From Small Things: Episode 6: Turning Shirts Into Fabric

[@007robbert]

Hallo from Holland. Very much enjoying your videos.practical,amazing,a little humor - just loving it. Thank you !

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so glad you're enjoying them! It's amazing to hear that someone from as far away as Holland is joining me in my sewing room.

[@christinekeay8456]

I love using shirts in my quilts, but I find charity shops near me are charging a lot more than they used to! However , thankfully I have a good stash of shirt fabric .😍

[@fromsmallthings509]

Prices at the larger thrift stores have gone up a lot around here, too. Luckily my town has a very small local store, which still has very good prices. I'm glad you got a good amount squirreled away!

[@Moni221960]

Brenda from Conquering Mt Scrapmore sent me. Love your channel. Monica from Australia

[@jackiemobley8529]

I save the seams that I've cut away from the shirts to tie up tomato plants or to give to my husband for his garage. I keep some for myself in the sewing room to use for tying around things I need to keep together.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Excellent idea!

[@betsylewis9432]

I could watch you every day!! I hope you make lots more videos.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so glad you're enjoying them! We just finished filming the next one.

[@Happybidr]

That’s a gorgeous quilt. Excellent color choices. I learned a lot.( I was born near that area.) I see you hand quilted it! Impressive.

[@cynthiajones1461]

If you leave the buttons on the cuff and cut the cuff off with a little bit of extra fabric to sew over the raw edges, you can donate them as there are several craft tutorials showing how to upcycle the cuffs. I'm enjoying your videos very much.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for sharing that, great suggestion! I may know someone who could put them to good use that way.

[@skyartsmanagement]

Thanks Sue. When I pull buttons from a shirt, I thread them together, or clasp them together on a safety pin. Then I am not hunting through a big jar for matching buttons.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's a great method for using them in the future. I just found somewhere I can donate my buttons to, it's a local craft guild who can use them in their "library" of materials. As long as they can be put to use, it makes me happy!

[@hollykarlsen1792]

I am going to start doing that! Thanks for the tip!

[@JanLemme]

That’s a great idea!

[@charlottecline912]

I have made little bags from men’s shirt cuffs. You can use them when you’re packing to put jewelry in and I use them to put my flash drives in. Keep them separated and easy to find if you’re taking them to the library or the print shop. Since there are buttons and button holes on the cuffs, you can choose to fold it in a certain way so that it’s Closes the little bag. And after cutting off the cuff, but leaving the buttons, you can just sew down the sides to make this little bag. They make cute gifts to give to people that you know might use them for traveling or as I said for your flash drives, etc.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I love that idea, it shows so much creativity. I used to make little bags for presents, but not so much anymore. This sounds like it would be perfect, and very cute, for small items!

[@debrawortman1712]

Thank you, Sue! I am so happy that you showed how to deconstruct a shirt. I have a bag of my father's shirts, and I have always wanted to make a quilt in memory of him. Now I know how to proceed! Love your videos!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Memory quilts are such a wonderful thing to make and have! I've made several. I hope making it brings good thoughts back to mind for you.

[@debrawortman1712]

@@fromsmallthings509 ❤

[@vikkirountoit497]

Oh my gosh thank you for showing this quilt - it is so beautiful! The blue immediately reminded me of all the streams and creeks in the area. Love seeing the history of where I grew up!!! My grandparents on my father's side came over from Germany. I learned to sew at a very young age from my grandmother who earned money for their house with her sewing. She taught me so many crafts and I loved watching her bake too. I finally got back into sewing around 2010 and haven't stopped since:)

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm glad you like the quilt! I wish I had grown up in a family where I could learn from previous generations. I like how resourceful they were, and how they always made it work. It's wonderful that you've gotten back to it!

[@nanigail395]

My goodness!! You have inspired me to look for shirts to use…I have never done that; but what a great idea & I wish I had kept my Dad’s shirts to make a special memory quilt with them 😐

[@fromsmallthings509]

Shirts can be really nice to work with. You could always keep an eye out for shirts which remind you of your dad; it wouldn't be quite the same as having his, but as long as they remind you of him, it will be a quilt which brings back memories.

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

Thank you very much for sharing

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks for watching!

[@peachycheeks4394]

That’s a gorgeous quilt Sue! It’s awesome hearing how the pattern came about as well. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@brigittethebusystitcher]

Great episode ! Btw, cotton fabric scraps can also be composted. It will make for a colorful compost 😉

[@dcinrb8538]

If you chain stitch, the cuffs can be cut into squares (3 layers) and used as Leaders & Enders (also a Bonnie Hunter method). This will reduce thread waste by utilizing cuffs that would've been trashed anyways. Thank you for your video 🍄🍄

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks for the suggestion! Bonnie Hunter is full of a lot of terrific ideas.

