Moving house presented the opportunity to go through Mr MiH's wardrobe. He is really bad at throwing things away, really. I am on the other hand able to get rid of things very easily (except handbags). You can see the tension in the house, Me: 'why are you keeping this, it is broken?' Him:'I will fix it... one day'. Hmmm. Anyway, I must have rubbed off on him, because he did get rid of some of his shirts (frayed at the collar and cuffs - not a good look). And here came the idea of turning them into a quilt! This is of course a win-win for Mr MiH - he gets rid of shirts, but can still enjoy them (yes, I got more as a result) and I get free fabric.
I have been longing to get on with log cabin blocks for a long time since I saw Kevin Costner's sofa in a mag. Upcycled shirts were perfect as I got a lot of different sizes of fabric pieces, but as I only needed strips of it, it did not matter. I did buy some extra shirts and charity shirts (the XXL versions for a pound) and received some donations from family members as well.
I am really lucky - his shirts are mainly blue or white - with a couple of pink ones (which he was very happy to get rid of). So it was all easy to follow the bi-colour inspiration. I made a rough sketch of what I wanted to achieve and the number of blocks I would need (a bit daunting - may become smaller).
This quilt is supposed to be a picnic blanket... which may prove useful now that summer is finally upon us in London. I used some Michael Miller fabric with butterflies for the centre of the block which fitted the purpose.
This is very much work-in-progress. It took for ever to prepare the shirts, cut out the pieces of fabric, wash, iron them and cut each into strips. And then pregnancy sickness stopped any progress. I was really disappointed that only 4 blocks were done (I had 8 in mind). I am hoping to make some more over the weekend, I may actually be using this quilt some time this year!
Today I am linking up to W.I.P. Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.
I do love a log cabin block :)
ReplyDeleteWhat great blocks! Awesome idea to use the shirts...you should of had your husband cut them up for you =D
ReplyDeleteSounds like my hubby when it comes to keeping things. He wants to keep and I want to make room sometimes good and sometimes not good to be this way;)
ReplyDeleteUpcycling old shirts fabulous!! I like the freshness look of it and with the butterfly sneaking out---ahhh wonderfully done!
What a genius idea. What about making something like that with baby- clothes, once the little one has grown out of them?
ReplyDeletePregnancy sickness?
ReplyDeleteI have missed something here!
Congratulations!!!
Glad the sickness is over, now comes the best part of the pregnancy (I hope): no more sickness and not a big huge belly yet.
Love the blocks: your picnic blanket (quilt) will be lovely.
I made a quilt of some shirts and 1 skirt lately in blue, white (shirts + a bit of a curtain) and red (the skirt).
have a look
Ohhh I love this. The pattern is gorgeous and what a great way to use up those shirts. It'll be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fantastic idea for a quilt! I love all those stripes ...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! Mr. NJAPD still jokes about the fact that when we moved flat in London, I brought half of his wardrobe at Oxfam...I should have given it to you!
ReplyDelete