How to Cut a Charm Pack from Men's Dress Shirts

[@brendak5486]

My sister, that makes quilts, says: "finished is better than perfect" but I've heard it said: "quilting is not a race." I'm sure I'll be very slow at making my first quilt and it won't be perfect, but I will put my heart into it and it will be perfect, for me. Thank you for being such a good teacher! I am binge watching your videos to make this quilt and I am thoroughly enjoying them all.

[@vanillayogurt5650]

Great video! I also use a five pound weight to keep my ruler from slipping. I’m really enjoying these videos and look forward to seeing your “shirt fabric” quilts!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sarah! Can’t wait for you to see! ❤️

[@kylierigby1953]

Thanks for more ideas and tips. Found another five shirts today, including a dark navy with small pin dots in white, to go with a planned quilt top, yay!! Love watching your content. ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

How wonderful! There are a surprising number of dark navy with tiny white polka dots-it must be a popular style for men. 🤩 Thanks for watching and for your kind words! ❤️

[@thelindsaymaestefon4157]

I love the shirt idea! So many fun men's button ups out there! Once I found one with hummingbirds on it, I still have some fabric left for fussy cutting! Thanks for these tutorials!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

There ARE so many fun shirts out there! I recently saw one with watermelons on it! 🍉 So glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! And thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@upriver7047]

Tip...I use a 5# hand weight on top of my ruler. The ruler will almost never slip while I'm cutting. That also helps alleviate achy shoulders because I don't need to press down on the ruler nearly as hard to make a cut. It really makes cutting more enjoyable especially when I'm going to cut all the pieces for a queen size quilt all in one session.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Excellent idea! Thank you for sharing! 😊👍🏻

[@janiewilliams5803]

I use the weight also when cutting a long strip. Works well for me.

[@leeannlively]

I have an old heavy, cast iron, iron. I also use it as a door stopper. :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@leeannlively oh that’s a great idea!

[@sallyward9218]

If you keep your baby finger off the ruler (on the fabric) this reduces the likelihood of the ruler slipping when you cut your fabric! :)

[@kbsorrells]

You are delightful. Just like you, I need to line up my fabric on the cutting mat. Thanks for creating these videos. You have given me lots of inspiration 😀.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay!! So glad your are finding inspiration here! And thanks for the sweet words-I appreciate them so much. 🥰

[@BAYOUTOWNProductions]

You are so entertaining to watch! You crack me up with all your antics and I love it. You make me feel NOT crazy as I have been using men's shirts for years to make quilts and all kinds of other things. Waste not want not, right? I also make most of my skirts from bed sheets and people are blown away to see that. I think repurposing fabric like this connects me to the women of the past who made beautiful quilts out of family garments like this. it's so much more authentic and real to me. I think I said this in another comment on one of your videos but it just dosen't make sense to me to go out and buy new everything. A few days ago (as often happens) a lady friend who is older than me and downsizing called me over to go through her stash of fabrics she had horded for years. It was like hitting the mother load. She called me yesterday to come back to go through more bins of fabric she found. This is often how I acquire fabric but I still use my husband's and son's shirts plus ones I find at the thrift stores as well as sheets to make quilts. However, my cup is starting to run over with passed down fabric and I'm wondering where it's all going to go??? Love your videos!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok I literally love EVERYTHING in this comment! All. Of. It. Thank you for your kind words, it means so much to me that you enjoy watching me be silly and serious about quilting. And YES so wonderful all of us that quilt with secondhand fabric-there are a TON of us which is awesome. 🤩 Pleased as punch for you that your neighbor friend is handing off fabric to you. What a gift! But yes, SO much fabric and so little time! If I were nearby we could do a fabric swap!! Maybe do a little Google search and see if there is a quilt guild in your area that would appreciate you sharing? Just a thought. And my goodness, YES, to connecting with our ancestors who were so much less wasteful than us; I don’t know about you but I can’t quilt without thinking of my grandmothers who could make anything. And did!! Ok this reply is getting long, lol because I have a lot to say even in replying to comments!! Thanks again for this comment and for being with me! ❤️

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Send some my way. i am just starting and have no stash….I am going to the nearly new store……

[@lilybee_]

