Testing Quilt Patterns - How To Know If A Quilt Pattern Will Work With Men's Dress Shirts

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[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

***if you want a good laugh, there are bloopers in this one! So stick around for them at the end!***

[@conniemurdoch8528]

I knew there would be a blooper reel. I could tell every time you guys lost it because there was alway a little flicker in your eyes and then it was a quick jump to the next scene. Normally your scene changes aren’t so abrupt. I knew there were giggling shenanigans going on! It’s wonderful to have dear friends like that. We have friends that we met just before we had our 4th daughter. Our friends had a little boy - sadly a lonely only. But we spent a lot of time at each others homes and my girls doted on Baby David. He says he’s their honorary brother. We always called him Baby David because he had a cousins that was referred to as big David. At one point my kids started telling me there was a song on the radio all the time about Baby David and I could think of what thy were talking about. S I finally asked my oldest daughter what did the song says about baby David. She said “it’s about some lady that took his eyes away.” I couldn’t think of what song would have a lady blinding little children so I put it on the back burner and as soon as I stopped thinking about it BAM! in my head I heard someone singing “she’s got baby David’s eyes” don’t know where that overshare came from. Just ignore me

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

Cathy, I cannot tell you how fun and soothing your videos are. I have spent the last 10 days in the hospital with my dad (advanced cancer and septic shock) and when I come home at night your videos help talk me down. Blessings to you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh, Sarah. I'm so sorry about your dad...I have been there with my mom (advanced cancer, not the sepsis) and being in the hospital is exhausting and sad and anxiety-producing. When I had to sit with my dad in a recent hospital visit, I took thrift shirts and broke them down systematically to give myself something to do (it's also a little like ASMR for me. win-win.) I I'm so glad that my videos are soothing to you...particularly in a time when it is comfort is so needed. ❤️🥰 Please know that my heart is with you, and I'm encouraging you to keep doing the next right thing even if you can't hear me. 😘 Much love to you!

[@pbargas7996]

Cathy so sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers for you and him.

[@user-cl9eg5my1h]

Cathy, soooo happy that I ‘found’ you last week on KZbin…I became a fan immediately! Seeing your excitement over the possibilities of Kaffe fabric was great but watching this particular video hit home with me on so many levels! (yep, I teared up too). Many of my quilting friends don’t understand my hesitation about cutting into a fabric before thoroughly evaluating the possibilities/pitfalls of the fabric, pattern, etc. Test blocks ( 12:05 sometimes with copy paper) are my friends. When I don’t think I’ll have enough fabric to make a real test block, I will photocopy the fabric and make a paper block (rotary cutter designated for paper 🤪). This has saved me time, tears, and yardage. Needless, to say, I don’t get nearly as many quilts completed as most of my friends. Again, you are a breath of fresh air and I look forward to seeing more from you. (Signed…a gal from Georgia)

[@jeanhicks1933]

Can't wait to see the video for the piece hanging behind you! Looks like a great use for cuffs and leftovers.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I hadn't thought of using cuffs and collars but that's a great idea! The "quilt" behind me is just blocks I made after I made my first quilt---when we pinned them up, Jennifer looked at me and went "Ohhhh!" I guess I have another WIP now! 😂

[@harperreads]

I love the thought and experience that went into this video. You learned so much from using “ugly” fabric to test this block. Using shirts is a very different experience than using yardage. On the other hand, this is a lesson that all quilters can learn from. Food for thought.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Becky. ❤That is exactly what I hoped this video would do! 😘🤓👍🏻

[@ladyjane3660]

"Tim Gunn it." You've been watching Project Runway. As he says, "Just make it work." I have been binge watching your videos. You are so funny! You've become my favorite quilt youtuber...probably because we are SO much alike. You are the southern version of me up here in Michigan. None of your little quips get by me.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love that! Glad to know my crazy sense of humor is appreciated outside of the South!

[@eileendavenport7660]

I love your videos and your sense of humor. I've always been a thrift store junkie, but getting bargains for my quilts has made me step up game! Today's haul was 2 linen/cotton shirts, 2 cotton shirts (all these are large or XL) and 2 women's pants size 20 (one cotton twill, one linen). All for $10.50!!! It's like winning the lottery! Please keep up the good work. And I love it that your family is so supportive.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Eileen! ❤️And yes, my goodness, it really does feel like winning the lottery! (as if I've won the lottery and know! 🙄😂) So happy for you for your thrift haul today--you got some great bargains!!🤩

[@ragingsmirk68]

In Carnegie Hall there is a sign for musicians, "Practice Makes Permanence."

