense of community, the Thunder organization has been printing and putting 18,000 T-shirts on seats in the area - each playoff game.  As seen by the pictures below, the slogan is the same "Rise Together", but each section of the arena is outfitted with either blue or white T-shirts, alternating between sections.  The results is an eye-catching visual treat for those in the arena and the estimate 4 million viewers on the cable network channel TNT.  (KJRH)

As estimated and noted in the story, there are a potential of 27 playoff games that could be played in Thunder's arena.  At 18,000 T-shirts per game, that's a total of 490,000 T-shirts.  Staggering numbers.  Staggering dollars too.  Considering each T-shirt is printed for maybe $5 each, that's an estimated $90,000 a game going to some lucky screen printer, with a full deal of all 27 playoff games of equating to $2,450,000.  Again, these are my estimates.  Even at $1 per T-shirt, some screen printer is making $18,000 a game.  Nice coin.

Getting away from the glitter of the money, the visual presentation, the offering of free T-shirts to the fans, the building and maintaining of community with the team is a very powerful action and step taken by the Oklahoma Thunder organization.  This is an excellent example of how T-shirts, given away in great quantities can have a positive reflection and reaction by those physically wearing the T-shirts, and those who see the T-shirts and know the story behind it.  It certainly helps when you have 4 million views on TV, when they're watching the game.

Here's an interesting note.  As of May 15, 2013 the 500,000th free T-shirt was given away.  That's half a million T-shirts given away since 2010.