Unusual Fabrics for Quilts - Where Did I find My Fabric?

[@kathrynhenry8719]

I checked out Goodwill here, and the men's shirts were $1-$2 each. Much less than what you had to pay. I found 12 flannels and turned them into a charity quilt with pieced batting and a bedsheet for backing. ($1.50!) also Goodwill. Such fun!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

You are lucky. I did start shopping by finding the shirts I like that were 50% off. I need to shop on Sunday because I think the color of the week is 99 cents on Sunday. I am a Thrift Shop junkie now. LOL

[@kathyhenry6467]

@@aprilscraftroom Sometimes a yard sale is a good place to pick up fabric, shirts or blouses - even linens - to use. My friend had an estate sale recently getting rid of her mother's household and she had FIVE huge totes of fabric, some dating to when my friend was a little girl, and we're both 77! Imagine those vintage fabrics!!

[@sjfuqua]

​​@@aprilscraftroomI just went to a local thrift store and found a lot of scrap cotton fabric and sheets for cheap. As I was leaving I saw two packages of star blocks complete from 1966. They had the makers name and date on the tag. I got 156 nine inch blocks for $20. I am so stoked! I'm a thrift store junkie too now lol. Never know what you can find. Happy hunting! ❤ Oh and FYI I find goodwill is more expensive than most thrift stores at least mine is.

[@kirstencook1439]

@@kathrynhenry8719 no the thrift stores like goodwill salvation army they are $5$7 & up l rather get a yard fir that & just iron if not need wash to see if colours like red don't bleed & less labor of gutting a mans shirt l grant that you get a perk buttons if you use them & who not need few buttons. If the shirt is $1 $2 or free l'm your quilter textile artist 🕊️🫶🐦🐉🗽🇺🇲🦅 Keep Rocking the good stuff 🤗 Beautiful people

[@heavensmountains323]

@@kathyhenry6467Oh my gosh..I would have been hyper ventilating to score those totes of fabric!

[@theresamitchel7056]

I've been watching Catbird since she started her KZbin channel. She's a hoot and is amazing. She has a really good video on breaking down the shirts to get the most out of the fabric ✂️

[@pattynyquist5334]

Me too. She is lovely.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

April! This is amazing! (and what great shirts you got!! 🤩😍😊) Isn't it just mind-blowing how much fabric is in those shirts?!? Thank you for your wonderful, kind words about me, my quilts and my channel---I'm humbled and honored ❤I loved watching this video--and you! SO very glad that someone pointed me your way today! 😘❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

It is amazing the amount of fabric in a shirt. I am glad you liked the video. You have inspired me to look at other options for fabric. And now I can’t pass a thrift shop without going in. LOL

[@msplantladi]

You Gals are so lucky to find such great bargains. Here in Las Vegas the thrift stores are almost as much as Walmart . Thrift store shopping used to be so much fun for me.April I love the way you make us feel like we are all friends. Thank you

[@DebsWay]

This sort of shirt quilt could make a wonderful, loving memory quilt, too, of someone's loved one who has passed on.

[@pennytinker2356]

i made a quilt for my daughter in law out of her grandma's dresses.you're right, it was wonderful. good idea

[@aprilscraftroom]

I agree. I collected my father-in-laws shirts for that purpose. Although I’ve seen memory bears that are cute too.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you. I hope to make something for ymy husband. His sister and his brother out of their dad’s shirts.

[@freespirit3891]

Start saving their worn/ outgrown shirts now, so can do a little at a time. Believe me. Easier going that way, rather than all at once after they have passed.​@@aprilscraftroom

[@InaBailey-il1th]

Lol we go to Goodwill here in AR on Sundays because the color from the pass week is $1 and the new color is half price. And yes I have made 2 quilts from shirts and blue jeans.

[@SharonRStudio]

I love watching The Catbird Quilts channel. Since I started watching her, I have been buying the largest men’s shirts I can find at the Humane Society Thrift store. I can get over a yard of fabric from each one. I am saving the shirts from 4:43 the landfill and giving to the Humane Society at the same time!!

[@rw3365]

Love watching Catbird quilts as well. Beautiful quilts top.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Me too!

[@ChooseForToday]

I love Catbird Quilts, too.

