Grow Your Stash and Upcycle Quality Fabric.

[@stlmama7643]

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!!

[@jennym007]

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 😻❤️❤️❤️

[@stigyanblue1442]

Save his favorite shirt and make a teddy bear. It makes a great keepsake.

[@Thebiggestcrybabyever]

@@stigyanblue1442. I like this idea

[@marylane6367]

I saved my late husband's shirts for quilting. I incorporate pieces of his shirts into quilts for our family.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Brilliant!! I love the thought of his shirts....woven into a quilt hug.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

That's beautiful!

[@Craftythrifter]

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!❤

[@atreo2109]

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

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@michellecano4350]

Me too! Just found this channel and I'm definitely subscribing!

[@freespirit3891]

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.

[@michaelireefe8118]

I love that I didn’t need to skip through 5 minutes of dialogue and an ad before the actual content I came to watch.

[@wildgeese5707]

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.

[@heavensmountains323]

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.

[@LauraSup]

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!😃

[@merrymabelmarket]

Brilliant!!

[@lorifontaine]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words!

[@lutkeone]

Newbie. What's a string block?

[@lorifontaine]

@@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.

[@Sujowi]

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.

[@buckeyedav1]

My husband was a big guy 4X 5X and wore shirts like that. I was going to do a hand quilt, hand sewn but his friend was up ( husband passed away) and he and his girlfriend make quilts in the winter when they can't get outside as much. It took them a year but they made me the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen and yes they included the pockets, they also made 2 throw pillows out of the same shirts. I had sent 2 storage tubs home with them, they live in TN I live in Ohio. They used a embroidery machine and spelled out "In Memory Of with his date of birth and death, one shirt my husband had been baptized in? They made a long Cross down the quilt out of that fabric. Anna In Ohio

[@merrymabelmarket]

What a wonderful story and gift.

[@Thebiggestcrybabyever]

@@buckeyedav1 beautiful story🥳

[@Whipporwhill]

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...

[@paulamcclellan8436]

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.

[@ritaeagle]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@joannadavignon1608]

@@ritaeagle …and you can either incorporate any stains or cut them out

[@rosethorne9155]

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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@carlyhynd6735]

That’s amazing!! Way to go! 🎉🎉🎉

[@ShellyGotRawr]

I just started learning sewing and I've found good fabric at thrift stores in the craft area! Also pillow cases, sheets, dresses and larger clothes! You're not afraid to mess up with a $3 sheet 🤷‍♀️

[@merrymabelmarket]

Soooooooo true.

[@joanne6147]

Haha same idea here! Happy sewing, fellow beginner! 😃

[@mhd5826]

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.😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

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.

[@jennym007]

I'm sorry for your loss.❤

[@freespirit3891]

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 💛

[@marthadopkowski8311]

I have a friend who used to make dolls using clothing from deceased people as keepsakes for their friends and family members. (Really elaborate, beautiful dolls.)

[@paulamcclellan8436]

Sheets make great backing for quilts & no piecing , second hand sheets are also way better prices

[@morganl2633]

And softer! I love using second hand sheets for my quilts.

[@Lisa-eo9gd]

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.

[@ThumbPeople]

Loved to see the fabric storage along with the breakdown process. Great video!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 😊

[@RGibson116]

I never considered using clothes for fabric, but this is an excellent recycling opportunity. I plan to schedule a visit to my neighborhood thrift store. Thanks for the tutorial 😊!

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are welcome! Enjoy your thrift store visit!

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤ 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❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@nancyloomis3046]

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!

[@9catlover]

i love this soooo much. i am definitely gonna rummage around charity shops to find the large shirts and patterns i like

[@merrymabelmarket]

Please do!

[@joanbarker6581]

Love saving money when it comes to fabrics.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Me too!

[@jennym007]

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

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great!

[@vickieinman6621]

So many wonderful things can be done with other's discarded clothing! Thanks for another great idea.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are so welcome!

[@audrablue515]

I like buying men's cotton dress shirts, short or long sleeves, it doesn't matter. And I keep all the tags and the buttons for other projects. But my favourite is linen. Sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases, even tea towels. I usually buy whatever they have in stock and not worry about patterns or colours. I figure I will probably end up using everything eventually. The only trouble with thrifting is the stores often mark up the price of the item to ridiculous lengths so sometimes buying the same item on sale in Kmart or Target is cheaper. Ikea has lengths of fabric at 3 metres (3.2 yards) and I love their bedding as well. I have no issue with pulling apart brand new sheets, pillowcase and quilt covers from them either. My family and friends know to give me any garment they no longer wear whether it has stains and/or rips. I can always find a use for everything.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So great!!

[@patriciacrafton92]

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! 💕

[@merrymabelmarket]

Oh thank you!