I suspect that sewing is your therapy? I love your videos because you allow personality to shine through :) Your videos are teaching me so much!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww thank you, Lilybee! ❤️ Handiwork of all types has always be therapeutic for me...how else could I possibly process all my thoughts and feelings?! 😂😘 So glad you are learning from the videos! Thank you for being here with me, commenting and watching! 🥰

[@cinziabeley7059]

"Progress not perfection" GREAT!! I also love using men's shirts.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I have to remind myself of that phrase all the time! (Reforming perfectionist!) So glad you got something from the video…and isn’t it nice to find others who do this too? ❤️

[@athenaharris7328]

You are delightful❤ I will watch All your videos from now on!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Athena! ❤️

[@glynisreynolds446]

Thanks Kathy 😊 We will be able to cut charm squares first, then perhaps cut two and a half inch strips and squares - or any suitable sizes from the left over pieces 👍 So much fabric and so many possibilities - just not enough time 🤣🤣 Thank you for sharing 😊🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That was exactly my thought, Glynis! So many patterns call for charm packs or jelly rolls…and for a long time I wondered, “how do I do that if I’m using shirts?!?” And my goodness, yes!!! Thee isn’t enough time to make all the quilts I want to make! 😱 Thanks, as always, for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@GracielaParsons]

I use the mat and I agree with you 100%. What drives me crazy is when I see people cutting pieces without pressing the fabric first. It drives me insane.

[@TheRozylass]

So nice to know I'm not the only one!

[@veronicaosborn3029]

I too, use my cutting mat lines. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you for your channel. You are a breath of fresh air!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh thank you, Veronica! ❤️

[@pamelafowler4406]

I am with you on using the mat as a guide

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I can’t help myself…it’s just the way that makes most sense to me! 😊👍🏻

[@sherryfaires7931]

This was very helpful! I probably would have cut them into strips to begin with…causing me to lose usable fabric. You could also cut your smaller pieces into squares of smaller sizes to use in a border or in sashings. I like pieced bindings so you could use 2 to 2/12” strips for that. I am excited that you are going to show us a new project soon! Keep these videos coming!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much! 🥰 I can’t tell you how much fabrics I have probably wasted with shirts until I figured out how to *think about* cutting pieces. It’s certainly not as easy as cutting from a fat quarter! Thanks for your comment and for watching!❤️

[@mareetorrumbarry5155]

Really loving this series!! Great discussions on efficient processing of the shirts.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I'm so glad you are loving it! ❤️

[@chrisdistelrath9386]

I really love and appreciate your humor, videos and teaching style. So glad to know I'm not the only person who has whole conversations with their self, snd cracks themselves up. Here is to visual learners.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes! Visual learners unite! One of the viewers commented “…and you are a little weird” (it was a sweet comment, not rude) and my response was, “oh I’m way more than ‘a little’ weird!” But I’m discovering that *my people* are here too and isn’t that great?!? I totally crack myself up and then laugh more that I’m laughing at myself! Such a weirdo! 😂🥰❤️ Thank you for the kind words, tho, and for watching and commenting! I’m SO GLAD you’re along with me! ❤️

[@teresatierney4817]

You inspired me. I picked up some dress shirts at my church free store. I’m using my Accuquilt cutter to make scrappy triangle in a square. Cute.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! So glad you were inspired here! ❤️ And thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Beatriz-tt3le]

Just bought my first 5 shirts at thrift store, thats alot of fabric from each shirt and purchased the hst pattern to make my next quilt. I'm so happy to have found your channel. Love hearing all the tips and jokes I bet your camera man has to do alot of editing as he is lol in the background.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

The cameraman/editor/producer is my husband, and yes I do make him laugh! (It’s really my favorite thing-making him laugh!😂) So glad you are enjoying the videos!! 🥰❤️😊 It is so much more fabric than you expected, isn’t it?! I think you’re gonna really enjoy making the scrappy triangle quilt…it isn’t hard but it has a big impact! ❤️ Thanks for watching and for commenting! 😊😊😊

[@jmc-xp6ml]

I am new to using men’s shirts and quilting in general. OMG…… the little threads! The picking is a necessity.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes! A necessity!

[@toloveandrestore2472]

I like how your pencils are in a perfect ombré rainbow

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you! 😊

[@MarciaSasser1956]

I use a cat hair (pet hair) tape roller to pick up threads and the extra lint. It really helps too!

