Just found you and subbed. I sewed my kids clothes when they were little (40+ years ago) so starting sewing again. Making pet beds/sleeping mats ? mostly) and I use small cut up scraps of worn out towels, sweat clothes etc like the size you tossed for filling inside them. Shirts and larger dresses are a great idea. Can use those kind of scraps too. Either way I have to travel about 30 miles to get to a place like WM or Joann's. I pass the S.Army before I get to the plaza, so thanks for the video 👍🏻, never even gave it a thought. ❤ the ideas you put out.
My husband ripped a nearly new shirt that had pink flamingos on a navy background. I thought, “I can use that fabric,” and took it to my sewing room. Next thing I know the grandkids saw it and immediately wanted me to make something out of it for them! I didn’t even know using thrift shirts was a “thing” until today, but it makes tons of sense. My husband just retired and has lots of dress shirts he will never need, and our church rummage sale is coming up. Opportunities!!
Also thrifted 100% wool blankets for the batting. And 100% cotton sheets for the back of the quilt. Great video thanks. Very useful. Love your channel 😻❤️❤️❤️
Love this! Thank you for teaching everyone! When I go to a thrift store I don’t see suit coats, shirts, jackets, summer dresses, old table wear. I see linen, cotton, leather, wool, silk. Like my grandmother’s used to see. They were poor farmers who made beautiful things out of “garbage”. Stuff that couldn’t be worn anymore or went out of fashion. Every piece I create has the same title: “This is Garbage”.😅 Because I will never buy new fabric again. Not with all the fabric waste clogging up beaches and landfills around the world.
I have been using shirts, recycled sheets for awhile. I save the buttons as well. This year I have been giving the buttonhole strips to my daughter for tying back her tomatoes.
Thank you for this video!!! This way, we are saving money, as well as saving the planet by making new wonderful things out of "pre-loved" fabric. I have to thank you for teaching me in a previous video that my VERY old 100% Egyptian Cotton (!!!) sheets could be foundations for string blocks. I'm a charity quilter, so it's all about giving joy to others. You are helping us to not only be more creative, but kinder people. Grateful to you as always, from the Rockies in Canada.
@@lutkeone Hi Newbie!!! A string block is made from sewing strips of scrap fabric onto a foundation. It's a no waste super easy way to quilt. The best video is Merry Mabel Market from a year ago, Making String Blocks out of Scraps. The video is 13:03 and has all the info you need. Hope you try it as it's super fun. All the best to you.
I have a friend who makes amazing quilted pot holders out of thrifted fabric. She also lines them with thrifted wool blankets- they are so much nicer than any you can buy in the store- she makes a nice income from them.
Thank you! You have me thinking! My husband used to have business casual dress code but now he works remote. He is 6’5” and only wore XXL Talls. I’m going to be shopping in his closet later today!😃
Oh! I've been upcycling men's button-up shirts for 10 years now! When I was in college, I couldn't often afford fabric, and I loved thrift store shopping. I noticed a lot of shirts that were a little beat up--missing buttons, a few paint stains, etc. Just things that I figured probably wouldn't sell. And I'd buy those and cut them up for quilts! 😊 Thank you for the helpful video!
The entire cuff can just be left intact & used for projects as-is. No need to take it all apart for a tiny scrap. Cuffs are nice, thick pieces with many uses. Can be sewn together to make larger mats of fabric. Excellent thick pieces & so sturdy & nice! Hot pads, purses, wallets, cushion covers, chair pads, vests, etc...
The best part is these fabrics are different from what you can find in a fabric store. So whatever you make will be one of a kind & unique. Tiny checks & plaids are great for baby quilts. Thanks for sharing.
Great way to get some very affordable quality cotton for quilting. I don't do quilting anymore, and am selling most of my stash. But I still love quilting fabrics and seeing the great ideas people come up with to reuse things and turn them into something else beautiful!
Love this! I have just bmade two quite large quilts from a pile of our old pyjamas, and my sons' old children's shirts. My mother-in-law liked them so much I am making a quilt out of her recently deceased husband's shirts. It's quite a sad process because a few weeks ago he wouldn't have imagined all his clothes being chopped up but hopefully I will create something that mum-in-law will cherish.😊
A hug from him that will last forever. I too have made memory quilts like this. They mean so much to his loved ones. Best wishes as you sew this. It's deep therapy.
It's a way to remember Him. And you really don't want to just toss them or give them away because others may also feel you don't care. Doing this shows you do care 💛
❤ Thank you , some of us just don’t have money for the expensive material. I’ve made my daughter a quilt out of m shirts and bedding . Made with love x can’t beat that❤❤❤
Your video reminded me about how much clothing ends up in the landfills and/or collected and shipped off to another country. Lately, I've been struggling with even buying fabric from my local op shops (thrift) and have been wondering about different means of getting more fabric cheaper and environmentally sustainable. Thank you for making this video.
