“Detritus”-love that word, and love hearing it used casually! And-love your approach to quilting. It reminds me of my grandmother (except your quilts are gorgeous). She probably never bought an inch of fabric for quilting. She called in all the scraps from our clothes sewing, and they are reposed in her quilts, which though artless, kept us warm through many a winter. I have many of them and would take nothing for them. She was born in 1897 and endured much in her 99 years. Her quilts reflect that in their “crooked as a dog’s hind leg” quilting. The beauty is in the memories they generate and the virtual hug from Grandma. Thank you for your unique, beautiful, and thoughtful approach to the lady’s art of quilting.
Thank you for this wonderful, thoughtful and gracious comment! ❤️ Clearly I love words (and I use a LOT OF THEM😂) and it's always good to find others that share that love too! I could not be more honored or humbled to be compared to your grandmother--she sounds like she was a force! And thank you for watching and commenting and sharing about her; I can just imagine those quilts, the work she put into them, and how you must feel about them. What a gift!❤️
You're going to make me go to my thrift store on Friday and buy some more shirts. I'll have to incorporate my shirt-fest with grocery shopping then Mike won't notice the 3 huge bags coming into the house. I put the fabric in the SUV and the groceries in the trunk because he always helps bring everything in. Then when he's watching one of his new shows I'll go out and bring my fabric in, quiet like a mouse. Fridays and Saturdays are $5 for 5 shirts Days. You know I'll buy 25 at least. I want to find some companion Fabrics that will help with my short supply of neutrals. I haul them into the laundry room and start washing them all. I take them out of the dryer when they're mostly done then iron and starch. While I iron, which I LOVE to do, I'll show Mike my treasures and let him shop in my newly washed and pressed shirts. My only rule is he can't have the white ones but everything else is fair play. Every now and then I'll find a real jewel of a shirt and buy it with him in mind. You can't go wrong with. a $1 designer shirt that was worn twice and in pristine condition and they got rid of it. My favorite, where I've hit the fabric lottery is when I find a 3xxx shirt. Those are almost all in beautiful condition and expensive. But for a $1 it's mine. 😊 Happy shopping, Cathy!! One trick I discovered is at the place I go to has everything arranged by color so I'll scour the racks to see if Mr. 3xxx donated a pile. It really works. I hope everyone jumps on the shirts for fabric bandwagon. Except they can't go to my store. 🤣 Is mine and I worked hard to get their system figured out. I also save the inner collar fabric and the sleeves cuffs too. I'm planning a postage stamp quilt, so having a lot of little pieces it's just fine. I'm enjoying you're videos. Could we be related? I'm a Martin too. 🐈🐦
So I laughed at this comment (as usual with you!) It is so easy to just go hog-wild crazy especially when you have a shop with a great selection! And I don’t ever hide my purchases, but I have walked in with a big bag and started explaining! 🤣 I have to go today because I’m starting a new project with a video in mind (it’s a surprise!) and I need another light blue shirt…trying to find one that very closely matches another one. We’ll see how it goes. Wish me luck!!❤️
😍 Oh my goodness! Lol!! I thought I was the only one to quietly bring in my thrift store fabric finds like this❣️Shopping by touch is my favorite. Thanks for sharing 🤩
5 shirts for $5!! Fantastic! I have a Good Will clearance center near me. It's more work to find stuff, but at $1 a pound, what I find is a bargain. I am glad to see someone else has to 'sneak fabric' into the house. (I once snuck in a whole dinner set bought at the thrift shop.)