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I love that.❤️

[@deborahgiannone4517]

Your large block would make a beautiful table cloth for. Dining table❤

[@sherryfaires7931]

It was so funny to hear your friends laughing at the end! Your thoughts about this block are so helpful! I do love this block and I love the size of it! I haven’t tried the”quilt as you go” - method, but doing a 3x4 block design would be a good way to start! Those leftover half square triangles could be rearranged and sewn into a smaller block. Then sash it to make it the size of the bigger clock. That could be very interesting! I would probably make them into a rectangular block to see how they would look! I enjoy your show so much! Keep teaching and inspiring and entertaining us! Until we meet again!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sherry! ❤️

[@romonaelrod7870]

Hi Cathy,maybe you could use the leftover half square triangles to make a border for the giant block and use it as a wall hanging or a little table topper.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Great suggestion! 🤓👍🏻

[@valerievesper9216]

Yes! That’s what I was thinking.

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

That is exactly what I was thinking. It looks like a barn block and would be lovely quilted!

[@christinahall3318]

I thought of that as well!

[@shannoneaster9311]

Love the quits and I can’t wait to see the upcoming episodes about the tulip shaped baby quilt! Love it! And the outtakes are gems! Keep including them. I especially loved hearing your friend’s laughter and the comments from off camera. You are all a hoot! XO!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Shannon! ❤️And yes, Jennifer’s laughter is the BEST!

[@carriehoman8476]

I cannot gush about your editor enough. You guys are hilarious. I don't even use shirts in my quilting. ♥️😆🤷‍♀️

[@TheToneWork]

Thank you Carrie! I think we're a pretty good team.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

agree!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Carrie! You don't have to use shirts in your quilting to be a valuable part of our YT community! Thanks for being here and laughing with us! 🥰

[@jennypare9564]

I have only been quilting for 3 years so I have lots of test blocks. I learn new techniques and figure out which ones are too tedious or which I love. I have a good pile of them going now- some with lots of beginner boo-boos. Wish I had done more of them in colors that would work together as a sampler quilt.. oh well, live and learn! Love the video!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jenny! ❤️ I love that you have been making test blocks---you may not have a sampler quilt, but there are so many smaller projects that you could use your test blocks to make!

[@yoshiew05]

I’m practicing w/ HST to make the pinwheel block (not sure if that is the real name). Those blocks are going to be a baby quilt. The real pinwheels are going to be a quilt for my man. Using men’s dress shirts, of course. Thank you Cathy. I’m not a pillow/ cushion girl, I’m a scrappy quilt girl and if I don’t have enough from a shirt, I’ll either throw some coordinating fabric in harvested from another shirt or I’ll piece the pieces to make it look intentional and call it art 😉.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love that, Yoshie! ❤️

[@PaperDiva67]

Wow that test block for the wedding quilt is really pretty! I admire that you’re willing to either take more time to really figure it out or accept and move on. I would be at the quilt shop or fabric store buying new fabrics 😂😂. What a treat to have your friends participate in your video and project!!❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Adrienne. ❤️ I do “move on” pretty well, but “acceptance”--not so much!! 😂 And yes it was so fun having our friends with us! 🥰

[@valeriebigley8759]

As you spoke about the memory shirts I felt the anxiety. I volunteered to make some for a friend of a friend. I stressed over them so much. In the end it turned out that what I did was loved and appreciated. But the stress was more than I am willing to go through again. It's one thing to please me....but pleasing someone I didn't know with such a precious project was tuff. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Valerie!❤️ I haven't made any memory quilts, but I imagine EXACTLY what you described!

[@randimonaghan4058]

I LOVE that it’s not all you have to say about that!!! Loved this video, your thoughtfulness and your ideas!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Randi! ❤️

[@katiehope9565]

I haven't worked with mens shirts yet, but this is really challenging my ideas of waste and how to avoid it. My first instinct to the waste HSTs was "well just use the make 4 or 8 methods" and then i realized just how big the starting fabric would have to be in order to make four already large triangles!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Katie, right?! Working with men's shirts is fun and rewarding, but it requires some creativity (and sometimes mental gymnastics) to figure out how to get what you need from the size and shape shirt (especially the sleeves!) that one has! 🤓

[@RobertTaylor-dn7kq]

So funny!!! Loved the bloopers, your live audience and hearing Jennifer laughing! Cannot believe you can hold your concentration so long with your funny buddies sitting right there with you. 😂 Love that you feature the processes behind your creativity and beautiful quilts… it helps with our knowledge, perspective and quilting journeys. Thank you again. Annette xx

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Annette! ❤️ It was fun having them with us, but whew! I had a time getting my focus there at the beginning!