This! I cringe at the number of pounds of fabric that goes to landfills daily. I restrict myself to second-hand fabric or reclaimed fabric like this. I buy in bulk other quilters stashes on fb marketplace.
Whoa--this only has the "dislike" icon and I clicked on it unthinkingly! Sorry, I REALLY, REALLY like this video! Shirts are a great way to fill in gaps in a stash, or get a particular color, geometric, or plaid pattern fabric. And yes, the amount available from a 2X or 3X shirt is astonishing!. Thanks for sharing your breakdown method too, I love learning new things.
I make memory bears from shirts like this. I have been taking shirts apart for years, but you have taught me a few new ways to go about it. I had not thought to actually buy fabric like this. Thanks.
I've been 'shopping" for fabric at the thrift store's men's shirts for quite some time. I LOVE doing so. Sometimes a 3x or 4x shirt will yield a nice top, or a smaller one an apron. Scraps get pieced into 12" squares for a tote bag front, and some wait for that baby quilt project. Right now I'm shopping/piecing coordinating shirt fabrics to "make fabric" for a dress.
I really enjoy your channel! I love your descriptions of “happy fabric,” “fabric friends,” “holding hands,” and so on. I’ve made your baby “trip around the world” pattern twice and both mamas loved them! 💕
I also HAVE!!! WAY TO MUCH FABRIC. Very small "unassigned" , fabric comes in the door, it gets looked at matched up with what's available.. assigned a pattern, notes added & put in a zip lock bag. Yes, too many "kits", but no "just piles/totes of random fabric. Everytime I complete 6 "kits", I get to pick 6 more. It's like winning the prize drawing sometimes. I grab a tote, take the 'kits' out & tada, great fun.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with 100% cotton fabric (new, repurposed, a funny feel, a funky color once viewed at home ...), consider making then gifting or donating crib sheets. They take about 69"'s worth of 45" wide fabric, 2 to 3 yards of 1/4" elastic, about 1 to 4 hours cut to finish, and a safety pin for threading elastic. If you're clever, you can use 8" and 9" wide strips for the drop down from the top and/ or pieced strips and/ or simply different fabric from the top that covers the top of the mattress. BTW - Crib and toddler bed mattresses are the same size.
I did not think of that!! I’m super new to sewing and quilting, I’m gathering info to make my first quilt and this is so cool!! I know she’s talked about wanting to have someone make a quilt from her late mothers clothes that she saved, I think it would be fun to try after I’ve attempted a few quilts before hand so I can have an idea of what I’m doing! I’ll be making a quilt for her (or trying to) out of fabrics I used for all the old enough grand babies aprons I’m making for the holidays!
I just left a comment about using thrifted wool blankets and cotton sheets for the rest of the quilt sandwich, but I can't find my comment now. I wanted to add that any scraps from thrifted items, I chop up and use as stuffing for cat toys, along with cereal plastic (that your cereal comes in). It makes the toys 'crinkle' and the cats love it. I always put "made from recycled materials" on any labelling for the cat toys. ❤❤❤ Love your channel
Hello lovely, this is the best video ever!!! I have watched it 3 times, I just love your voice and your brilliant way of empowering us all. I have an idea for a video that I think all your subscribers would enjoy- tell us about your gorgeous sewing machine, thread type and management, you bobbins etc.and machine maintenance, if any. Loads of love Rachel xxxx
Hi. New to your channel, just watched your green crumb block video, loving your enthusiasm for using up as much fabric as possible. Men's shirts often yield very good quality cotton, I buy clothing for fabric from charity shops, and often find some treasures on their £1 sale rail. Working the shirt pocket into a quilt is a brilliant idea. I've used small fabric pieces to make small items like shoe toe stuffers - include a loop for pulling, pack firmly with toy filling, stitch up the gap - keeps your shoes in good shape. Colour co-ordinated crumb blocks is something I've never thought of. I shall be hunting through the charity shops soon. Lovely videos, thank you. E❤
I love turning Mens shirts into jewel neck pullover tops. I also look for long sleeves, and because I live in Florida, cotton is a must. There are a lot of nice rayon shirts out there too, but I’m not an expert sewist yet, and rayon frays a lot. I pick all the seams apart very carefully, though. No just lopping off the collar for me. It’s so much fun!
I love men’s shirts for fabric! I think I need to put a limit on number of tubs like you do….I’ve lost track of what all I have. That Nas for the tips.
