A friends' DH died a few months ago and I'm working on a T-shirt quilt for him. One has a large 88, his number in football. The 8's are shredding (for lack of a better word) You probably have an idea but I'll try to post a picture. Thanks, in advance, for advice, it has been proven over and over that this is the place to come to with questions.

I don't think there is anything you can do about the peeling. Maybe the tshirts that have this problem can be used on a wall hanging?

You could a layer of clear organza before sewing it. Make sure there is some organza in the seam allowance. It will not fixed what is peeled, which is already part of the "character" of the shirt, but will protect it some. Yo may want to quilt around the numbers to hold the organza near the numbers. The color will not be as bright but the shirt will be protected.

Maybe you could try to get some of the inkjet iron-on paper - the kind that is clear that you could print on it. Then you could iron a blank sheet of this on top of the numbers to seal them in. I would try this on another shirt first.

If you don't understand what I am talking about feel free to send me a pm and I will try to explain better.

Good luck :)

That's a great idea! :thumbup:

have fun making the memory quilt

Maride's solution is probably how I would tackle it. I'm not sure if the iron on stuff would be compatible with the vinyl/plastic used for the numbers (plus anything you "iron on" freaks me out a bit). Let us know how you go...I have just been presented with a huge bag of my step-son's "favourite, must keep forever" T-shirts...I told him not to hold his breath...I'm dreading doing it!

Dear earthwalker,
Is there another name for Maride's solution or does it have a different use? Google sent me to marine solutions. :lol:

OK, duh. Maride is the helpful one who suggested the 'organza solution' Boy do I feel dumb. Details, it's all in the details!!! Thank you! lol

I recently did a T shirt quilt for a customer. Included were at least 50 items including T shirts, sweat shirts and even wrestling shorts. One shirt that was dearly loved was almost threadbare. What I did with it was photocopy it onto fabric and then use the copy in the shirt. The wrestling shorts I actually cut out the size piece I was going to use and lined it as it was that kind of shiney nylon fabric with the vent holes all over it. There was even a very faded Leonard Skinner shirt that I actually touched up the color with fabric crayons. Do what ever works best for you. That rubbery stuff that peels off is a pain to work with. Good Luck!