Elizabeth Hartmann has a pattern that makes penguins. I saw a nice memory quilt where the penguin bodies were made from plaid/checkered shirts - (for the grandkids maybe?) It was a really nice idea.

Catbird Quilts of Youtube has some terrific videos of how to break down shirts and patterns to use for quilts. That will give some great ideas.

My condolences on the loss of your husband.

My suggestions for the quilts:
'Harvest' the pockets and use them as a center for at least one quilt. You can sew them shut or leave them open (useable) and quilt around them, whichever you prefer. Or attach the quilt label to a pocket to enhance the label on the back.