Fascinating. Shirts are also good for crafting and small item sewing like bags, even poly cotton shirts will be good - wash/sponge bags, or cosmetic pouches (line with pieces of cheap plain shower curtain). Cuffs with applied stabiliser can be made into zip pulls, tabs, d-ring tabs, hanging loops, small grab handles. I have some shirts from charity shops (from the reduced rail, at just £1 each) they can be made into shopping totes /linings, children's shorts, toe stuffers to keep shoes in shape. Using stabiliser it's possible to make small dressing table boxes to keep various things in, like hair accessories. I unpick seams wherever possible, save all buttons, and try to use the pocket. Shirts that are "slim fit" /tailored through shaping and darts present a challenge for quilting or making bigger craft items, but patchwork and quilting can overcome that. Wall hangings and bunting in the nursery - all easily made from shirts. Happy sewing, everyone. UK. E ❤.
@@merrymabelmarket thank you for your reply. I really enjoy all these channels devoted to quilting, crafting, recycling ( thrifted) clothing, fabrics, bedding - furnishing materials can be very expensive looking. I learn a lot from these channels about techniques - I'm a good dressmaker but do very little now, so smaller items, perhaps to give as gifts, will be fun. Best wishes. UK. E ♥️
W😮w I just started to play with fabric for my paper projects and small bags... this is a game changer. Thanks for sharing! Also, keeps textiles out of the landfill or dumped in other countries for just a bit longer. God bless you! And thanks for sharing. 😊
As a new quilter since July, the first fabrics I bought, were bed sheets and duvet covers from charity shops, as we call them here in the UK. Love your tutorials 💞
I started this during the fabric shortage when everyone was sewing masks and slipped into a fabric collection habit that I just wont break! I have gathered so many great woven (not printed) fabrics. Good to see how you handle them. I've started cutting up polar fleece cast-offs to use as layers between cotton for coasters and small projects too.
@@candykammerzell3919 I think there should be a section at the thrift store with stained and ripped clothing and sheets for upcycling, painting drop cloths, and times when you need grungy clothes. I'm not that hard on my clothes so I can't really downgrade that many.
What a great way to recycle shirts! I'm not much of a quilter, but can see the value in repurposing -- they would also be so useful for making children's clothing. Thank you for a well presented video and sharing your ideas with us.
My Salvation Army is one of my go-to sources for fabric. In addition to cotton clothing finds, it also has a section with donated yardage where I have scored a lot. I also grab up the good denim, not the newer stretchy crap.
I’m not a quilter but what a great way to get quality cotton fabric at an affordable price! You have a great eye for putting colors and patterns together 🫶
Girl, you are one after my own heart!!! I have been thrift shop buying for years mainly for repurposing clothes. Thanks for sharing this so others can know what can be done 😊❤
My ggd loves the comfort of cotton knit shorts,the fabric is hard to find here where I live,so I went to a newly opened thrift store and they had tons of men's brand new t shirts.I bought several,and like you bought the largest size which was 3x.The shirts were $3.99 each,so it only cost me that to make each pair of her shorts. Like you I also buy the men's cotton,button down shirt to make blouses for myself.I .ove plaids and stripes and men's shirts have a lot of both.Glad to meet another,smart,savvy sewer/seamstress.
Love your efficient way of deconstructing - have made many memory pillows for our local hospice and always struggle with the best and quickest way to get the most fabric out of the shirts and sometimes jeans and cargo pants. Love the keep the pocket and buttons to incorporate into a project. Thanks!!!!
I do this all the time as our local charity shop sells everything for £1 and that’s a LOT of cotton for £1! I save extra cute cuffs, leave the button on it and then sew it up the sides to make a button-up embroidery scissor or lipstick holder for my handbag!
As a clothing & home dec sewer, xlg men's shirts are great to take apart & cutout women's tops! Also I use sheets & pillowcases for clothes or home dec - great amount of material to make outfits! ❤ I'm currently working with a men's denim shirt & a lovely flannel plaid shirt to combine to make a shacket for my self!
I also use a lot of thrifted men's shirts in quilts. I do keep the usable fabric from the cuffs and the collar. They can be used for English paper piecing, or to make rag rugs. I also keep all of the longer cutoff seams. If the same pieces are too short, I throw them away. I plan to use all of the seams in a braided rug, eventually. Thank you for this video! It's good to see people being thrifty and up cycling!
You can use the cuffs to make little pouches. Sew up the sides, leave a flap to fold over and fasten. The flap can have the button holes and you can relocate the buttons to fasten the pouch. You can use the pouch for money, makeup, a small sewing kit to travel with you.... the sky is the limit. You can put the pouch in your pocket book. The interfacing in the cuff makes the pouch sturdier and the pattern of the shirt makes the pouch decorative.
دائما القميص الرجالي القطني هو المفضل عندي ، عندما كان ابني صغيرا كنت اقوم بخياطة السراويل له من قمصان زوجي ، والفساتين لأخته التوأم ، أما الان بعد ان كبرا افكر بجديه في صنع لحاف
Thanks! I haven’t wanted to use shirts because it looked like such a hassle! Well, you took that excuse away! And, I love your attitude! I like to do charity quilts, and I do hunt for nice sheets to use as quilt backs. If I buy the complete sheet set, I can gift the pillow cases and one of the sheets with the quilt.