[@IRISHLASS273]

Bonnie Hunter has a very good video on de-boning shirts. A lot of yardage in those shirts.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh my word April!!! I love your new backdrop on your video🤩

[@aprilscraftroom]

❤️

[@sisterchicksquilting]

Welcome aboard April. I've been using clothing for quilts since I began quilting, it's fun like you showed. My mom used to tell us, Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. Up-cycling is a lot of fun. Thanks for this great video, the word needs to spread. "Preppy," I haven't heard that in a while, LOL!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

I dont know about your GW but here in SC they have .50 days and thats a great time to pick up cotton dress shirts

[@djeoutdoors]

I watch Cat Bird as well. I think she’s cute and inspires me to try out this as well. I look for fabric like 100% cotton sheets, table clothes as well as shirts. I like that I can get a variety of colors etc for small $. I shop Thrift shops. It’s a,so a fun day 😀

[@aprilscraftroom]

Me too

[@barbarajohnson1572]

Good job... I'm making quilts using up my "stash" by using "Charms on point" from MSQC...gotta sew fast at age 77... LOL I live to put a narrow solid "shasing" before adding the scrappy border... for the backing... i patch together all the leftovers... long enough,, then sew them to one side of the large backing piece... then sew the other side ... makes a big "tube"... match the seams and find the center of the tube... snip and rip the solid piece... open up and your "scrappy piece" is centered! Hope this makes sense to you... Enjoy watching you... Hugs, GrammaBabs

[@peggyfanning9258]

I agree with your idea about the narrow solid border prior to adding the scrappy border. I will turn 70 this year and it will be a miracle if I live to sew through my stash! Thank you for your ideas!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Love this!

[@petmomful2260]

Oh, the things we do for our pets! lol I am the same way. Lovely quilt!

[@saundraweed9738]

I use all the leftover fabric to make “ cat beds” that are about 13”x18” for the animal shelter. Very little of the shirt is left especially if you use the really odd shaped pieces to make “ crazy quilt “ blocks. ❤ ❤ ❤

[@petmomful2260]

@@saundraweed9738 Do you call shelters and ask what they need?

[@suzannejambon4736]

I laughed out loud watching you provide Oliver "extra support". Very nice quilt top. Thank you for sharing!

[@patriciahanson9438]

It makes a very masculine quilt. ( For one of those picky guys) Great look!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Yes it does!

[@lauragreer5240]

This is a great idea and very cute! Great way to keep fabric out of landfills. I am working on using my stash before buying any more fabric. Have a great day!

[@lynnperschke3966]

I love her Catbird lady is awesome

[@kathleenkumiega1092]

When my husband retired I took all his dress shirts that he wore for work, cut them up and made a quilt for our grandson called “Papa’s Shirts”. I kept the pockets in the quilt.

[@gfrosie5997]

Love Catbird Lady and her quilts

[@sharelynnbell6718]

I use the sheets from there for my quilts

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Yes! Cathy Martin’s Catbird Quilts is in my top 10 quilt channels. 🤗✂️🧵🪡

[@lenalyles2712]

I have used shirts and jeans for material many times. Garage sales are great to get cheap shirts.

[@sandraeasley9354]

I love Catbird Quilts. She is here in Alabama so I can relate to her accent. She is very funny and informative.❤. Love your quilt, also. You are one of my favorite quilters.

[@sandievaltman7313]

Loved the idea of using the denim for the back of the quilt❤❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! 😊

[@patriciahomer5342]

Yes, I love Catbird quilts also.

[@donnagraham2802]

Jo Kramer at Jo's Country Junction has a video on how she cuts up 100% cotton shirts that she buys at thrift stores. She has also made several quilts with thrifted shirts. Thanks for reminding us that we can re-use too!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I'll check it out!

[@connieking9873]

Karen Martin is awesome. Her new updated sew room is great. I found her when I purchased 49 mens shirts from our churches yard sale. The yardage was amazing I think 8 shirts make a quilt. I cut my shirts apart for better storage and start with biggest pieces first then I made squares and strips. Even saved yardage from yokes and wrist bands for scrappy blocks. Love this pattern. Your quilt top is awesome

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you

[@darmstrong2207]

I get shirts from Goodwill outlet, you pay by the pound, it was less than a $ per pound, around a year ago.

[@peterivkovich2314]

from Gerry- Great idea! Every thrift store has a half price day so you can save even more.. God bless.

[@pattimize5742]

I just started watching her myself. Just love what she does.

[@szelop]

I can tell it’s from shirts maybe because I also love shirt quilts. Denim is awesome for a shirt quilt. The sleeves do have a good amount of fabric, great for the 5.5” squares.

[@KathleenMcLaren-j1b]

I love how helpful Oliver is in all your videos.

[@stellaunger8568]

Fun video, thanks ❤😊🌹

[@aprilscraftroom]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vonathompson4979]

OMG....what a wonderful idea to use shirts to make memory quilts. I can not get enough of your shows....you make me laugh and enjoy the day.

