Sunday, February 13, 2011

Men's Shirts

Just got this one out of the dryer and ready to go to it's new home. After seeing the You Tube 10 minute block and working out some of the details with the gals at the HGTV quilting board, I dove into the shirts that were waiting for destruction. 100 % cotton shirts that weren't going to be worn again. 

The local economy shop was visited too because I didn't like the way some of the shirts I had played together.

These started out with 8 1/2" squares - 5 of them for each block.  I saved the light shirt for the 'windows'. Each block was layered and quilted them up using my custom templates....That would be a cake-taker lid and a pie plate!!  Just the right sizes and easy to place on the blocks.
Out of 6 shirts I got this whole front with most of the backs still whole - for another project.  I used flannel for the backing on this one to make it extra cozy.

Can you see some of the shirt labels on the outside border?  I was delighted to see that the top part of most of the shirts were large enough to use for the border - and why not just leave the labels on!!  I also left the placket on the sleeves and just stitched them down....tiny button and all.   Then I grabbed some of the extra buttons found on some of the shirts, and sewed them to the center of the windows.

After cutting the squares that I needed from the shirts, I cut the rest (except the backs) into 2 inch strips that I used for the top and bottom border.

I started this quilt around January 22 and finished it tonight - so that's about 3 weeks total time to finish it.  It ended up right at 55" X 75" which is what I always shoot for in this type of quilt.

All those cuffs, collars and button plackets were staring at me while this quilt was in progress.  I knew I would have to do something with them.
This is at least a partial solution:
That's a pillow case to go with the quilt!!  I used one of the shirt backs that I was saving for the back so when you want to sleep on it - you wouldn't have to lay your head on all those buttons!!     

I'm thinking about those cuffs going around some drinking cups for insulation or just catching condensation..... someone shared this link with me:  shirt-cuff-wallet
now - what do I do with shirt collars!

 

9 comments:

  1. What a great use of the plackets! I think I will try using them to make a pillow case too as I hate the waste! Cynthia

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  2. Well done, a very attractive finish, and a quilt that would be like a family hug rather than don't touch. :)

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  3. What a great idea for the button plackets! Cute during the day and put them to sleep at night. Oh to have back all those I clipped buttons off and through the placket away. LOL

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  4. Thanks for sharing. This is the inspiration that I need to get moving on my shirts again.
    That is a great mans quilt. Thea in Indiana

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  5. The quilt is great. I'll need to look up the tutorial because I don't quite understand how the block is assembled. I like the pillowcase, too!

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  6. That is just perfect!! I have six or seven shirts I bought at the local Goodwill shop, and have them all washed and de-buttoned...I had just made a 10 min.block...this is just perfect...what an innovating approach to recycling and saving stuff from being cast aside and laying in landfills...Cute, cute cute

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  7. I really like this quilt! I've got to give it a try.

    Yes. The family stories are precious. I tried to get my dad to tell his stories while I was recording, but he wouldn't do it. I need to write down the stories I remember.

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  8. Gorgeous quilt, I love plaids and this one really shows them off. Great use of shirts that might not be anyone's favorite anymore.

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  9. Oh my gosh...all those plackets I've thrown away!!!! :( But I have saved all the pockets and buttons. whew. What to do with the cuffs and collars??? No clue.

    These are wonderful!!!

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