[@kimbetts4282]

Well that's just the bees knees! Cathy and Paul plus My Friend Jennifer and her hubby too...all in one video ♥ Cathy, as always you have given A LOT to think about! I like your positive take of what if's, maybe's and possibilities . It doesn't hurt to try out a pattern or do a sample block. It's the same as a making a toile or muslin in dressmaking . The l3ftover HST's could become another quilt if you decided to go ahead with the block at that size. You could do sashed blocks of 16 x 16 HST'S if you went with the blocks of different colours, but I know you don't really want to do that . I've also seen pretty scrappy HST quilts that are a bit like the checkerboard pattern but using HST's instead . Having watched your recent thrift shop video, you did mention you always find a lot of blue shirts....so what if you did the blocks in blue and white? That is a classic combination too...something to ponder on I guess. ( I'm speaking from my own love of blue and white china, fabrics, white shirts and blue jeans here 💙) Loved the bloopers! ♥

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Kim! And yes a blue and white quilt is ALSO on my to-do list! Now when, what kind and how is a whole other video, isn't it?! 😘

[@kimbetts4282]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts yup! It sure is 😜😂

[@LynndeeG]

This was a great video and very timely as I am currently “testing” blocks to recreate a vintage quilt that was just gifted to me by a family member! Fun, not fun, definitely a lot of trial and error 😂...but that also leads me to a suggestion for your wedding quilt dilemma...keep your eye out for linen sheets! This will give you plenty of fabric for those huge blocks! I just picked up a king size “linen” sheet set for $35...realized it was cotton/linen blend after I got home, but that’s neither here nor there, point is it’s A LOT of fabric! Thanks for the great content, I Look forward to your videos each week!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lynndee, for the great suggestion! I will definitely be looking for linen sheets! And good for you for testing to recreate a vintage quilt--that's wonderful!! ❤️

[@lauriemarks6634]

Parenthetical phrase. I adore you!🥰

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Laurie! 😘😘😘

[@conniemurdoch8528]

Lost my train of thought! I meant to add, there is of course a way to make that shape without “bonus” hsts. When I started quilting it was called snow balls because when you put a triangle on corners of another block and sewed that together with 3 other like blocks you would get a snowball in the corner. It’s really a snow square but that won’t trip off the tongue that way. I started quilting in the dark ages when there were no precuts, we used leftover sewing fabric for making quilts and we still used scissors to cut. I tried it a couple of times but I didn’t really see the point. About 10 years later, I decided to make myself 3 quilts in two weeks with only whatever fabric I had in the house. I made them but you wouldn’t recognize them as great quilts (that was the gingham and eyelette lace one I mentioned before. Now we can cut faster that ever before, we have all sorts of extra bonus things we don’t really need, like a new ruler for every new pattern we want to sew. I really think there is a sort of slider bar where we can dial the efficiency down a little in order to make better use of a precious resource like fabric that makes your eyes tear up. I’ve always been a garment sewer at quite a skilled level but no one in my family wants home made clothing anymore so I decided to give quilting another go. But some methods that make me do that cringey-shuddering face just don’t get done that way. I do the Frank Sinatra method!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

“I did it MYY WAAAAYYY”🎶🎤🎵Me too, Connie!!❤️

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

I don’t know if you regularly check your thrift store bedding section but I have collected a small stash of 100% linen and 50/50 cotton linen blend sheets and duvet covers. I’ve also found curtains (mostly ikea) that are 100% linen. That might be a way to make your 2 tone quilt work! Kijiji or Facebook market place might make it easy to find too if your thrift stores don’t have much for linen bedding. Just a thought! Love your channel! It’s nice to see you so happy with your friends ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Amanda! 🥰❤️ I DO check the bedding section when I shop, but I love the idea of looking for linen curtains too! (and hopefully I can still make that 2-tone quilt work! 🤞🏻)

[@RobinHarris61]