[@genevievegiella9066]

LOVE 💗 WATCHING YOU…I LEARN SOOOOOOO MUCH FROM YOU …. THANK YOU 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness!! Thank you, Genevieve!! 🥰❤️☺️

[@joydalton4987]

I agree. I just love listening to you talk about your sewing passion. My dad recently passed and I’m going to try to make something out of his mens shirts. He loved plaid so i will decide when i get the time to make something. I’m watching the videos so I know how to proceed. Thank you so much Cathy.

[@MarciaSasser1956]

I'm with you Sista! The lines on the mat SAVE me so much work! Holysmokincatfishbatgirl! Work Smarter not Harder!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

“Holysmokincatfishbatgirl” --new favorite phrase!! 😂❤️😂

[@lizreynolds4554]

Cathy, this is so very helpful. I have been using shirts, sometimes. I have not always been able to see those EXTRA places, that you showed today. Thank you. I love how you make us feel welcome into your space. You make me giggle with you 😊. I just can't find shirts as cheaply as you. Where do you shop for them. Our Goodwill charges $ 7.99. Thank you for sharing this with us.🎉❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Liz! ❤️ You ARE welcome in my space so I'm glad you enjoy it (and laugh with me) here!

[@kathysnavely1802]

Excited to see your new project, C athy. I too am visual. Mapping the squares out on the fabric was an eye opener. I was amazed at how many you could get. I got my fabric at garage sales and from my moms stash. I had no idea about charm and other yard verbiage. Looking forward to your next video. Have a Blessed Day.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you Kathy!! It *always* surprises me how much fabric I get from shirts. And I’ve been doing this for a hot minute! 😂 Thank you for your supportive comments (always)…love having you along with me! 🥰

[@marlenejordan9442]

On the slipping rulers issue, I use Invisi-Grip on just about all my rulers and templates. Not terribly expensive, and works like a dream !! It comes in a roll, and you cut it just slightly smaller and it magically clings to the back of your ruler, no glue or tape needed ! Cheers ! 😎😎

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

My husband *just* got me some silicon slip-resistant pads (stickers? Dots? Idk. But you know what I mean.) and I’m with you! Like, where have you been all my life?! Lol. I will look for the roll and I appreciate the tip so much!! Thanks for your comment! 🥰

[@pamlempi5491]

I am the same way about using the mat and a ruler to cut. I could never cut cockeyed. It made me laugh when you explained it. 😂

[@lesa6399]

I use a 5# weight to help hold my ruler and often use a 2nd ruler to dbl check my measuring & oddly enough, my mat is accurate! Enjoy watching you! Thanks for your time!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Apparently the 5lb weight is a thing! ❤️ Every time I line up my ruler with my mat, they are the same, so I guess that's why I keep using my mat! 😉 Thank you so much! And thanks to you for watching and commenting! 🥰

[@patriciaboyd1199]

Great idea, start with the sleeves ! A woman after my own heart.

[@joydalton4987]

Get the suction handle. It has been a lifesaver.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks for the suggestion! ❤️

[@ag6787]

Kathy, thanks again for another great video and very useful information!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you thank you! 😘

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

I am right with you re: Fiskars! Their customer service and lifetime warranty is unmatched.. I had 1 of my cutting mats start to warps, I sent them a picture 3 days later I had a new mat

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Wow! That’s amazing! And not many companies (esp big ones) provide that kind of customer service anymore. Thanks for sharing!!

[@christinahall3318]

This adds a whole new dimension to using the shirts! Thank you so much!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Christina! 🥰

[@26debsterdots]

Awesome video ! I love your humor and content. Your videos are so fun and informative. Thank you. I also use the mat & ruler together to measure. On a very frugal note and suggestion..... if you use that card board shape a lot consider asking your local glass shop to make you one out of plexiglass. Get a quote though to see if that option is worth it to you. The plexiglass is usually about 1/4 inch thick so it is a nice guide for the rotary cutter. I also use a 5#weight to help hold my rulers in place. Works great and is fairly inexpensive. Have a great day everyone ! 🧵🪡💕

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What wonderful suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️ Hope you’ve had wonderful day!

[@anneoconnorao]

Your honesty is so cool!!❤ I am wondering if you ever piece together to get an extra cut?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Anne! And yes, I do! (but I don't have to often!)

