How To Break Down a Men's Dress Shirt, Pt. 5 - Front and Back

[@Noreenlee1]

I followed your wise advice and got eight fabulous shirts for quilting for $29 at Goodwill. Yay! Then my husband tried them on. Now, I have five fabulous shirts for quilting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok I *actually* lol’d at this comment! Still laughing. Thanks for watching and for the great comment! ❤️ (Oh and I’m glad you got FIVE shirts for quilting at your Goodwill.) 😂🥰

[@JudySmith-f8x]

Yes Noreen...My husband and 2 sons have taken from me the most beautiful shirts/fabric. We live in a 1929 house, therefore very small closets! Thankfully, now there's no more room to hang another shirt and all the shirt fabric will be mine!😂

[@Denise11Schultz]

Oh my! I have been saving shirts for Years, and just recently discovered your channel. Today I went through my stash, and pulled all the linen shirts and pants that I have been saving for my ‘someday’ linen quilt. •I had only made one mistake. I put them away as shirts, instead of breaking them down. Today I broke the spell, and began breaking them down for my first linen quilt. ✨💙🌌 Thank you!

[@JudySmith-f8x]

Thanks for the tips and encouragment! I started acquiring thrift store shirts when my dear super quilter friend made 3 memory quilts and the wife cried when she saw her husband's shirts transformed. But, my friend never gave me any tips about how to break'em down (aka cut'em up😂). Its been stressful until your 5 part series. 🎉❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Judy, I'm so glad they break down videos have been so helpful for you! ❤️ For me, having a method and a plan makes it way more enjoyable and therapeutic!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Hi Cathy, I just watched all 5 of the shirt cut ups.(11/22/2024) I loved that I got to hear the first time that you called the seam ripper a SEAM REAPER. The video was definitely worth it for the valuable information AND the laugh. I told my Husband the story about how much you love your Guggenheim ? scissors. We laughed and felt sorry for your Daughter. It felt great to laugh as I have been feeling much better since the stroke but was attacked by No See Ums and now I'm inside recovering from that. For some reason they love me and this time they bit me all over my face to the point of my eyes swelling shut. I told my Husband that I would NOT go anywhere with him that I looked hideous or that someone would think he was hitting me. We had a great laugh over it. Hopefully the swelling will be gone tomorrow but I know I will still have the itching. Thanks for all the information and I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving !!! Lots of Love, Dianne ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well Dianne it sounds like you have had a go as of late! 😱 So glad you're feeling better after the stroke, and I hope (by now) that your face has fully recovered. Happy Thanksgiving to you too! So glad you got a big laugh from the cut up videos--I was feeling pretty silly in at least 3 of them! 😂

[@kimandrews9734]

My friends daughter rodeoed since she was very small. In fact, she received a rodeo scholarship for 4 years of college. In her senior year at college, her university qualified for the National College Rodeo in Wyoming. She won All Around Cowgirl that year which is the top award for the female rodeo participants. Her mom asked me to make her a memory quilt with all of her rodeo shirts. Almost all of them had interesting yokes in the back,so I made that a feature of the quilt. But I still broke down the shirt the way you are showing except I just kept the back, front and sleeves. She was a petite girl so I only got like 2 10”squares out of the back including the yoke. So I made 4 patch blocks and 2 rectangular patch blocks to fill out the rest of the quilt, but it turned out fantastic and she and her mom loved it.

[@loribrock991]

Is it crazy that I couldn’t wait to see this last video? I’ve been counting down the hours. 🤪 Please keep the videos coming, you’ve got a loyal follower here 😀. I’m sure I’m not alone in anticipating what you will do next - quilt showcase of your creations, ideas for storage, converting pieces to precuts, quilt patterns compatible with dress shirt stash, etc. Thank you so very much for fostering this community and sharing your brilliant ideas. 👏 P. S. Your husband does an amazing job of editing and video compilation. Even the still shots used at the start of each video are so appealing. He, too, is quite talented.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

He is the best, and thank you for your sweet words for us both! 🥰 It has been such a delight and joy to be part of gathering us together, we thrifters/scrappers/quilters/sewists! Everyone who comments adds to the collective creative knowledge and I LOVE THAT. So thanks for being a part of that! And no, I don’t think it’s crazy…I think it’s fun and meaningful and great! We’re gonna have a couple weeks of videos that answer questions that viewers have (either in comments or theoretically) about cutting shirts for fabric, and some personal story videos and THEN we’re gonna start a new series! (It’s a surprise! 😊) I’m so happy knowing that you’ll be along with me! ❤️

[@akalawilliamson3113]

I found a 100% Cotten mens dress shirt in a 5xl!!! I was so excited and it’s so soft! It was only a dollar at a yard sale!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

OMG! That’s SO awesome!! 🥰😊🤩

[@MsAmberSunshine]