[@aprilbak4726]

Such a great idea. I love your quilt.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! 😊

[@jonikalinowski7112]

We always used old clothes to make quilts. First time I bought fabric, I thought my mom was going to drop dead. She told my grandmother and she had a fit. She took me up to the attic and showed me all old family clothes to use. Cool! We ran out of those pieces a long time ago but the memories live on. It was fun looking through the quilts to see our old childhood clothes mixed with old aunts clothes.

[@aprilscraftroom]

That is very cool! We are recreating traditions. lol

[@lyndalebrun1681]

I just made my husband a quilt out of his casual work shirts as he recently retired. It turned out beautiful.

[@txsunshinecowgirl]

i LOVE the goodwill, i dont buy shirts (well cause im lazy lol) but i do buy queen and king flat sheets and if the print is really cute i will grab a smaller size, i figured as long as i gave them a good wash with sanitizer i would be okay using them in a quilt, another great video, thank you so much

[@laris2328]

For those who are more used to precuts, then just cut out fat quarter sized pieces from the back of the shirts. The sleeves could be cut into jelly roll or honey bun sized strips.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Absolutely

[@peggyfanning9258]

I too watch The Catbird Quilts and am a collector of men's shirts. I have used this fabric in many of my quilts as I am mainly a scrap quilter. I love using scraps of all sizes and find I usually like working with 2" strips and squares. Shirts are perfect for scrappy neutral backgrounds as well as coordinating with like-colored quilting scraps! I love the your quilt! Great idea! Something like this could also be a quick backing for another quilt to make it reversible. There is sooo much fabric to be found in this world without always buying new. What a great way to utilize what is already here!

[@jeanieclinton6790]

It's Thrifty, my mother taught me stuff like that. I have used a few shirts and "other" fabrics from Goodwill myself. No one knows unless you tell. 😂 🥰😍🤩 Didn't I see a video of you using Race car T shirts to make a quilt? I'm going hunting lol. As always love your stuff!

[@rs-wj1sm]

Magician at arranging colors and patterns into fantastic quilts!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Luv luv luv this quilt.. i think teen girl would just adore it

[@sharonlambeth898]

That would make a great Picnic quilt. I, also, enjoy watching Catbird quilts. Can you share a pic of the back? It sounds very pretty and perfect for this quilt.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Yes I even quilted it

[@christinehl4310]

So glad you made this video. Quilt looks nice. I’m often asked if I want to use unwanted women’s dresses and I just don’t know if the cotton would be the same weave as quilting cotton. Were all the men’s shirts 100% cotton? The plaids give it away for me being men’s shirts. I sometimes watch Catbird Quilts channel. Nice to see Oliver supervising again. At least he kept his paws and tail tucked in 😂. I get so nervous every time he tries to participate.

[@francesgraves4550]

Great idea April ! This could be used for a memory quilt using shirts from a loved one that passed away. You have the greatest ideas!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you 😊

[@ellenhofer3343]

Oliver is a big cat! I'm impressed that the lid of your machine holds him without breaking! Go Oliver!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I had to stack fat quarters under the lid to hold the big boy up! LOL

[@chikinrancher]

I've been using thrift store clothing for a long time .. usually not from Goodwill since they have gotten so high on clothing .. I normally don't pay over $2 for anything .. yard sales are another good source .. used "cotton" clothing makes great crumb quilts and adding machine tape fabric .. so many ways to use up what might be discarded .. thanks for the video 👍

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@chikinrancher]

@@aprilscraftroom You're welcome .. keep making these great videos .. and eat some chocolate ☺

[@johnnaschreckhise8221]

I started following Cathy Martin @The Catbird Quilts several years ago and have accumulated around 100 shirts. My next quilt will be with the shirts I've reclaimed from our local thrift store. I've been searching for the right pattern to use up those shirts. I like your pattern, it's simple and appears to be fairly fast. Thanks for the idea. By the way, I collect the buttons from those shirts in antique mason jars. They really jazz up the look in my sewing area. I'll probably never use them for anything other than decor.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Love it

[@davidhatfield5714]

Hi! Months later and I’m just now finding you comment. I too have been collecting shirts..long before the now famous Catbird Quilts😂. I’m a traditional quilter so I lean in that direction. My favorite of all time quilt for men’s shirts is “Thousand Pyramid”. Saw this in old quilt magazines from my mom in the 1980’s. Yes shirts have been used forever to make quilts. Look up Mary Fon’s book “Make+Love Quilts” there is a “1000 pyramid quilt” that is out of this world. Also “Revelation Quilts” on KZbin did two great quilts using shirts! ❤ Happy sewing! (KH)

[@aprilscraftroom]

I read the comments and try to respond too It’s hard sometimes-- but I want you to know i appreciate you watching my channel Happy sewing to you too 😃

[@debcobb9739]

I make quilts, pillows, bears and more from clothing of loved ones who have died. It is rarely 100% cotton clothing and it involves using interfacing. I feel a connection to these family members.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Awww that’s awesome

[@cynthiacook1985]

I'm a fan also of The Catbird quilt channel. I my bucket list to make a quilt out of mens shirts 🧥

[@suehancock8229]

Love this video, love Karen ! You are so creative and inspiring thank you ❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much!

