I've done quite a few tops for an initiative here - originated as a church outreach - basically, they run a "new to you" shop where people bring in their clothes to be resold (person gets a percentage of the sale). However, anything that is not in perfect sellable condition (has a button missing, seams coming apart, etc) is NOT sold. People are advised of this so they know what is happening.
Anyhew, clothes that can't be sold, can be used in many ways. Some are packaged up and shipped to needy areas, some are cut up into 6" or 8" squares, and made into quilts. These are then put together and tied; these quilts are given to missions (for the homeless) or women's shelters, etc.
The quilts are a complete mixture of types of fabric - denim, cotton, wool, double-knit. Can be a beast to put together, with some stretchy and some stiff as a board! But they work amazingly well together and are just so charming!
The designs they put together are all simple squares, just making nice diagonal or boxy designs from light to dark fabrics.