Little Lulu

I lost my husband about 3 weeks ago. I was wondering if any of you have made quilts from men's shirts. I have a closet of both long sleeve and short sleeve shirts that are all good quality, 100% cotton. I know I am not ready to do this yet, but I think that is what I may do for our children and grandchildren when I am ready. I have only made 3 quilts so I am not an expert by any means. I guess my questions are about cutting out, pattern suggestions and any other suggestions that will help as I prepare. I know it will be a long process, but right now all I have is time to try to fill and keep busy. Thanks.

wesing

Lulu -

So sorry for the loss of your husband. I know you are still in shock and hope you are taking good care of yourself. Quilting will help fill your days and I hope help you re-enjoy your good memories.

This quilt: Recycled Shirt Pineapple Quilt Done! is one of my favorites on the QB and was made from men's shirts. I'm also looking for another one that I've seen here. If I find it I will post the link.

Take care,

Darren

Garden Gnome

I'm very sorry for your loss. And it is very thoughtful of you to think about preserving your husbands memory in this way, for your children.
I am wondering if it might be easier on you to put your husbands shirts away for the time being, because I would think your loss is too fresh. It might be helpful for you, after watching some videos, to go to a thrift store, buy maybe 4 or 5 shirts and do some practice. These won't have any emotional attachment for you. You could make a throw or child's quilt to donate. The questions you have, and the mistakes you make will get worked out before you cut into your husband's shirts.

KalamaQuilts

I'm so sorry for your loss Lulu.

I love working with shirts. You can take any color patchwork pattern and use shirts in those colors is one way to open up the possibilities.
You can start here for idea of how they will look
https://www.google.com/search?q=mens...wVCvoQ_AUIDygC

This is one of mine in a planned color scheme, wonky flying geese in oranges and greens.
And another big one I just built out on the working wall with no planning colors or design at all

and how to debone a shirt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS-09AYE0fM

Several of Bonnie Hunter's books deal specifically with shirts, a wonderful resource.
(((Lulu)))

betthequilter

My deepest sympathy, Little Lulu. I've been where you are. Just thinking about quilts, patterns, fabric, etc. helped me so much. It really was my saving grace.

I really like wesing's suggestion for a quilt. I think any scrappy quilt would be great.

One day at a time, Little Lulu ..... one day at a time.

QuiltnNan

I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom in January and my Dad in March. I have my mom's clothes but am waiting for my brother to mail my dad's. This is what I have planned to make https://thecraftyquilter.com/2017/01...lock-tutorial/ I will make pillows for the siblings and grands. It is a simple pattern, but plan to use Mom's for one half and my Dad's for the other half.

Tartan

So sorry for your loss! You might want to start with Bonnie Hunter’s video of deboning shirts. You could also just do a pillow for each instead of quilts to start. There are many cute versions on the net of men’s shirt pillows.

Jordan

So very, very sorry for your loss. Yes, there are a lot of patterns that I have seen made out of men's shirts. This may be hard for you in the beginning to cut up his shirts. My suggestion would be to fold them up and put away for awhile until you are ready to do a project with them. That is such a lovely idea to make quilts for your children and grandchildren and I hope you keep one for yourself then when you want a hug from him you can just wrap a quilt made out of his shirts around your shoulders and feel comfort. I am sure your family members would treasure these items too. Good luck and please take care of yourself first.

osewme

I so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband recently. Prayers are being lifted up for you for strength & comfort as you have to deal with the sadness & lonesomeness of all of this. I have only made one shirt quilt. I used the block pattern from Quilter's Cache called Indiana Puzzle because it was a memory quilt for my employer's father-in-law who was from Indiana. I made it on point but don't have a picture as my pictures were lost when my computer crashed a couple of years back. I think quilts from shirts are beautiful no matter which pattern is used. There will be a time when you are ready to begin to make the quilts. Take your time & take care of yourself.

GEMRM

My condolences on your loss - it's hard to lose one's partner.....
With reference to the quilt/clothing idea - someone on this board posted a picture of a quilt made with "grandpa's" shirts for a grandson - it featured sections of his most favorite shirts as the body of the penguins in the blocks. \While I'm not saying that this is the right idea for you, I wanted to put it out there that you don't have to do a traditional block if something else is more appropriate or appealing.