[@susanfaunce5955]

I love that you repurpose discarded items, I do that as well. I look forward to seeing and hearing more of your great ideas and see the beautiful hand quilting.

[@GlendaNorris-qx3in]

Use your throw away for stuffing for pet beds. Simple pillow case style dog bed. Give to local pet shelter, 😉

[@fromsmallthings509]

Good idea!

[@colleenbaker2310]

I'm a big Bonnie Hunter fan from way back when she did Quilt Cam videos and sewed on her vintage machines. I remember watching her video about "de-boning" a shirt. Thanks for the lesson. Love your videos!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm a big fan too, and remember those videos! Her channel is where I learned about using shirts, and I'm so grateful for that!

[@lenacoleman1142]

I love the Quilt pattern. I searched and found one of the books for $10 used. I have my old wedding dress I recently found in its original box from the dry cleaners. It is now 40 yrs old and I have decided I will cut it up and put in a quilt. I think I may use this pattern as it has lots of low volume and I will use my dress. I am so excited. Thanks for a great tutorial. Hubby just decided to go through his closet and get rid of some old shirts and I had to tell him don't donate them I want them!! LOL. Thanks perfect timing!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

This made me smile! That's a great idea, to make the memories in his shirts and your dress live on, and to give them new life. It will be beautiful!

[@xylindria9077]

an idea for the pockets is a small puffy blanket? you already have three sides sewn together. love your channel, have a great day!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Good idea! I think I might have found a home for my pockets with a local craft guild.

[@angiej9956]

Wow, what a wonderful channel of inspiration. I'm glad I found it.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

[@beckypetersen2680]

About cutting those back yokes. I've used my 3.5" square ruler and cut out squares, centering the label as best as possible. I then separated them into cool and warm backgrounds. Then I put a 1.5" (cut) sashing between the label squares and so far I've made two of these quilts. People love them and I have the warm colors one draped over my couch. It always evokes a discussion.

[@kellys.5913]

Anywhere we could see a photo of these?

[@fromsmallthings509]

I like your creative thinking-- what a great use for every last bit. I bet it looks really fascinating!

[@janfusco80]

First time watching your podcast and was pleasantly surprised when you started speaking about the area in which I live. I live in the Collegeville area in MontgomeryCounty. I’ve been quilting since 1974 and have never seen the quilt you were showing. I’ll have to look into that quilt. Thank you for an interesting podcast.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Now that you've seen it, you'll have to make one! I've spent lots of time in Collegeville. If you ever see me at the fabric sale at the Farm Home and Youth Complex, say hello!

[@nicola.p]

You could sew 24 or 25 of the pockets together and make an advent quilt for a little treat or toy to be hidden in for each day of advent (or as a gift quilt if you are a different faith) Or even just as a 'countdown quilt' for something like a birthday.

[@fromsmallthings509]

My daughter just had the same idea! She took some red and green pockets from me.

[@pgreen28]

Thank you for explaining the history of this quilt, I really enjoyed it!

[@fromsmallthings509]

You're welcome! I feel learning about the history of quilts can make them even more meaningful.

[@yolandasager5307]

Thank you once again for your video! I’m looking forward to seeing you again ❤

[@beckymartin203]

I also live in SE PA. I enjoy your videos.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you-- I hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather!

[@bbymks5]

Wonder if you make a coffee sleeve out of the cuffs or collars? But again, you only need so many of those. But they'd be so cute!!

[@cherylbaney1287]

I would love to see how you baste your quilts. I also do a lot of hand quilting, I find it relaxing and I love the look of the finish. Your videos are very informative and I am so glad that I found you on KZbin!

[@fromsmallthings509]

A few people have said they'd like to see basting, so maybe we'll try to make a video of the process. It might be a bit strange, because I'm crawling on the floor while doing it!

[@lyndakling901]

I love to use flannel shirts because they’re so cozy and warm!

[@fromsmallthings509]

They are-- and easy to quilt through!

[@pamelarickbeil1183]

I work with many scraps too. I appreciate your creativity.

[@lyndakling901]

I’m in Bucks County..we live even closer than I thought!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Nice! Do you belong to a guild?

[@redhen689]

Hi Sue! I also live in SE PA and just discovered your channel. I love the Perkiomen Valley shirt quilt!

[@fromsmallthings509]

If you're from the area, I guess you have to make one too! It really is a beautiful pattern, and I love that it's local.