I binge watched your Break Down series a week or so ago and am watching again. I'm quite new to quilting and have mainly been doing applique butterflies. I also just got a lovely book on applique cats in the garden! So last night as I watched your first haul video and now the collars and cuffs video, I kept thinking, "Oh, that brown would make such nice soil or a sunflower center!" "Oh, that purple would be perfect for the pansies!" I'm truly enjoying your videos! Thank you! I laughed aloud at 2 in the morning and woke my poor husband up on the other side of the house! 😀😳
It is oddly rewarding to take apart a shirt, in my opinion. I don’t know what it is--the promise of a new life for the fabric, the creative ideas that inevitably come to mind, or just deconstructing something-it is like therapy for me. So glad you’re loving this series! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
I don't quilt but enjoy taking beautiful shirts apart so I can use the fabric for craft projects. If it's linen, I make something wearable for myself! 😉
Ohhh that sounds wonderful! I don’t really sew clothes for myself (I have but can only be described as “rough around the edges”🤣) I’m always impressed and a little envious of people who make nice clothes for themselves! And linen! 😍
I use pockets, buttons w/button holes areas, as well as brand/size labels within the memory quilt blocks in quilts I’ve made for family and loved ones. They always seem to enjoy the blocks with personal identifications which remind them that the quilt is made from their loved ones clothing instead of simply fabric purchased from a fabric store. It can be tricky to quilt the blocks, but the final product is worth the effort. I’m enjoying your UA-cam channel and videos very much. You’re a peach! ❤️
Oh my goodness, a peach!! 🍑🥰☺️ I’ve always loved that as a compliment! I do love to look at memory quilts where buttons, pockets, logos or other decorative touches have been kept. It’s a trick to do it artfully, but when it’s done well the results are really beautiful and meaningful. So glad you’re enjoying the videos…thank you for watching and for the great comment! ❤️
Leaving the 'crusty parts' in takes quilting to a new, free space. Artsy! And yes, my fam enjoys the variety they find in my quilts. I applaud your openness and creativity.
If anyone is looking for things to do with the collars, I've used them before to make little dog accessories! For little pomeranians, I used the collar off a little boys shirt, but larger collars like this can become a charming little accessory for a larger dog when you add in some velcro or a button and elastic!
I am a fellow fabric thrifter, and am enjoying this series. Just have to interject, theres a guy here on utube named Don Kim who does amazing handbags using thrifted materials. He has used collars and cuffs for a his creations.
Hello! I hope you had an amazing day! I was visiting my grandkids and all 3 of them tired me out in a happy way! I hope you have a gentle and kind week ahead! Thank you for sharing your video and your talent.
I've driven by our thrift store a couple of times & I think I really need to go in and look, at least see when they have sales on their shirts!! I know I'm going to go down that rabbit hole!!
Cathy was in a second hand store in MN yesterday. Hubby looked for books, I looked for fabric and men's shirts. Didn't buy a thing because they were $7.99 each. But I'll continue looking. I make a lot of string blocks so all the fabric on the yolks. I save. Have a great week.
I’ve spent $7.99 on shirts that I really like; the way I look at it, it’s still cheaper than $12/yard for quilting cottons! But, yes, keep looking! Thanks for the well wishes and same to you! ❤️
I love your videos!! I also love making quilts from shirts and I have made many. I made a quilt out of blocks, made from just the yokes of shirts, some still had the labels on, but mostly they were plain. I sewed them directly onto the wadding and backing - trimming them up when they were finished, and joining them together with twill tape over the join as they were butted up together for the quilt. I think it had twenty five blocks overall - I guess I’ve had maybe a few hundred men’s shirts over the years!!! I tend to have sleeves in one box, backs in another, and fronts separated by if they have a pocket on or not. I made a quilt for a little boy, where every patch had a pocket on it, and filled each with tiny treasures (a matchbox car, some marbles, a wallet, a notebook and pencil, some balloons, some dice, etc. for him to find. His mum said he loved it! I use the cuffs to make little pockets by sewing up both sides to make a little pouch with a button flap, I make a little tab to hold a key ring so they can hold small coins for parking, rolled up notes for a taxi home, or maybe chapstick, or manicure tools, etc. I would also mention that I enjoy using a razor blade much more than a seam ripper to help take apart the shirts, because it is so sharp, it’s much quicker and nicer on your hands, once you get used to it you’ll never go back. (...oh, and a lint brush to get rid of all the tiny bits of thread). Billie (...from the north west of England!)
Some wonderful ideas here!! Thank you so much for sharing! 🥰 And so glad you are enjoying the videos…I often wonder if other folks who do this too (make quilts from mens shirts) find the videos enjoyable or not! 😳 For me, I love to hear from other thrifters and quilters because I love learning new techniques, getting new ideas, and connecting with people who have this as common ground!
Thank you for sharing and showing. I really bought a manshirt and I'm cutting it like you are telling. Indeed it's a lot of fabric. I will certain look for manshirts in the future.
I've deconstructed a few hundred shirts and seriously wonder why I'd find a video series about it interesting, but I do! 😀 I try to use up the yoke pieces first as I do scrappy quilting and use the collars for string quilting. I too love it when the inner yoke is a different pattern. I'm working on a mini churn dash quilt and was able to get two blocks using one yoke and the complementary inner yoke and those are actually my two favorite blocks in the whole quilt. I once bought a men's cotton robe and ended up with over two yards of fabric. For novelty fabric I sometimes buy 100% cotton scrub tops. One thrift store sells shirts for 25 cents so I've been known to buy a garbage bag full at a time.
