I am all for using and reusing fabrics, no piece too small, and saving the scraps. So, when I spotted this bundle of reclaimed shirt fabrics at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham (UK) earlier this month, it was destined to come home with me. The bundle is collated by Kim Porter who sells reclaimed fabrics under the Worn and Washed label.
And so it began. Cut. Sew. Press. Repeat. The pieces of fabric in the bundle varied in size from 5 inch squares to larger pieces measuring 5 inches x 12 inches. All pieces were shirting fabrics but varied in weave and print. I therefore decided that a scrappy and improvised patchwork design was the way to proceed with these fabric pieces.
My purchase also included a small variety of shirt patch pockets, labels, buttons, cuffs, and plackets all of which have been incorporated into my patchwork.
I have also added a few pieces of fabric from my stash including the floral prints as well as the red/white gingham. Frustratingly and despite my best efforts and a positive attitude, it didn't take long for me to rediscover that no matter the amount of fabric play improvised and random piecing is not my favorite way to work. I am however determined to finished this quilt.
RELEVANT LINKS:
More RPQ reclaimed fabric projects.
