Working with shirts
You may remember that I came home from the "Great Yard Sale" (tongue firmly implanted in cheek) with a pile of my grandsons' shirts.
They were name brand, 100% cotton, very clean and in great shape. But many of the fabrics feel like a well-laundered sheet, which probably felt great on the wearer, but not anywhere close to "quilt shop quality." I really wish I had starched the large chunks I salvaged in the deconstruction process before cutting strips and squares.
To further complicate the construction of the picnic quilts I am making for the boys, I am pairing the shirt fabric with a dress-weight chambray that is loosely woven. I'm having a terrible time keeping seams anywhere close to straight.
Sew, my tip(s) for you:
1. If you want to work with old shirts, use starch or Best Press to stabilize the fabric before cutting.
2. If crooked plaids and stripes bother you, think of another project.
This is my progress so far:
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| Picnic quilt #1 |
Could you quilt the 50x50 part on your frame and then add borders with the quilt as you go method? I have a friend who does that. I am loving this quilt!
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept. I'll think about it...
DeleteI'm totally loving this quilt!! The "off-grain" look doesn't bother me. The softness of the quilt will more than make up for the "wonkiness"!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Joy - I like the look of the striped fabrics the way they are! It's a great layout, Libby. I would think 50 x 50 would work for a picnic quilt.
ReplyDeleteBobcats were around occasionally back at our old property but stayed away from people.They are a worry esp. if they feel cornered so be careful.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile I use some of Hubby's old shirts and it really depends on the material but you are so right that some of them are almost useless for quilting.
I do like how you are overcoming the issue and this is looking wonderful to me. Very creative, Libby.
Your 50 inch square is fine for a picnic quilt! I love this quilt top!
ReplyDeleteI love what you are making - and 50 x 50 is fine! They can sit on it, use it as a footer on the bed ( which of course I always end up under) and what a treasure - a gift from yoU!
ReplyDeleteHow about 50 x 70? The design is terrific.
ReplyDeleteGreat design...yes shirts are pretty interesting these days. Some are stiff because of the "stuff" put on them to keep them no-iron shirts. I like the casual, fun look of the plaids/stripes. Very nice. I'd think 50 x 50 would be fine although Nann's suggestion would give a bit more space. Good luck with these.
ReplyDeletePerfect size in my humble opinion! Also perfect is the sentiment and softness and uh I don’t see wonkiness at all; if you do your nose is too close right? Personally I think a picnic or outdoor concert quilt should be square so 50x50” is fine.
ReplyDeleteThe size should be fine, but adding the quilt-as-you-go border is a great suggestion.
ReplyDelete(Is it bad of me that I'll frequently cut stripes and plaids off-kilter purposely, just to get a little more movement?)
What you have so far looks great. I've never sewn with recovered garment fabric, sounds like it can be really challenging.
ReplyDelete