I think it’s probably just nice to see someone else who enjoys/values this process like you do. Maybe? Like a solidarity thing. ❤️I know I’m always delighted to find others who quilt with these shirts. And also the curiosity factor to see how someone else does it? Anyway, I’m glad you took the time to watch and comment…and I think those are great ideas, too, btw. ❤️
@@TheCatBirdQuilts we pretty much do things the same way except for the cuffs. People here look at me like I'm nuts for using shirts and so happy to find someone else who thinks like I do and is entertaining to boot. I've subscribed and look forward to new videos. 😀
@@moonlightcrafter6299 oh I’m so glad to have you along with me! 🥰 (I too love a good scrap quilt and I aspire to a string quilt but haven’t made one yet.) Thanks for the reply; looking forward to hearing from you on future videos!
I SO agree! If you use the tiny pieces of shirts you will NEVER run out of fabric for crumb quilts. You will get tired of the colors and patterns long before you run out of fabric.
@@mambakind Those crumbs seem to multiply rapidly too, or at least they do here. My first quilt was a crumb quilt and now I have two containers, one specifically for shirt scraps, that are overflowing.
I am really enjoying your videos! What I have found at my thrift store is when they first bring in the nicer shirts they are $5 ……then they decrease the longer they are there. And as you well know if it’s nice it won’t last to even be decreased in price so mine have mostly been that price but they are in really good condition! My favorite are the micro plaids……followed closely by the chambray shirts! ❤️
Ooh chambray! What an excellent choice. 👍🏻 And yes, same for my store…the good ones don’t make it to the half-off or sales price! But it is still a steal at $5!! If you get a L (but especially XL or bigger) you’re getting a yard of great fabric-that is unique-for $5!! AND keeping shirts out of a landfill. Win-win!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 So glad you’re enjoying the videos! ☺️ Thanks for watching and for your comment! ❤️
On an impulse today stopped into a thrift store and checked out mens shirts. I'm not a quilter but knew I could use this idea in other ways. Didn't buy but my head is spinning with ideas.
It happens to me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I’ll think, ooohh this would make an excellent bag! Or ooohhhh placemats from this fabric would be so cool! So glad you’ve found some inspiration…thank you for watching and for commenting!
I have seem some creative projects that make use of tags from clothing. Thrifted shirts often have designer brand names or some interesting small art. Sewing them to a square on the back of a quilt, or randomly all over, would add a charming touch. Make a quilted wall hanging for your sewing room with these tiny trophies. Some edges are scrathy, so trimming/folding may be needed if you use them on a quilt or wearble.
I made a huge checkerboard scrap quilt for a friend and did exactly what you suggest here…interesting-looking logos were kept intact and I put those squares in with all the rest. I think it made each block unique and interesting (even though many blocks were from the same shirt.) And it turned out gorgeous too. Thanks for your comment…and for watching! ❤️
I am loving EVERY one of your videos, and have a sinking feeling that we will be done breaking down shirts far too soon! What will your next video series be?? I’ve hit up two local thrift stores, and now have about 20 big ole dress shirts to work on. I’m doing them step by step based on your process. Now that my living room ottoman is covered in little piles of sections of shirts (backs, sleeves, yolks, etc.), it begs the question - how do YOU store them? Do you keep all parts of a shirt together, or do you sort them by size (like all the little yolk pieces or wrist pieces). Some quilters (like Lori Holt) precut all their scraps (2.5 inch, 3.5 inch, etc.) and keep the same SIZES together. Perhaps a video of your techniques would be helpful 😉
This is a wonderful idea for a video! The editor (my husband! 🤣) suggested a video on how to store them as well, so i guess that will be coming soon! Lol! 😂 I store them with all large-ish pieces together (front, back, sleeves, yokes) by color in clear shallow plastic bins. All the smaller pieces go in my scrap bin, although as of late, so many viewers have commented on ideas for cuffs and collars that I’m thinking I might pull all of those out of my scrap bin and make a clear bin just for them! Great question and comment! And I’m so glad you’re loving the videos! ❤️
I know you do mostly men's dress shirts, but I wondered if there were any differences to be aware of when breaking down flannel shirts? I plan to make a number of wheelchair lap robes for the VA and the nursing home down the street. I was going to look for flannels and plaids at the thrift store to go with what's in my stash to make more "masculine" designs. Is there anything I should know, from the initial washing to the last snip of the scissors?
