quilter1943

I do use men's shirts in some of my quilts, especially if I find a color that I can't live without. Being in Florida the thrift stores have a lot of tropical print shirts. Many of these are wonderful cotton fabrics and splendid colors. Just beware of the poly/cotton mixes and rayon and silk/rayon mixes in the tropical patterns. Near us is a thrift store that has them for $1 sometimes and I try to buy then. Only problem I've found is that you're limited in the size of fabric pieces you get from them.

burchquilts

Bonnie is a master at using old clothes & when you look at her quilts, be prepared to have your sock knocked off because they're fabulous!

donnalynett

I made my niece a king size quilt using nothing but men's shirts for the front. It was a "Day and Night" pattern.

pollyjvan9

I make a lot of scrap quilts and use clothing bought at garage sales and thrift stores. I don't buy clothing with a lot of wear and tear. I usually look for the designer cotton clothing, especially Ralph Lauren. I don't know how to post just the thread but if you look at an old post of mine called - A few more quilts I have made - posted 4-18-2010 the one called Country Roses has a 100% cotton used in the center of the block, aqua with roses, this was from a pair of Ralph Lauren pants, and the brown border was from a bed skirt. It was just exactly the color I wanted. The one called Ice Princess was made from free old prom dresses. I managed to use already beaded satin for the border. I also buy 100% wool clothing and wash and dry for wool applique. I think if these clothes have been around for 10-15-20 years they are probably going to last for a lot more years.

wanttobe

I love to make my scrappy quilts out of large cotton skirts and some cotton shirts. I am NOT a professional quilter but they work for my needs

barri1

I made a fannel rag quilt out of flannel shirts from Goodwill.. I bought the shirts in the summer, and they were $.80 per lb. It worked out great, I bought very good brand of shirts, and it was very well worth it. I made two denim blankets for the kids next door out of denim from Goodwill. There is a lot of good fabric to be had at the thrift stores.. I also have a bunch of my dad's shirts waiting for me to cut up when I figure out what I want to do..

quiltingweb

My daughter's favorite quilt is one I made from corduroy from pants of mine when I was a kid. It is heavy and warm and backed with flannel. I'm currently working on a quilt made from my dad's old pendleton wool shirts. Well, then there are the T-shirt quilts, blue jean quilts. My grandmother used to make quilt from wool scraps and old wool suits.[ATTACH=CONFIG]354023[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]354024[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]354025[/ATTACH]My cousin's neice made a quilt from squares cut from her grandfather's shirts to give to her grandmother. She was 10 at the time. It was very sweet and comforting for her grandmother in the nursing home to have something to remember her husband after he'd passed away. Sunbonnet Sue and Sam were made from old blue jeans and scraps from my stash.

ragquilter

I make rag quilts out of thrift and estate sale fabric. I have a thrift store near me that has loads of denim and cotton jumpers. The clothes have different color tags and I buy when the tags are 75%off, I know the clothes have been there 6 weeks so I'm not taking clothes someone could use. I find the women's jumpers are usually still in great shape and have lots of fabric if they are gathered. The handmade ones stick out and are usually very good fabric. I also buy flannel and cotton sheets for the middles and backs. I actually sell my quilts because some people really like the green aspect and each quilt is one of a kind. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow if you would like. My daughter is asleep and our quilt pictures are on her computer. I enjoy the challenge of finding fabrics to put together and I do mix new with old. Hobby Lobby always has a 40% off coupon and you can print off as many as you like.

ragquilter

I love Ralph Lauren because his fabric is always very good and great colors. I just used one of his sheets for the back of a quilt with vintage fabric on the front. I watch for good quality fabric just like at the fabric stores.

SmickChick

I often get fabric from Goodwill clothes. This quilt is made from a Lilly Rubin (?Lilli Rubin?) size 4 dress. Almost too pretty to cut up. The dog is from a 1950's "Cashmeresh" coat, the perfume bottle is from various silk blouses, the label, a man's cotton shirt, and the glass is vinyl from a tablecloth cover.
Today I bought (another!) prom dress and a couple of silk blouses for a specific quilt - purple!
I do think that it depends on the quality of the Goodwills in your area. Some towns stink, but mine is GREAT!
I also just love "the hunt"