I heard it. Loving your deconstruction videos. Actually I love all your videos. I just haven’t been able to watch all of them yet but the ones I’ve watched. I’ve loved and enjoyed. ❤

[@annierizzo3034]

Nice job. I have convinced my husband to let me buy mens shirts for fabric instead of paying the high prices for yardage. He has helped me pick out some ( not on sale) I try to buy the ones on sale. We don't have a good selection of thrift store here and the private ones have premium prices. I have deconstructed so many in the last few days that my hands are sore. Now I would like some simple quilt ideas using these pieces of fabric. I have saved my button panels, cuffs and pockets whole as I may be able to reuse them as I also like to make clothes and bags. I am looking forward to more videos. Love the humor! Seam reaper! You must be great to work with. God bless

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh how wonderful that your husband is now in on the hunt! 🥰 I will be airing new videos on projects that I’m doing/have done…you can also follow me on Instagram or FB for close-up photos of works in progress that might help you choose do-able quilt projects! Thanks for watching and commenting!❤️🥰🤗

[@polly9988]

I love the pockets! In a baby's blanket their binky (pacifier) can go in it. A little girl can put her dolly in it, a little boy can put his cars in it. Oh, the possibilities are endless! Save those pockets, especially those with buttons.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That is so sweet!! And yes they do make such sweet and useful additions to baby quilts! 🥰

[@anniefranklin1731]

You are like a breath of fresh air! Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Annie! ❤️

[@marshaadams6196]

So I just stumbled across your channel and was enchanted! I love repurposing fabrics especially men’s shirts. I think you live in Canada but you could totally live in Kentucky with me with your Southern expressions. Love your video style and style.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Marsha! I actually live in Alabama, so I'm definitely a true Southerner! Thanks for watching and commenting--I'm glad you found me!

[@marshawallace7522]

I really enjoyed this series of videos❣️ Thank you Cathy and Paul.

[@jobabs]

Love the Willie Wonka golden ticket reference! Great series….except now there will be fights for shirts in the aisles of the thrift stores, lol.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! I hope no fights break out! 😳😂 Thank you for the kind words and for watching! ❤️

[@anitajackson8622]

Hi Cathy! I could hear the seam ripping all the way up here in NC. My quilty friend and I used your principles to cut up half a bin of silk clothes for a silk and lace quilt Friday. We had a container for buttons and snaps. Ladies dresses and skirts give tons of fabric. As we worked together, we started forming ideas for a design. It's something to look forward to each week. I hope that you will do videos on quilt ideas you have for the fabric you gleaned from shirts, and maybe how you organize your stash. My husband is formerly a 2X and we have a lot of 2X shirts. I won't run out of fabric. 😁 God bless you and your husband for sharing all of these videos!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hi Anita! So glad you’re enjoying breaking down shirts and dreaming up the way you’ll use them! Having that inspiration is part of the joy of life, at least to me! 😊 I think you’ll see in upcoming videos at least some of what you’re looking for…and you can always follow me on Instagram or FB to see quilt patterns that I’ve chosen for my current projects! ☺️ Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! ❤️

[@kristinesmith7797]

I have loved this series! I've used some shirts from time to time because they were mine and I loved the print, but I am looking at men's shirts with a whole new view to quilting! I found a dozen beautiful, expensive (originally) shirts this week at my local thrift store and have already deconstructed 5 of them. My husband tried on and claimed 3 of them after I'd gotten them washed but before deconstruction, lol, so I'll need to go shop again in a week or two. Thank you for making this series!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kristine! 🥰 The husbands taking over the thrifted shirts is becoming a theme among the viewers here! 😂 Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Hello! I have been entertaining grandkids and having a fun summer but life is getting busier thru August. I hope you have a joyful week ahead! Thank you for posting your video and for all that you do for the quilting community!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Life is getting busier for me as well…and probably will only continue! But I’ve had a great productive quilting week for which I’m thankful! You are so welcome and thank you for being a wonderful source of encouragement for me as I figure out how to do the KZbin thing!❤️

[@AuntGrace]

So glad to see you show cutting and picking others seam ripper and when and why to choose to do it. 👚

[@kathyf3656]

I want to thank you for these lessons. I went to two thrift shops yesterday. I got 5 shirts, one hand hemmed "tablecloth" that was 1 3/4 yard by WOF in a pretty green floral, and learned their days for sales and specials so I can go back for more shirts at better prices. ----(My doctor closed her family practice office and now specializes in house calls for home bound and hospice patients. I am going to be making a number of lap robes for her to pass on to her patients. The shirts I picked in plaids, browns, and grays will help make lap robes that are more masculine while my stash of florals will make more feminine ones.)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I cannot tell how pleased I am to hear how you’ve found great deals and fabrics at your thrift store! 🥰 And what a wonderful way that they’ll be used! ❤️ Thank you so much for watching and for sharing! 😘😊🥰

[@annettegraff8323]

