Condolences on your loss. I adored my father-in-law, and when he passed in 2012 I asked my MIL to send me some of his clothes so I could make a quilt. I should have asked my BIL or someone else - MIL sent 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of socks, 2 undershirts, 2 pairs of briefs, and a jacket.
It was like she was packing for him to go on a short trip, and has absolutely no recollection of my request or her actions.
This is a quilt of shirts I've always wanted to make; it's simple and straight-forward.
http://wishesandweeds.com/seven-shirts-quilt/