Lol! The bloopers were great. I'll bet you had a lot of fun filming this one with your friends nearby. 😁❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It was a LOT of fun. Hard to stay on task, though! 😂 I laughed at the bloopers, too, Robin! ❤️

[@debiogle3798]

Ok, so I evidently watched this “ while I slept this morning.” Meaning that your NOT BORING but rather I fell asleep before your “live” started. 😊 I also try a new recipe for a dinner party or a potluck at church! 😅 So here am I really watching you now at 3:45 am.. bc babysitting your granddogs have to got PPP really bad and wakes you up.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Debi! 😱😩🤣

[@kscheuerman5378]

Cathy, Thank you so much for your kind/thoughtful words on memory quilts. Memory quilts is what brought me to your channel. I am still not a quilter yet. I have a lot to learn and I want to be careful to choose a design I really like but will also have enough fabric to make. I am hooked onto your channel! I so enjoy you...having a lot to say!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@Siennaflower]

I think it could definitely work for you to shrink the pattern and make each block smaller. That was what I thought of before you said it. ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yep! Just not sure I want to work that hard for it! 😳🤓

[@Siennaflower]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Ah, that makes sense. So maybe there's another pattern out there.

[@mpete2525]

Love the 2 toned quilt! I would save all my pattern tests and make a quilt!... It's a work of art. As always, love this video. You've inspired me to quilt test more often.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

“You’ve inspired me to quilt test more often”--my work here is done! 😘

[@henrietteguilliot4887]

Making a practice square is a great plan! Would love to see a picture the entire quilt hanging behind you.

[@amymcadams6043]

Really I can’t believe the timing of this! Just got home from my sister’s house with a bag of my brother in law’s shirts. The weight of choosing and using wisely is heavy. Thanks for walking us through the process. And for the laughs at the end!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You are so welcome, Amy! ❤️ I think these sorts of "coincidences" generally aren't coincidences at all. 😘 The laughs at the end are everything! 😂

[@christinahall3318]

Cathy, this was absolutely wonderful! I am cutting shirts of my momma’s to make quilt blocks. I am then going to quilt the blocks and make pillows out of each block. I have actually thought of just framing the individual blocks. I do not have enough shirts to make but one quilt so I decided to make a block for each family member instead. I am so thankful for your insight and “pattern testing” for the rest of us. May your seams be straight and your bobbins full!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh, Christina! That is so wonderful and so clever! 🤓❤️

[@jenedelwilcox6647]

Christina, I made quilt blocks, with a heart theme, from my husband's shirts after he passed away and made pillows for our children and grandchildren. It was healing for me and all the recipients. Blessings on you as you work on this project.

[@zoelakidis7499]

Hi Cathy, thank you for all the helpful advice regarding Pattern Testing for working with Dress Shirts. When you break things down the way that you do, I learn so much about all the "Possibilities" with different Designs etc. I really am so thankful that I found your Channel last September (2022); your Presentationan Style is so different & refreshing compared to other KZbin Channels. I've been a huge Fan ever since & I look forward to each new Video that you release. Warmest Regards from Tasmania, Australia 🙂🙃

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Zoe! I haven't gotten to your comment on the Giveaway video but I did read it and you are such a sweet one! ❤️ I'm so very thankful that you found me and that you're still here! 🥰

[@vickif1419]

I love to make modern quilts from blocks that I've had laying around for years. I would use the big block for a center, and add sashings incorporating the half square triangles into the design.😁

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What a GREAT idea, Vicki!! 🤩🤓 Thanks for the suggestion! ❤️

[@deniseheater7903]

Audience in your kitchen? Sewing in your kitchen? Cool!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right? My sewing "room" is directly off of my kitchen (and it's much smaller than it appears on camera! 😘)

[@marybeth4002]

I admire everything about you - but especially your patience in 'practicing' when making test blocks. You are so right when you said people practice their musical instruments, sports, etc - never thought of it that way before. 'Hello' to your live audience, Jennifer and her husband - how fun it obviously was for all of you to spend this time filming together. I love your mention of Tim Gunn - he is a gem.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

We did have a blast---but it was very different having people watch (and react!!) It took a minute for me to find my grounding, and then it was just fun. 😊 I LOVE Tim Gunn...well and all reality competition shows that involve sewing! I get totally sucked in and yell at the TV!😂 And my goodness, yes, practice! Ugh! But pattern testing? Yes please! 😘

[@conniemurdoch8528]

You will find that many quilt designers use that method of taking a square and putting a square in each corner and stitching diagonally etc. that gives you all those bonus hst’s. I think selling the idea of getting something for free, blinds them to the fact that it’s a wasteful way to make that type of block. There must be ways to make that shape without making one project into one you might want and 1/2 of one that you didn’t plan to make but it’s “free”. To me, I am 😊Scottish (76% according to Ancestry) but that kind of free is to expensive for me.

