Re-Tooled

They were building a new Michaels in Manhattan, and Megan’s doing a book signing there.
May our wallets rest easy now that preppy is frowned upon, and we’ve moved on to more eclectic wear.

And I wonder, what looks cooler, Pinup Girl or Back In Action,
And who will discover the amazing satisfaction,
Of refashioning old T-shirts in the throes of a recession,
Led by Megan Nicolay, who’s made it her profession.

Except all the high-end clothes are too expensive,
And the chain-store clothes are too generic,
And I keep seeing the same damn look everywhere I go!
Maybe I should pack some scissors in my purse,
And a seam-ripper in my bag,
And fumble around with my own unique designs,
Minus the obscene boutique price tags.

People used to make clothing,
To combat the elements,
To protect their skin from all that Mother Nature sent.
Now everything is aesthetics,
Matching purses and shoes.
You choose.

So make a tank top,
Or make a tube top,
Or you can slash up all your shirts,
And you can braid and sew and chop,
And you can make yourself a poncho,
Or a stylin’ mohawk hat,
‘Cause there’s something for everyone,
Whether skinny or fat,
Or simply curvy.
So you tell me, isn’t Michaels where it’s at?
Don’t have to tell me……that’s that.

And they say that DIY’ers, are always DIY’ers,
Even when they’re slammed with careers, or school,
Even when they’re stranded in a humourless office,
Where no one’s allowed to wear anything cool.
And I wonder,
Is it different?
Nothing's different.
Nothing's changed….’cause all you need is scissors, to make a full range
[Of Megan's projects].

So don’t go heading for that shopping mall,
‘Cause you needn’t spend your cash if you wanna have it all.
So just go back to that Michaels in Manhattan,
And meet Megan, this coming Sunday,
Pick up your scissors, and let her inspire you,
By teaching you tons of creative ways,
To make anything you want from a humble T-shirt,
Like some gloves, or yoga pants, or a flippy circle skirt.
Or a tote bag, a hoodie, a patchwork quilt,
Without the aftertaste of “overspending” guilt.
So make anything you’ve thought about, or dreamed about.
That’s what it’s all, that’s what it’s all about,
Despite the norms, the ads, and the pressure to be cool,
There’s a T-shirt that you can re-tool.

There’s a T-shirt that you can re-tool.

[REPEAT LAST LINE 13 TIMES].