[@JudyMurtagh-h1x]

I love your quilt so much. I also collect large men's shirts and you have just given me a great idea of what I can do with them. I have also bought good quality men's flannel shirts that I have turned into warm cosy shirts. I made one for my son which I have repaired which I loved. Keep up the great work.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I just got a flannel sheet this morning, maybe to use as a back. Nothing beats a nice cozy flannel quilt in the cold months.

[@karenn565]

Another fabulous video! Thank you. I have a small collection of shirts thanks to my husband wearing out the elbows. I feel inspired to cut them up now and really start that stash going.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Yes, cut them up! Whatever you make will be wonderful, especially because they are his shirts. Hope you have fun!

[@stellaunger8568]

Todays quilt is absolutely gorgeous, thank you Sue ❤️😁🌹

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@tchr1106]

Quilty greetings from Eagleville, Montgomery county!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Hello, you're right down the road!

[@mbkile6762]

Started to deconstruct men's shirts with a friend for her deceased brother's wife or widow now, Happy to see I'm doing just like you! Your videos have been inspirational. ❤❤❤❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

It's so sweet to preserve the memory of a loved one in a quilt.

[@agnieszkaacka6733]

Beautiful patterns. This quilt is amazing ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@Tbirdcarr1]

You are totally in my neck ok the woods, I was married in limerick pa but live in upper bucks cty

[@fromsmallthings509]

I grew up in Boyertown!

[@davidhatfield5714]

I also buy 100% cotton shirts for quilting. Right now I’m collecting as many “low volume” whites, beiges, and ect. I can find. I have always loved the “1000 Pyramid” quilt! I so want to made the one called “Whisper” by Mary Fons in her book Made+Love Quilts. ( book purchased on Thriftbooks very cheap..I but lots of quilt books here). I think the small prints on high quality men’s dress shirts to be so lovely and very different than anything you can find at fabric shops! I seldom pay more than $2 per shirt. My goodwill and other thrift stores in my area are bad, so most of my treasures come from church/yard sales and estate sales❤️ I just found you..happy sewing..(KH)

[@fromsmallthings509]

The 1000 Pyramid is so beautiful, I hope you make it! Would you sew it by machine, or by hand? It sound like you are getting GREAT deals on shirts! I also love the whites and small print men's shirts, but they are scarce at my 25 cent sale. When I make a shirt quilt, most of my whites have to be quilting cottons.

[@davidhatfield5714]

@@fromsmallthings509 I’m almost there! I will machine piece and hopefully handquilt. I only get to sew winter months☹. My yard is very time consuming in the spring and summer. Not much time to sew. But I do take the time to treasure hunt for all my supplies. Once the holidays are over, my machine will stay out till April 👏👏I watched your latest video and find you very interesting and enjoyed your content.

[@LoriB58]

Love your videos Sue! Thank you for all the great ideas…

[@rosehixon2790]

❤

[@hollykarlsen1792]

I usually toss the cuffs and collars too. I have learned to cut wide around the arm pits. I wash all my shirts first but sweat sometimes doesn’t come out. I like to do my shirt cutting while watching TV with my hubby. Have you watched The Catbird Quilts KZbin channel? She uses shirts too.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I've really been lucky with the shirts I've found-- I found one with under-arm stains, and one with a tear-- but the others have been great. I've seen a few videos by Catbird Quilts, and really enjoyed them-- I love the work she's doing!

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

Cat Bird also uses mens shirts/

[@mrsbobbinlacer]

Thank you for so many ideas and thoughts on what I would like to do.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Beautiful tutorial...best wishes ❤

[@mcrosson3927]

My scissors squeak like that too!

[@muffysfeatherweightattachm7134]

I use shirts for my quilts too. I use the cuff. I leave the button on the cuff and cut the cuff off. Now close the button and sew up either side of the cuff 3/4 of the way up and you have a small pocket you can keep buttons in or a trolley coin in your purse or whatever.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks for the suggestion-- it sounds cute!

[@sharonspencer6486]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Love your videos!😊❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for checking out my little corner of the world!

[@ejkld12345]

Western shirts have buttons on their pockets. 12/9. 2:50PMCentral time

[@beckypetersen2680]

Your quilt is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pattern name and the history behind it. New Subscriber!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@debrawitte8391]

love you !

[@juliemiller2658]

That’s such a great idea!

[@oopsiedaisy5198]

Thanks for this video. I love thrifting for interesting shirts. I take my shirts apart the same way as you! I'm a little sad that I pay more for my shirts though! I am also trying to think of what to do with my cut off pockets and the collars and cuffs!

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's great, I'm so happy other people are repurposing materials also. I realize I am lucky to have a 25 cent sale close by-- that's why I keep accumulating too many shirts! I just thought today of maybe putting a row of pockets in a row quilt...