Yeah me ! I found 3 shirts ( XXL and one tall) last week ! 2 lovely blues and a lavender one ! The fabric is so soft like buttah! The labels are top line ! Can't wait to go again . They were $4.99 each so left one 🙄 budgets stink 🤣

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I agree about budgets but congrats on you score! 😊👍🏻

[@iknitb4itwaship33]

Depending by on the project, I think the pocket could add an interesting detail to a quilt, even if it were sewn shut. Dare I suggest, a log cabin quilt made with the button placket could also be fun, knowing some logistics might need to be worked for the seams between strips. Something for you to ponder in another video? Love this series, and want to jump into quilting as never before. Have held off for years as I am an obsessive knitter, and I have the stash and materials AND FO’s to prove it!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love this idea! Thank you for sharing. 😊 ps I also knit (but very slowly!😂) I think I love quilting because of all the various steps and choices…I can have 3 things in the works in various stages of the process and it doesn’t feel burdensome the way a yarn project can. Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting! 🥰❤️

[@ksantuci]

Yesterday my quilting friend and I went thrifting! I found a shop where the shirts were 1.00 ea! So I bought 18 of them. I do applique mostly so these will be fantastic for my projects. I love your videos!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That is incredible!! And how smart to use mens shirt fabric in appliqué! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@elmyra.jackson]

Oh wow ...I thought I was fairing well at $2.99 each.

[@shelribelin8144]

I could hardly wait to get home to share my Thrift Store finds with you today. I purchased 5 men’s dress shirts and only spent $20.00. All of the shirts were 50% off today. I picked up 1 Large, 2 were 2XL & 2 shirts were 5XL. Yes I said 5X. I could hardly believe I found 5XL shirts and they both had Yellow Tags on them. (All Yellow Tag items were 50% off today). Best part…. One of the 5XL shirts is a Roper Pearl Snap Western Shirt. SHE SHOOTS AND SHE SCORES!!! I think i mentioned before I’m wanting to make a quilt from my Dad’s 1960’s & 1970’s western pearl snap shirts. This Roper shirt will give me a lot of fabric in case I don’t have enough fabric from my Dad’s shirt for the size quilt I am wanting to make. I’m so excited! I can not thank you enough for sharing your shirt break down tips and tricks on KZbin. So glad I found your channel!! Keep the videos coming. Happy Sewing!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That is SO AWESOME!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Not sure which is better, that you got them half-off, or that you got such large shirts, or that you got a 5XL shirt in a style that you were looking for!! I’m sure you feel like you’ve won the lottery!! 😍❤️🤩 I’m so glad you shared this great haul with me! Thank you thank you for watching and commenting…so glad to be a part of your success today!❤️

[@bonnie8522]

I am not new to quilting but new to your channel and fascinated with men’s shirts for fabric! I’ve watched many of your videos and rewatched the process to “cut up” a dress shirt! 😂 I stopped at JoAnn Fabric with a gift card and bought the Fiskar on sale! Then headed to Goodwill where I returned home with eight 100% cotton men’s shirts! When I told hubby what my plan was, he said “well give me a seam “reaper” and I’ll help you!!!!! Thank you for those videos!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Bonnie, thank you! ❤️Get ready-it can be addictive! (And the fabrics quilt up SO beautifully!) 🤩

[@bonnie8522]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts apparently so! We are in Asheville, NC on vacation and spent the day at the Biltmore! On the way home my husband spotted a Goodwill where I picked up another five men’s shirts!!! 😆

[@freddiehansen7324]

Great series! Thank you! I found a women's 4XL Linien caftan (so floor-length) today at the thrift store, it had never been worn and was $1.99 definitely over 2 1/2 yards, and a bunch of men's cotton (tartans) that will work so well for a (maybe) Christmas something. Just need to re-watch the first episode to cut them up right :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You had me at “linen caftan” 😍😄🤩 So glad you enjoyed the series! Thank you for watching and commenting!! ❤️

[@RebeccaStokes-g6t]

THANK YOU! Thank you! I've been wasting way too much time picking seams that didn't really give me very much fabric. Your videos have helped me see that I don't have to feel guilty about not doing that anymore. AND cutting like you have demonstrated allows much better use of my time (so I can cut more shirts👏🏻)! So very appreciative of these five wonderful videos💕.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You’re welcome!❤️

[@lisettegarcia]

Worth every minute. Not a bit of fluff. I feel like I just watched a scientific Nova docuseries -- but fun! Can't wait to see this hit a million views. 👏🔥🏆

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well I hope it hits a million views!! 🤩 And thank you so much!! 🥰❤️

[@lisettegarcia]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts - so, I was thinking, maybe you could redo the same series but with denim jeans??? Thank you!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@lisettegarcia you are not the first to ask this! 🤓 we’ll see…it’s not currently in my to-do video list but you never know where I’ll go with it!

