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Repurposing Ideas? For DH's nasty undershirts...
Kaileesmommy Beginner FL USA Member since 4/5/08 Posts: 21	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:06 PM My husband works in an unconditioned room unloading Wal-Mart trucks. He has a ton on too-stained-to-wear white undershirts that are destined for the trash unless I want to use the fabric. My idea is to dye them all black (RIT?) and sew me up a bazillion pairs of panties. Any other thoughts??
FirecrackerKTM Intermediate CO USA Member since 3/28/08 Posts: 2333	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:07 PM Umm, dust rags? Dog toys? Even if you dye them to cover the stains, the fabric is still going to be worn out and thin from so much wear.
ElizabethK Intermediate TX Member since 3/28/08 Posts: 74	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:19 PM I'd use them for rags, too, and kitchen washcloths. My husband has some pretty nasty shirts, too, and I don't think I'd want to use them for panties for me!
appleC Intermediate AZ USA Member since 6/17/04 Posts: 349	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:21 PM I would take the opportunity to experiment tie dye, herbal dye, tea dye, etc. Then...get a book or search online for creative T-shirt refashion ideas. Have fun!
tr1c14 Advanced Beginner AB CANADA Member since 3/28/08 Posts: 637	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:44 PM Would they work as the removable liner layers of re-usable menstrual pads? ------ Tricia ---------------- The advantage of being a beginner is, nobody has told you "That can't be done." This is also the disadvantage of being a beginner.
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6124	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:45 PM I say use them for rags or unwearable muslins for tee shirts. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
goodworks1   Advanced IL USA Member since 7/19/03 Posts: 3300	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:45 PM Sure. If the fabric is the right weight and you use Synthapol or equivalent to scour the fabric before dyeing the dye should work fine. What sort of stains are on the shirts? Perspiration? Dye from boxes? Machine oil? Some types of stains might impede the dye from working on the fabric. I'd use Procion cotton dye. Or something like Setacolor transparent dye. Setacolor color trials. You can buy it at dharmatrading.com However, I'd advise against RIT dye if the shirts are 100% cotton. You don't need the ability to dye polyester or nylon, so all that portion of the RIT dye will be 'loose' (not firmly/chemically attached to the fibers) and will be difficult to wash out. In other words, if it gets damp while you are wearing it you could stain your outer clothing. (Other folks seem to have good luck with RIT, but I never have had. Maybe it's a problem with the hard water in this area?) Another idea: Cut away the stained parts and save the good portions of the shirts for cotton liners for your undies. If the shirts are all the same brand/model/color you might be able to salvage enough backs to make the entire panties and not have to worry about dyeing (the chemicals next to your skin or whether or not the garment will be colorfast later.) I sew undies for my dh from old jersey golf shirts. -- Edited on 6/10/08 6:58 PM -- ------ blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
Debbie Cook USA Member since 4/11/02 Posts: 9587	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 6:48 PM If they are *under*shirts, why are they too stained to wear while sweating in a warehouse??? Who's going to know? I think I'd be designating those as the *only* undershirts to be worn there, saving the nicer ones for after work and saving money by NOT having to replace them constantly. ------ -- "I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
dodger Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 9/7/04 Posts: 607	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/10/08 11:10 PM Cut into strips and braid. These can be made into bowls, totes, rugs, think of the possibilities.
Michelle T Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 4181	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kaileesmommy Like this post Date: 6/10/08 11:31 PM Rag bag. If they are stained they will not take the dye evenly. If they were all sweaty, the smell could still be in the fabric. ------ Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student

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