[@wkowa1089]

I enjoyed your video very much. You have an excellent way of showing how to deconstruct the shirts and I think you are a very good teacher too! How long does it take you to hand quilt a blanket? Do you work on more than 1 quilt at a time? I sometimes work on 3 or 4 projects at a time because I get bored just working on 1 project until it's finished. The good thing is I am usually done with all my projects at the same time. However, it takes a long time to finish them all. Anyway, thanks again for such a lovely video. I will be looking forward to your new videos. 💖😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! It take me a few weeks to hand quilt-- it ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the stitch pattern. I always have one quilt being hand quilted, and one top being pieced in my sewing room; and often one being basted and then waiting its turn. So I also have about 3 projects going at a time, but they are sort of going through the assembly line in order.

[@jmason8883]

Oh my goodness get those fingers away from that sharp sharp blade 😂😂😂

[@fromsmallthings509]

I certainly had some injuries early on in my sewing life!

[@jennstumpf1]

Great video- enjoyed it so much! May I put in a request for a video demo of your hand quilting techniques? ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Actually, the next video will show a bit of hand quilting!

[@vikkirountoit497]

Leave buttons on a few cuffs and they are wonderful adjustable cord holders for larger cords and appliances. Maybe button bands left intact could be sewn end to end and made into adjustable bands for something large? Haven't done that myself. Other cuffs/collars with buttons removed - can cut the seams off leaving just the thick center and use as "quilt as you go" with 1" sashing (so the pieces end up butting up together) for small mug rugs or appliance cushions or fabric trays, etc. I've also kept the seam strings and use them to tie up tomato plants etc in garden. I spent a lot of time with my grandma and she kept a large bin for all scraps. I wonder if the cut seams would work sewn or woven into a basket? Craft party at your place for all the leftover pieces of shirts:)

[@fromsmallthings509]

Haha! I really love these ideas; I'm sure I'll follow through on some of them to make use of everything I can. I have made some cordage out of scraps and tried to weave with it, but it didn't turn out too well.

[@vikkirountoit497]

@@fromsmallthings509 Hmmm that gives me an idea. Maybe I could use the button plackets from each shirt and flat weave them into some cute mats or trays.

[@GlendaNorris-qx3in]

Save the pocket and collar's qnd make q cuff and pocket summer quilt. Leave tags on. Make sure we get a picture pleave.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@danabailey6174]

I have a large stock of pockets myself.

[@susanrascone2098]

The diabetic society where I live in Ontario accepts those fabric scraps- like your cuffs and collars. They sell them by the pound to be shipped overseas to be made into rags. I keep a bag on the go by my cutting table for all the bits. Maybe there is something similar in your area.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's great, and thank you for the suggestion! I'm convinced I need to get in touch with a nearby craft guild to see if they can use my cuffs and collars.

[@bobbibrunson5062]

I love that you're so thrifty! I've enjoyed your channel & am a hand quilter as well. Do you use a template for the baptist fan ? Thanks for sharing all you do.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Yes, I use a stencil for the baptist fan, and markers. I show a bit more of the process in episode 7. So happy that you are also a thrifty hand quilter!

[@christineburke7267]

you should make a braided rug

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's a good idea-- I have already made some crocheted rag rugs, and enjoy doing it, but I'm not sure I can use more!

[@susanfaunce5955]

I i love your quilts and for sharing all your insights. I was wondering what do you do with all these quilts?

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! Mostly I put them in pillowcases for storage and stack them all around my house. Some I have donated, some I have sold to friends, and many quite a few have been taken by my daughter. I certainly don't need as many as I have, but some are too special to ever get rid of.

[@susanrascone2098]

Thank you. Glad you popped up on my KZbin feed. Do you wash all of the shirts first?

[@fromsmallthings509]

I don't wash them, because they church which holds the sale washes everything first. I also wash the whole quilt once it's finished, so it's perfectly clean before going on a bed. Another nice thing about using fabric from shirts which have been worn is that they have been washed many times, which means virtually no chance of bleeding colors or shrinkage once they are in a quilt.

[@lyndakling901]

I do..I get them in the cheap bin at thrift shops…

[@susanrascone2098]

@@fromsmallthings509 I was once given a lot of men’s sport shirts. The owner had used scented laundry products and the smell would not come out. I had to redonate them all. How nice that the church washes everything.

[@lindahamilton5521]

I'm new to the channel and of course curious about the 25 cent sale?