[@twicycledgoods23]

I watched all 5 shirt breakdown videos. Love that you are using men’s shirts for quilts. I also buy shirts for fabric in sewing projects. Would love a video on how you organize and store your cut shirt fabrics.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Haven't made that video (yet!) but it IS one that we plan to do! So YAY...coming soon-ish to the channel!❤️

[@jeanetterochnowskis142]

Thank you Cathy for the 5 part series. Loved every video and your sparkling personality. Can't wait to start my first quilt. The treasure hunt for men's dress shirts will be half the fun. Please hurry and post more videos. You are such a delight to watch!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jeannette!🥰

[@lindaherrington6291]

I'm in the UK so sadly unable to watch you live. Can you please tell me how, when you've deconstructed a shirt, you know that you'll have enough fabric for the quilt you want to make? Do you leave the cut pieces as they are until you want to use them, or do you cut them down into squares or strips? Loving your videos, and the commentary is very natural and easy to listen to. Thank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well first, thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! 🥰 Second, they aren’t live, so you aren’t missing a thing!!😉 I have a video coming out next Tuesday that covers a couple of these questions but the short answer is no, I don’t precut the shirts into strips or squares because I never know exactly how I want to use them until I actually use them! I usually start with the quilt pattern, looking at fabric requirements to determine if I have enough; ie if it calls for a fat quarter (or 2 or 3) and I have a whole L or bigger mens shirt, I know I’m good since the back alone is a fat quarter, and between front panels and sleeves I know I can get probably two more fat quarter’s worth of fabric out of it. If the pattern lists fabric requirements that are a 3/4 yard or greater, I know I’m going to have to use more than one shirt to cover that fabric requirement. Thanks for watching and commenting! Great questions! 😊👍🏻

[@shelribelin8144]

I could hardly wait for your last video in this series. My husband and I were getting ready to donate a bunch of clothes when I found you. Well..you guessed it I retrieved his shirts and broke them down for the fabric. Haven’t decided on what to make with them just yet, but the shirts are ready when I get an idea. I may have to sneak off the the thrift stores this week…LOL. Thank you so much for your videos. I am so glad I found your channel. Happy Sewing!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

How wonderful that you found the videos BEFORE you donated the shirts!! ☺️ Those “quick runs” to the Thrift store can definitely be addictive! 😳😊👍🏻 I’m so glad you found my channel, too! Thanks for watching and commenting!❤️

[@amylynn1345]

Thank you so much for this 5 part series! I have collected several shirts and am looking forward to more! I love this concept…….there is a quilt I have wanted to make and just couldn’t find what I was looking for in the quilt shops…..but this does fit the bill for what in envisioned! Your excitement is contagious ❤️ I love it!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed the series and stuck with me!

[@marywise2014]

I have inherited my dad's shirts after his passing a few years ago, and plan to make a quilt or two with them. I have washed, folded and stored them in a container. I finally pulled one out and started cutting one out last night. I started seam ripping the front and removing the buttons and the collar. And like you said it is not worth the time spent ripping out the seams. It's best just to go ahead and cut/separate at the yoke. I have not separated the pocket yet. Going to look closely at the reinforced top. If it is too tight, I will do like you said and just cut around it. Save the small pieces as scraps/crumbs. The back and sleeves should be pretty simple. You make it less intimidating tackling the job of breaking down shirts. You and your husband have done a phenomenal job with the making and editing of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Mary! I spent so many hours thinking about taking shirts apart while I was doing it--every time trying different ways to see if I could find the most logical, efficient, and enjoyable way to do it. I'm so glad that my process works for you, too! 🥰❤️

[@randommusings48]

I sew so I know how the shirt is constructed :) Most dress shirts are chain-stitched so I usually start off by cutting off the collar and the cuffs. I unravel the chain stitch at the hem of the shirt which would remove the seams all the way to the cuff of the sleeve. At the sleeve cap, find the end of the chain stitch and unravel. Good dress shirts are usually flat felled so you gain about 1-2 cm from unpicking the shirt so in total you get an extra 2-4 cm. If you unpick the placket on the cuff, you gain even more fabric because it's just a Y-slit. I usually can get a small square where you usually cut off.

[@nicolebeauchamp7622]

I think i struck gold. I bought a 5XL yes 5xl men's shirt. Love the big stylish guys.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You did!! So exciting! ❤️😊

[@redheadked]

Thank you for this series! My dad passed unexpectedly a few months ago and I knew I needed to make something for my family members out of his clothing. I've decided I'm going to make quilts, which meant I needed to get as much fabric as I could out of his shirts so I could make one for each person. I stumbled across your video when I googled something along the same lines. Luckily he was a big and tall guy so between that and your tutorial, I'm going to get so much fabric out of his shirts. Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Kelley, I'm so sorry that your dad has passed (and unexpectedly, too.) Ugh. Grief is so hard. I feel certain that the quilts from his shirts will not only be a wonderful gift to your family members, but also you as you make them. ❤️ Thank you for commenting and sharing---I'm humbled and pleased that I could help you navigate this process in any way! Many blessings as you break down and sew your dad's shirts into beautiful memory quilts for your family!

