"Shadow Box" T-shirt using jeans?
 

Hey Y'all!
I'm planning to make 2 t-shirt memorial quilts for my niece & nephew. We lost their dad (my dear brother) last summer and I promised to make them each a quilt from his shirts. They included jeans with the selected shirts, so I'm trying to figure out how to use them, too. Would using the denim/jeans work as a 'shadow' along 2 sides of each t-shirt block? Have any of y'all ever tried that??? I'm thinking about making them 9 blocks total - 3 across x 3 down, and just wanted something more visually appealing than 9 plain blocks.
Also - what do you recommend for stabilizing the t-shirts? I've read lots of things & they all seem to have differing opinions - including NO stabilizer. Just seeking some tried & true advise. =)
I'm an experienced quilter - but haven't ever made a t-shirt quilt.

Thank you!
Donna Mc

trying to decide what pattern to use for a memory quilt is my biggest problem. Dealing with that now

I would definitely stabilize the tshirts. I have made a number of tshirt quilts and I used stabelizer for them all. I actually can't imagine not using stabilizer. the tshirts get wonky real easy. I use this stablizer. But I am sure there are a number of them that work well

https://smile.amazon.com/Heatn-Non-W...EBK2S948CA6089


the best advice I can give you is to google memory quilts. there are a ton of different pictures out there. You will get some inspiration as you look through everything

I have attached pictures of some that I made for Christmas. I did not put jeans as the shadow box - but I did put jeans on the top and the bottom of the tshirt blocks on the first quilt. The other 2 have shirts cut into 7" blocks and then the larger tshirt logos I cut larger... and I did some applique with the jeans as well. the last 2 are straight tshirts

Not saying that mine are great, but I am sharing because inspiration pops in when you least expect it :)[ATTACH=CONFIG]606031[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]606032[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]606033[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]606034[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]606035[/ATTACH]

They all look great to me. I have never made a t-shirt quilt.

Ive made t shirt quilts both ways but its too hard to machine or LA without stabilizer!!! Ended up just leaving as was... a lot of t shirt quilts you send in to companies don't top quilt, they just pillowcase and leave it . I would think using strips to shadow sides would work, don't see why not. If you have enough blue jeans could make an all blue jean quilt. Would be heavy though. Good luck, show us what you make!

I've used the Denim Stars pattern to make a memory quilt from my Step-Dad's shirts and jeans. You could also do the same with squares and brick shaped jeans and shirts. Here's a couple pictures.

Good heavens, don't make one without stabilizer! Just having the stabilizer come loose from some of the shirts I used was hellish. (I think it was from fabric softener build up.) Here's the cheapest price I've found on Pellon 911FF, which is the most frequently suggested stabilizer. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pellon-91...Yards/21976551 It's $11.25 for a bolt that's 20" x 15 yds.

The only thing I think about using denim for the shadow would be the difference in fabric weight, and that it might make it a problem when doing the quilting. I had a ball making my T-shirt quilt!

Yes...stabilize those tee shirts!!! I cut the shirts at the shoulders and down the sides. Then I stabilize them with a fusable interfacing. I prefer the non woven Pellon. Then and only then....cut the blocks the size you want them. If you cut the blocks first...You will have a hard time getting them fused to interfacing and will have to recut them smaller to get the shape you want.

Okay - I'll definitely get some stabilizer. =)

Did anyone have issues combining denim w/ lighter t-shirt cotton knit and other cotton/weaves? I love the look of adding the denim in, but don't want the quilt to be fragile and pull apart due to issues between the various fabrics.
Depending on the final design, I MIGHT even add in some of my dad's cotton shirts. I think that would be an added memory/touch to my dear brother's memory quilt.

Thank you sooo much for your advise and pictures. Very inspiring to see the possibilities. I've got an idea in mind & worked up on EQ, but want to have all my ducks in a row before diving in.

Happy New Year to all!
Donna Mc

I like to use the back pockets when I use jeans. I have never mixed them with tshirts, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Oh - I like that idea, too! Pockets add a lot of interest, too. Thanks!