[@jeanetterochnowskis142]

Loved the bloopers. You are just soooo funny. That's part of what keeps me coming back! 🤣 Never know you might turn into the QuiltingComic! Great video Cathy! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Nettie!❤️ I'm much funnier when Paul has the power to add captions! 😂

[@stellacullum7739]

Come on ladies, lets see more thumbs up......

[@cynthiah1298]

love your videos! Thank you for the wonderful information!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Cynthia! ❤️

[@RavynWhyt]

I was just thinking about practice squares! I'm going to be making an oversized King size qayg hexi quilt that I designed and I am hoping to try using mens shirts to make it!!! So timely for this video. Love it! Even better having friends join you! I think it would work great to just reduce the size of the quilt! It does look really cool. Keep it up!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Raven!

[@kristagross6550]

Such good advice, I love the idea of test blocks, whether using shirts or yardage, because you never know!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right?! You just never know!

[@btuller1772]

Great video. It's one of those things where if you've never quilted but are thinking about it just make one block. See if you like it. Love the outtakes 😂🤣.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, B!

[@ingridhunt7841]

Hi Cathy. Usually I don't like videos where someone is pretty chatty. I listen to every one of your videos though. To me you're pretty prim and proper AT FIRST! Then WHAM, you say something that absolutely cracks me up. Love your vids.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Ingrid! ❤️ I read that second sentence and thought, "Uh oh. She must hate my channel then!" Imagine my surprise! I sometimes *TRY* not to be chatty---it never works! 😂

[@ingridhunt7841]

😄 🤣

[@debbietrapp7757]

Hi Cathy, I am so glad I found your videos, your thought process is amazing and “on point” 😊 your blocks are so beautiful, even the pattern testing ones. Your quilts are similar to the “memory” quilts since you have put your heart into picking those shirts, taking them apart and putting them in just the right quilt, using the perfect pattern you have given them new life 🥰 Happy “pie day”

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Happy Pi Day to you, Debbie! ❤️ Thank you so much for your kind words---I am humbled and pleased. 🥰

[@ravenskye6595]

always love your videos, and thanks for this tip, would never have thought to test prior to committing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Raven! ❤️

[@annekortleve1478]

Cathy, I was so happy to see your new video waiting for me to watch this morning. You always give me something new to think about when considering blocks, colours etc. Thank you for your videos.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Anne! 🥰❤️

[@suemacfarlane7372]

Thank you for the video, always a treat. I really don't like patterns that waste fabric - shirts or yardage/pre-cuts. This block gave you the small HST's, but they are only useful if you find a use for them. Reducing the size of the larger block sounds good - although you wouldn't get usable HST's then. Inspired y you, I am moving over to using fabric that already exists for my quilting - as you say, it's a win:win:win:win :) Thanks to the live studio audience, and also to The Editor - especially for the outtakes :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thanks, Sue! And yes the outtakes...they always make me laugh (And I think, did I say that?!) I love that you're using existing fabrics for your future quilts--what a wonderful thing! ❤️

[@poppies1215]

In this video I can see the scientist in you. When it comes to those special loved-one shirts you are using to create a quilt, I think it is important to make a small mock up of the pattern you are considering. I, too, will always hesitate to make that first cut in that project shirt because it cannot be replaced if you find there is not enough material. The more I think about it, I would use smaller cutouts of a precious shirt to make it work in more pattern choices I might be considering. In my case, I have a particular shirt I have saved for decades that will be scattered about mysteriously in several family quilt projects making it that much more memorable for several projects. “Today” or for that matter, any other day is a very good day to “have a lot to say” Cathy. Love your live sessions…Paul keep them coming especially the bloopers in the end.💕🧵🪡🌟It’s back out to shovel another “shift” of snow removal to keep ahead of the pending accumulation. It is 5:30 am in NY State and we haven’t seen the end of the white stuff yet! Be safe everyone…

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Pamela! ❤️ I love the idea of sprinkling a piece of shirt throughout many quilts! Like a wink from that person in each quilt! 🥰And I’m glad you enjoyed the video and bloopers-not sure why YT deems it “live” when it isn’t, but this one probably felt more live! 😂