[@bbrown8353]

about using your mat for measuring - it's fine to use it to line your fabric up straight. Over time the mat itself may shrink or distort from all of the cuts in it. That is why many quilters say not to use it for measuring or aligning. Sun light and temperature changes & not storing your mat flat can also cause it to distort over time. However if you check it with your ruler - make sure the inch marks measure an inch or check a line to your longest ruler and make sure it is true then it's perfectly fine to rely on your mat. I hope this is helpful - I'm enjoying learning all about a great fabric source!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! And I'm glad you are enjoying learning about shirts as a fabric source! Thank you for watching...and commenting!❤️

[@Carolmaizy]

I check my mat that way, too. So far, it's fine.

[@debiogle3798]

I agree, drives me crazy not using the lines on the mat! Omygoodness, Sandlot was so fun!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I really don't know how people use only the ruler! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@leeannlively]

Hello Cathy... How do you store the shirt fabric after you break down the shirts? Do you store the entire shirt pieces together or do you separate them, example would be front pieces, back pieces, sleaves? Would love to "see" you explain this in one of your videos and also to "see" where you store them at. I am really enjoying all of your information you share on Men Dress Shirts.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lee Ann!! I fold the back, and the front 2 panels separately, and I fold the sleeves together with the yoke and store them like a stack of fat quarters in clear totes. 👍🏻 I probably will make a video on my storage system but it may be a little bit before we get that one together! Thanks for your comment! ❤️

[@gisellejones1139]

I use my cutting mat a lot too...started that before l found out that l wasn't supposed to...lol...works for me. Good tutorial

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Giselle! ❤️

[@lauriewilt2622]

Love your videos. For the great ideas and your personality is delightful. 😊 FYI not all precuts have the same number of pieces. They could be from 36 pieces up to 42. A lot now seem to only have 40. Bad thing about precuts, you get pieces of fabric you just don’t like. 😝😵‍💫🙄

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I noticed this when perusing the aisles at the quilt fabric store…I’ll see a charm pack that catches my eye, and then as I thumb through it, I find myself going “ooh, ooh, ooh, meh, ooh, meh, ooh, meh…oh yuck, um no!”😂 Thank you for your kind words…it means a lot to me! 🥰

[@glynisreynolds446]

I agree with you and I’ve stopped buying precuts because I always end up with pieces that I just don’t want 😬🤪

[@anniejuan1817]

Do you need to try to get the 5" squares to be straight on the grain of the fabric? Or, how hard do you try? I may be coming into possession of several men's dress shirts soon, due to a death in the family. Making a quilt out of the dearly departed's shirts would be a wonderful remembrance.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I’m so sorry for your loss! I DO generally, try to keep plaids and stripes lined up square with the horizontal and vertical lines of the squares. I would say I try pretty hard to get them square but not so hard that I get stressed out or swear. Just before that I point I go, “uh oh I didn’t get that one quite right. Oh well…close enough!!” Lol 😆 😂

[@toloveandrestore2472]

Love that background quilt!!! What is that pattern called?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It is a Trip Around the World Quilt. 👍🏻🤓

[@freddiehansen7324]

I have done this over the weekend too! I did 6x6 squares. I have saved all the pockets, not sure what to do with them... yet :) I went to Goodwill Bins (they have some huge plastic tubs full of clothes and well .. junk , you find things you like, and you buy items by weight, 1.39 per lbs) I got 12 nice shirts for little over $4 . A couple of them (women's shirts) turned out to be semi duds because they had darts in the front and back lol but they were 2XX so I still got a decent amount of fabric out of them. Men shirts are definitely easier to use as they are straight up and down. My oldest wanted a curtain for her wardrobe as the doors are - well, ugly lol) so this was a nice cheap way to get a variety of nice fabrics. Also, I use BOTH mat and ruler when cutting. If I don't, I mess up. And I found a 3lbs dumbbell at the thriftstore to hold down the ruler while cutting it really works well.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love ALL of this! Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

I don't use my mat to cut because it has wide lines on it and I never remember what side of the line I've cut on. Can't wait to see what you are going to make.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I sometimes think about that, DiAnn (the wide lines) and then I think, “I might be overthinking this again” and try and push it out of my mind. 😂😂😂 And yay! My next project is super easy and beginner friendly but is lovely and has a big impact, I think. 🤞🏻 Eek! I guess you’ll see for yourself soon! 🥰

