Quilt from Thrift Store Shirts

13 years ago

The CEO of my company is retiring and I will miss him. He's run this charity organization for almost 20 years and has shaped everything about it. I like him and admire what he's done. He and his wife plan to travel - some of the time by RV - so I thought a smallish travel quilt would be handy. Our business accepts donations of clothing and household goods, then uses the money generated by those sales to fund job training and placement programs. So it seemed like a cool idea to use fabric from shirts that I purchased in our stores for his quilt. Oxford cloth shirts to represent his work years and Hawaiian prints for his up-coming retirement.

It's 42"x42", backed with a cute retro RV fabric, quilting is simple FM meander. The top is all from fabric from gently used shirts. The label is made from the sleeve placket of a blue oxford shirt. The quilt name is on the outside, but unbutton the placket and my name, the date, the reason for the quilt and the washing instructions are printed inside.

I'll give it to him on Monday. I think he'll like the sentiment.

Kate

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Comments (24)

Kristene Smith
13 years ago
A wonderful idea and so appropriate ad practical. Well done

Kristene (TinyTeena) - love the caravans on the back
barbara_l
13 years ago
Love the way you incorporated the fabric ideas. Such a nice way to remember the store and those who work there. Your idea was wonderful for this project.
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User
13 years ago
This turned out great, especially the way it all ties in to the organization that he's been running. Plus, you not only are giving him a great gift, but you helped to support his cause in using the thrift store items to make it.
wendyfaye
13 years ago
Wow! Nice! The quilt, the thought, the whole shebang. 2 thumbs up!
grammyp
13 years ago
What a wonderful quilt. I love the thought that went into it. The label is very creative too. I know they will think of you every time they use it.

beverly
msmeow
13 years ago
Kate, that is so clever! All the symbolism and a practical gift, too. I'm sure he will love it!

Donna
teresa_nc7
13 years ago
Love it, love it! What a creative and practical quilt for the retiring CEO! Great use of recycled fabrics, fabulous backing fabric and a very creative label! Well done!

Teresa
fran1523
13 years ago
Ditto to what everyone else said. It's awesome in every way. What a wonderful use of fabric and your talents. He is sure to love it.
sandlapper_rose
13 years ago
All of the above!
Thanks for sharing your idea and pictures.
toolgranny
13 years ago
great job, Kate. What a wonderful keepsake.
K8Orlando
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you, All! I appreciate your lovely comments. You know I struggle with "scrappy" so I agonized over the placement of the blocks, but I do like the way it turned out.

Kate
sunnycentralfl
13 years ago
Kate.
It is such a lovely quilt with special memories!

What a talented person you are!

Congrautlations on a job well done!

Gwen
magothyrivergirl
13 years ago
Love the quilt - and all it stands for. It is going to be a teary, bittersweet day for sure! I like that this present / quilt includes his new adventures RVing with his wife. Love the label - what a great idea ~ definitely making me think of different - fun labels............You did a great job (as always) thinking outside the box!
nanajayne
13 years ago
He will be thrilled with the thoughtful gift. It will be a wonderful reminder of the important things that have led up to his retirement. Great and caring job. TFS Jayne
petalpatsy
13 years ago
Wonderful all the way around--especially the placket label1
day2day
13 years ago
A wonderful quilt. You did a great job. I think he's going to love it.
love2sew
13 years ago
Just a lovely quilt. Your CEO will treasure it and will look back at good memories with you all.
Jeane
lola99
13 years ago
Wonderful job Kate! Your quilt is great and very meaningful. I especially like the little details - the label, the polo emblem in the middle of your 9 patch, etc.

Lola
Robbi D.
13 years ago
He will treasure that and think of you every time he see it! Wonderful idea and you executed it beautifully.
polardream
13 years ago
What a great quilt! I think the label is really clever! The size will be perfect for their RV - he will treasure your thoughtfulness!
K8Orlando
Original Author
13 years ago
I presented the quilt to him today and he loved it! His reaction was even better than I expected and his questions and comments showed he really 'got it'. He showed everyone and explained the whole thing to them each time: shirts from the stores, the label, the RVs, the time it took to make it, etc. I always enjoy giving my quilts away but this one was just about the most fun ever because of his reaction.

Kate
bozogardener
13 years ago
It's wonderful to get the reaction you hoped for, isn't it? Great idea and execution!
cindykg23
13 years ago
Love the quilt! & it's such a thoughtful gift. My fav part is the label- never saw such a unique way to label a quilt! If you don't mind, I'd like to 'borrow' your idea. :)
rosajoe_gw
13 years ago
It's lovely Kate!!! I agree it does make everything worthwhile when they understand the 'thought' that goes into making a quilt.
Rosa

Quilt from Thrift Store Shirts

Comments (24)

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Quilt from Thrift Store Shirts

Comments (24)

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