pollyjvan9

Oh, I forgot my favorite thing to do with men's dress shirts. I make these in all colors and go wild with the trim fabrics. The only thing you need to watch on the size is to make sure it will go around your tummy. I have made many of these, and everyone loves them.

AZ Jane

Go for the largest shirts first!! Now if you find one that is "just the right color" go for it but the XX's are the most bang for your buck!!

reginalovesfabric

don't forget to incorporate the labels, I've made 2 or 3 men's shirt quilts and have cut the square and the pocket/label intack. My friend collected all plaids and stripes and did a chinese coin

salemrabbits

I repurposed my fathers flannel shirts into a lap/twin quilt for my mom...when my dad passed away. I even used one pair of his jeans to make it more interesting. Used the shirt labels and pockets right in the quilt top! backed it with flannel, warm, comfy, and full of memories. We all snuggle with it when we are home.--I am a fan of re-purpose especially memory quilting

newbiequilter

I went to our local "new" Goodwill last week and they are very proud of their merchandise. I think their prices are pretty silly....especially for items which are obviously used and some in not so great condition. The Salvation Army is not much less.

diamondee

I save the buttons as well, you can use them if you tie a quilt, just sew them on like a button would be, around boarders, decoration going across the top of the quilt, or put in a particular shape (heart, diamond, circle). pockets add a different spin on things as well. Easy to attach buttons using the ziz-zaz stitch on your machine or hand sew.
You can get over a yard of fabric from an XL/XXL shirt. I don't use collar/cuffs if its less than 2" . I guess they would be great for string quilts, I just haven't made one... yet.
Yard-sales will be upon us soon and that is another option for quilt fabric in disguise. Happy Hunting! I love Bonnie Hunter as well and she does a great de-boning shirt demo on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS-09AYE0fM

Monroe

I have a large bin of deconctructed shirts waiting for me to get "a round tuit". Love Bonnie Hunter- took a class with her at Vermont Quiltfest last Spring. I save the buttons in a jar, and cuffs and collars if there's a decent amt of fabric in them that can be removed from any interfacing. I've used the scraps (seams, plackets) as firestarters since I only buy 100% cotton shirts. My local Thrift has men's shirts for $1, and ties are cheap also so I've been collecting silk ties. I started saving shirt and tie labels also. If anyone can spare "a round tuit" - please send it my way before the ground thaws and I have to clean up the garden and yard? Goodwill prices are rediculous! I stopped there this week and prices were $8.99 and up for dirty and torn shirts!

GrannieAnnie

The front plackets and the cuffs and the collars can be cute embellishments.

IBQUILTIN

We have a Thrift Store in North Fork, that has everything on Sale on Tuesday and Thursday. Everything in the store (clothing) is a quarter. Get lots of big shirts that way. It is fun

GrannieAnnie

Oh, Mercy! Just what I need. Another sewing project.

Thanks for sharing----------will be trying this.