I love flannels, but yes they can be a bit more challenging in several ways! I would say avoid your seam ripper and use small snips for the small/tight seam work…I have literally ripped through a shirt just trying to get a small section taken apart. Work slowly, and pay attention closely while you’re cutting because it will slide underneath big scissors if you’re not watching. I wash and dry mine the usual way (warm wash, dry on low) and haven’t had issues. Be prepared to maybe need lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilize them if they are very flimsy! That is a wonderful use of flannel shirts tho…good luck!! ❤️
I love you channel! So very well organized After you have completed taking the shirt apart, do you then cute into certain sizes? For example... strips, 5" or 2.5" . I'd sure appreciate any information you might provide.
Sorry I missed this comment when you posted...no I don't go on and cut the fabric because I often end up using it in various ways and would lose precious fabric by pre-cutting! Excellent question! So glad you're enjoying my channel...thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️ (Also videos coming soon about how to cut shirt fabrics and more on why I don't pre-cut! 😉)
@@jennjennedington279 It's just called Recycled Men's Shirt Apron. The front of the apron will actually be from the back of the shirt, and the front panels will be the straps for the back of the apron.
I always keep a 32oz sour cream cup on the table I am working on - cutting table, ironing board, and if I am sewing while sitting on the couch, I bring a cup with me. All threads and strips too small to call a scrap go in the cup. Eventually I toss the cup in the kitchen garbage can.
If the integrity of the corporeal world depended on whether tags (especially the horribly scratchy sharp-edged nylon garment tags) stayed attached, (and obviously some manufacturers do take this responsibility very seriously) we could all rest confidently that nothing could negatively impact the planet. I despise tags and remove them, NO MATTER the effort or swearing required, before I wear them.
Lol! I honestly did not realize you feel this strongly about tags! And why are the scratchy/nylon/large ones always the ones that are quadruple reinforced at the corners and edges. Just…WHY?!?
“Detritus”-love that word, and love hearing it used casually! And-love your approach to quilting. It reminds me of my grandmother (except your quilts are gorgeous). She probably never bought an inch of fabric for quilting. She called in all the scraps from our clothes sewing, and they are reposed in her quilts, which though artless, kept us warm through many a winter. I have many of them and would take nothing for them. She was born in 1897 and endured much in her 99 years. Her quilts reflect that in their “crooked as a dog’s hind leg” quilting. The beauty is in the memories they generate and the virtual hug from Grandma. Thank you for your unique, beautiful, and thoughtful approach to the lady’s art of quilting.
Thank you for this wonderful, thoughtful and gracious comment! ❤️ Clearly I love words (and I use a LOT OF THEM😂) and it's always good to find others that share that love too! I could not be more honored or humbled to be compared to your grandmother--she sounds like she was a force! And thank you for watching and commenting and sharing about her; I can just imagine those quilts, the work she put into them, and how you must feel about them. What a gift!❤️
You're going to make me go to my thrift store on Friday and buy some more shirts. I'll have to incorporate my shirt-fest with grocery shopping then Mike won't notice the 3 huge bags coming into the house. I put the fabric in the SUV and the groceries in the trunk because he always helps bring everything in. Then when he's watching one of his new shows I'll go out and bring my fabric in, quiet like a mouse. Fridays and Saturdays are $5 for 5 shirts Days. You know I'll buy 25 at least. I want to find some companion Fabrics that will help with my short supply of neutrals. I haul them into the laundry room and start washing them all. I take them out of the dryer when they're mostly done then iron and starch. While I iron, which I LOVE to do, I'll show Mike my treasures and let him shop in my newly washed and pressed shirts. My only rule is he can't have the white ones but everything else is fair play. Every now and then I'll find a real jewel of a shirt and buy it with him in mind. You can't go wrong with. a $1 designer shirt that was worn twice and in pristine condition and they got rid of it. My favorite, where I've hit the fabric lottery is when I find a 3xxx shirt. Those are almost all in beautiful condition and expensive. But for a $1 it's mine. 😊 Happy shopping, Cathy!! One trick I discovered is at the place I go to has everything arranged by color so I'll scour the racks to see if Mr. 3xxx donated a pile. It really works. I hope everyone jumps on the shirts for fabric bandwagon. Except they can't go to my store. 🤣 Is mine and I worked hard to get their system figured out. I also save the inner collar fabric and the sleeves cuffs too. I'm planning a postage stamp quilt, so having a lot of little pieces it's just fine. I'm enjoying you're videos. Could we be related? I'm a Martin too. 🐈🐦
So I laughed at this comment (as usual with you!) It is so easy to just go hog-wild crazy especially when you have a shop with a great selection! And I don’t ever hide my purchases, but I have walked in with a big bag and started explaining! 🤣 I have to go today because I’m starting a new project with a video in mind (it’s a surprise!) and I need another light blue shirt…trying to find one that very closely matches another one. We’ll see how it goes. Wish me luck!!❤️
😍 Oh my goodness! Lol!! I thought I was the only one to quietly bring in my thrift store fabric finds like this❣️Shopping by touch is my favorite. Thanks for sharing 🤩
5 shirts for $5!! Fantastic! I have a Good Will clearance center near me. It's more work to find stuff, but at $1 a pound, what I find is a bargain. I am glad to see someone else has to 'sneak fabric' into the house. (I once snuck in a whole dinner set bought at the thrift shop.)