[@ettalanuti7926]

Kathy, do you try to stay on straight of grain? New to quilting, but have sewn for years, and not sure if straight of grain was so important in sewing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Etta, I don't really worry about it much, especially if the pattern uses small to medium sized pieces. If the pattern called for large, repeating blocks, I might take a little care to stay on grain. (but also maybe not! 😂 I'm rebellious.) I will say that if it is an open weave fabric (like linen) I try to keep straight on the grain because if it gets cut on bias it can stretch and make piecing more difficult. Great question! ❤️

[@loribrock991]

Cathy, I sure do appreciate your videos. Thank you for walking through the layout to maximize cut pieces. I’m not sure I would have looked at the shirt both vertically and horizontally. Keep the awesome content coming. I have a somewhat related question - during shirt breakdown, I took your advice, and picked out rolled placket hems (down the button side of the front panel) to grab that extra 2 or so additional inches of fabric. I’m finding some shirts have what seems to be noticeable needle holes from stitching in those areas. Will that disappear after quilting? Do you launder/starch/interface these areas to minimize the needle piercings? I wet down a couple pieces and let them air dry which seems to help but not alleviate. Thanks in advance. Perhaps I’m being too picky.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

First of all, thank you!! 🥰 so glad the videos are helpful to you! Ok, no, you’re not being too picky at all! (And I have had the same worry) But they all come out in the final wash! I’ve never noticed a single press mark, crease from pleats, or needle hole in my final quilts. ❤️

[@privateinfo1711]

Donna Jordan places a weight at the end of her ruler. It works great. I got a handle for my ruler. That works great also!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks for sharing!

[@saracecil6957]

This is a great video! Love how you take the time to pre plan your cuts to best suit the shape of your fabric. I too measure with my mat and always have! When you show someone your quilt no one is going to ask “Did you measure using your mat or your ruler?” Do you what works for you! Fiskars mats are great and I used one for a very long time. However, they are slick and I highly suggest using a 5lb weight as others have suggested. Also, when you are ready to get a new mat I highly recommend an Olfa mat. They aren’t as slick and grip your fabric much better. Just a suggestion. I can’t wait to see what the pattern for the charm squares. Sand Lot is an awesome movie, loved the reference in your video. 🤣

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

We LOVE the Sandlot, and I quote it a lot! Thank you for your kind words…it means a lot! 🥰 And yes, I’m all about doing what works! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing!! ❤️

[@brigittepatry195]

Thanks Cathy! I’m new to the quilting world and was wondering if I could get the name of the quilt that is behind you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

The pattern is called “Trip Around the World” and was made by my grandmother. ❤️

[@brigittepatry195]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts how lucky you are to have such a great heirloom from your grandma! ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@brigittepatry195 funny enough, it’s actually my sister’s quilt (lol) but I borrowed it for inspiration and then realized it would make an amazing background! ☺️ I’ve been wanting to make a pattern like this one, but if you don’t have a repeating stripe pattern, it can be a lot of work! 😳

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

Some very helpful tips there, thanks.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Im so glad you found something helpful here! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@mambakind]

You can piece together a couple of scraps to make up the five inch minimum. Nobody notices unless the fabric is a large print. Try it! You'll like it!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes! I “had to” do this for a project when I had used the bigger pieces of fabric and only had smaller pieces left to work with…and you’re right, no one would ever be able to tell! But there IS something so wonderful about those big stretches of fabric…😍😍😍 Thanks for sharing the tip and for watching!!

[@dawnellherrera9338]

Just started watching, as I'm thinking of trying a new hobby. Not sure if you are the same lady as in Texas. You probably already know about this, but I thought I'd mention it anyway, just in case. So I live between Dallas and Fort Worth, and there are two stores I go to once in a while in Fort Worth. One is the Family Thrift outlet store, which only sells clothes and shoes and bags. The prices depend on the day of the week. You can wait until Wednesday morning, which is 25 cents day, but it is usually too crowded for me and they close too early. 50 cents Tuesday is more my speed. Also in Fort Worth is the Goodwill outlet, which just dumps everything in bins and sells by the pound (1.69 today) The clothes and other fabrics start out on one side of the store, and everything else starts out on the other side, but they can get mixed up as people shop and change their minds about things before purchasing. I've been to other Goodwill outlet stores, but I'm not sure if there are other Family Thrift outlet stores. I went to both stores today, And my husband and I spent about 70 dollars. Some of that was his, but mostly it was stuff that I plan to alter or cut up for fabrics. I am exhausted and have a ton of laundry to do now. Hopefully I got everything sorted and won't cut up any of my husband's stuff by mistake.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok I lol’d about mixing up his stuff and coming home exhausted (also exhilarated!) and then having a ton of laundry to do!!😂🤣😂 I’m in Alabama, not Texas but it sounds like you have a lot of options there! 😍🤩😊 I hope you enjoy taking the shirts apart as much as I do…it can be so meditative. Thank you so much for your comment, and for watching!! ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ps get ready, you’re about to get hooked on quilting!!❤️🥰