[@DH-qz2so]

Me too! This is totally "my speak" as well... kindred spirits for sure....!

[@terryanderson6153]

I think I am so smart about all things quilting, but I ALWAYS learn something from you! Thank you ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Happy to help!

[@joannedavis1885]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@J_MINA77]

I'm a new sewing beginner,Thanks so much for your guide. I love it😍😍

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sewing is so much fun!

[@smashley5687]

Straight to the point and very helpful! Thank you!

[@pedalbyte]

Thank you! Your video answered a quilting question I had. Excellent resource for fabric!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@TheRozylass]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks so much for your feedback! I love that you comment!

[@rachelsockknitter7177]

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

[@merrymabelmarket]

What a fun idea!

[@gumwrapper12]

This will be phenomenal for the quality fabric shirts with a stain or a rip that I find at the Goodwill Outlet bins. Bought by the pound!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Brilliant.

[@lgquilt41]

Thanks for these ideas,! I'm a cotton snob too.

[@szelop]

I love thrifted shirts for quilts!

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds like such fun project !

[@pattweimer9268]

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.

[@terryhenderson424]

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.

[@momistaken]

What a great idea!

[@marthadopkowski8311]

Love the kit idea! Will probably steal that one!

[@TheMarvelousBeautyChannel1]

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. 😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you SO MUCH for commenting! Best wishes on your fun projects.

[@tinamcelyea5972]

WOW! I had no idea the long sleeves had so much fabric.

[@BohemianGoddess323]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Great tip!

[@alisonbutler6743]

I just had your video 'suggested' to me. I love it, I have been saving cotton shirts for a few years now to do exactly the same thing. As we were transient for over 10 years I could only get really special ones but now we are settled I am a much more enthusiastic collector! I have already made a small quilt for my elderly father and now have plans to make a quilt cover and top quilt for our bed using thrifted fabrics (mainly men's shirts). I do hope your video inspires others.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love your shirt fabric plans!! Thank you for your sweet note.

[@debbiem7834]

I make personal sized quilts for a women's shelter. I never thought of thrifting fabric with men's shirts!! I have gone and bought quality sheets and blankets at thrift stores. Now I have something new to look for at the thrift store! thank you for this tip!

[@merrymabelmarket]

That's wonderful!

[@EileenSpeakman]

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❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

So glad you found us. Sounds like you have GREAT plans.

[@janetmartin6534]

This is great. I am 69. Have quilted for years off and on for years. I am from west Virginia

[@merrymabelmarket]

welcome to our channel!

[@user-sj7xv1er1u]

❤❤❤i thought only "i" did this! i have 4 large containers full of textile "treasures" i've collected for the last 15 years. ❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Brilliant!!

[@shelialittlejohn5960]

I do the same thing in thrift stores,great ideas

[@agnieszkaacka6733]

Yes! Man's shirts are the best❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Agree. Thanks for watching.

[@sandrahaigh2976]

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 💞

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love that!

[@joanne6147]

Loved this video aswell as your fun voice over, thank you so much! 😃💞👍

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@SarahandMoe]

I just did this yesterday on your advice! Pro-tip: if you have a goodwill outlet near you, go through the bins!!! I found all my shirts and a few sheets in them. They charge per pound as well, so I spent $20 and got a ton of things!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I’m so glad you found some treasures!

[@stacey8923]

Great video. I use the cuff from the shirt with the button as a coffee cup sleeve. 🎉

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love that!

[@junkjournalgirl]

Hi from Australia...... Thanks very much for showing how to cut up a shirt :) I went thrifting this morning and large shirts were $15 so they stayed there :( I did pick up a lovely quilt and a nice linen ladies shirt :) Thanks for the storage idea also. 😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thrifting is always an adventure! 😊

[@CathyRatliffatcathyscorner]

Just found your tube! I made a quilt out of thrifted shirts during covid! It is great!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful! Welcome!!

[@Craftythrifter]

I just retired so trying not to buy any more fabric. This is of course very difficult to do! But! Thrift shops to the rescue! I don’t feel guilty there ESP on Sr. or half off days. 👍🏻👍🏻🤓 Your 4 bin rule is genius, I’ll have to keep it to one but that’s ok, Imma get me the biggest bin I can find!😉

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds like a great plan!

[@pamboomer2387]

Hoping to make a memory quilt of my Mom and Dads old pants,shirts, blouses, dresses and anything else made of cotton materials ❤ Made Christmas stockings out of a 70's maroon corduroy shirt of my dads ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is so thoughtful, a wonderful way to use those fabrics!

[@debrayakel2447]

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 😊❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love that!

[@debrecio8150]

So many great ideas. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

You're welcome!