I binge watched your Break Down series a week or so ago and am watching again. I'm quite new to quilting and have mainly been doing applique butterflies. I also just got a lovely book on applique cats in the garden! So last night as I watched your first haul video and now the collars and cuffs video, I kept thinking, "Oh, that brown would make such nice soil or a sunflower center!" "Oh, that purple would be perfect for the pansies!"
I'm truly enjoying your videos! Thank you! I laughed aloud at 2 in the morning and woke my poor husband up on the other side of the house! 😀😳
Oh my goodness! Poor hubby! And that is hilarious! 😂🥰❤️ So glad you are enjoying the videos! Thank you for watching and commenting! 😊
I love this series, I attacked one of my husbands shirts a couple of nights ago - and had much more fun than I should have 😂😂
It is oddly rewarding to take apart a shirt, in my opinion. I don’t know what it is--the promise of a new life for the fabric, the creative ideas that inevitably come to mind, or just deconstructing something-it is like therapy for me. So glad you’re loving this series! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
I don't quilt but enjoy taking beautiful shirts apart so I can use the fabric for craft projects. If it's linen, I make something wearable for myself! 😉
Ohhh that sounds wonderful! I don’t really sew clothes for myself (I have but can only be described as “rough around the edges”🤣) I’m always impressed and a little envious of people who make nice clothes for themselves! And linen! 😍
@@TheCatBirdQuilts Lol.. I'm equally envious of those who quilt!
I use pockets, buttons w/button holes areas, as well as brand/size labels within the memory quilt blocks in quilts I’ve made for family and loved ones. They always seem to enjoy the blocks with personal identifications which remind them that the quilt is made from their loved ones clothing instead of simply fabric purchased from a fabric store. It can be tricky to quilt the blocks, but the final product is worth the effort.
I’m enjoying your UA-cam channel and videos very much. You’re a peach! ❤️
Oh my goodness, a peach!! 🍑🥰☺️ I’ve always loved that as a compliment! I do love to look at memory quilts where buttons, pockets, logos or other decorative touches have been kept. It’s a trick to do it artfully, but when it’s done well the results are really beautiful and meaningful. So glad you’re enjoying the videos…thank you for watching and for the great comment! ❤️
Leaving the 'crusty parts' in takes quilting to a new, free space. Artsy! And yes, my fam enjoys the variety they find in my quilts. I applaud your openness and creativity.
Kings Home Thrift Store has a great selection of men's shirts. Our technique is phenomenal.
I LUV that each episode has had a new quilt in the background.. would love a virtual trunk show at some point
Aww! Well I’m notorious for giving them away as soon as I make them, so a trunk show might not happen…but thank you for the kind words and idea!
If anyone is looking for things to do with the collars, I've used them before to make little dog accessories! For little pomeranians, I used the collar off a little boys shirt, but larger collars like this can become a charming little accessory for a larger dog when you add in some velcro or a button and elastic!
Aww! 🥰 doggie accessories! 🐶 ☺️
I found 2 xxl 👔 at the garage sales. Not a lot but fun searching anyway. Now for the reaping! Have a Blessed Day!
Time for “the reaping!” Sounds far more sinister than it actually is! 🤣 Hope you have a great one too! ❤️
I am a fellow fabric thrifter, and am enjoying this series. Just have to interject, theres a guy here on utube named Don Kim who does amazing handbags using thrifted materials. He has used collars and cuffs for a his creations.
