Our little local library is staffed entirely by volunteers and the income from the thrift store, next door, funds the library. I stopped in at the library the other day and then took the time to pop into the thrift store to ask them what sort of things they might be able to use. I took a few minutes to browse around and was drawn to some men's shirts. I've been thinking of making a quilt using them for some time. The clothing racks were quite sparse, but I found four 100% cotton shirts...and they were free! They were getting ready to put out spring and summer clothes and were giving away winter merchandise. I love our little library and want to do my part to support it so I left a donation and walked out with these 4 shirts.
There's an older house on our property - the old homestead - and the couple that we purchased this place from lived there for 2 years, when he retired from his practice, while they were building this home. Family and friends would stay there and the home was kept up; although it does need a new roof and septic.
It was still almost fully furnished including some furniture, kitchen items, books on the shelves, and clothes in the closets. I am planning on taking small loads to the thrift shop when we drive that way.
Then it occurred to me to look through the shirts the doctor had left behind. Bingo! 6 100% cotton shirts, still on wooden hangers.
I'd never deboned a shirt, but I did a little research and started cutting. I knew the key was to get the shirts into usable fabric, but now I'm committed so I think this is only the beginning. 10 free shirts is a good start though.
I wonder if I can sneak some from DH. 😁
9 comments:
I've seen several quilts made from shirts, they are lovely! Happy stitching!
I made 4 memory quilts using my FIL’s shirts. They turned out great. I also have a bunch of shirts a friend found at a thrift store and I raided my husband’s closet. Now I just need to make a few more quilts with the shirts.
I have used shirts to make quilts a few times. I have loved the results.
Wow, a great shirt haul indeed! And free makes it even more special. I hope in your research you found Bonnie Hunter's (of Quiltville) shirt deboning video. She is the queen of the process! Her blog and first two "Scraps and Shirtails" books can provide a lot of project inspiration too.
Made a quilt from my husbands sport shirts!
This will be fun to follow along with!
Ceci
Surely hubby won't mind donating to the quilt. If he's like my hubby it'll be months before he even realizes they are gone. HAHA! Can't wait to see your creation.
I'm excited for you. This is going to be fun to watch what you come up with. I'm glad you thought to check out the previous owner's closets. When I saw your first picture it made me think of ticking. I have a quilt I backed with ticking and it has the softest feel ever.
Try using the front of a shirt, including buttons, for a cushion backing. It’s so easy … no need to add a zipper or a fold over … just open the buttons to put the pillow form inside. So easy and cute!
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