Here is one of my finished projects.
It is my daughters t-shirt quilt that got scorched in the fire. I took it apart, washed the usable parts in oxyclean and rebuilt the quilt with a couple of other t's that she still had...she has enough t's for three more quilts, one of her years at KU , one of her years at ASU and one archeology quilt.

So glad you were able to salvage some of the quilts! Kind of gives them even more value doesnt it!

Wow that's a lot of effort for you to go to, it will be great once you get it all put back together!

Well done, I am so glad you managed to save your quilt, such a lot of effort and time goes into each one.

I am happy for you. Elle

What dedication to redo the quilt. It looks great.

I actually like it better now. It is like a phoenix, coming back strong and vibrant. You did such a nice job with it. Last time I was at Joanne's, I noticed they were carrying a fire-resistant batting.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :-D :shock:

What a great mom you are to do this not just once, but twice! The quilt is great, and I'm sure she loves it!

wow :wink: :D :D

beautiful quilt. good work at repairing it. tomorrow is the t-shirt class at our quilt shop. had to pass this time around. i hadn't been looking for shirts that i wanted to make with it. so i hope to get the class the next time around.

Im sure you will enjoy the class when you are able to take it.

I have been making these since before there was patterns and classes. I developed my own process. I dont use any fusible web. I construct it similar to the quilt as you go technique, so, when I put the last row on, Im done. No more quilting, just add the binding.

The t-shirts hold up well to use and laundering without any stablizer.

However, if you are going to make it like a traditional quilt and then have it quilted, you will need the stablizer.

Let me know if you want directions to my process....

Judy

Judy-What a great story about this quilt. I am so glad you were able to salvage it from the fire and remake it. I think I like it even better now. Your daughter must really appreciate you making this quilt for her twice.

jstitch: Your quilt is so neatly done, I am interested in learning your method. Thanks for your offer to share. :D :D :D

See if this makes any sense to you...

This is my process. Since I sometimes use small t-shirts I don't worry about the size of the block, you can add a border around the small ones to match the size of your other Ts.
You need to begin by washing your shirts. Cut away the parts you want to use. Be sure to leave some seam allowance around the design.
I dont use any fusible web and the quilts have held up to use and washing fine.
Piece the rows together using a sashing between t-shirts. You can use shirts of varying length as long as the rows end up the same length. Make sure you have sashing on the ends of the rows as well.
Cut a strip of backing fabric the length of the finished piece + 4 inches all around.
Lay out the backing fabric wrong side up. Next lay on a piece of batting the same size as the backing.
Lay the t-short row on top of the batting and pin in place. Use plenty of pins to prevent shifting.
Now take it to your sewing maching and, using a walking foot, stitch the layers together "in the ditch" at the top and bottom of each t'shirt block. You are quilting as you go. Now add a lengthwise sashing on each side of the first row using the flip and sew technique, sewing through all layers.
On each subsequent row, only apply the lenghtwise sashing on the right hand side of the row.
Now sew the two rows together using by sewing the sashing from the first row to the left hand side of the second row, sewing through all the layers.
Turn the piece over, trim out one layer of batting from the sashing and the other layer to fit the sashing.
Trim the backing so the two pieces overlap by about 1/2 inch. Pin in place and hand stitch closed.
Continue with all the rows, trim and add your binding. You are done. No other quilting is required, but I have added some around the motifs for security and effect.

A few tips,,,,

When you pin the rows to the background/batting, pin at each corner and each side of every block . I used long straight pins.

Do all the quilting you want to do while it is just one row.

I used my walking foot for all the quilting.

Don't be afraid to stretch the T a little so it lays perfectly flat on your backing/batting. You dont want it to be baggy when done..


Oh yea, I used Hobbs 80/20 batting. You need to use a well bonded batting.


let me know if you have questions/comments

Judy

Fantastic

Love the quilt. You should rename it the Phoenix. Rebirth after the fire.

Wow! So glad you were able to save alot of it and redo it. Your new quilt is awesome....

I'm impressed that you were able to remake the quilt. Nice job!

I have a lot of my mother's t-shirts. She was a marathon runner and got a tee shirt every time she ran in race. Anyway, I have been planning to make t-shirt quilts for my sisters and your way seems a bit easier than using interfacing. My question is what do you use for the sashing?

That is so great you were able to salvage it. It's lovely.

My sashings are 100% cotton fabric from the quilt shop.
The red one is a marble from Benartex.

Judy

Oh man, Santa Cruz... I am so nastalgic....

I lived in Chimaketa Park for some time when I was a younger girl.

Do you know where that is? Just off the highway between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, up in the redwoods...

I have a quilting friend that lives on the other side of the highway from Chimaketa...was just there for a visit a while ago. I looooove Santa Cruz. Lucky you..

Judy

Judy: Thanks for your time and excellent instructions. This sounds like a method I have been wanting to try with one of my larger quilt projects and just hadn't thought of all the steps, so this helps clarify the process. My fear about this is to keep the rows straight - your quilt looks very straight and even - I love it.. Thanks, again for sharing!!

I used my long ruler to measure 2 inches in from the edge of the backing fabric to the edge of my row.. keeps it even all the way down.. pin it so you can adjust if needed...

Judy

Judy!!! Awesome job rebirthing such a wonderful quilt!! It looks fantastic!! Thanks bunches for your directions too. Gotta love learning something new!

I agree that I am lucky to get to live here. Chimaketa Park is just above the Lexington Resivior, near Redwood Estates, isn't it? I;ve never been there, but jave driven past it many times.

Let me know if you are out this way again. I'll take you around to the local quilt stores.

I'm so glad you were able to salvage some of her shirts.