[@poppies1215]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts even if YT doesn’t do live, it is a refreshing break from pushing snow! I love your idea of a “wink”!! Going to pen that one myself…❄️💕🧵🪡☃️ Good snowman weather………

[@genawalter401]

Funny that you did this video on a test block. I just made my very first test block. I usually just go with whatever I am making and don't worry about it but this was for a friend to help her choose fabric for a quilt that I am making her. I am so glad that I did the test block because I didn't like how it turned out and I could explain to her why and she agreed. So when she chose her fabric we definitely kept those things in mind. (Especially having too large of a print for the block pieces)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

How funny! Isn't it great how the muse hits many of us at the same time---it's like a sign that says, "Hey everybody needs to know this or consider this" and it is validating when someone else gets that same message too! (or maybe that's just me. 😂) Thanks for this comment, Gena! ❤️

[@diannagalante5717]

I love the quilt that is displayed behind you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Dianna! It's just quilt blocks that I made from leftovers pinned to the design wall! 🤩😘 But thank you!! It's based on the pattern "Sunday Morning" in "Sunday Morning Quilts" by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison. I *HIGHLY* recommend this book! ❤️

[@pamelafowler4406]

Cathy, just wanted to say hello and let you know I appreciate your videos so much. Keep them coming

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Pamela! ❤️🥰

[@janehollingsworth8108]

How I do enjoy your sewing and life philosophies! Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jane! 🥰❤️ Never short on life philosophies over here on the Catbird Quilts! 😂🤓😘

[@melanietehan6560]

Thank you for this tutorial. I shall quit beating myself up when I "test" and it doesn't work for me!! Not a waste of time, and I do use bum test blocks, eventually, in another project. I enjoy your way of presenting your tutorials and the calm tone of your voice.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Melanie! 😊 Embrace that test block---the results (works/doesn't work) are irrelevant, really! Thank you for your kind words, for watching and for commenting! ❤️

[@nicolebeauchamp7622]

When I have practice or have made too many blocks for a quilt, known as orphan blocks, I like to use them in the back of the quilt. It uses up the blocks in a useful way that means I don't have to work out a whole new project like a pillow etc to use the up in. Thanks for another fun video. I honestly don't know how you held it together with your friend watching. I would have gotten the giggles.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Nicole, I agree and that’s a great idea! 🤓👍🏻 At one point I did get tickled but managed to pull it together--after all I DID have a video to make!

[@stefflcus]

Great video... at least what I remember of it... because I got totally distracted when you started talking about a "two-tone quilt" because I thought, "Oooo! Is it... could it be...???" and then the Wedding Quilt thumbnail popped up and I shouted, "YESSS!" and skeered the cat. *lol* The entire blooper segment was so entertaining AND RELATEABLE, especially since when you said, "That's all I have to say about that," I said, "Aww, no it's not" right before you did. (Should I tag this comment for spoilers? Hmm...) There's always something more to dive into and experiment with! Test blocks will certainly be my entry point once I clear up some taking-on-a-new-craft time. Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok, even though I've never met you IRL, I can totally see this happening! 😂 "Skeered" cat and all! 😂😘 Glad you enjoyed the bloopers (I laugh at them too) and the two-tone wedding quilt reference (yes, I had nearly settled) and I'm glad you're here with me, girl! ❤️

[@itsmejeanmarie]

Happy to see a Cotton + Joy pattern featured. I recently purchased Cabin Valley as a possible design for my first shirt quilt. There are so many good patterns out there, it’s hard to know where to start!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It IS hard to know where to start!! I love Cotton+Joy quilt patterns (although I've only made the one!) I have *seriously* considered making that very quilt and think it would absolutely perfect for shirts!! ❤️

[@AvivaHadas]

"I get to pattern test." that is a great way to think about pattern testing. I don't test... (I also choose random recipes to take to pot lucks, like I have a pinterest board of "That would be great to take to sew-n-tell.") Quite possibly because I am contrarian, I like the weirdo blocks/colors... I also trust the use of value & stick with fun/simple patterns. My curved pieced quilt is still partial blocks. I'm sure I will finish it, but...

