I’ve been waiting very patiently for this day. Over the past 20 years, my daughter has saved just about every tee shirt she ever wore, from sleep away camp through college graduation. Although she no longer lives home, so many of these cotton memories still do. They are indeed vintage by now, and when prompted to toss (countless times), she always refuses to let them go.
So when my daughter got engaged, I started planning for her Bridal Shower early (Hey, as a Professional Organizer, it’s always about the preparation). I realized that my opportunity had arrived to give her the most unique and memorable gift. And so began my hunt for all of those neglected tees shirts. Most of them were in labelled boxes (no shocker here) and the rest I had to ask her fiancé to confiscate from her closet on the sneak. The reality of her ever actually wearing them were slim, so it was a perfect way to savor the memories all in one place.
I vetted a bunch of different quilting companies and decided to go with Campus Quilt Co. They were super professional and very detailed. I began laying out the tee shirts on the floor and sent copious notes and instructions to use fronts and backs of certain tees, and mindful not to place same colors next to same colors. Some of her tee shirts were intentionally ripped at the neckline to convert a crew to v-neck. The quilters careful repaired each one with precision and perfection, as to not compromise the text of each tee.
They promised me the product would exceed my expectations and they were right. The quilt arrived and it was more fabulous than I had imagined! The quality was stellar and my daughter’s mushy tee shirts are now revered in the most beautiful way. Each stitch and patchwork of tees will now be embedded both in this blanket and in her heart forever.
I presented it to her at the bridal shower and it was heartfelt by all. No longer tee shirt clutter, but now a sustainable treasure that embodies her cherished memories, and can be shared with her own children one day.
Thank you Campus Quilt Company…forever.
I love this Nancy! I’m sure your daughter shed many happy tears when she saw this! I have many friends who do this with their child’s baby clothes, their child’s old jeans etc. That is the wonderful thing about quilts, they can be made from anything! If I have a client in the future who cant let go of something that can be sewn I’ll suggest a quilt! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
I’ve suggested this to many clients in an effort to reduce their collections, but we never seem to get there. I was so excited to finally make one, especially for my own daughter. I must say, it was an awesome process! I can now refer Campus Quilt with confidence and personal experience.
I have had clients do this in the past and they were never disappointed! Glad you were able to enjoy the process as well as the final project. it looks great!
I have many clients who have made tee shirt quilts. What a gift of love!
What a beautiful way to keep the memories and remove the tshirt clutter. One of my clients had a similar issue recently with her daughter’s tshirt collection. We talked about the quilt idea, but instead setttled on a tshirt book (in the interest of space and use.) We took photos of all the tshirts, she turned it easlily into a photo book (using Shutterfly or another vendor,) and was able to donate the all boxes and boxes of shirts. A win win all around.
Thats’ another great alternative! I find that some people still prefer the tactile option (if they have the budget to do so). My daughter loves that her blanket is sewn with the actual mushy tee shirt she can still touch 🙂
I love this idea. I have often thought of turning some of my sons cherished baby outfits into pillows. I love these creative ideas for repurposing memories.
Awwh, That’s such a sweet sentiment that will be equally sustainable 🙂
I make these as well (although I’m not sure mine are quite as nice!) Great use of the old t-shirts. I sent both of my girls off to college with a t-shirt quilt. I use fleece on the back and in between shirts as a border, so they are super cozy. Everyone can use another blanket!
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Nancy Borg is a Professional Organizer, and owner of Move the Mess. She specializes in Residential and Home-Office Organization, servicing both Nassau and Suffolk counties. She is a proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and active member of a local neighborhood group; Professional Organizers of Long Island (POLI).
Call us for an appointment today:
516-458-0324