"Harvesting"! Love that! I call it "Rescuing!"... I have only ever thrifted fabric for myself...then cotton sheets for my mom for her charity drawstring bags, that get filled with essenstials for Overseas. It is getting harder, as everyone is doing the same...either for sewing/quilting, or necessity. Our thrift stores are marking items to the point where we can go to Walmart and purchase new! CatBird Quilting on YT also thrifts mens' shirts for quilting...such a great idea!
Great video. I invested in some electric scissors and they work so well for this job. I also harvest flannels for cozy quilts. I ALWAYS wash thrifted clothing.
I use cuffs as the inner layer of coasters/table mats. Just lay out the rectangles touching (not overlapping) on a thin backer, and zigzag them into a thick fabric, and then put a pretty top and bottom layer.
I definitely need to focus on sewing for a season but I appreciate knowing how break down the shirt. My grandma used to make postage size quilts. I needed permission to throw out scraps.
You have my permission to send your scraps to a new home. (Bag them for your local thrift store or throw them out!) OR - here are crumb blocks. A fun way to use them up? th-cam.com/video/gxhILCY7b7M/w-d-xo.html
I like that your video was right to the point. I also get shirts at my local thrift store, They are a $1 a piece, some times 2 for the price of one, so very good value.
I rarely comment on videos but i just have to say i love this straight to the point no nonsense, all valuable information, keep it up
Thank you for your sweet comment!
Me too! Just found this channel and I'm definitely subscribing!
Just found you and subbed. I sewed my kids clothes when they were little (40+ years ago) so starting sewing again. Making pet beds/sleeping mats ? mostly) and I use small cut up scraps of worn out towels, sweat clothes etc like the size you tossed for filling inside them. Shirts and larger dresses are a great idea. Can use those kind of scraps too. Either way I have to travel about 30 miles to get to a place like WM or Joann's. I pass the S.Army before I get to the plaza, so thanks for the video 👍🏻, never even gave it a thought. ❤ the ideas you put out.
I saved my late husband's shirts for quilting. I incorporate pieces of his shirts into quilts for our family.
Brilliant!! I love the thought of his shirts....woven into a quilt hug.
That's beautiful!
My son did this and made a lap quilt for each member of the family. There was so much it often makes a random appearance in other quilts too!❤
My husband ripped a nearly new shirt that had pink flamingos on a navy background. I thought, “I can use that fabric,” and took it to my sewing room. Next thing I know the grandkids saw it and immediately wanted me to make something out of it for them! I didn’t even know using thrift shirts was a “thing” until today, but it makes tons of sense. My husband just retired and has lots of dress shirts he will never need, and our church rummage sale is coming up. Opportunities!!
Also thrifted 100% wool blankets for the batting.
And 100% cotton sheets for the back of the quilt.
Great video thanks. Very useful.
Love your channel 😻❤️❤️❤️
Save his favorite shirt and make a teddy bear. It makes a great keepsake.
@@stigyanblue1442. I like this idea
Love this! Thank you for teaching everyone! When I go to a thrift store I don’t see suit coats, shirts, jackets, summer dresses, old table wear. I see linen, cotton, leather, wool, silk. Like my grandmother’s used to see. They were poor farmers who made beautiful things out of “garbage”. Stuff that couldn’t be worn anymore or went out of fashion. Every piece I create has the same title: “This is Garbage”.😅 Because I will never buy new fabric again. Not with all the fabric waste clogging up beaches and landfills around the world.
Sheets make great backing for quilts & no piecing , second hand sheets are also way better prices
And softer! I love using second hand sheets for my quilts.
Have you ever asked a local hotel or hospital for used sheets? Long ago I know they disinfected them then donated to a local charity.
I have been using shirts, recycled sheets for awhile. I save the buttons as well. This year I have been giving the buttonhole strips to my daughter for tying back her tomatoes.
Thank you for this video!!! This way, we are saving money, as well as saving the planet by making new wonderful things out of "pre-loved" fabric. I have to thank you for teaching me in a previous video that my VERY old 100% Egyptian Cotton (!!!) sheets could be foundations for string blocks. I'm a charity quilter, so it's all about giving joy to others. You are helping us to not only be more creative, but kinder people. Grateful to you as always, from the Rockies in Canada.
You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words!
Newbie. What's a string block?
@@lutkeone Hi Newbie!!! A string block is made from sewing strips of scrap fabric onto a foundation. It's a no waste super easy way to quilt. The best video is Merry Mabel Market from a year ago, Making String Blocks out of Scraps. The video is 13:03 and has all the info you need. Hope you try it as it's super fun. All the best to you.
