This nice article was published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Jobs Section and tells more about the person behind Just T-Shirt Quilts. Click to read each page (.pdf format)
Author: KyleTheGirl
AJC Peachtree Road Race Expo
We’ll be at the Expo for the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race. With about 60,000 runners expected this is the largest 10K in the world! The expo is July 2 – 3, 2012, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The expo is free to the public. There is more here http://www.peachtreeroadrace.org/expo/general-information. There is also a link where you can also see the t-shirt designs submitted by artists to be on the official race T-Shirt.
Globe Trotter
Sonja travels and has collected lots of t-shirts in the process. She and Thomas were able to organize them and come up with 30 t-shirts for one quilt for Thomas, 36 for a second quilt for Sonja, and 2 more t-shirts to make 2 quilted pillowcases. Following the selection process, these are what’s left ! Their finished “Globe Trotter” quilt is pictured in the portfolio.
What T-Shirts To Include In Your T-Shirt Quilt
All About T-Shirts
When deciding on which t-shirts to use in your quilt, consider those that have the most meaning to you. You may want to build your quilt around a theme like music or sports. If you have a t-shirts that have a lot in common such as from concerts, school, soccer or sports t-shirts, consider using those. You can also mix and match your motorcycle t-shirts, for instance, with your car, country or travel t-shirts.
Choose t-shirts that you want to keep but don’t mind cutting up, because your t-shirt will be cut up around the artwork. You can use the fronts or backs of your t-shirts. If there is artwork or words on the sleeve you like can use that too. If you look through your closets and drawers you can likely come up with at least one from which you can make a wall hanging perhaps for a gift. 16 or more t-shirts and you’ve got a bed quilt.
Any holes or stains on the part of the t-shirts that you want to use will also be in your quilt. Wash them before sending, but don’t cut them.
If you’re considering having a t-shirt quilt made, one of the decisions to make is which t-shirts to include in your quilt. Here are a few tips:
1) First make sure you have all of them. Look through all of your drawers and other places you may have tucked t-shirts away. Check the closet, laundry room, under the bed, in storage in the basement or attic; Mom’s or grandma’s house; at your friend’s house; a child’s room. Gather them all together.
2) Next go through them one by one and decide if the t-shirt is still special. Does it make you smile? Does it transport you back to a special event from the past? Are you reminded of why you tucked it away in the first place and glad you still have it? Is it colorful, does it have your name, or team on it, does it have an interesting picture on it? Are you ok with not wearing that special shirt anymore? If the quilt will be a gift, keep in mind what you think the recipient would choose rather than yourself!
3) Now separate the t-shirts into 3 piles. The most special ones that you want to include go in to the “ yes” pile. Those that you’ll include only if they’re needed to complete the quilt go in to the “maybe” pile; those you clearly either don’t want to include or no longer want go into the “no” pile.
4) Count how many are in the “yes” pile. Do you have enough for the style you want? If so, you’re done. If not add in from the “maybe” pile to the “yes” pile until you have enough. If you are still not sure which style you want check out the pictures in the Portfolio and on Facebook for some ideas.
5) Be sure to smell your t-shirts after washing. Sometimes with athletic shirts, even after washing, the “authentic” sports fragrance can linger. Think of that thrift store smell. Sometimes this can reside in clothes that have been sweated in heavily even after they’ve been washed! So take a whiff after washing. It can help when making a final decision on which t-shirts to include.
6) For all of the “in” shirts, put a safety pin in the part of the shirt that you want to include: front, back, sleeve, pocket. Mark the “only if needed” and put them into a separate bag labeled as such. This way we know exactly what you want.
7) Put all of your “in” shirts in a plastic bin or sturdy bag to transport them. It keeps everything together in the early preparation phase. When all done, these will be returned to you along with your remnants and “only if needed shirts” that didn’t go in to the quilt.
8) Good job! You’re done. Contact Us to come on in. We have the talent, time, and space to get the work done professionally. We’ll guide you through the creative decisions needed to craft your masterpiece.
Hope this helps you take the “leap” and get started on creating your special t-shirt quilt! Meanwhile, we’re at your service, should you need help at any time.
