Her story reminded me of an old T-shirt I had that Rob hated PASSIONATELY. First I have to say, he's not a clothes snob or picky about the stuff I wear in any way. I'm sure there are many cases where he hates what I wear but doesn't say anything. (I'm just about the worst dressed person EVER.) He's a great sport.
However, I had this awesome and amazing tie-dyed T-shirt that I got when I was in San Francisco. Berkeley, actually, from a street vendor. I was madly, passionately in love with that T-shirt. It was comfortable, but beyond that it was more a representation of something that was important to me. When I looked at it, wore it, I was reminded of the creative spirit, the freedom of expression, the hippie culture of the area where I bought the shirt. It wasn't a T-shirt, it was a symbol that had a life of its own beyond the weave of the fabric.
Unfortunately, it was hideously ugly on me and Rob couldn't stand it. In fact, he'd remark hesitantly at first that he didn't think it was very flattering. I conceded the fact that that might be true and pretty much stopped wearing it outside the house. I then used it as my "bum around the house" shirt. After a while the constructive criticism became more blunt observations about the shirt. Then there was actual terroristic threatening toward the shirt in which a plan was unveiled that involved making the shirt "disappear". I've seen enough action adventure movies to know what that means.
Finally, I could see that my beloved t-shirt was in grave peril, so I did what I had to do...
I cut up the shirt and made it into a quilt for our first baby thereby endowing it with the special, magical "baby's first blanket" power that is so strong it can never be destroyed.
I think they call that compromise, although probably my husband called it something else.
Lol,, that was a good story to start the day. I too have a favorite golf shirt. The hem rings (or whatever) are hanging literally by a thread. I agree with the blanket magic (3 daughters). That T shirt is there to stay. thnx..glenn
ReplyDeleteThat was a great post. I loved it. And making the T-shirt part of the baby's blanket was ingenious.
ReplyDeleteYou're a smart cookie! What is it about tie dye anyway?? I love it, too. So bright, so happy, so...60's or was it 70's?!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I never knew manipulate was spelled with a C...
ReplyDelete:)
Kristian
Coquetting Tarradiddles
You're my idol...:). I am not that clever at compromise. And not that crafty either. Although it may not be the same connection, my brother is a former "deadhead", so I understand the strong connection to tie-dye.
ReplyDeleteMy husband keeps saying that my auntie took my house dress when we went on a overnight trip together. Then, he laughs. My sister has told my daughter to secretly throw away certain items in my wardrobe, but my daughter is not talking.
Good save! Show's a bit of hippie spirit right there, you don't throw stuff away, you repurpose it. If you come up with anymore T-shirts that need to be "something else" you might try this...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myrecycledbags.com/2009/06/05/making-t-yarn-from-recycled-tee-shirts/
OR
http://tinyurl.com/n2j9rc
I think more of a compromise would have been letting your husband do the cutting. LOL Seriously though, that was very creative. This way the baby always has Momma with him.
ReplyDeleteShane
Http://bdgjm.blogspot.com
A good one! Loved the blanket idea. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteWhat a resourceful and strong woman you are. I worried you would succumb to the pressure and throw it out. So glad you held your ground.
ReplyDeletewhat a creative idea! My husband has the same kind of shirt (not tie dye, but one he just wears around the house now). I LOATHE it. I need to make it disappear...
ReplyDeleteHaha! My ex is STILL accusing me of getting rid of his ugly shirt 10 years ago! I didn't, but the fact that I wasn't sad to see it go is proof to him. I'm glad you managed to save yours!
ReplyDeleteCompromise? What's compromise? I would have said, "You can comment on my clothes once you start buying it for me." In fact . . . I have said that . . . LOL ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the Neener Neener Neener label! That made me giggle :)
ReplyDeleteI've saved a lot of favorite shirts over the years but I'm yet to repurpose them. I may someday when I think of what it is I'd like to do with them. Quilting isn't my thing. Hope all is well. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteTie die is universally unflattering. Good plan B!
ReplyDeleteCool idea.
ReplyDeleteToo bad I can't turn my new hair cut into a blanket! It's too short to do anything other than let it be curly! I looked at a picture & commented that I look a little scary & he's like, "Well, your HAIR..." I told him to give it a few months & he'd forget all about that woman with the afro who has been sleeping in his bed.
ReplyDeleteLMAO! i love that you stood firm and found a 'compromise' that worked for everyone! you go girl!! ;)
ReplyDelete-Tracie
Most excellent resourcefulness. Does he not have an item of clothing that provokes similar ire in you? My husband has plenty. And did the child understand that it was at the centre of a tug of love?
ReplyDeleteLOL...the shirt wasn't THAT ugly ;) But back when I was engaged -- almost a lifetime ago it seems now -- I had a t-shirt that, for some reason, my ex-fiancee thoroughly HATED. It was black, with gold lettering that simply said "Eat Well, Stay Fit, Die Anyway". She said it was a stupid shirt, worn only by a stupid person.
ReplyDeleteFor that reason, I wore it until it literally fell apart. Which didn't happen before she became my ex-fiancee ;)
Very creative compromise! Post a picture of the quilt sometime. That you know how to quilt is even more impressive.
ReplyDeleteIngenious! You are freaking brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about going the quilt route. But it's sheer genius, because once something goes quilt, it ascends to the realm of family heirloom and, therefore, cannot be harmed in any manner. I feel a quilt coming on.
ReplyDeleteEww tie dye. Since I was in San Fran quite a bit as a child I associate it with hippies too. Dirty, sweaty underarm and facial hair, gnarled, yellow toenails in sandals...and that was just the women!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it looks much better as a blankie!
lol! My husband usually holds his criticism until I see the light about a particular garment. Then he lets loose.
ReplyDeleteWhen I met him, nearly all his t-shirts had a curious chunk of fabric missing from the bottom. Redneck toilet paper. (When you're caught in the woods unprepared.) Those I threw away.
Hi, I enjoyed your t-shirt story. I can't remember ever wearing tie-dyed stuff. But it is fun. I think it would be a cute addition to a baby blanket. That was clever.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet new people and make new friends here on my daughter Lynnette's Wednesday's Walk.
Hop on over to my blog for a visit sometime.
Have a great day!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
I have caused many an ugly shirt to "disappear" at my house. You were right to take action when you did!
ReplyDeleteHow very clever. I bow to you and your creative "compromise".
ReplyDeletehey i didn't know that you were a quilter.......good idea!
ReplyDeleteAh-HAH! You won in the end :) Tells your husband who's boss, doesn't it haha. Hope the baby blanket lasts long past the baby stages.
ReplyDeleteI've been emptying out my closet and I kept the tie-dye shirt I made a couple years ago. My mantra throughout the process was "What would a 20 year old wear" and then "What would I buy if I saw it?"
Needless to say, the shirt was one of my exceptions. :)
Shawna's Study Abroad
I love it! My 34 year old brother's 1st blanket, Fufu, is still sort of intact- albeit stanky. I bet your quilt smells good.:) I love your acknowledgment of what teh shirt represented to you that creativity and freedom- and you imbuing your baby's life with it (and saving the shirt from terroristic maneuverings! LOL.) Good on you!
ReplyDelete