The other thing you can do with sheets is make cot sets for babies and toddler cribs. Plenty of mothers would appreciate the quality gift.
I have a friend who makes amazing quilted pot holders out of thrifted fabric. She also lines them with thrifted wool blankets- they are so much nicer than any you can buy in the store- she makes a nice income from them.
That is awesome!
@@ritaeagle …and you can either incorporate any stains or cut them out
Thank you! You have me thinking! My husband used to have business casual dress code but now he works remote. He is 6’5” and only wore XXL Talls. I’m going to be shopping in his closet later today!😃
Brilliant!!
Oh! I've been upcycling men's button-up shirts for 10 years now! When I was in college, I couldn't often afford fabric, and I loved thrift store shopping. I noticed a lot of shirts that were a little beat up--missing buttons, a few paint stains, etc. Just things that I figured probably wouldn't sell. And I'd buy those and cut them up for quilts! 😊
Thank you for the helpful video!
Thanks for sharing!!
The entire cuff can just be left intact & used for projects as-is. No need to take it all apart for a tiny scrap. Cuffs are nice, thick pieces with many uses. Can be sewn together to make larger mats of fabric. Excellent thick pieces & so sturdy & nice! Hot pads, purses, wallets, cushion covers, chair pads, vests, etc...
The best part is these fabrics are different from what you can find in a fabric store. So whatever you make will be one of a kind & unique. Tiny checks & plaids are great for baby quilts. Thanks for sharing.
Great way to get some very affordable quality cotton for quilting. I don't do quilting anymore, and am selling most of my stash. But I still love quilting fabrics and seeing the great ideas people come up with to reuse things and turn them into something else beautiful!
Love this! I have just bmade two quite large quilts from a pile of our old pyjamas, and my sons' old children's shirts. My mother-in-law liked them so much I am making a quilt out of her recently deceased husband's shirts. It's quite a sad process because a few weeks ago he wouldn't have imagined all his clothes being chopped up but hopefully I will create something that mum-in-law will cherish.😊
A hug from him that will last forever. I too have made memory quilts like this. They mean so much to his loved ones. Best wishes as you sew this. It's deep therapy.
I'm sorry for your loss.❤
It's a way to remember Him. And you really don't want to just toss them or give them away because others may also feel you don't care. Doing this shows you do care 💛
I love thrifted shirts for quilts!
Thanks for these ideas,! I'm a cotton snob too.
Love saving money when it comes to fabrics.
Me too!
This is great. I am 69. Have quilted for years off and on for years. I am from west Virginia
welcome to our channel!
Don't forget the pit sniff test before buying a used shirt. I made that mistake once... and only once.
So many wonderful things can be done with other's discarded clothing! Thanks for another great idea.
You are so welcome!
❤ Thank you , some of us just don’t have money for the expensive material. I’ve made my daughter a quilt out of m shirts and bedding . Made with love x can’t beat that❤❤❤
Wonderful!
Your video reminded me about how much clothing ends up in the landfills and/or collected and shipped off to another country. Lately, I've been struggling with even buying fabric from my local op shops (thrift) and have been wondering about different means of getting more fabric cheaper and environmentally sustainable. Thank you for making this video.
This! I cringe at the number of pounds of fabric that goes to landfills daily. I restrict myself to second-hand fabric or reclaimed fabric like this. I buy in bulk other quilters stashes on fb marketplace.
I think I am so smart about all things quilting, but I ALWAYS learn something from you! Thank you ❤
Happy to help!
Thank you! Your video answered a quilting question I had. Excellent resource for fabric!
Wonderful!
i love this soooo much. i am definitely gonna rummage around charity shops to find the large shirts and patterns i like
Please do!
Whoa--this only has the "dislike" icon and I clicked on it unthinkingly! Sorry, I REALLY, REALLY like this video! Shirts are a great way to fill in gaps in a stash, or get a particular color, geometric, or plaid pattern fabric. And yes, the amount available from a 2X or 3X shirt is astonishing!. Thanks for sharing your breakdown method too, I love learning new things.
Thanks so much for your feedback! I love that you comment!
Straight to the point and very helpful! Thank you!
I make memory bears from shirts like this. I have been taking shirts apart for years, but you have taught me a few new ways to go about it. I had not thought to actually buy fabric like this. Thanks.
That is awesome!
I've been 'shopping" for fabric at the thrift store's men's shirts for quite some time. I LOVE doing so. Sometimes a 3x or 4x shirt will yield a nice top, or a smaller one an apron. Scraps get pieced into 12" squares for a tote bag front, and some wait for that baby quilt project.
Right now I'm shopping/piecing coordinating shirt fabrics to "make fabric" for a dress.
Sounds like such fun project !
I really enjoy your channel! I love your descriptions of “happy fabric,” “fabric friends,” “holding hands,” and so on. I’ve made your baby “trip around the world” pattern twice and both mamas loved them! 💕
Oh thank you!
