Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts
Make T-shirts into a quilt, pillow, scarf, and more! I can say with confidence that most families have a collection of T-shirts. Some may be meaningful, so they’re difficult to give away. To give these memory-making shirts a second chance is Mary Mulari, our makeover specialist.
On today’s new episode of Sewing With Nancy, Mary will share some fantastic projects that preserve memories and recycle treasured souvenirs. Watch part one of Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts online today or purchase Mary’s Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts Pattern and DVD at Nancy’s Notions.
Rag-Style Memory Quilt
During this two-part series, we’ll share ideas from Mary’s new pattern that make clever, personalized gifts. Beginning with the T-Shirt Memory Quilt, you’ll soon see it’s an economical and streamline way to sew a commemorative graduation or life-achievement gift. This rag-style T-Shirt Quilt Pattern is perfect for a dormitory bed cover or blanket.
Sleeve-Bag Style
After making a T-shirt Memory quilt, you’ll have leftovers from the shirts that are just begging to be sewn into other gift projects. Create a collection of Tee Bags from the sleeve areas of T- shirt remnants. Watch how easy they are to create on this first episode of Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts on Sewing With Nancy.
Sleepover Bag
Combine scraps from two or more T-shirts to create a Sleepover Bag. The unique fringe accents and drawcord closure make this a welcome gift for tweens.
Curl ‘n Roll Necklace
Take advantage of the nature of knit fabrics to curl and roll. Cut T-shirts into strips, then pull. Create a fabric necklace from one or more T-shirts. Add extra pieces of wrapped trim for interesting dimension. Watch it online.
Reversible T-Scarves
Notched Cowl Scarf
Take advantage of the tubular construction of T-shirts to make a reversible cowl scarf. The notched accents provide an ingenious detail allowing both sides of the fabric to be showcased.
Tuck and Weave Scarf
Use two T-shirt backs to create another reversible scarf that tucks and weaves unto itself for a cool weather accessory. Watch as Mary shares her fast and easy sewing tips on this first episode of Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts
Logo Luggage Tags
Here’s a great way to use the small chest logos found on many T-shirts, and turn them into decorated luggage tags. The bag owner identification is hidden inside the tag. Learn how to create this personal gift on this episode of Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts and all of Mary’s projects are included in her new Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts Pattern, too!
Watch Second Chance T-Shirt Makeovers (Part One) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts DVD from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment estimating how many T-shirts you have on hand— just waiting f0r a second chance.
Remember to head over to this post for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway. We are offering a collection of my three NEW quilt patterns along with a 22-piece fat quarter bundle of my NEW Garnet fabric, which is coming soon to fabric stores. You’re the first to see Garnet, my new line of quilting cottons for Penny Rose by Riley Blake Designs, and my three new quilt patterns: Ferris Wheel Quilt, Dresden Fan Quilts and Nancy’s Spool Quilts! This gift is a $100 value.
The winner of a copy of the Sew a Knit Wardrobe from Start to Finish DVD, is Pamela McCandless.
Her comment was, “My go to color is black; I believe I look good in black. It goes with my light olive complexion, and it hides a myriad of flaws. I also wear navy blue, tan, and a lot of white tops in spring, summer, and fall. I like a blue based red to deep burgundy or purple, but it is hard to find, just like deep forest greens. The fashion industry dictates, along with Pantone, what is being offered, and I don’t always like the season or year choices they make. Even what we are offered in the fabric shops is dictated by them. I am working with dyes so I can customize, but not every fabric is good for the technique.”
Bye for now,
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Rosalind B
I have t shirts I have never worn, barely worn and worn out that I haven’t been able to part with. I’m looking for ways to repurpose into to something I will wear and use. I really don’t want to contribute to the textile waste landfill. I’m not sure how many t shirts are in my stash as I refuse to put a number to it. I would prefer to count creative repurposed.