[@shannoneaster9311]

You might be receiving tons of shirts from men with good taste in shirts in the mail soon! 😆

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

And I would not mind! 😂

[@pattiarlan9984]

Hi, Cathy, thank you for the awesome instructional videos! I am loving your channel I hope you still read comments on the older vids. I am confused on the front panel that contains the buttons. You say that we cut away the seam, but i cannot find in any video where a seam near the front buttons was cut. i cannot figure out (without seam ripping both sides of the button placket - which i tried to disaster results) when either of the seams near the buttons was cut. Please help....going bonkers!!!! TYIA

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hi Patti! Thanks for watching and I'm glad you're loving the channel! ❤️ If I said cut away the seams on the button side, that was a misspeak! I generally seam-rip the side with the buttons, and cut away the side with the buttonholes. If the button side fabric tears with the seam ripper (sometimes this happens if the shirt is thin or has been dry cleaned extensively or is a very fine weave), I will cut just right along the edge of the seam where the folded fabric is attached. Hope this clears up any confusion!

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

This series was great for a novice like me. Slowly now breaking down my first stack of shirts. You keep me company all the way through thank you x

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hooray! I'm so glad it's helpful for you!! ❤️

[@ladyd54]

Love this 5 part series, thank you. You have an incredible interesting personality and insight, thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you Linda!

[@lynnthorley7876]

Thank you for sharing your tutorials.

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

Wow! I missed the Billy Idol overlay at 11:31 the first time I watched. You definitely are our Rebel Quilter! 😆

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂😂 Right?!? Lol…the faces I make! 🤦🏻‍♀️😳😱😂

[@PaperDiva67]

You are fabulous! Thanks for teaching and entertaining us!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Adrienne!

[@RobinHarris61]

"Send them directly to me!" 😆Oh, how I've wanted to say that to certain men... LOL! I'm sure I'd get some looks from their wives! Thank you for this series. I've enjoyed every bit of it! You are so much fun! ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Robin! 🥰 So glad you’ve been with me!

[@TheJanetFletcher]

I recently cut up a 6X! men's shirt I bought a few years ago. It's kind of an odd black and cream maze print, but for 99 cents I had to get it. Maybe small pieces in a Halloween quilt. Thought about making it into a wraparound dress but decided to cut it up.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh that sounds so cool! 😊 I haven't quilted much with black and white/cream although I tend to love quilts that I have seen other people do with them! And in a Halloween quilt...that's a great idea! 🤩

[@dedrasmitherman7983]

Thanks for this series. I hope you have lots more videos to come. I’ve enjoyed you so much. You are the reason I look at some big men out in public and wonder if it would be inappropriate to ask for their shirts. 😅 Yes. Yes, it would be terribly inappropriate, but I do think it. 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You’re welcome!! And thank you for watching and commenting!🥰 Yes, lots of videos still to come and YES, I look at some larger men and their shirts and have a whole conversation in my head about how I could possibly ask them for their shirts! 🤣😂 Like you, only in my mind, though! 😄❤️

[@maryannharlow5172]

I just love listening to you. I make clothing protectors for the women at the King's Daughter's Home. I can see a great adventure shopping for shirts in great colors that will make the women's day brighter. Thanks again and wish me luck

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you! 🥰 I have to ask,what are “clothing protectors?” All the luck and blessings as you try to bring light and life to women who need it! (And don’t we all need that?) 🤗❤️☺️

[@maryannharlow5172]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Clothing protectors is a polite way to say bibs for the women.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@maryannharlow5172 what a kindness. ❤️

[@annerankin1191]

I just love your humour and enthusiasm! XO

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Anne! 🥰❤️

[@ingridcarstensen2542]

Just love your videos. So entertaining and informative! Love the 'it's a southern thing' !

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well I’m glad you do…sometimes I’m too Southern, even for myself! 😂 But so glad you are enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@karenfairclough3786]

Oh my goodness… you are so sweet and down to earth AND funny too! So glad I found your channel. I am now going to hunt down some shirts…fabric here in Australia is getting more and more expensive and the thought of recycling fills me with joy… I seriously thought my time making quilts was coming to an end with the price range from the cheapest at $26au up to, would you believe; $65 a metre! Thanks again. Karen

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! I’m so glad you found me too!!!🥰 Thank you for watching and for commenting!❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Also…good Lord! At those prices, who could afford to quilt?!?😱

[@debrat777]

Thanks so much for this video series! Very enjoyable. And you described the whole thing there at the end. In a day where we can do very little about anything it is a joy to accomplish something with my own hands. That’s what quilting does for me. It’s very therapeutic.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So rewarding and therapeutic for me too. It’s what helps give meaning and joy to my free time…making something beautiful and useful. I don’t think it gets any better than that. 🤗🥰❤️

[@stefflcus]

