Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Quilt made from 8 business shirts

The big quilt and the cushion cover
The shirts before cutting.
I was in the Op Shop a few months ago and they had all menswear at 1/2 price. In the rack all coordinated and calling to me were 7 business shirts. I had no idea what to do with them, being very plain bold fabrics, but had to have them for my stash. At $2 for 100% good quality cotton how could I resist?

Then I started the remodel of Jakob's room and realised that the colours would fit perfectly. Then the pattern decision. Well I have seen a few cross patterns out on the internet, all made from squares, and thought that would do. Of course I did not do what everyone else has done and that is to have squares so that each cross takes 5 squares to do. I just cut big strips and then cut some into squares and some into longer rectangles that are the equivalent to 3 squares. Why have more seams than you need? I cut heaps out and just used my eye to guess how much I needed. I was worried that I would have enough fabric but I actually have way too much.


Then it was just a matter of laying it all on the floor and sewing it. The laying and sewing only took me about 31/2 hours. I started at 9pm and finished at about 12.15pm. But was so awake that I then started cutting smaller strips for a matching pillow!


So what you see is just the patchwork top cut in 6.5inch strips and the matching cushion cover which was cut in 2 1/2 inch strips. (And I have way too much fabric left over!!!).
Jakob's remodeled room

Once I get around to sandwiching it then I am going to practice quilting by doing each cross in individual patterns. (that is the plan at the moment anyway).

And doesn't it match the colours in Jakob's room!!! I am thrilled with it, especially as it really looks more boy like.

Linking up here.  MightyCrafty.me


9 comments:

  1. That is amazing karen. Your number one fan. Dian.

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  2. Hi Karen! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Love the quilt. Very creative to use the shirts.

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  3. what a great use of upcycled materials, and the quilt came out AMAZING! I love the bright colors and the pattern. I'm currently upcycling my twin boys' fall-winter wardrobe, I would love it if you would stop by to see what I'm up to. There is also a flicker group to share your own upcycled kids projects and what inspires you. ~Suzanne
    http://winterwonderingswanderingswhatnot.blogspot.com/2012/08/project-0-inspiration-and-sneak-peak.html

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    1. Thanks Suzanne, I have stopped by. Love what you do and am watching to see your next steps

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  4. What an amazing quilt! So colorful and bright - Thank you for sharing at MightyCrafty Mondays!

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  5. Thanks Lissa, very excited to be featured by you. Cheers Karen

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  6. That is by far one of the most creative things I've seen...Awesome use of old business shirts

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  7. I love it, I'm so pumped that you made a quilt from men's shirts, yeahyyy!

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  8. Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. techwear-x.com

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Thanks so much for stopping by. I love that you took time out to comment on my blog.

A gorgeous break in Rarotonga

Woo hoo, A holiday with no kids for 11 days. Bliss, relaxing and warm! BTW it was an early 20th wedding anniversary present to ourselves....