Monika

I am making a quilt out of Aloha shirts for a widow of man who loved these shirts and wore them a lot. I just got the shirts today (9) so I am in the beginning stages. I am VERY open to any suggestions, thoughts or advice on patterns, handling the shirts for cutting ... anything. I would like to make a throw and maybe a small wall. I am thinking I will need to add some fabric like a solid so it doesn't get too busy.

I would also like advice on fabric content. Most are 100% cotton, but a couple have rayon and one really nice print is 100% silk. Should I use stabilizer on those that aren't cotton? Just skip those? Try to wash in the machine first and only use the fabric that survives?

And is you have pictures of memory quilts you have made, I would love to see. I have made t-shirt quilts, but nothing out of other clothes. Thanks so much for any support you can provide.

AVFD215

The photo with the dog, is a T-shirt lap robe, about 64 x 64. The other is a Queen quilt made from Komen scarves.
I put stabilizer on the backs of all of the shirts and scarves.
Good luck.
Mike

AVFD215

Oops, the second photo didn't upload.
Mike

Monika

oh I like both of those! and your inspector is too cute!!!

quiltingshorttimer

I made a memory quilt from my FIL's clothes--including golf shirts (stabilize) and Hawaii shirts and even some rayon Hawaii print swim trunks. As long as there none are knit, you can probably get by without stabilizing them. just be aware that any with poly will fray more. If you do use stabilizer my knew favorite is the woven kind that you can see through--check out a fabric store that sells all kinds of fabrics as it's usually used in tailored coats and jackets in the lapels--it does fuse. I got mine at Quilted Sunflower in Spring Hill, KS and they do have a website. It's 54" wide so handy that way too. I used the Carpenter's Square pattern for a lap/wall hanging (about 60x60) and used a blender as the "background" Sorry I don't have a picture

Mdegenhart

A Pineapple quilt from Aloha shirts!

thimblebug6000

There is a pattern that you applique shirts, sorry nit home so can't check the site. Maybe you could google it if interested?

cjsews

I had seen a quilt that had little pieces shirts. Sorry I have no idea what the pattern is called But it sure was cute

cjsews

I had seen a quilt that had little pieced shirts. Look up Aloha shirt quilt pattern. I don't know how to attach a link

PaperPrincess

Yes, use an iron on stabilizer on the rayons & silks and mix with the cottons. No Problem. Here's a great free pattern
http://unitednotions.com/fp_cfac-sunshine.pdf