I have watched his videos---he blows me away with what he can do with collars and cuffs and pockets!! SO cool!
Hello! I hope you had an amazing day! I was visiting my grandkids and all 3 of them tired me out in a happy way! I hope you have a gentle and kind week ahead! Thank you for sharing your video and your talent.
Even though I was at work for a 12-hour shift, I DID have an amazing day! Thank you for watching and sharing your kindness in your comments! 🥰
Real Intent, love that turn of phrase Catbird. Good series, you have awakened, sewing dreams.
Hooray! Then my work here is done. ❤️
Thanks! I love your sense of humor and your video style. I’m a definite FAN!
Aww! Thank you! 🥰. Everyone needs a fan (or two!) Thanks for watching!! ❤️
When making a crumb quilt I leave the labels in. Makes for a nice 'grace note.'
I sometimes leave the stitched logos in, but so far not the labels. I imagine it looks pretty cool though! 😊
Thank you for this series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Oh I’m so glad! ☺️ Thank you for watching!! ❤️
Kathy, thanks so much for sharing these beautiful ideas!
You are so welcome! And thank YOU for watching…and commenting! ❤️🥰
I've driven by our thrift store a couple of times & I think I really need to go in and look, at least see when they have sales on their shirts!! I know I'm going to go down that rabbit hole!!
Just get ready…it will suck you in! 😄😊🥰
Cathy was in a second hand store in MN yesterday. Hubby looked for books, I looked for fabric and men's shirts. Didn't buy a thing because they were $7.99 each. But I'll continue looking. I make a lot of string blocks so all the fabric on the yolks. I save. Have a great week.
I’ve spent $7.99 on shirts that I really like; the way I look at it, it’s still cheaper than $12/yard for quilting cottons! But, yes, keep looking! Thanks for the well wishes and same to you! ❤️
Ooh! You need to find a better thrift store. At that price you might as well buy fabric by the yard.
I love your videos!!
I also love making quilts from shirts and I have made many.
I made a quilt out of blocks, made from just the yokes of shirts, some still had the labels on, but mostly they were plain.
I sewed them directly onto the wadding and backing - trimming them up when they were finished, and joining them together with twill tape over the join as they were butted up together for the quilt. I think it had twenty five blocks overall - I guess I’ve had maybe a few hundred men’s shirts over the years!!!
I tend to have sleeves in one box, backs in another, and fronts separated by if they have a pocket on or not.
I made a quilt for a little boy, where every patch had a pocket on it, and filled each with tiny treasures (a matchbox car, some marbles, a wallet, a notebook and pencil, some balloons, some dice, etc. for him to find. His mum said he loved it!
I use the cuffs to make little pockets by sewing up both sides to make a little pouch with a button flap, I make a little tab to hold a key ring so they can hold small coins for parking, rolled up notes for a taxi home, or maybe chapstick, or manicure tools, etc.
I would also mention that I enjoy using a razor blade much more than a seam ripper to help take apart the shirts, because it is so sharp, it’s much quicker and nicer on your hands, once you get used to it you’ll never go back. (...oh, and a lint brush to get rid of all the tiny bits of thread).
Billie (...from the north west of England!)
Some wonderful ideas here!! Thank you so much for sharing! 🥰 And so glad you are enjoying the videos…I often wonder if other folks who do this too (make quilts from mens shirts) find the videos enjoyable or not! 😳 For me, I love to hear from other thrifters and quilters because I love learning new techniques, getting new ideas, and connecting with people who have this as common ground!
Thank you for sharing and showing. I really bought a manshirt and I'm cutting it like you are telling. Indeed it's a lot of fabric. I will certain look for manshirts in the future.
You’re welcome! And thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️
I've deconstructed a few hundred shirts and seriously wonder why I'd find a video series about it interesting, but I do! 😀 I try to use up the yoke pieces first as I do scrappy quilting and use the collars for string quilting. I too love it when the inner yoke is a different pattern. I'm working on a mini churn dash quilt and was able to get two blocks using one yoke and the complementary inner yoke and those are actually my two favorite blocks in the whole quilt. I once bought a men's cotton robe and ended up with over two yards of fabric. For novelty fabric I sometimes buy 100% cotton scrub tops. One thrift store sells shirts for 25 cents so I've been known to buy a garbage bag full at a time.