Me too! This is totally "my speak" as well... kindred spirits for sure....!
I also HAVE!!! WAY TO MUCH FABRIC. Very small "unassigned" , fabric comes in the door, it gets looked at matched up with what's available.. assigned a pattern, notes added & put in a zip lock bag. Yes, too many "kits", but no "just piles/totes of random fabric. Everytime I complete 6 "kits", I get to pick 6 more. It's like winning the prize drawing sometimes. I grab a tote, take the 'kits' out & tada, great fun.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with 100% cotton fabric (new, repurposed, a funny feel, a funky color once viewed at home ...), consider making then gifting or donating crib sheets. They take about 69"'s worth of 45" wide fabric, 2 to 3 yards of 1/4" elastic, about 1 to 4 hours cut to finish, and a safety pin for threading elastic. If you're clever, you can use 8" and 9" wide strips for the drop down from the top and/ or pieced strips and/ or simply different fabric from the top that covers the top of the mattress. BTW - Crib and toddler bed mattresses are the same size.
What a great idea!
I did not think of that!! I’m super new to sewing and quilting, I’m gathering info to make my first quilt and this is so cool!! I know she’s talked about wanting to have someone make a quilt from her late mothers clothes that she saved, I think it would be fun to try after I’ve attempted a few quilts before hand so I can have an idea of what I’m doing! I’ll be making a quilt for her (or trying to) out of fabrics I used for all the old enough grand babies aprons I’m making for the holidays!
Fun. Learning to quilt is such a great idea. It is so satisfying and gives great opportunity to create!
I just left a comment about using thrifted wool blankets and cotton sheets for the rest of the quilt sandwich, but I can't find my comment now.
I wanted to add that any scraps from thrifted items, I chop up and use as stuffing for cat toys, along with cereal plastic (that your cereal comes in). It makes the toys 'crinkle' and the cats love it. I always put "made from recycled materials" on any labelling for the cat toys.
❤❤❤ Love your channel
Sounds great!
WOW! I had no idea the long sleeves had so much fabric.
Hello lovely, this is the best video ever!!! I have watched it 3 times, I just love your voice and your brilliant way of empowering us all. I have an idea for a video that I think all your subscribers would enjoy- tell us about your gorgeous sewing machine, thread type and management, you bobbins etc.and machine maintenance, if any. Loads of love Rachel xxxx
What a fun idea!
I do all of this, made so many quilts with thrifted fabric.
It's so great!
Hi. New to your channel, just watched your green crumb block video, loving your enthusiasm for using up as much fabric as possible. Men's shirts often yield very good quality cotton, I buy clothing for fabric from charity shops, and often find some treasures on their £1 sale rail. Working the shirt pocket into a quilt is a brilliant idea. I've used small fabric pieces to make small items like shoe toe stuffers - include a loop for pulling, pack firmly with toy filling, stitch up the gap - keeps your shoes in good shape. Colour co-ordinated crumb blocks is something I've never thought of. I shall be hunting through the charity shops soon. Lovely videos, thank you. E❤
So glad you found us. Sounds like you have GREAT plans.
I love turning Mens shirts into jewel neck pullover tops. I also look for long sleeves, and because I live in Florida, cotton is a must. There are a lot of nice rayon shirts out there too, but I’m not an expert sewist yet, and rayon frays a lot. I pick all the seams apart very carefully, though. No just lopping off the collar for me. It’s so much fun!
Thanks for sharing!!
This is a great information! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for watching!
I love men’s shirts for fabric! I think I need to put a limit on number of tubs like you do….I’ve lost track of what all I have. That
Nas for the tips.
A limit does help me.
Just found your tube! I made a quilt out of thrifted shirts during covid! It is great!!
Wonderful! Welcome!!
I can buy fabric at my thrift store, never thought about men's shirts, thanks for that idea
You bet!
Fascinating. Shirts are also good for crafting and small item sewing like bags, even poly cotton shirts will be good - wash/sponge bags, or cosmetic pouches (line with pieces of cheap plain shower curtain). Cuffs with applied stabiliser can be made into zip pulls, tabs, d-ring tabs, hanging loops, small grab handles. I have some shirts from charity shops (from the reduced rail, at just £1 each) they can be made into shopping totes /linings, children's shorts, toe stuffers to keep shoes in shape. Using stabiliser it's possible to make small dressing table boxes to keep various things in, like hair accessories. I unpick seams wherever possible, save all buttons, and try to use the pocket. Shirts that are "slim fit" /tailored through shaping and darts present a challenge for quilting or making bigger craft items, but patchwork and quilting can overcome that. Wall hangings and bunting in the nursery - all easily made from shirts. Happy sewing, everyone. UK. E ❤.