Carol P
I have about 25 t-shirts waiting for a second life
Linda
Oh my! If I count my teen aged son, my husbands and mine it would easily go over 50. Unfortunately we only really wear about 25 on a regular basis. Great ideas!
Traci
Looks fun. It’ll put some new ideas on my list. : )
Sharon
I have been stashing shirts for recyling project for a couple of years and have 46 and could probably find more if i went thru our drawers!
Lois Taber
Very cool ideas! Mary Mulari has given us a wealth of creative ideas for people of all ages. I can’t wait to try all of them!
Debra
I love all the ideas for using the t-shirts you can’t just put in the rag bag! I especially think the necklaces are adorable plus the little totes could have so many useful purposes.
Diana S
I have a rather large collection of t-shirts now because I have been saving t-shirts from all three of my children, who are now grown. I would say about 25 to 30. I have begun quilting and would like to do quilts and pillows for my 2 sons. I would do a quilt and some of the scarves for my daughter. I had never thought about scarves. What a great idea!
Penny
I have BAGS of t-shirts waiting to be made into something else! This book looks like some great projects (plus quick projects!) to make – looking forward to using those bags of t-shirts!
Ruth Ann
I have lots of grandchildren and they are all saving their T-Shirts for me to make quilts for them. I could use some help with getting this done.
Suzanne. Tetreault
I can’t wait to try some of these !
Susan Spiers
Not too many t-shirts-will have to check with my three sons-love this idea!
Pat Wolf
Thank you for these ideas. Great ideas for those t-shirts from family and friends that have memories attached to them. I think this book will make its way to my Christmas list. Thank you.
Thunder
I probably have around 200 t shirts !! Saved many from 3 sons, myself and hubs. I absolutely love the idea of a rag quilt with flannels . Thanks sew much for the inspiration. I will be making some of these , come the new year.
Lynn Again
There are lots of souvenir tee shirts from the whole family in our closets. As usual Mary has the most creative ideas for using them in fun projects! I think the sleeves would also make good shoe covers to use when traveling. What do you think, Mary?
Noreen Normandeau
I just finished a tshirt quilt for my daughter using over 30 t-shirts and still have a dozen sweatshirts and t-shirts left. Love these ideas. Mary is so creative!
Amy Gill
Dozens of T-shirts available. I love Mary’s ideas!!!
Enid
Do not how many tee shirts my daughter has; however, she wants me to make her q quilt. Would love to have this book.
Jamie W
I haven’t counted how many I have, guessing somewhere of 30+. I haven’t made a T-shirt quilt yet, but really want to. Have watched & saved many tutorials/videos & look forward to watching Nancy’s & Mary’s episode.
Cheryl
I don’t have a lot at the present time as I have made six T-shirt quilts but my grandchildren have started saving their favorites.
Linda Rupe
I have been saving t-shirts (for decades!) waiting for the right time and project. I think you pointed me in the right direction! Thank you.
carol
Don”t have very many at the moment! It however won”t take too much effort to collect some from second hand stores!
Brenda
Hi Nancy,
I have collected t-shirts for many decades. Cannot guess, but many are Native American designs, some from places I’ve been, band t-shirts, liquor t-shirts I got free. And t-shirts from the National Education Association Convention. Yes, I have a lot of them. Really could use the book to get more ideas from Mary Mulari, a fun and knowledgeable lady!
Arlene Burger
I have over 50 baseball tees from my 15 yr. old grandson. His passion is baseball and has been playing travel ball for many years. I’m trying to make a quilt for his 16th birthday but need help in layout. I’m hoping your show (which I so enjoy) will provide a guide. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Karen L.
I have several drawers full of my kids shirts from when they were small through their late teen years and beyond. My mind is churning now to figure out which recycled t-shirt item to make with them first. Well, there are probably enough to make at least each item once for each of the three kids. What a great show this was! Definitely inspirational!
Kelly
I have about 12-15 of my niece’s old shirts that I have been tasked with doing something with. Just not sure what to make. This would be a great help.