[@brendataylor1723]

After my husband passed I wanted to keep his shirts. I cut his shirts, some of my shirts, and some fabric into 2 1/2” strips. I was able to make the front and back of a king size quilt. I have this quilt on my bed. Warm and comfortable

[@Sweetrose333]

Great idea.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I love this❤️

[@joz1801]

Love the quilt it reminds me of something my grandma would have made. Glad Oliver was there to help you. My cat is to lazy to help me.

[@aprilscraftroom]

lol Oliver is a mess

[@colleen-elizabeth]

I love Catbird Quilts and I am obsessed with Goodwill / thrift store shopping for quilting fabric because of her! It has reinvigorated my passion for sewing. I buy the ones that are on sale, and I use almost EVERY part, including the cuffs and collar. It is definitely a deal.

[@aprilscraftroom]

That is awesome!

[@suehorn4182]

I love CATBIRD QUILTS. She is a LOVELY LADY.

[@elainelear4982]

I enjoy Catbird Quilts also.

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

Nice to see your sewing desk! We usually see your cutting area!

[@dcinrb8538]

Mention (often) at gatherings that you love fabric and enjoy making crafts & quilts from even the smallest/funkiest materials. When I get a "blink" "blink" response, I bring out my latest blocks from my 1980s rice sack tote bag...lol Large pieces of 100% cotton yardage are passed on to charity quilt project groups. My husband buys me fabric when he travels.... Yay! 🍄🍄 Great video, especially seeing your quilt top and cat cameos.

[@lynnperschke3966]

This is one of favorite videos so cute

[@marianna4322]

Ecco cosa farò delle camicie che ho conservato del mio papà che indossava XXL, grazie April dall Italia

[@sandranader8954]

Reminds me of a quilt my grandmother made, she used shirt fabric to fill in for some of her half square triangles.

[@patriciahomer5342]

Oh Oliver!

[@momistaken]

Yep! The plaids are pure gramps shirts! Great job!

[@julieschmidt5217]

Love this quilt...My husband only ever wears check shirts..so yes I would recognize it as that.....should start saving his discards. Off to eat chocolate and quilt🥧🍩

[@madlynshepherd9116]

I love your videos. Raw and unadulterated. You crack me up

[@aprilscraftroom]

😊 thank you

[@Sew_Memory_Bears]

YES🎉🎉🎉 this is what I teach my students at Keepsake Business Academy ❤❤❤❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Seeing your name reminded I ran into a lady at IHOP that used clothing to make memory bears. They were adorable just another to do on my list. 😀

[@karenbrunette6314]

I watch that lady too. You did a great job ❤it

[@junehanson7865]

Awesome job 😊

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! 😄

[@karenfulkerson5961]

I have been watching the Catbird Quilt channel since she started, she is a lot of fun to watch! ☺

[@davescraftroom]

vvvv stunning, I feel inspired to make a quilt out of men's shirts in Dave's Craft Room 😜

[@debbiedobbins6785]

I love the fact you’re not afraid to tackle any type of project. The quilt turned out cute. Great color choices…but I’d be curious to hear how much time you put in it. Mind blowing how much fabric really is used in a 2XL shirt. Have a most wonderful week Miss April. Hope ya had a great time at the embroidery retreat…looking forward to hearing all about it. 🤗🤗

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi Debbie. I did. Have fun at the retreat. Missed the opportunity to eat all that good food at Di’s retreat though. It didn’t take that long to make the quilt. Once I got the backs cut out of the shirts it was like using. Fat quarter.

[@debbiedobbins6785]

@@aprilscraftroom you do know you’re going to make me go and look for shirts in the thrift store now Miss April. 🤷🏼‍♀️😝 glad you had fun at your retreat but it will sure be nice to see you at Miss Di’s retreat some day. I was so proud of myself having Miss Tracy at our retreat…I tried really hard not to “fangirl” too much. 😆 It was such a pleasure having her here. 🤗 I look so forward to meeting you…then my 3 Amigas will be complete. Wahoo

[@ellenhofer3343]

Hi. I love all your videos. Especially when Oliver visits! Love the udea of using old shurts fir a quilt

[@paintmixr1]

I went today to a local church thrift shop- 12 shirts @ $2.each. I’m excited to see

[@carolbarnes7844]

Love the colors and never would have guessed it was shirts. Oliver is a show cat for sure. I think he could have a series.