All True!
@@merrymabelmarket thank you for your reply. I really enjoy all these channels devoted to quilting, crafting, recycling ( thrifted) clothing, fabrics, bedding - furnishing materials can be very expensive looking. I learn a lot from these channels about techniques - I'm a good dressmaker but do very little now, so smaller items, perhaps to give as gifts, will be fun. Best wishes. UK. E ♥️
W😮w I just started to play with fabric for my paper projects and small bags... this is a game changer. Thanks for sharing! Also, keeps textiles out of the landfill or dumped in other countries for just a bit longer. God bless you! And thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you SO MUCH for commenting! Best wishes on your fun projects.
As a new quilter since July, the first fabrics I bought, were bed sheets and duvet covers from charity shops, as we call them here in the UK. Love your tutorials 💞
Love that!
Going to head to the closet and grab my husband's shirts and mine to recycle. What a way to clean out the closet!
Love that!
Wow. Very good idea. Its very hard to find cotton fabric at my place and its usually expensive. I will go to thrift store and apply your tips
Great video. I use the cuff from the shirt with the button as a coffee cup sleeve. 🎉
Love that!
I started this during the fabric shortage when everyone was sewing masks and slipped into a fabric collection habit that I just wont break! I have gathered so many great woven (not printed) fabrics. Good to see how you handle them. I've started cutting up polar fleece cast-offs to use as layers between cotton for coasters and small projects too.
Wonderful!
I started cutting up antique linens working around stains. Amazing how much fabric was in a huge tablecloth and napkins!
@@candykammerzell3919 I think there should be a section at the thrift store with stained and ripped clothing and sheets for upcycling, painting drop cloths, and times when you need grungy clothes. I'm not that hard on my clothes so I can't really downgrade that many.
What a great way to recycle shirts! I'm not much of a quilter, but can see the value in repurposing -- they would also be so useful for making children's clothing. Thank you for a well presented video and sharing your ideas with us.
Thank you for watching and commenting. So kind.
I love this!! Thank you for sharing how you salvage the shirts. I think the pockets would be great to use for a little pocket on purse linings.
Great tip!
These are great to make double folded bias tape! Thank you for these wonderful tips. Who knew?
I found 100% cotton queen sz sheets in aqua, buttery yellow and a pretty floral..bought every single one for future sewing. Lucky find!
HOORAY!!!
Dog rescue supporters might want the buttonhole strips to fashion stylish dog collars and leashes. I'm always on the lookout for how to help the pets.
Fun idea.
My Salvation Army is one of my go-to sources for fabric. In addition to cotton clothing finds, it also has a section with donated yardage where I have scored a lot. I also grab up the good denim, not the newer stretchy crap.
Yes! The Stretchy crap is my favorite to wear - but NOT sew with!! I'm glad you have that great fabric source.
So smart and creative
I’m not a quilter but what a great way to get quality cotton fabric at an affordable price! You have a great eye for putting colors and patterns together 🫶
Thank you so much!
Great video.
I can’t tell you how much I love this video. It was actually a wild ride. Thanks! Going to go thrifting tomorrow.
Have fun!
Good idea 💡
Girl, you are one after my own heart!!! I have been thrift shop buying for years mainly for repurposing clothes.
Thanks for sharing this so others can know what can be done 😊❤
Love that!
Use the cuffs and little strip you cut off the sleeve for a kitchen towel holder.
“Fabric snob”😂😂😂❤❤❤
Thanks for the great video. !!! I luv recycling with fabrics !!!
Me too!!
Love it! Great idea! I always think about sheets, but never thought about big men’s shirts!
Glad it was helpful!
Such good information in this video. Those little pieces that might go in the trash are great to use in an animal bed.
My ggd loves the comfort of cotton knit shorts,the fabric is hard to find here where I live,so I went to a newly opened thrift store and they had tons of men's brand new t shirts.I bought several,and like you bought the largest size which was 3x.The shirts were $3.99 each,so it only cost me that to make each pair of her shorts. Like you I also buy the men's cotton,button down shirt to make blouses for myself.I .ove plaids and stripes and men's shirts have a lot of both.Glad to meet another,smart,savvy sewer/seamstress.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Great video! I love your four tub rule! Thank you🤗💗
Straight to the point ! Thankyou❤
Totally agree 100% cotton ONLY. Sourcing quality & unique fabrics with men's shirts & bedding! Been doing this for years. TY for your instruction!
Yes!
Just the video I needed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and personality.
So glad!
My boyfriend has given me his old shirts for me to make into something. I made a pillow with the polyester/rayon one that is cute!
FUN!!
Love your efficient way of deconstructing - have made many memory pillows for our local hospice and always struggle with the best and quickest way to get the most fabric out of the shirts and sometimes jeans and cargo pants. Love the keep the pocket and buttons to incorporate into a project. Thanks!!!!
