Restyling old stuff

CEBU, Philippines - The common fate of old clothes is being turned into house- or sweat wear. Once a favorite shirt, for example, become faded or a bit torn somewhere or just plain old, it is outright thought to have passed its usefulness. Sleeves are then cut off or, worse, the thing is used as mop head.

While putting an old shirt to another use - like as house- or sweat wear or mop head - is still a way of maximizing its value, there are better things to make of it. Why not turn it into a shrug? It only takes imagination to extend the usefulness of a favorite piece.

And it does not to take much else. Often, plain needle-and-thread and scissors, of course, are all that's required for tools. Any old pants, shorts and shirts may have another life!

Such restyling projects have a side benefit, too. Aside from salvaging stuff that would otherwise have ended as mop head or trash, it also gives one something productive to do. Thus, it can bring good feelings to the one doing it that he or she may continue to enjoy a favorite shirt or short or whatever. (FREEMAN)