Square
I’m now set up with “Square” to accept credit cards in person. Should you be ready to make a deposit, payment, or purchase, this makes it possible for me to swipe your credit card, in person, using my cell phone. Pretty cool technology. From what I understand the company was created by the person who started Twitter. To make a purchase, the card is slid across a reader inserted into the phone. The customer then signs for the transaction on the phone screen using their finger. You then can choose to have your receipt emailed or texted to you. No more paper store receipts!
I was first introduced to Square at a craft show. The ceramics vendor next to me was using it. So gone is the need for the bulky credit card swiper machines that require electricity, or card stamping devices. Today, I happened to be in a brick and mortar store in the Little 5 Points area of Atlanta and this was how they handeled all of their credit card transactions. Certainly they have to recharge or have an extra battery; but, no doubt, cash registers and some of the older technology is likely next on the list of more-casualties-due-to-the-internet !
Night Owl
What am I doing up at 6 a.m. on a Sunday? Sewing what else ! I started working the night shift at my nursing job and am now on the opposite side of the clock as everyone else. My first night shift was Christmas day! The hospital never closes (sigh). I had just finished my last two Christmas orders for Karen#1 and Karen#2 and delivered the last one Christmas eve at 4 p.m! Then my Christmas really started. I went out and bought all my presents and food for dinner. Since starting my business in September this is the first Christmas where I didn’t put up any decorations: no tree, no stockings, – no time! It’s ok. I’d rather be sewing. Also, I had time to reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas, minus the shopping frenzy and hustle and bustle. Is all that “stuff” necessary? I didn’t miss it really and no one seemed to mind too badly , though next year I think I’ll pace myself a little better! A quilter friend of mine suggested cutting off my orders in early October and not taking any more after that. Uh…no. I don’t think I could do that. I’m having too much fun! I did have to say no to one person. A girl who called Dec. 15th. She was going to visit her boyfriend, had all of his t-shirts and wanted me to finish it by Christmas. I wracked my brain trying to think of how I would squeeze that one in and get it done for her; but, in light of my existing workload, ultimately had to say no.
So now, here it is, Sunday. My husband and I went out to dinner last night. He went to bed and here I am. I’ll probably be up until around 7 and then sleep until 2. Then I get up and get ready to go to work. I’ve always been a night owl so the schedule actually suits me. My husband and I still have “our” time and then I have this nice, long, uninterrupted stretch of time to sew. I’m working on Jillian’s order and Laura’s order. I’m liking the gray sashing that Jillian picked out. It’s has neutral effect without being beige or tan. Jillian’s top will be done likely within 2 weeks. Then we’re just waiting on the backing fabric to come in which was special ordered. Laura’s quilt – the blocks are done and now it’s time to cut the sashing. Karen #3 and Sonja are next on cue.
My cat is sleeping on some recycled batting on top of my hope chest. I brought her a nice little cat bed but does she sleep in it – no. Batting must be more comfy. I’ll try to blog more often. This is easier than Twitter, I think I’m too long-winded. Took me forever to get my first tweet within the word count. Upgraded my phone and finally got my tunes all transferred. Listening to music and sewing. Life is good!
Holiday Orders
For new orders as of Thanksgiving, I can’t guarantee that I’ll complete your quilt by Christmas. If you have a small quilt, 9 blocks or less, there’s a possibility to still get it to you on time as current holiday orders should be completed by mid Dec. I would be thrilled to talk with you if you are trying to get one made for a holiday present. Delivery by New Years is also a strong possibility for a 2012 gift or surprise. Also, gift certificates are available that can be mailed to you or that special someone in time for the holidays. That way you have something and these are available for purchase on the home page.
Lassiter High Craft Show
Nov. 5, Sat. from 10-5, and Nov. 6, Sun., from 11-5 – I’ll be at the Lassiter High School Christmas Craft Show ! I’ll have a Lassiter High School t-shirt quilt I just finished that may give you some ideas as well as a cool Peachtree Road Race t-shirt quilt to show you. If you’ll be in Marietta, Georgia, stop on by and say hi !