Sounds like you are doing great work.
Love this! So insightful!
Very good idea must do on my list, I have so much .
Go for it!
I do this all the time as our local charity shop sells everything for £1 and that’s a LOT of cotton for £1! I save extra cute cuffs, leave the button on it and then sew it up the sides to make a button-up embroidery scissor or lipstick holder for my handbag!
Great tips. Thank you for sharing.
What a fantastic idea!!! Definitely going to be looking for very large mens shirts!
Yes!!
As a clothing & home dec sewer, xlg men's shirts are great to take apart & cutout women's tops! Also I use sheets & pillowcases for clothes or home dec - great amount of material to make outfits! ❤ I'm currently working with a men's denim shirt & a lovely flannel plaid shirt to combine to make a shacket for my self!
Sounds SO fun!
I also use a lot of thrifted men's shirts in quilts. I do keep the usable fabric from the cuffs and the collar. They can be used for English paper piecing, or to make rag rugs. I also keep all of the longer cutoff seams. If the same pieces are too short, I throw them away. I plan to use all of the seams in a braided rug, eventually. Thank you for this video! It's good to see people being thrifty and up cycling!
Great tips.
Why haven't we seen a quilt you have made from fabric recycled like this? I love this idea. Going to head to Goodwill and the thrift store.
Lots of the quilts I make don't make it into tutorials. But, I promise that this fabric gets used.
What a fun and inspiring video! Will start doing this and filling my tubs!!
Have fun!
You can use the cuffs to make little pouches. Sew up the sides, leave a flap to fold over and fasten. The flap can have the button holes and you can relocate the buttons to fasten the pouch. You can use the pouch for money, makeup, a small sewing kit to travel with you.... the sky is the limit. You can put the pouch in your pocket book. The interfacing in the cuff makes the pouch sturdier and the pattern of the shirt makes the pouch decorative.
Sounds Smart,
دائما القميص الرجالي القطني هو المفضل عندي ، عندما كان ابني صغيرا كنت اقوم بخياطة السراويل له من قمصان زوجي ، والفساتين لأخته التوأم ، أما الان بعد ان كبرا افكر بجديه في صنع لحاف
Sounds wonderful!
Thanks! I haven’t wanted to use shirts because it looked like such a hassle!
Well, you took that excuse away!
And, I love your attitude!
I like to do charity quilts, and I do hunt for nice sheets to use as quilt backs. If I buy the complete sheet set, I can gift the pillow cases and one of the sheets with the quilt.
Sounds lovely!!
Yh i do this, its a great and cheaper way to feed yr sewing/quilting addiction.
"Harvesting"! Love that! I call it "Rescuing!"... I have only ever thrifted fabric for myself...then cotton sheets for my mom for her charity drawstring bags, that get filled with essenstials for Overseas. It is getting harder, as everyone is doing the same...either for sewing/quilting, or necessity. Our thrift stores are marking items to the point where we can go to Walmart and purchase new! CatBird Quilting on YT also thrifts mens' shirts for quilting...such a great idea!
Thank you for commenting!
Love it
You are a hoot.
Thank you!
Great video. I invested in some electric scissors and they work so well for this job. I also harvest flannels for cozy quilts. I ALWAYS wash thrifted clothing.
Smart!! I generally wash them too. If they look smell and feel clean, I will wait and wash them after the quilt is made.
I use the cuff with the button to wrap up fabric when I can roll it.
Recycling IS the best
So fun!!
I use cuffs as the inner layer of coasters/table mats. Just lay out the rectangles touching (not overlapping) on a thin backer, and zigzag them into a thick fabric, and then put a pretty top and bottom layer.
Sounds great!
I love this idea!
I go to the french bins one a year. I take the biggest number of 100 % cotton men shirts what ever thé size, the color ...
I enjoy this kind of video
Sounds brilliant!
Thanks for sharing
You bet!
Great idea! I'm collecting 100% cotton jeans to make a floor/picnic quilt and have to be watchful for that darned spandex.
Totally!
Great video thank you for it !
Just found your channel. Noticed the rotary cutter you’re using. I like it and just ordered one from Amazon. Thanks
Hope you enjoy it!
I definitely need to focus on sewing for a season but I appreciate knowing how break down the shirt. My grandma used to make postage size quilts. I needed permission to throw out scraps.
You have my permission to send your scraps to a new home. (Bag them for your local thrift store or throw them out!) OR - here are crumb blocks. A fun way to use them up?
th-cam.com/video/gxhILCY7b7M/w-d-xo.html
4 tubs? I admire your resolve. I love the idea of incorporating a ready made pocket. Thank you.
You bet!
I like that your video was right to the point. I also get shirts at my local thrift store, They are a $1 a piece, some times 2 for the price of one, so very good value.
Fabulous Value!!