The seam-ripping sound was SO. SATISFYING. And I never would have thought of the placket! Even if I neverever make a quilt again, I'm definitely going to keep watching. (Psst - your description is still for part 4.... not that I noticed before watching and scrolling and commenting, and we all knew what it was.)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

ok, somehow I missed this comment... YES SO SATISFYING!! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!! ❤️ Also, thanks for the heads up...we sure did have that description wrong! Oops! So glad someone was paying attention! 😘🤗😊👍🏻

[@MamaYoda]

A sticky lint roller works great for removing bits of thread from the areas where the seam REAPER has been. 😁 Thanks so much! I’m a bit sad the shirt is finished & folded, with no more parts to dissect. Your joy is contagious!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww thank you!! 🥰 so glad you’ve been with me in this series! ❤️

[@marydeporre2425]

Thank you Cathy! It really is exciting to hut for that prized shirt. I just found a 4X mens dress shirt in a striped red, white and blue, jackpot 🤣. I enjoy your videos so much. Thanks!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hooray! I feel that happiness as if I had found it myself! 🥰 Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@elmyra.jackson]

Your enthusiasm is so contagious!!💙 Since I'm up late with my grandson,I'm binge watching your 5 part journey and enjoying them all. Thanks😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! So glad you enjoyed the videos…thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@elmyra.jackson]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts You're so welcome💙 Since I'm at my son and daughter-in-law's place I'm going to raid a few thrift stores because their men's dress shirts are in abundance and most are either $2.99 or buy one get one free!! Yes,you read correctly😃

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@elmyra.jackson whoa! That’s fantastic! 🤩

[@kylierigby1953]

Oh I am having so much fun here! Shirts are washed, deconstructed, starched and now I am cutting into pieces! I need some more whites though. Seems to be hard to find those ones where I live. Rural country city. Probably need to go to the capital to get more white, hmmm. But so much fun! Thanks for you wonderful videos. Always looking forward to the next one.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

White is hard to come by for me too and I've been cutting up shirts for a few years. Sometimes I stand in our closet and wonder if my husband would miss a white shirt or two. 🤣 Poor man he doesn't know I'm plotting for a way to get his shirts. I'm actually hoping there's a huge fabric sale at Joann's and I'll just buy a bolt of white. I found a whole bolt of black at a yard sale, I think I paid $5. I haven't seen any yard sales, did people stop doing them and no one told me?

[@kylierigby1953]

@@Sharon-pb7so Oh, hilarious me! I just went to thrift shop here in Aus and bought 14 shirts!! Add to the four earlier I got! I'm now officially a mad woman ☺️. !!

[@kylierigby1953]

@@Sharon-pb7so and I only got one white!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@kylierigby1953 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@Sharon-pb7so I do the same…but white fabric when it is one sale! I do love the shirts but sometimes it’s easier when you can find inexpensive yardage in white!

[@26debsterdots]

Thank you for your videos I just love listening to you. You are a bright smile and giggle in my day.😉 Lots of information and some I had not thought of , so that is really great. Thank you ! I use the men’s shirts to make light weight jacket /covering shirt for myself. I take the shirts apart and switch out the parts and sometimes I add fabrics from my stash and make these one of a kind shirt. Some laugh at me and my shirts and I think well.... I made them laugh and that is the important thing. LOL I love my one of a kind shirts /jacket/covering lol BUT .... now.... I will add them to my quilting too ! On the little nicks we may make trying to take out a pocket ......I have added a little appliqué patch to cover it. Or I just leave the pocket or button as part of the plan. Have an awesome day everyone ! 💐🙃

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! 🥰 thanks for the kind words…so glad I can make you giggle! I love the idea of an appliqué or other little patch for pocket nicks…super clever! Hope you are having a lovely day! 😊☀️❤️

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

I love your idea of making new shirts from parts of others. I think my daughter is going to soon have some cool one-of-a-kind shirts too!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@moonlightcrafter6299 I like this idea too…but I’m not skilled enough to make shirts out of shirts!! 😍🤩❤️

[@pamelagreen8543]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your videos, and the subject matter. Trying to comment each time, I think it helps with the algorithm... 😀

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It does! And I really appreciate the comments (whether it helps the algorithm or not! ❤️) So very glad you are enjoying the videos! 🥰

[@MsAmberSunshine]

Just curious, what is the name of the pattern of the quilt behind you? Do you have a video of when you’re making the quilt top behind you?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It's the Adventureland Quilt by Suzy Quilts; and no I don't. We rarely do videos of me actually making quilt tops--I do them "here and there" as I find the time since I also work full time!

