grandma23

Those of you that use mens shirts in your quilts, I have a couple questions.

1.Do you cut them up and add them to your stash or leave them whole till you need them?

2. If you cut them up, do you keep them separate or mix them in with your other fabrics?

3. Do you make quilts that are ALL just shirts or mix them in with other fabrics for quilts?

I have lots that I got a good sale on and now I want to know what most people do with them...lol
Thanks for any and all help,
Linda

PaperPrincess

I had lots of shirts and was wondering the same thing. I finally cut them all into 5" charm squares, reserving the left front (the side that normally has the pocket) which I kept whole. This worked for me. I have mixed them with other fabrics, but usually just use the shirts. If I decide I want some sashing, I go & buy some shirts of the right color for this specific use. Here's some of the ones I've made: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t153884.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...t-t209062.html

Monroe

Head over to Quiltville.com by Bonnie Hunter for lots of information about recycling shirts and free patterns. follow the ink to her blog which is full of fun info, and she's written several great books.

hevemi

http://quiltville.blogspot.fi/2012/0...irt-movie.html

If the link doesn't work : this video is on youTube

DOTTYMO

A friend made a quilt using her late husbands shirts, at which time she discovered how colour co-ordinated he was with colours. She kept the pockets to hold tissues and other things for some and appliquéd hearts on some pockets. Periodically she sprinkles with his favourite after shave. All cut into a size to make impossible to keep pocket in same size square.

ckcowl

when ever I am 'recycling' fabrics I de-construct the item (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses-whatever) removing buttons, zippers, seams -- so I have the largest pieces possible from each section of the item- unless I am working on a project that needs a specific piece I fold and put them on the shelves with the rest of my fabrics. I have separate places for flannels, wools, corduroy, denim, other specialty fabrics- that are not cotton.

quiltingloulou

Paperprincess, your quilts are lovely. I wouldn't have even thought they were all fro shirts because they are so colorful.

leatheflea

I use shirts and sheets in my quilts all the time. Mixed in with quilting cottons, no one ever knows! As stated above you should check out bonnie hunters site.

grandma23

Thank you for all your replies. I have seen the video on deboning shirts. I'm also a fan of Bonnies. Mostly interested in how you use the shirts.

PaperPrincess; Thanks so much for the links to the great quilts you did with the shirts. I just love them!
Thanks again everybody,
Linda

tuckyquilter

How about APRONS??
Here's a blog I ran across one day. I have my DSIL giving me his old dress shirts. He only wears 100% cotton and has terrific taste. I'm a lucky gal.

http://gabrielsgoodtidings.blogspot....-to-apron.html