Wednesday, October 5, 2011

T-Shirt Finale!

My oldest son's college graduation t-shirt quilt is finally done! My long arm quilter said she wouldn't be sad if she never had to do another t-shirt quilt. So I guess I really need to practice my FMQ skills so when my youngest son graduates I can quilt his myself. 
I used at least 40 t-shirts in this quilt and I still had a laundry basket full of shirts leftover. This son doesn't know the meaning of the term "over-involved". His brother seems to be following in his footsteps, so I know there is another one in my future.
Those of you who have made one of these know how much work they can be--much more than I expected. You have to stabilize the fabrics and figure out a layout using the different sizes of designs. I complicated things by piecing and bordering blocks, and then fussy cutting the sashing to keep it from adding to the busyness of the already busy quilt. 
I actually bound this one myself and it is such a relief to have it finished.
Until next time, from the little mountain valley where fall has finally arrived,
Janet O.

21 comments:

  1. Ooooo Sista I feel your pain and also your joy of getting it finished. I made one for my daughter as a graduation gift from high school last May. I "only" used 30 blocks and hers is a very generous king size, so I can imagine what yours looks like. There is a lot of prep involved in getting the tee shirts ready, also the planning, and the hardest part is the quilting. I do not have a long arm, so rolled that thing up and somehow quilted it on my Bernina. Although a task, it is beautiful and so is yours! Aren't you glad you saved all those shirts!!!

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  2. I've made two t-shirt quilts and they do seem to be more work than a regular quilt...maybe we just don't do them often enough?! LOL

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  3. Wow!! That is amazing, I have never made one of these but I can understand the challenges they must hold.Must say I'm with your Long arm quilter, I don't think I would love to quilt these.

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  4. I just tied the T-short quilt I made for my TALL-boy! He wanted fleece on the back so NO-WAY I was going to quilt that one. It is in their car for Picnics in Idaho Falls where they live.

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  5. So glad you've finished it, Janet! I'm getting ready to start one for my niece. I've put a limit of 25 shirts because otherwise they become too heavy. I think they take longer because - well, they just aren't pretty! though they are functional and sentimental. I like Mary's idea of fleece on the back. I'm showing two non-quilters in my neighborhood how to make them and I know they don't want to spend the money on a longarm quilter. A two layer might be better for a tied quilt. Congrats on your finish. For a t-shirt quilt - it's a good looking one - I love plaids/checks.

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  6. I just took a close-up look at this quilt.....WOW! You managed to frame each emblem perfectly, and that sashing is awesome! It adds so much and ties them all together. I've never done a t-shirt quilt.....I can't say that any of my kids had enough t-shirts without stains down the front to make one!!! lol

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  7. The tshirt quilt is stunning and I think without the fancing sashings/cornerstones it wouldn't be half the quilt it is. Congrats!

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  8. I bet you're glad to have THAT project finished, huh? I'm going to have to make one of those myself one of these days - but it will be for hubby. He has designed the t-shirts for a yearly bicycle event that has been going on for about 15 years now - and he want's me to make a quilt out of all of them.

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  9. I LOVE this!! I have alot of saved tees for a t-shirt quilt.. on my long list of things to do. :) Yours turned out so well, just beautiful! What a treasure.

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  10. The young woman in our quilting group made a t-shirt quilt for her brother; he's now in grad school and last night she had the sleeves and the backs from those shirts all cut into strips and braided and was stitching away on a coiled rug that will be his Christmas gift! I love the thought.

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  11. What a great t-shirt quilt; your son will love it. I still haven't made one yet but have a big bag full of t-shirts. I will know where to come for advice when I get ready to start that project.

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  12. I will be making one for my DD when she graduates college in a few years.
    this is wonderful, I love the sashing! you did a great job
    yes I hear they are a nightmare to make!

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  13. I love it!! I have one started- tshirts cut out and backed but need more....
    You did a fantastic job!!

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  14. What a treasure! I'm making a tee-shirt quilt for my niece, who's graduating high school next spring. I'll have to pick your brains for advice when I get ready to start it!! You did a terrific job! :)

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  15. Lovely!!! As always an outstanding job. I'm sure you are glad to have a project finished!!

    Blessings

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  16. It is fabulous! Congratulations on finishing such an awesome quilt!

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  17. Looks like you did an excellent job on it, everything looks so perfect! Giggle...I agree with your longarmer...I don't care if I ever quilt another t-shirt quilt! LOL! If you remember I had a hard time quilting one not too long ago.
    Kristie

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  18. Honestly, this is the best t-shirt quilt I've ever seen. I love everything about it...the colors, sashing and workmanship. Janet you are a perfectionist!

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  19. It looks great! Well done. I can imagine how much work it is, but what a memory quilt for your son!!!

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  20. Love the quilt. It's gorgeous! What interfacing do you prefer for a tshirt quilt? I started one but didn't like whatever it was I picked up at hobby lobby. Thanks!

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