[@dawnbrumfield7895]

Oh my goodness! While I’m watching the “expired aunt” commercial came on. Way to go KZbin (Big Brother). Thanks for making me laugh!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I'm SO GLAD you laughed! Mission accomplished! 🤓🤩❤️

[@janiewilliams5803]

Wondering how you didn't dissolve into giggling fits with a good friend there with you! Then I watched the bloopers😊 Another great video. Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right?! Answer: I did!! 😂

[@juliejeavons6949]

Thanks to you and your videos I finally cut into my shirts and made four blocks. The colours in my pile of broken down shirts made me think of Edyta Sitar’s quilts, so I’m doing her mystery QAL from 2020. Lots of little squares so I can use all those beautiful extra prints from inside cuffs, collars and yokes. Might need to go thrifting for some more lighter prints though 😊.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well, it's never a bad time to go thrifting for shirts! 🤩 Also I LOVE this idea and I will be cheering you on! ❤️

[@lindawashington500]

So glad I’ve “stumbled” on to your videos! I appreciate what you’ve sharing and your personality is precious!! I’ll be checking out your past lessons. Thank you!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Linda!! ❤️ I hope you enjoy the past videos---and thank you for your kind comment! 🥰

[@tadeyishu]

I also have a lot to say, you've bought the pattern, so no guilt in finding a different way to get the same result, graph paper, pens and looking at from a designer veiw, how would you make it work with what you have, I'd either spread a little of each colour in each block through the quilt, or make as many blocks as possible then add BIG borders, or swap it round have the white/background in linen and the green, yardage or sheets using less of the focus fabric, lastly you could reduce the size, use templates, or if true quilt is in solids piece some of them with the hst's, in every block, in the same place so it looks planed, then hide/distract with the quilting,

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes, definitely so many options for how to rework the pattern to make it work--if I want to do the work!😂

[@tadeyishu]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts yeah, fair point save that pattern in the back of your mind for when you find some coloured sheets or duvet covers, or of course there's always the fun filled world of dyeing you own fabric!!

[@kellykelly828]

Marshalls fabrics and Hancock Paducah have great fabric ( $5 yard and less). Marcus Brothers, walnut Creek, Moda, Kaufman etc. Shirts are just not coat effective and are not sturdy enough for a quilt

[@socalgingerjohnson]

Great insight ❤️ I am working on my first pattern by @CottonandJoy & it is great! I am always thrown when patterns require “extra” items like scant quarter inch or pressing open to achieve the required block size. Those are the patterns I have to make a test block!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Ginger! I have looked at several of her patterns and plan to do another in the future! Which pattern are you currently making?

[@socalgingerjohnson]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Skylight. I purchased a layer cake, and needed a pattern. It would work great with shirts, but lots of background!

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

Thank you for this great video! I always enjoy your thought process, and your laugh. But I need to ask about that beautiful quilt in the background! Is there a video? Is it made out of your shirt scraps? I’d love to know more! And thank you for your oh, so enjoyable videos!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Barbara---it's scrap blocks that I put together from the leftovers from my very first quilt! the pattern is "Sunday Morning" from the book, "Sunday Morning Quilts"---it is a fantastic book that I highly recommend! 🤓🤩

[@jenedelwilcox6647]

I am thinking of using the "potato chip block," which is a free pattern on different KZbin sites, for my linen. It is made from rectangles, which are twice as long as wide finished (cut 2 1/2 x 4 1/2, 3 x 5 1/2, etc). You would mix your linens easily. You can make center plus one round or center plus two rounds. No extra HST's to deal with and easy to cut and sew.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

*youtube-googles" potato chip block---ok I see it!! I get it!! Love this idea, Jen! ❤️🤓 Thanks for sharing! 🤓

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Very good food for thought! Thank you

[@marleneo2581]

Maybe you are a curator of Linen, just maybe. Great video.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Maybe. 😘 Thanks, Marlene. ❤️

[@DipsyDoodleDaisy]

So sweet and great tips but I must admit that I had to hold my horses many times while watching. I kept wishing you would stop jibber jabbering and get to the point. 🤭 With that said, thank you. ♥️

[@kellykelly828]

Only men's shirts heavy enough for a useable repeatedly washed quilt are Oxford/oxford type.