[@dawnellherrera9338]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts OK, I don't see any Family Thrift outlets in Alabama, but it looks like Goodwill has two outlet stores, in addition to their regular stores. Hope one is near you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@dawnellherrera9338 the Goodwill down the street from me has an outlet part in the back…I hate to admit I’ve never been to it! 😱 and not sure why?!? 😂 But now I will! Thanks for looking out for me! 😉😘🥰

[@kylierigby1953]

Hi Cathy. Thinking you need to make your group private to prevent rubbish post? Love your videos.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I just report them as spam or porn to You Tube. Just touch the post and a box appears where you can report, click on report and choose the category. Hit the box or the choice you've made and then click done. The post goes away. They do return but if enough people report them YT will ban them from posting so they disappear.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@Sharon-pb7so we do the same. Thanks for helping with this! ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes, my word. Every new video we have to deal with spam. But it’s a small price to pay to get these videos out to everyone who might really enjoy them! 👍🏻

[@AmyAstrom]

Love this video!! And I need that coffee mug 😂❤️. So excited for the upcoming project.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Amy! One of my best friends (also a pharmacist with the same company as me) gave it to me and I Love. It. I’m so excited about my next project/video…I hope it turns out as cool as I think it could be! (Super easy yet still lovely and interesting. My favorite!!) Thanks for your comment and for coming along with me! 🥰

[@MiDo-hn8bo]

I have a variety of striped mens shirts because i saw the gorgeous effects one can achive using them for example in diamonds. But it turns out i just cannot cut them in straight strips running along the stripe, its always wavy. Now they are sitting in a box and i can almost hear them cry because they want to be a quilt. So i hope for inspiration...

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It is challenging to cut shirts with stripes, for sure, but if you look at a lot of quilts and quilt designers patterns, they use prints and then turn them every whichaway (even same prints that are next to each other!) Start with a pattern that use fairly small squares (or half-square triangles) and just go for it! They may not be perfectly in line, but it will be hardly noticeable in the final quilt. Don’t let that desire for perfection keep you from making a beautiful quilt!!

[@Kari77251]

If you have a few strips left over that weren’t quite wide enough, you can sew them together. Then you treat them as one piece of fabric and can get a couple more 5” squares. Nobody’s going to notice once the quilt is complete.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So true! A great reminder! 👍🏻🤓❤️

[@janiewilliams5803]

?? I bought my first 3 dress shirts recently, $3.00 each!!! One is a woven fabric, which I understand to mean the color is from the threads that have been woven together, rather than from a color stamped on the fabric? Are wovens better or just different?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I’m no expert on woven fabrics, but I would say they’re just different…and they behave differently than quilting cottons especially if it is an open weave. 👍🏻

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

You can also cut some neat squares from those cheap cutting mats from the dollar store.

[@nancys4874]

I've always cut my shirts into charm squares, keeping the non-pocket front side intact. Have hundreds (thousands?) I have an accuquilt charm die, so it's pretty easy. From the left over smaller pieces of the shirt, I cut 2.75" squares. If you make a 4 patch out of 2.75" squares, the raw size is 5", which is a pieced charm square. Lots of patterns on the internet, but I love Pat Speth's Nickle quilt books. Also, although 42 is a common number of pieces in precuts (charms, jelly rolls, layer cakes), it's not a standard. There can be as few as 20 or more than 42. Be sure to read the label when you purchase.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you for the book suggestion…I will check it out! And I LOVE the tip to make a 4 patch out of 2.75” squares! So many ways to use that idea…from scrappy quilts to 4-patch quilts to charm pack quilts. So clever! And yes, several people have commented about charm packs not necessarily having 42 pieces which is also good to know. Thanks so much for sharing…and for watching! 🥰❤️😘

[@eleanorlevri1306]

Bravo Cathy!!!!❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Eleanor!