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome! It's a sale held once a month at a church local to me in Pennsylvania. They sell all sorts of donated items for 25 cents each, no matter what it is. I mostly pick up men's shirts there, to use as fabric. Unfortunately I can't recommend a place for anyone else to go for such good deals-- it's just a local event here.

[@lindahamilton5521]

I can get some pretty good deals on shirts here too and I thought about cutting them apart for material. After seeing your video and thank you very much for it I'm definitely going to be buying men's shirts. Great video thank you

[@violaqueen2234]

Hi Sue, are the shirts you buy 100% cotton, or do you use blends as well?

[@jenniek4617]

What an interesting video! What do you do with all the quilts you make? I love the blue one behind you by the way 😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! Some I have sold, some I donate, but most of them I store in pillow cases and stack them up in every corner! And I always have one on my bed-- they do get used.

[@AuntGrace]

Try some sewing machine oil on the scissors ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Haha, I love how all the quilters are noticing my squeaky scissors!

[@brendamc3535]

Your quilts are lovely!!! Love the patterns you use!!! I am also a traditional quilter but rarely hand quilt anymore. I love hand quilting but have had carpal tunnel surgery and don't want that again. One question. Are all your shirts you use, cotton or a mix with polyester? I have trouble finding all cotton shirts sometimes.

[@lyndakling901]

The cotton shirts are out there! Keep looking!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so sorry you have had to put aside hand quilting. I feel like the need to get in all the quilting time I can before age prohibits continuing for me as well-- even though that may not make sense! At the 25 cent sale, I just grab what catches my eye and worry about the content later. They are almost all a cotton/poly blend, but maybe about 1 in 4 will be all cotton.

[@deliad8826]

Another great video Sue ❤. I see you mark your quilt; what marking tool do you use and do you then wash the quilt to remove the blue marking. Thanks so much

[@fromsmallthings509]

Yes, I use pens called Leonis which I find on Amazon-- they come in a 10 pack. I've been using them for years, and have never had an issue with them washing out. But it can still be scary putting blue pen all over your white fabric! Once I put the binding on, I always wash the finished quilt.

[@deliad8826]

@@fromsmallthings509 Thanks so very much. I have been doing big stitch hand quilting and usually straight lines. But I will give them a try. I too love that fresh quilt out of the dryer once done. Enjoy your day.

[@Crafty-n-Krazy]

When cutting up a shirt approx how much fabric do you get from one shirt. And is it cheaper doing it this way or buying yardage?

[@muffysfeatherweightattachm7134]

Its much cheaper than yardage. A shirt takes roughly 2 .5 metres to make one.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I get shirts for 25 cents, so it's definitely cheaper than yardage. I've never measured how much material you get from each, but depending on the size, the large back piece alone can measure 26" x 36". It also makes a big difference in material if it has long sleeves.

[@TeresaMaria-i4c]

Is it ok to share your videos to FB?

[@leaannebrummett9159]

Do you only buy 100% cotton shirts? Are you doing this years Quiltville mystery?

[@fromsmallthings509]

I grab whatever shirts catch my eye, then look at the content when I get home-- they are usually a cotton/poly blend, but sometimes all cotton. If they turn out to be something strange, I just drop them back off at the next sale! I haven't participate in sew-alongs, but I do like to follow them online. It just always seems I have too much else going on to start another project. I really admire Bonnie Hunter for doing her yearly mystery quilt-- it's so wonderful how she creates a cozy communal space for everyone to come to during the winter.

[@leaannebrummett9159]

@@fromsmallthings509 I use shirts also and have heard from others that they only use cotton. I rarely find cotton and will use whatever I think I can put a stitch in. Bonnie is amazing in so many ways. I've followed her for about 20 yrs but have only made 3 mystery quilts. I have to be in the mood to do a mystery quilt. I may or may not join this years mystery but I'll save the patterns.

[@michele6708]

I really enjoy your videos but Monday afternoon I am getting ads every 5 minutes or less. I can’t deal with that.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's terrible! Thank you for letting us know. We just gained enough "watch hours" to be able to turn ads on/off, but haven't applied for the option to control ads yet. Unfortunately, it seems to take about a month to get approved even after that... we'll at least try to get right on it, and hopefully we'll be able to turn them off!

[@francespiquemal8813]

Oh my I love that Perkiomen Valley quilt. It is just beautiful. Is the pattern available online for purchase or if it has expired would you consider sharing it? Now I don't feel so guilty anymore about my stash of used shirts! I use the pockes for tote bags. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Never feel bad about your stash, it that's what makes you happy! The books I showed didn't have an actual pattern, just a picture of a block, and I just put them together by looking at a picture of the whole pattern. You could check out Bonnie Hunter's website quiltville.com to see if she has it available as a pattern.