[@pbargas7996]

Thank you for this informative video. I have wondered what to do about knowing if I had enough shirt for a pattern. Would like to know name of the large pattern you used and the maker. That would be the perfect pattern for a quilt for my daughter and SIL.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Blizzard by Kate Spain. And you're welcome! ❤️

[@AdirondackJenScott74]

When it was discovered that it would take 9 linen shirts, I thought: Woooweeee! Shopping trip, let's go! C'mon, get in the car! See...problem? Solved!!😉😆🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I LOVE this!! "Let's go!" YES, LET'S!! Wish you could go with me and we'd find some awesome shirts---and maybe even some linen! ❤️

[@ragingsmirk68]

I love the quilt on the wall! Have you done a video on it? Love coin quilts!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

No...because it's just blocks at this point! 😂 But thank you!! 🥰❤️ I'm gonna have to add it to the growing WIP pile, I guess! ❤️

[@gisellejones1139]

Maybe you could use the triangle block as a back for the front block if you reduce the front one by removing one strip all around...then would have a cushion?? Also , some patterns are strip pieced ,making it difficult ( for me and my brain) to try a block.Allways educational and fun.PS...l would never bring an untried recipe to a potluck!! LOL

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Giselle, in case you haven't noticed, I am fearless! (about some things! lol!! 😂) I totally get that about strip pieced quilts---you're kinda "all in" with those!! And thank you! 🥰❤️

[@glynisreynolds446]

I’m with you in not wanting to ‘waste’ my fabric 😊 so I will look at trying to use my fabric as economically as possible 👍 If I don’t need leftover HSTs but I need HSTs of a certain size then I look at making them two at a time rather than one at a time with a leftover one for another project 🤷‍♀️ I love the quilt in the background 🥰 Did you use yardage or did you find all those brilliant colourful shirts? It’s so bright and cheerful 🤩 👏👏🇬🇧

[@privateinfo1711]

I was admiring the background quilt also. I think that quilt is good for using scraps. However, I would have a difficult time getting the columns straight.

[@jennjennedington279]

@@privateinfo1711 but they don’t have to be straight! That’s the beauty of a lovely mixed fabric block. Just do it, you can do it!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Most of the strips in the blocks (yes, blocks!) behind me are strips from shirts I used in my very first quilt, with some random scraps from other projects thrown in. I guess I just added another WIP to the pile of WIP's I already have! 😱😂❤️

[@glynisreynolds446]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Thanks for that Cathy 👍🇬🇧

[@lisaulrich8549]

I like to make mug rugs out of practice blocks.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes! Such a great idea! 🤓❤️

[@Loriann3616]

Hugs!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

🥰

[@AuntGrace]

That was fun😂.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! Mission accomplished! ❤️

[@SewGurl58]

On the not making a practice a, b, or c, that falls under the definition of “optimistic in the face of reality”

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! For real tho!

[@pamelahill7164]

You should use your test pattern blocks on the back of your quilts as a special label then they are not wasted

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing! 🤓😊

[@dianejobe8089]

I just bought 8 men’s cotton xl-xxl shirts at Goodwill. One is linen. Can I use lines and regular cotton in same quilt?

[@itsmejeanmarie]

Yes! And I love the combo.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Me. TOO. ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yep! 🤩

[@debraigo2711]

I have told my daughter forever that I am not a hoarder, I am a gatherer. I still don't think she believes me !!! Lol.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! It's all in the name, isn't it?! 😘

[@lauralinash5341]

Making your test block into a pillow is an option

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Laura, I definitely have thought of that. SO big though...maybe floor pillow?

[@loricantrell8365]

Love the blocks made with the plaids! So much good information in this video! Thank you for all the hard work and sharing it with us. I ran across this video after watching yours today, thought you may like it since he is using shirt collars!!! His videos are all made with scraps and clothes too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJvYoGeJj71grck

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Lori! ❤️ I will check it out!

[@AvivaHadas]

So did your mom not "save" in the grocery store? I thought based on your previous story, that she would have 2 of something that she only needed one of because it was buy one get one free & as a consequence always have more than enough tinned tomatoes. (My grandma, "Do you need two? no, then you aren't saving...)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! Yes, our pantry was definitely full of BOGO items, but you know how that goes when you’ve gotten down to 2 eggs and need 3!

[@julias.8236]

I just stumbled over this tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJqlo5aHmJWraZo. I believe it could work well with shirts since all you need is 2" by 9" and 4" by 9" strips. Maybe you would like to check it out 🙂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I will check it out! Thanks! ❤️

[@nancymathisen9707]

My solution is never to use patterns.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂 😂❤️

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Look at the “testing” block as skill building 😉✂️🧵🪡

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Another great perspective! ❤️