By Jenny Goos
Ahhh….the lazy days of summer are winding down and the NFL season is so close you can almost feel it in the air. Now that we’ve gotten all the details on Russell’s new contract, held our breath over Kam’s holdout (don’t worry, it won’t last much longer), and read WAY TOO MUCH about Ciara’s celibacy, there is one more thing left to worry about before the Seahawks first kickoff. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO WEAR THIS YEAR?!!!!
While we all can (and do) walk into the local team shop and pick up the latest jersey that costs 25X more than it does to make, it is always the more interesting and fun outfits that stand out at the games. For me, people-watching is one of the best parts of attending Seahawks games in person. If you want to hear some good stories, just find someone interesting and ask them the infamous question, “WHAT are you wearing”?
My interest began a couple years ago while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. After watching one of the beach vendors have a slow day selling name bracelets for $4 each, I mentioned to him that the resort behind me had close to 40 guests from Western Washington. I suggested if he made bracelets that said “Seahawks”, his sales should increase exponentially. After showing him the proper color combination, Garcia went home that night and got to work. I’m happy to report that he showed up at the beach the next morning with 100 Seahawks bracelets, and promptly sold every single one. I still wear mine to every game I attend.
My good friend Lisa has a similar story she shared with me recently. After buying one of her beautifully beaded Seahawks necklaces, I asked how she made them. Here is the incredible story behind her beaded jewelry:
“I have a childhood friend who is an inmate at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, WA. The inmates are allowed to do crafts, especially if it’s associated with their religion or culture. My friend, Tom, is in the dog training program with some Native American inmates who have befriended him. This friendship allows him to attend the annual pow-wow held at the prison and I have been invited as a guest for the past two years. As a Native American myself, I’ve witnessed how this cultural experience within the prison walls is a great outlet for the Native men and I wanted to find a way to support them while they were incarcerated. Many of the guys are very talented with beads so I asked how I could help them out; I buy beads and have them shipped to the prison and the guys use their creative talents to create awesome Seahawks jewelry for me. I sell the jewelry to my friends and use the money to buy more beads. It’s a win-win, these guys know how much everyone loves their creations and buying beads for them allows them to continue to work on their craft and be creative while supporting the Seahawks! The majority of the inmates are from Washington State and are Seahawk fans, they get together and watch the games, it’s one brief outlet for them, to escape their reality while they’re cheering on the Hawks! When I visit the prison, I usually wear some type of Seahawk clothing and always a piece of their jewelry. It always puts a smile on their faces and I get “Go Hawks” as I walk past the guys. Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, home of the 12th Inmate!! LOL!” – Lisa B.
And my last, but definitely not least, favorite new piece of clothing is something I keep close at heart (literally). You see, there is a company making what every fan wants (and needs) for those cold winter games – a battery pack heated vest. These vests are a well kept secret with NFL teams, as they have been ordering them for some time. For fans, the heated vest is perfect for those cold games, and its super thin fits under anything. Just slip your favorite jersey over the top, turn on your four setting battery, and enjoy the game in warmth! The vest lasts 1 ½ hours on high, and sells for around $120. While these vests may soon be selling at Costco and Amazon, if like me, you can’t wait that long, you can order one through hnchavis@gmail.com.
For a few more “fun” items to wear to your next game, here are some more of my favorite items and websites:
www.huckleberryink.com
Other sites:
- Hope’s Scrubs and Gifts
- Noble Beads for Hawks
- Jewelry by Terri Thompson
- Jamberry Seahawks Nail Covers