[@maryo8661]

Great idea - I use curtains/quilt covers from local charity shops - some make bags or clothing. You can often back 2 of your own quilts by carefully separating the top & reverse of a duvet cover. It also means softer material than new would be. My friends are often intrigued by the origins of my quilt backs, so it's a real conversation starter!

[@christinahall3318]

O Sis! You did a great job with this pattern. This pattern would be great with charm packs and layer cakes as well you would just have to forget about that 1/2 inch thing. I’ve been following Cathy at The CatBird Quilts for a long time and I’ve also used men’s & women’s shirts to make a quilt. Cannot wait to see what you do with the back. Sew On!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! 😊

[@vickiporter2945]

Great idea!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Glad you think so!

[@beverlycluff807]

Love your quilt top!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much!

[@kathyterrell1547]

I just watched her this morning at the 2nd hand store.

[@knittingnana2939]

Be sure to save all the buttons. Buttons are surprisingly expensive.

[@alicefrancini5769]

Those little collar buttons are great for dolls clothes.

[@msplantladi]

Oh I just missed by a hr. Story of my life lol. Ok I must admit watching you do the math and cutting the shirts I was totally confused. I hate math! How in the world did I ever become a quilter.? lol P.S. thank you for my April fix. Happy Friday 😀

[@aprilscraftroom]

Love this

[@lauriewilt2622]

Love how she always has a lot to say

[@juliecumming9243]

I use old shirts in my quilts because you can get a lot of fabric out of a shirt. I cut the seams and remove plackets, buttons (that go in the button tin) and the collar. I love repurposing old clothes. I have pieces of my Grandma’s dresses from the 1950’s along with pieces of mine and my sibling’s childhood clothes. ❤❤

[@robinkrieter3273]

Your quilt reminds me of the quilts that were made out of what they had. It reminds me of the history of quilt making. Looks great.❤

[@beckipugh8124]

Thank you for showing this, I went over and downloaded right after watching. Oh my what a way to dig into scraps! Thanks again for always inspiring us. Love your ideas and videos, and of course some of those cute Oliver shots. Give him a pat! Happy Quilting!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@connierivera1758]

I watch Catbird too! I've been working on a quilt for my son using shirts too. It's definitely a labor of love,and it's been satisfying turning shirts into fabric, into a quilt. I do wash them first in hot water before breaking them down. Looking forward to your finished project 🎉

[@sharonframpton1887]

Hi April! Those are some nice shirts! I'd love to make a short quilt! Yours turned out really nice!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! 😊

[@alicefrancini5769]

I've made memory quilts from shirts. I "hardest" part is cutting the shirts apart; it can be time consuming. For one set (of 3 quilts) I used all 6 1/2 inch squares and made 3 different patterns. The hidden 9 patch turned out super cute. Those squares were actually big enough to use the pockets, or pieces of them. I just sewed them closed first. I used all polo shirts for a quilt for my son-in-law. It turned out fairly heavy.

[@deliad8826]

Hope you washed them first ❤. It’s wonderful the amount of fabric in shirts

[@hfdodson5942]

Sew a few pockets on it😊

[@anneblohm8731]

I stumbled on your show and did enjoy it. I love your sewing room, (I love sewing room tours too). But the one thing that I really loved on your show is your cat and her/his napping shelf. It made me laugh out loud! I have a cat and she is my sewing partner too! :)

[@anitabrantley5202]

Love you and love Catbird Quilts.

[@kimdavenport9820]

Love the colors ❤❤❤

[@GrandmaPatty49]

Love your kitty.

[@fransak2723]

Two tips to offer: first thing I would do is to launder them all, second thing is invest in some electric scissors, they really work well and save so much time and my wrists too! Love the quilt.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for the tips!

[@GrandmaPatty49]

What a great idea! My niece is going to give me her recently deceased Dads shirts, and I may use this pattern. But my cousin, her Dad was very small, so I hope she has a lot of shirts!

[@merri-suehannem4915]

April I haven't read all the comments but so this may have been said. Bonnie Hunter does an excellent video on taking apart a shirt that gives an amazing an amount of usable fabric.

[@aprilscraftroom]

That’s awesome Any tips helps us all