[@BellydancerMaliha]

Thank you so much! I have really enjoyed this series and learned a lot. I feel inspired to try this!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You are so welcome! Please go get a shirt and just do it! You will be so surprised and pleased how enjoyable the process is...and how much fabric you will get from a shirt!! ❤️

[@kathysnavely1802]

Thank you Cathy with a C for another informative video.I look forward to more interning subject because, “ You have a lot to say!” Have a Blessed Day!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So glad you’re looking forward to new videos! Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@donnaschweitzer4681]

Going to Phoenix soon, can’t wait to check out the thrift stores there!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh that’s fun! I love checking out thrift stores in different cities! Hope you find some great shirts! ❤️

[@stacythomas7949]

The question I have now is how do I store the fabric from the shirts after it is cut into pieces? What is the best way to handle since there r several pieces of each fabric to deal with?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Prob gonna do a video on this, too! 😉 short version: I fold the yoke(s) and sleeves together as one unit, and then the R-and L-front panels and the back panel each separately like you would fold a fat quarter and then store them with the rest of my fabric stash. Great question!👍🏻

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks ❤

[@lynndandelion]

Hi! I've been meaning to get back to reply to this one for ages! About that blue shirt with the seam and the reinforced pocket with a button, I would cut the whole thing off and save it. Depending on who/what the quilt is for, sometimes a pocket in the corner is handy. Kids love a "secret" pocket. A baby blanket with a teething ring in the corner pocket is a fun gift.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea! 🤓

[@jenedelwilcox6647]

If you make pillows, the front of a man's shirt with the buttons makes a great back for the pillow. Leave the buttons and placket intact and buttoned and cut the shirt fronts into a square or rectangle to match the front. If you are sewing front to back, right sides together, leave a few buttons unbuttoned so you can turn it right side out after sewing all the way around. Buy or make a pillow form to fit.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Jenedel, that is a great idea! So smart! 🤓 Thank you for the suggestion!! ❤️

[@lillianweston4267]

Thankyou so much. Loved your tutorial.❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh thank you!! 🥰 and thank you for watching and commenting!

[@janetcorder44]

Watched all 5 videos just now and i'm ready to go to goodwill tomorrow and try to find a big shirt in 100% cotton or linen. What have you done with the linen materials you have gotten? maybe i need to search your page and see. but thank you so much for the laughs and showing one step at a time. loved it ! 😄

[@jane3683]

what about saving the piece with the pocket and make a pillow cover with remote holder?

[@gardengirl217]

Cathy this is the second time I have watched this set of videos and of course I laughed along with you and your "seam reaper!" I am really wondering if any of the throw away parts of the shirt (collar, plackets, cuffs, etc) could be incorporated into a "fidget" quilt for dementia/Alzeheimer's patients. What do you and your followers think??? Could the collars potentially be used for shelter dogs to "jazz them Up"? Just spitballing here, as I do not like to throw anything away that could possibly be given a second life....my Dad was a child of the Great Depression, and he instilled in me the importance of saving everything, using it up, wearing it out, making do or doing without. He once produced a metal coffee can lid he had been saving to repair my daughter's baby doll stroller that had lost a wheel... fit perfectly! (this was about 1978).

[@gisellejones1139]

Looking forward to next gem ant to check out our one and only thrift store ( small mining town in Northern Canada) Will have to ask around as well

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

And don’t forget garage/yard sales…I certainly would not be above asking around either! (Especially in a small town!) Thanks for watching!!❤️

[@carriehoman8476]

Thank you for this wonderful series. I have gleaned some good info and gotten a few belly laughs. Love love love you! Keep up the good work.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww 🥰 Thank you so much! Glad you’ve been with me! ❤️

[@stitchinginthebarn8307]

I'm so excited for this video. I had my shirts ready up to this point. Thank you so much for this series!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay!! Thank you for watching and commenting!! ❤️🥰☺️

[@carolynbuck-gengler3077]

You would *love* my husband then! He is now a 4XLT (though I am working with some shirts from a few years back that were 3XL). And yes, there definitely IS a ton of fabric in those shirts! (And thanks to you, I'll be able to use it even more efficiently than I have in the past, going forward.) I am wondering what you do about (1) faded vs non-faded parts (the tail that is tucked in is much brighter in some of his shirts than most of the shirt), and (2) fade under where the pocket was (assuming I succeed getting the pocket off). I suppose I could cut those parts off and use them in different projects than the bulk of the faded fabric. Off to go break down a shirt to use for borders for my son's quilt (the one I left in a comment on your FB page), and to look for any videos you might have about using shirts for borders... Thanks for all your great videos!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Carolyn! 🥰❤️ #1 & #2 If it is drastically different than the rest of the shirt, I cut that section off (or out) and use them in a different project (unless it's a scrappy quilt and then maybe it would be kinda cool! I typically don't do borders, so you won't find that video...YET! 😂

[@pamelafowler4406]

You are amazing 👏

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you!! 🥰

[@MiDo-hn8bo]

Great vid once again! Looking forward to the next one!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yay!! Thank you! ❤️

[@pammeinzer6757]

I have used shirts before. I have found, after watching this, that I wasted some of my shirts material. Thank you for showing this.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful for you! 🤓👍🏻