I think it’s probably just nice to see someone else who enjoys/values this process like you do. Maybe? Like a solidarity thing. ❤️I know I’m always delighted to find others who quilt with these shirts. And also the curiosity factor to see how someone else does it?
Anyway, I’m glad you took the time to watch and comment…and I think those are great ideas, too, btw. ❤️
@@TheCatBirdQuilts we pretty much do things the same way except for the cuffs. People here look at me like I'm nuts for using shirts and so happy to find someone else who thinks like I do and is entertaining to boot. I've subscribed and look forward to new videos. 😀
@@moonlightcrafter6299 oh I’m so glad to have you along with me! 🥰 (I too love a good scrap quilt and I aspire to a string quilt but haven’t made one yet.) Thanks for the reply; looking forward to hearing from you on future videos!
I SO agree! If you use the tiny pieces of shirts you will NEVER run out of fabric for crumb quilts. You will get tired of the colors and patterns long before you run out of fabric.
@@mambakind Those crumbs seem to multiply rapidly too, or at least they do here. My first quilt was a crumb quilt and now I have two containers, one specifically for shirt scraps, that are overflowing.
Thank you for sharing, enjoy watching x
You've gone back to the beginning to watch---I love it! ❤️
Cathy, I just love to watch your videos! (Even though I'm on vacation! Can't miss them!) 😁
Oh my gosh! What a great compliment! ❤️
I am really enjoying your videos! What I have found at my thrift store is when they first bring in the nicer shirts they are $5 ……then they decrease the longer they are there. And as you well know if it’s nice it won’t last to even be decreased in price so mine have mostly been that price but they are in really good condition! My favorite are the micro plaids……followed closely by the chambray shirts! ❤️
Ooh chambray! What an excellent choice. 👍🏻 And yes, same for my store…the good ones don’t make it to the half-off or sales price! But it is still a steal at $5!! If you get a L (but especially XL or bigger) you’re getting a yard of great fabric-that is unique-for $5!! AND keeping shirts out of a landfill. Win-win!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
So glad you’re enjoying the videos! ☺️ Thanks for watching and for your comment! ❤️
I just want to go to every single thrift store now 🥰
Me too. All the time! 🥰
On an impulse today stopped into a thrift store and checked out mens shirts. I'm not a quilter but knew I could use this idea in other ways. Didn't buy but my head is spinning with ideas.
It happens to me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I’ll think, ooohh this would make an excellent bag! Or ooohhhh placemats from this fabric would be so cool! So glad you’ve found some inspiration…thank you for watching and for commenting!
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I may not be a quilter but still learn from quilters
I have seem some creative projects that make use of tags from clothing. Thrifted shirts often have designer brand names or some interesting small art. Sewing them to a square on the back of a quilt, or randomly all over, would add a charming touch. Make a quilted wall hanging for your sewing room with these tiny trophies. Some edges are scrathy, so trimming/folding may be needed if you use them on a quilt or wearble.
I made a huge checkerboard scrap quilt for a friend and did exactly what you suggest here…interesting-looking logos were kept intact and I put those squares in with all the rest. I think it made each block unique and interesting (even though many blocks were from the same shirt.) And it turned out gorgeous too. Thanks for your comment…and for watching! ❤️
TINY TROPHIES! Yes!
Another great video! Heading to the thrift store tomorrow 😂. This series is so fun! I’m learning so much.
Oh yay! That warms my heart 🥰 Have fun at your thrift store! 😊👍🏻
I am loving EVERY one of your videos, and have a sinking feeling that we will be done breaking down shirts far too soon! What will your next video series be?? I’ve hit up two local thrift stores, and now have about 20 big ole dress shirts to work on. I’m doing them step by step based on your process. Now that my living room ottoman is covered in little piles of sections of shirts (backs, sleeves, yolks, etc.), it begs the question - how do YOU store them? Do you keep all parts of a shirt together, or do you sort them by size (like all the little yolk pieces or wrist pieces). Some quilters (like Lori Holt) precut all their scraps (2.5 inch, 3.5 inch, etc.) and keep the same SIZES together. Perhaps a video of your techniques would be helpful 😉
This is a wonderful idea for a video! The editor (my husband! 🤣) suggested a video on how to store them as well, so i guess that will be coming soon! Lol! 😂
I store them with all large-ish pieces together (front, back, sleeves, yokes) by color in clear shallow plastic bins. All the smaller pieces go in my scrap bin, although as of late, so many viewers have commented on ideas for cuffs and collars that I’m thinking I might pull all of those out of my scrap bin and make a clear bin just for them!
