A dear, deeply respected friend died in a motorcycle accident and I offered to make a memory quilt for his ten-year old son from some of his shirts. His wife sent the shirts, mostly button down except for one or two tee-shirts which she would really like to be put into the quilt because of the memories attached to them.

I've never worked with tee-shirts, much less combined them with woven fabric into a quilt. What would be the best way to deal with them?

My thoughts are that I could put a fusible interfacing (the kind used for woven fabrics) on the back of the pieces that I want to use so that they will basically "act" like a woven fabric, but like I said, I've got no experience with this.

You are on the right track with the tee's. I've done a couple of tee quilts and used interfacing. I had better luck with spray baste. Be sure to keep us posted with your progress.

Just a though but could you work the tees into the backing?

Lilithcat - I did just ask her that (via e-mail, so haven't got a reply). The color of one of the tees would really stick out on the front, and I think it would detract from the overall look, but if she wants, I'll put it on the front, since the point of the quilt is not primarily to look good to me, but to comfort the son.

I've made several memory quilts and used all types of fabric. I've found that the key is to use a lightweight fusable interfacing on all the non-cotton fabrics. I think that it makes the sewing much easier and the pieces will hold their shape.

that is what i would do also