[@glynisreynolds446]

Gosh!! I missed another of your videos 😱 Love that orange linen 😍 Have you used it yet 🤔 Great video 👏👏🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I thought you’d seen every video I’ve made, Glynis!! 😘 I did use some of that orange linen in my 9-patch trip around the world quilt! 👍🏻

[@christinahall3318]

This was so informative!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Christina! ❤️

[@lisamalkowski4240]

Hello! I enjoy your videos. I am getting into recycling thrifted clothing for sewing purses. I am a volunteer for Sewpowerful. Have you ever stacked up, say 4 shirt backs to cut more than one pattern piece at a time? I’m wanting to find a way to cut more pieces efficiently. Thank you for all you share with the community.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hi Lisa! Thank you! 🥰 I have done 2 shirts at once, but I’m always reluctant to do more since the fabric can crawl beneath the ruler and rotary cutter! Let me know if you find a great way to cut a lot at once! 😊👍🏻

[@maryt2887]

Love, love, love these videos! Could you answer this question? Do you always look for 100% cotton shirts? If so, why? Someone asked me why and I couldn’t say. Thanks.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! Thanks, Mary! ❤️ I’m glad you love them! I really try to stick to 100% cotton (or linen, or cotton-linen blends…basically natural fibers.) The poly blends require more work and attention and care (starching, pinning,ironing, etc) and won’t age the same as the cotton fabrics. I have a video on cotton poly blends and why they don’t work well for quilting, if you’re interested in the details. (I don’t remember when it aired but it has a bright blue thumbnail!)

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Thank you for excellent videos on using shirts, now to cut them out for use in quilting….do you cut out your (say 5 inch squares) squares and store according to color and value or do you leave shirts as they are after separating them?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do not precut them, because I never know how I will use each shirt! Might be 2.5" strips, might be binding, might be 8" squares! There are so many ways to use them that it would limit me if I precut the shirts first!

[@Sharon-pb7so]

Nice series, Kathy. I never thought to pick out the front placket. I've had shirts that were only folded once so it was obvious to get the fabric. Now I'm going to check that area out better. I have kept all of the shirt plackets, just the side with the button holes. I'm thinking about making a rug or something with them. I was going to cover the seat of a chair with them, just zigzag them together. That idea is still percolating. Any suggestions?

[@marcieramos9808]

You might also consider making a bag from the sewn strips. I have a friend who made a bag with batik strips that turned out beautiful.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Marcia beat me to it…I was going to suggest a bag! I’ve also thought they would be good for rag rugs too! Glad you enjoyed the series! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@dorothyyoung8231]

If you cut every fourth or fifth stitch from one side with your seam ripper you can pull the entire thread from the other side of the seam. You’re much less likely to cut the fabric with this traditional method than if you insert the seam ripper between the two layers of fabric. Yes, you need to fuss a little with the beginning and end of the seam, but it’s still the fastest, easiest, and safest way to remove a pocket.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Dorothy, that's actually exactly the method I use if I have to seam-rip my piecing ---worth the work and time (and "fussing") to keep from damaging either layer! I don't usually use that method for shirts but it definitely works!

[@lindawashington500]

I have some great shirts from my son. They have been starched at the cleaners. Can I use them as they are or do I need to wash first. Side note, I like working with starched cotton when quilting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

If they are starched fairly straight or on-grain I'd probably just use them as they are! Watch out for places with curved seams (like armholes and collar areas) because sometimes they get distorted from the shirt forms at the dry cleaners and then get set in their warped state by the starch.

[@lindawashington500]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts thank you, I will check them. 🤞🏻

[@sharon1934]

I use the pockets in kids charity quilts to hold little stuffed animals.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love that! Great idea…thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@brookeinmaine]

🤣 Have you gotten into the embarrassing habit of eyeing shirts on men in public and having to explain yourself? 👀👕🤵

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Haven’t had to explain myself (yet) but girl, YES! 😂🤣😳🤓

[@marciasmith3480]

Does anyone feel guilty about buying these shirts for quilting/projects when there might be an individual out there who could actually use the shirt? I'm really torn about the whole thing. Just me?

[@jennjennedington279]

I have dealt with this thought but here is where my thoughts landed…. I looked at the row(s) of shirts hanging there in this single thrift store and recalled the peek into the sorting room I had one trip and realized that there are way more than enough shirts for all purposes, both wearing and using as fabric and there will still be many more … and of those shirts I don’t buy, many will be hanging there long enough that their eventual purpose will be to deepen the landfill. ANY useful life they have is good, whether it is on the body as a garment or around the body as a lovingly made quilt. The original construction of that fabric into a shirt is in no way sacred. If you give it a new life it doesn’t matter in what form.

[@marciasmith3480]

@@jennjennedington279 Thank you for that thoughtful insight.

[@kathleenhaywood6142]

Please talk and giggle less. It distracts terribly from the message.