[@nancybattersby]

I can buy fabric at my thrift store, never thought about men's shirts, thanks for that idea

[@merrymabelmarket]

You bet!

[@artgirlerina1797]

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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Fun. Learning to quilt is such a great idea. It is so satisfying and gives great opportunity to create!

[@dianneunderwood8456]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for watching and commenting. So kind.

[@amydavis8924]

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!!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds like you are doing great work.

[@eagleeyes1951]

Going to head to the closet and grab my husband's shirts and mine to recycle. What a way to clean out the closet!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love that!

[@fromlisa_withlove]

I love this idea!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Have fun!

[@gsparks8444]

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 🫶

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you so much!

[@big_ted]

I can’t tell you how much I love this video. It was actually a wild ride. Thanks! Going to go thrifting tomorrow.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have fun!

[@ladysecretz]

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.

[@amberfun9148]

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.

[@RaymondWilliams-od6ib]

@ladysecretz you could also just advertise in local paper that you accept donations. You would get more if it used for charity. There are a lot of quilters that pass away and their families are trying to get rid of their fabric stashes.

[@michiganiania]

You can also recycle your fabric scraps or clothes that are too broken down or stained! I'm in NY and there are recyling programs and bins.

[@FloridaDumpling]

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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MJP-k8m]

Totally agree 100% cotton ONLY. Sourcing quality & unique fabrics with men's shirts & bedding! Been doing this for years. TY for your instruction!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes!

[@pamelaporter6538]

I do all of this, made so many quilts with thrifted fabric.

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's so great!

[@mikepetramalo2904]

Love this! So insightful!

[@HeartStar-dx3yl]

So smart and creative

[@sandibroad4099]

Great video! I love your four tub rule! Thank you🤗💗

[@daviskathi1233]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@carolynridlon3988]

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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds SO fun!

[@Gmaslilnestegg]

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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Great tips.

[@marthadopkowski8311]

My mom used to cut buttons off old clothes and stored them in "the button box" (lidded tin.) We never had to buy new buttons. The fabric was used to make rag rugs, pillow covers, quilts and even dolls and doll clothes! 😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

So great!!

[@michelenemechek7942]

Thanks for the great video. !!! I luv recycling with fabrics !!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Me too!!

[@Ilyannur]

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

[@brendaking737]

Just the video I needed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and personality.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So glad!

[@nikkilacroix910]

Love it! Great idea! I always think about sheets, but never thought about big men’s shirts!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NuckFamily]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@candykammerzell3919]

I started cutting up antique linens working around stains. Amazing how much fabric was in a huge tablecloth and napkins!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@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.

[@trebledown6713]

Straight to the point ! Thankyou❤

[@time-to-sew]

What a fun and inspiring video! Will start doing this and filling my tubs!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have fun!

[@sonniecampbell1788]

This is a great information! Thanks for sharing this!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for watching!

[@KateCallen]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great!

[@nancy9478]

I love this idea!

[@cherylbrown4058]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

A limit does help me.

[@tjthreegreenbananas155]

Great tips. Thank you for sharing.

[@Lisa-eo9gd]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Fun idea.

[@momistaken]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds lovely!!

[@Mennoniterootshomestead2]

What a fantastic idea!!! Definitely going to be looking for very large mens shirts!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes!!

[@DH-qz2so]

"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!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for commenting!

[@d.h.fremont3027]

These are great to make double folded bias tape! Thank you for these wonderful tips. Who knew?

[@beadmomma4]

Such good information in this video. Those little pieces that might go in the trash are great to use in an animal bed.

[@angiem5182]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

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? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nanLen95jpyVba8

[@AmyThomas74]

This is so cool! What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing.

[@rebeccazody1278]

I found two wedding dresses at Goodwill. Harvested all the beautiful trim, etc. was so much fun to do. I am eying a gray wool coat to harvest and felt. That would be a heavy project

[@merrymabelmarket]

Most of my "wool" supply was harvested from excellent wool clothing. Such an amazing savings if you love working with wool like I do.

[@lisastillion2937]

I found 100% cotton queen sz sheets in aqua, buttery yellow and a pretty floral..bought every single one for future sewing. Lucky find!

[@merrymabelmarket]

HOORAY!!!

[@kaylenebruce7691]

4 tubs? I admire your resolve. I love the idea of incorporating a ready made pocket. Thank you.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You bet!

[@fransak2723]

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.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Smart!! I generally wash them too. If they look smell and feel clean, I will wait and wash them after the quilt is made.

[@naturalist-j8x]

For those who want the cuffs are great for those nice dress shirts that you make, and you want a nice cuff. As you know, they don't give us nice cuffs that we want for our blouses. I have actually used that man's cuffs on a nice blouse, and it turns out great.