My plans for my day off yesterday got canceled, so I decided to dive into a new project. My little brother dropped all these shirts off with me, well, I don’t remember when, but I’m hoping less than a year ago. I spent a few hours sorting, measuring, arranging and rearranging, and then I spent something at least six hours starching, pressing and cutting. And here I thought I was embarking on a quick project… I should know better.
On the upside, it doesn’t look like the edges are going to give me much trouble. I was worried about them curling up, but the starch and pressing seem to have taken care of that thus far.
I can’t believe it took me so long to press and cut the shirts. Though it doesn’t seem so bad after some math: I averaged about 10-12 minutes per shirt. I’m sure it wouldn’t take me quite so long to press and cut if I weren’t so obsessive about neatly stacked pieces. See how all the edges line up just so?
Even my leftover pieces are somewhat neatly folded. Of course, I have no idea what to do with my leaning pile of scraps now. I don’t see myself working with a lot of knits anytime soon. Some will probably become bracelets or headbands. Of course, not all of the shirts are lightweight and soft enough to refashion like that. (And unfortunately, I didn’t read this tutorial before I cut the shirts.) Anyone have ideas for the rest?
You are an awesome sister! A friend is chatting with me right now about tshirt quilts for her daughter and there is no way I’m volunteering to make her one.
Thanks, Bobbi! It was my mom’s idea, and how could I say no to my little brother?
I’m calling it a “quilanket,” because it’s kind of somewhere between a quilt and a blanket.
Meghan
Oooh, well, you’re learning experience is not in vain. Ever since I showed my wildfire donation quilt to the gals at work, there have been requests for t-shirt quilts. I imagine I’ll be following this trail you’re blazing before too long!
Oh, you’re much nicer than I am, Claire! I don’t like to make things for people I’m not related to (other than gifts, of course) because I just don’t think they appreciate the work that goes in. The people who have asked me have balked at the price.
But even if I never make another t-shirt quilt (or “quilanket,” as I’m calling this one), I’ll just be glad to say I can and I have.
I”m so proud of you! The quilanket turned out awesome! I know your little brother will enjoy it!
Love,
Mom
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