[@Babs388]

I use my mat too when I cut fabric... I think it's fine as long as you only use one method or the other and don't go back and forth in the same project...

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I just know what works for me! 😘 thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@katem1105]

What about using a slotted ruler

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Great suggestion ❤️…I just don’t have one! (And I can be very cheap and won’t buy lots of rulers and tools!😂

[@RobinHarris61]

Hi Cathy, I'm back! Did you miss me? Lol. I missed your last couple of videos due to a pinched nerve. Hopefully I'm getting back to normal and all caught up on your videos. Which were great as always! Keep 'em coming! :D

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hey Robin! Welcome back! ❤️ So sorry to hear about your pinched nerve…ugh that can be so painful and even debilitating! But hopefully you’re on the road to recovery! You know I always appreciate you watching and commenting! ❤️❤️

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

I'm curious what all your pretty colored pencils are for??

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I use them when I see someone else’s pattern (usu on Instagram) but I either (a) don’t love their color choices or (b) have different color fabrics that I’m planning to use but can’t visualize how they’ll come together in the final quilt. So I get out my graph paper and make an old-school low-tech mock up with my own colors/fabrics using colored pencils. ❤️ And the frog pattern that I made (mentioned in my “great quilt pattern” video) I sketched with colored pencils first. The first container also holds the permanent markers that I used to make the print. Plus I think they’re pretty and make my quilting space happy and colorful. 🥰

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Thank you! Interesting. I usually pull fabric and hope it works, I will try doing the graph paper approach next time...I'm definitely into low-tech! And they do look so cute on your table!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@caitlinmatthews1401 thank you, Caitlin! Hopefully it will work well for you, too!

[@snickerbuckle]

I totally use my mat lines to keep things square, but I do not use the mat lines for measuring.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I think I do this, too. Definitely always lining up the fabric on the mat to make sure it's squared off. 👍🏻🤓

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

How I wish you were my neighbor….I tend to swear on occasion too….HA!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Mickey!

[@ingridcarstensen2542]

Beans, beans, beans, pear! You are so yoking funny😄

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok I’m so confused by the “beans beans beans pear” part of the comment…maybe I need some context to understand? But thank you for the comment and I’m glad I make you laugh!❤️

[@ingridcarstensen2542]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts what you fed your kids...get the worse part done first!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@ingridcarstensen2542 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🙄I totally forgot about that in the video!

[@Alipotamus]

Define charm pack

[@Carolmaizy]

A set- usually 42- of 5 inch squares of fabric.

[@shannonsiebert544]

I love using the weight on my ruller. Just make sure it is on that is coated. The raw metal ones don’t work.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh good to know! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@AvivaHadas]

"I don't know I just do" = ME! Not all 5x5 charm packs are alike. I generally trim them down & use them as scraps instead of sewing them together, as a consequence, I have layered one brand on top of another & the variance is frightening - especially with the 10x10 pieces. I needed two 5 inch pieces and found one brand is only 9.75 if I'm being generous. Luckily I am a scrap quilter and was able to use them elsewhere, but the irritation was audible in the moment.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That is crazy!! 🙄😑 I can’t imagine piecing a quilt top and getting into it only to realize the variance in cuts-I’d have been more than irritated! 🤣😫😡 Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@jennjennedington279]

“The irritation was audible“ New favorite phrase!

[@AvivaHadas]

@@jennjennedington279 🤣

[@sadiejosiemom]

Believe it or not, there are actually rulers wider than 2.5". In fact, there are square ones that are 5" and so many in just about any size you can think of. I know, crazy - huh?!! And that red thing with a black handle on your ironing board...is that a lint brush? Does it work? Ok, I'll stop. I'm not laughing at you - I'm laughing with you! You have the prettiest smile and that red lipstick is gorgeous on you! I enjoy your banter with your cameraman/husband. How does he stay so quiet? Thanks for sharing this process. I probably wouldn't have thought to test the panel to see which way would get the most fabric. I probably would've assumed the longest side would yield the most. Wrong in this instance! Looking forward to seeing what you're making.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So in this instance (true story) I asked my husband to hit the shirts a lick with the iron while I got ready (including putting on lipstick!) and he INTENTIONALLY left the thread pieces on the shirts!! That stinker!! So yes, I usually use the lint brush to manage my picking, but I got set up! 😂😂😂 Thank you for the compliments, for watching, and for your teasing comment. I think I can handle a little good-natures ribbing! 😘

[@TheToneWork]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts teehee!

