This is Carrie's t-shirt quilt made back in about 2001? Anyway, made before I knew there were actually instructions for making such a quilt. I just cut her favorite shirts up and sewed them together in squares, added batting and a lining and tied it all together with yarn.
Melissa also got one, and she discovered the hard way that this construction would not hold up to time and use and washings. Ever since I rescued Melissa's quilt, Carrie has been wanting a do-over on hers, so that is the current project. (She really had this on her Christmas want list, but I am late as usual).
Pictured above is the quilt top after taking off the yarn ties, back, and batting. And before I started cutting up the squares (thankfully I remembered to take a picture so I could put it back together again). My loathing of seam rippers lead me to just cut the squares and sashing along the seamlines, I know - everything will be a little smaller when reassembled, but I will add another border and it will come out just fine.
I used instructions found online, especially these from Linda in Alabama. Ironing on fusible interfacing to each t-shirt square makes all the difference, gives body to the flimsy knit and non-stretchiness. Once I get it all back together, with a cozy flannel lining this time, we will send it the local quilter magician for all-over quilting to hold it all together.
I anticipate having some more of these t-shirt quilts to make in the future, I have heard that granddaughter Sarah already has a stack of t-shirts saved in her closet for her quilt. Maybe a graduation present? Ahh, job security in these hard times is a good thing!