Clovis
Well, I probably have over 50 t-shirts. That’s not counting my husband t-shirts. I like the quilt idea. I’m thinking of putting my volunteer t-shirts from the Tri-City Special Games in a quilt. I like all the ideas.
Brenda
I don’t really know but it has to be at least 40. Maybe more. I really like the sleeve bags. They are so unique.
Edna Marks
Nave 20 or more t shirts waiting to be mande info something else
Bonnye
I have one t shirt that my grandson gave me last month. He wanted me to make a pillow. It’s his favorite t shirt.
Joyce
I have about 15 t-shirts just waiting to be made into something. I like the quilts and necklaces.
Tina
Love this because I have tons of t shirts!
Audrey P
I have well over 25 t-shirts of mine, and over 100 from my kids from our 30 years of moving and traveling as a military family. I have always wanted to make each of my kids a memory quilt, so now maybe I will! So many new ideas!
sherri
Maybe 30 tshirts – some from the thrift store.
Mary S
I don’t have too many but see some of the patterns I would like to try. Thank you Mari Mulari and Nancy.
Pat O.
My husband used to collect tees from places he visited. I have many to choose from!
Sunni
No t shirts at present to be cut up but when the present ones are ready there will be some interesting projects to tackle.
Jade
I have way too many t-shirts to count, haved been saving them for years to do something with?! Finally used 20 girl scout t-shirts and made my daughter a t-shirt quilt for Christmas, knew I could do something with all the leftover bits, this book is full of great ideas, beyond using them to stuff dog beds!
Lynn P
I have way too many t-shirts to count, but am very interested in learning how to give them a second chance!
Danette Stankovich
An estimate of t-shirts would be approximately 50. Yikes!
Karen
I have 5 bags of t-shirts. I could really use the book. I am doing a t-shirt for someone else right now. We have so many I would like a different way , so I can use more shirts.
Gail Beam
I probably have 35 or 40 t shirts lying around, plus a number of children t’s that never got worn. Love all of the fun projects that you created out of t shirts, and would love to win this book to make some of the neat projects you present in your book.
Gina M
I started collecting local sport team T-shirts at thrift shops when my son-in-law wanted a team logo quilt, but was not willing to part with any of his shirts! I found LOTS! Enough for grandchildren quilts PLUS two auction quilts for cancer related charities. Those became my cancer survivor pay-it-forward projects.
Karen Tucker
Lots and lots of t-shirts – at least 75!! Would love to find a new use for them –better than throwing them out!!
Dianne G Patterson
I’ve been offered the chance to make a t-shirt quilt for a lifetime friend who has been a sports reporter his entire working life. I’ve never made one so this book would be very helpful. I’ve watched all the videos you have made which has been helpful but I think the book would be my Bible for making his quilt perfect.
Linda O
I would do the t tot and the toddler bib. Also love the necklace.
Katherine
Lots of bright tees resewn in smallish patches, seam side out, into fabric used to make small heart pillows. Those with large designs to keep will be pillows with appliqueed patchwork edges!!
Fun ideas for more repurposing are always welcome!!
Linda B.
Hello Nancy. I don’t have a t-shirt collection and don’t want to be in the drawing for the book, but I enjoyed watching the video and learning new sewing techniques. I am writing to tell you that I especially liked the beautiful light green jacket you were wearing in the first t-shirt episode. Often, you wear clothing that I find very attractive, and it would be great if you were able to take a minute or two on each of your filmed episodes to let us know what pattern you used to make a particular item of apparel and perhaps what fabric you used. I imagine that many of your viewers feel the same way.
sandy
have over 2oo T-shirts Hubby keeps buying them .Need to keep him away from the stores….
Nan Jacobson
My Dad passed away in 2004. I’ve been holding onto his t-shirts because I couldn’t bare to throw them away. I would love to make the scarf in different colors and have a piece of my Dad with me to keep me war. Living in upstate NY there are plenty of opportunities to wear them. What a great pattern.