[@sadiejosiemom]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts That scoundrel!! Yes, it was all meant in fun!

[@randylls5341]

It is recommended, even in woodworking, to use the same measuring device throughout project,😂 because even slight variation in devices can compound to throw off final measurement in final product resulting in frustration and waste of time and money. 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I'd be hard-pressed to use the same measuring device on ANYthing (except maybe baking lol) but I'm sure you're right!

[@susanjackson1616]

Your good 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww thanks!

[@toloveandrestore2472]

If we’re just talking $, is $5.99 shirt at goodwill, worth the price? Wouldn’t it be cheaper to buy a yard at Joann’s? Less work? I’m trying to understand. Are you buying at goodwill because you prefer the fabrics?

[@michellegiles4152]

Ok is it just me, I’m dying to know about the quilt on the wall. Of course I love the content but dang your killin me not giving me the story about the quilt!😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You may get what you wish for...I'm getting ready to do a video on a new quilt I'm starting and that's the inspiration for it! ❤️

[@rhodachavarria1430]

I have a 5 inch wide ruler that would make that go a lot faster!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It would! I have this thing tho, I just don’t want to get a bunch of rulers when the one I have works just fine…it’s the thrifty, practical girl in me. I can hear my grandmother saying, “you’re buying another ruler? The ones you have work just fine!” 🤷🏻‍♀️ Lol. The thrift runs DEEP. 😂

[@melaniemonti8115]

Cathy, the reason why you don't measure with the marks on your mat is the lines might not be "true" measurements. The width of the lines marked on the mat may be fat or thick and you don't know where the mat company measures from to mark the next lines. But the ruler was made to measure things correctly so the ruler lines are more reliable. This is what I've been taught and I'm not trying to be a know it all. I use 2 rulers when I cut, one to measure with and the other to cut with - companion rulers.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I have heard that same thing. When I use my rulers with my mat, they line up perfectly-lines and all-so I keep using both! But I will keep your comment in mind if I ever get a new mat! And using 2 rulers is a good suggestion! Thanks for commenting! 👍🏻

[@elaineshultz9544]

I enjoy watching your videos and can’t wait to go look for shirts. There is a book I have called Utility Style Quilts for Everyday Living that has nice patterns that would be good for shirts. It’s by Sharon Holland.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Elaine! Get ready...it's fun and addictive! I will definitely check that out...thank you for watching and commenting!! ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So I checked out this book from the library and liked it so much I bought it! Thanks for the recommendation, and I agree 100%---I think it would be great for shirts! 🤓🤩❤️

[@elaineshultz9544]

That makes me happy!

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Glad you swear because I do too….

[@brookeinmaine]

Same! My brain cannot figure out how to measure/cut from the ruler instead of the mat!😅✂️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I guess if I had rulers in every size and configuration I would use them...maybe...no, probably not! 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AvivaHadas]

Because I love to guess - Buffalo plaid is the pattern & you actually need 5 inch squares.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I’ll never tell. 🤐

[@Noreenlee1]

I cut from the other side because I'm left-handed.

[@debbiewood7718]

Important tip to start with the smaller pieces.

[@AvivaHadas]

(Sorry if my comments sound like I think we are in conversation...) Use your tailors chalk to mark where your squares are.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! It’s fine. That’s a great idea, btw! 😊👍🏻 You know I never have to be convinced to use that fun tailor’s chalk! 😍

[@pammeinzer6757]

Please be careful to keep your fingers out of the way. I also use the mat.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I would love to get to the place where I use the ruler (except then I'd need a bunch of rulers!) but honestly, the mat just makes more sense to me! 🤓

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

The use your ruler as your guide. If your table is not flat, warped, your mat will follow the warped surface because your mat is flexible. My mothed uses folding picnic tables that are never true or level. Love your videos. I always appreciate a artist sharing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Fortunately my surface is nice and flat! 👍🏻 Thank you for your sweet words and for sharing! ❤️