Great question and comment! And I’m so glad you’re loving the videos! ❤️
I was just wondering what sewing project was I going to work on! Thanks! It will be collars and yokes!
I literally love taking apart collars and yokes…especially when the fabrics are different inside and outside! Hope you have fun! 😊😌
Excellent series of videos.
Aww! Thank you so much!! 🥰
Thanks ❤
I know you do mostly men's dress shirts, but I wondered if there were any differences to be aware of when breaking down flannel shirts? I plan to make a number of wheelchair lap robes for the VA and the nursing home down the street. I was going to look for flannels and plaids at the thrift store to go with what's in my stash to make more "masculine" designs. Is there anything I should know, from the initial washing to the last snip of the scissors?
I love flannels, but yes they can be a bit more challenging in several ways! I would say avoid your seam ripper and use small snips for the small/tight seam work…I have literally ripped through a shirt just trying to get a small section taken apart. Work slowly, and pay attention closely while you’re cutting because it will slide underneath big scissors if you’re not watching. I wash and dry mine the usual way (warm wash, dry on low) and haven’t had issues. Be prepared to maybe need lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilize them if they are very flimsy! That is a wonderful use of flannel shirts tho…good luck!! ❤️
@@TheCatBirdQuilts Thank you
Enjoy you and your videos!
Aww thank you!! 🥰 Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️❤️
Gotta make a trip to goodwill! 😂
Yes! Any chance you get! 😄🥰👍🏻
I love you channel! So very well organized
After you have completed taking the shirt apart, do you then cute into certain sizes? For example... strips, 5" or 2.5" .
I'd sure appreciate any information you might provide.
Sorry I missed this comment when you posted...no I don't go on and cut the fabric because I often end up using it in various ways and would lose precious fabric by pre-cutting! Excellent question!
So glad you're enjoying my channel...thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️
(Also videos coming soon about how to cut shirt fabrics and more on why I don't pre-cut! 😉)
I'll look forward to more videos!
I bought a couple of men's shirts to make aprons (from Amy Barickman), but now, I may have to re-evaluate!
Lol! But aprons would also be SUPER cool! ❤️ Great news is there are always more men’s shirts to be found…why not do both?!? 😊
@@TheCatBirdQuilts Oh for sure!!
Are you using the Shirt Tales pattern? I made those samples on the cover and wrote the pattern directions for that!
@@jennjennedington279 oh my goodness…wouldn’t that be amazing?! 😍
@@jennjennedington279 It's just called Recycled Men's Shirt Apron. The front of the apron will actually be from the back of the shirt, and the front panels will be the straps for the back of the apron.
Very nice!🎉
Aww thanks! 😘
I make bags and I am thinking of using the points of those collars so I pit them aside.
Love this series. What is the quilt pattern of the quilt behind you?
Thank you, Mable! It's the Adventureland Quilt by Suzy Quilts. :)
@@TheCatBirdQuilts thank you. Its beautiful!
I always keep a 32oz sour cream cup on the table I am working on - cutting table, ironing board, and if I am sewing while sitting on the couch, I bring a cup with me. All threads and strips too small to call a scrap go in the cup. Eventually I toss the cup in the kitchen garbage can.
Just remembered ! Senior day at the thrift ! Alas, it's only 10% now used to be 25% 🙄 But a penny saved 🤣
Every little bit counts! And 10% off a bargain is an even better bargain! 😊👍🏻
Is this really set for 1 AM or should it be PM?
It’s 6am CST in the US. Not sure where you live but that may account for the difference. 👍🏻
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I'm est in us but notice says 1 am for me.
@@sharonlalli1414 ok then I’m not sure! Have to check with my producer (my husband 🤣) and see if he chose a different time to air the video. 👍🏻
I’m in mst and mine said 11 pm
@@lnwmelon so we DID change the release time to be 12am CST. It’s the official start of today (for us) and helps us keep track of metrics. 😊👍🏻
If the integrity of the corporeal world depended on whether tags (especially the horribly scratchy sharp-edged nylon garment tags) stayed attached, (and obviously some manufacturers do take this responsibility very seriously) we could all rest confidently that nothing could negatively impact the planet.
I despise tags and remove them, NO MATTER the effort or swearing required, before I wear them.
Lol! I honestly did not realize you feel this strongly about tags!
And why are the scratchy/nylon/large ones always the ones that are quadruple reinforced at the corners and edges. Just…WHY?!?