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-   -   Building the stash from old clothes etc (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/building-stash-old-clothes-etc-t53378.html)

AllyJo 07-08-2010 04:21 AM


Originally Posted by mygirl66
I always go to the "big mens" section at the Goodwill and look for wool pants, sweaters, and nice shirts. You get alot of fabric that way, and if you hit them on the sale days, half off a certain colored tag, or the second Tuesday of the month, 5 pieces of clothing for $5, you can get alot of fabric! I love recycling!I reuse everything from buttons, tags, and zippers! Have fun with it, and if you want to take it apart, only do it at the seams, or you might kick yourself later.

My husband and son are big and tall. LOVE those extra large and extra long shirts on sale at the thrift store. :) They make my day.

sewcrafty 07-08-2010 04:23 AM

I hate cutting up things prior to having a quilt in mind. If its scraps so be it, but otherwise I leave as big as possible. Never know what size I'll need so if I cut 2.5 I know darn well that I'll find a quilt that I need 3.5 for! :lol: :lol: Murphy's Law.

hetty 07-08-2010 06:40 AM


Originally Posted by AllyJo
I kinda like the way these shirts are cut up and used. I hope this link works.

http://thethriftyquilter.blogspot.co...e-thrifty.html

I don't precut my pillowcases and old sheets. I might need them big, so I keep them folded and waiting for the right project.

Thanks for this link. I love stripes and plaids. There are always nice stripy shirts at our local charity shops. I have just done a deal with a friend of ours who is a gentlemens' tailor... he is going to give me the fabric sample books when the manufacturers have changed their collections!

AllyJo 07-08-2010 06:41 AM


Originally Posted by hetty
Thanks for this link. I love stripes and plaids. There are always nice stripy shirts at our local charity shops. I have just done a deal with a friend of ours who is a gentlemens' tailor... he is going to give me the fabric sample books when the manufacturers have changed their collections!

You lucky thing. I wouuld die to get my hands on one of those fabric sample books. Have fun with that.

susie0808 07-08-2010 06:48 AM

Welcome! Saving and recycling clothes is great. I recycle all shirts and blue jeans. I do pre cut alot of it. Most of my shirts I cut in 3 inches depending on patterns. Jeans I cut legs off and back pockets. Cut open at seam and measure how many inches I can get out of it. Each pair is different. It depends on project and how big I want the square.

DeniseP 07-08-2010 06:51 AM

I remember my the quilt on my brother's bed growing up had pieces of a dress my mom wore when she was pregnant for him. I asked her why she cut up a dress and she said that's the way they quilted back then to use up any fabric available and not to waste something that couldn't be worn anymore. My brother is now 51 and still has his quilt!

raptureready 07-08-2010 07:33 AM

I usually just cut the seams and bad parts out then fold up the fabric that's left. I never know what size piece I'm going to need until I use it. If you're a person that likes to use charm packs or jelly rolls then cut them like that while you're cutting.

AllyJo 07-08-2010 08:11 AM

I thought of something else I meant to tell you. Of course, this is personal choice.

On the front shirt piece with a pocket, I usually cut a square around the pocket, maybe with 1" space around the pocket for seam allowance. I am saving them for something. I figure they could make a cute wall hanging to stick stuff in or make a cute kids quilt where they could hide their toys. Kids love to hide things. :)

Hope that helps.

squilter 07-08-2010 09:20 AM

I have a ton of jeans, I have made 2 baby quilts and plan to make g-sons a rag quilt, also plan to make them an I Spy quilt. Have the fabric, just need to get them done. But I am the kind that does not like to make more than one quilt of the same time, so when I get ready to make them, I have to make three blocks at a time so they will be all done at the same time......lol

GrammaNan 07-08-2010 11:00 AM

Great information.


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