So you want to order a blanket from Maiden Jane? Let me help you through the process!
1. Decide on the blanket size and style you would like.
- Great as a baby blanket – use mom’s, dad’s or siblings’ shirts to make a meaningful and practical blanket.
- Lap blanket using Grandma or Grandpa’s shirts and sweatshirts.
- Use 9 T shirts, dress shirts, sweatshirts; can use front or back.
- Top fabric sashing
- Backing: fleece, minky
- Preserve memories by using baby’s onesies, hats, booties, sheets, blankets
- 36 squares – 8″
- Backing: fleece, chenille, minky
- Preserve memories with this wonderful quilt blanket! Great as a high school graduation gift, wedding present, memorial for a loved one.
- Use 12 T shirts, dress shirts, sweatshirts, uniforms; can use front or back.
- Top fabric sashing
- Backing: fleece
- Use 20 shirts
- Backing: fleece, sweatshirt fleece
- Use 25 shirts
- Backing: fleece, sweatshirt fleece
- Use a variety of shirts and articles of clothes in a more random design.
- Integrate sweatshirts, uniforms, jerseys, shirts, blankets, quilts
- Backing: fleece, sweatshirt fleece
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2. Contact Maiden Jane to discuss timing, fabrics, colors, and shipping. Because I am a custom sewing studio, I strive to create what you want. I will work with you to select fabrics and colors or you can leave it completely up to me! Either way, it’s best to contact me.
3. Prepare your shirts. Make sure that the shirts are washed. You do not need to cut them but you do need to mark which side you would like me to use. You can pin a piece of paper on them with notes or you can take a picture of the shirts and send it to me.
4. Ship your shirts. Some customers use USPS Priority Mail. Others use parcel post. Others use UPS or Fedex. When we finalize arrangements I will send you my address and an information sheet to include with your shirts.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you like or even call me if you feel more comfortable with that. Once you decide to go ahead, let me know via email so I can add you to my queue. I will send you a confirmation email along with a form to include with the shirts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is your turnaround time?
I can make a quilt blanket in a relatively short period of time. However, the turnaround time depends on the number of items in my custom sewing queue. It is best to plan as far as possible in advance, especially if you are considering giving one as a gift in December(holidays) or May (graduations). You can request a rush order. If I can accommodate you there will be a $25 additional charge.
What are the shipping costs?
Typical shipping charges range from $10 to $15. I use USPS Priority Mail or UPSP Priority Flat Rate. If you purchase more than one blanket the shipping costs will be adjusted as necessary.
How do I clean the blanket?
The blankets are machine washable. Machine was warm and tumble dry low. If you would like to press the top of the quilt, press gently using a press cloth or handkerchief so that you do not melt the T Shirt motifs.
Are these blankets traditional quilts with batting?
No. A traditional quilt is made of three layers: the top, a middle layer of batting and a cotton bottom. The batting can shift and bunch so the quilt has to be stitched or “quilted” through the three layers. Maiden Jane blankets have two layers: the top and a cozy fleece bottom. There is no need for batting. The blankets are top-stitched and tacked down to keep the layers stable. The fleece provides a cozy and comfortable backing that is not as stiff as a traditional quilt. I can make a traditional quilt but the cost and time involved increases significantly.
Are these blankets as durable as traditional quilts?
I have made these quilts for over ten years. My customers testify that they are quite durable. My own children have used their blankets at college as throws and picnic blankets. They wash up very nicely. Will they be heirlooms in 100 years? I don’t know! But they are surely a “practical and pretty” way to get T Shirts out of your closet and drawers!
How many shirts do you need?
For the 9-, 12-, and 20-block blankets, I need 9, 12, or 20 T shirt sides. For a baby clothes blanket, I need 36 squares. Often the front and back can be used. You can send extra just to be sure. For the hodge podge blanket, I don’t have a set number – around 20 at least – but I work with what you give me.
Do you use interfacing?
The shirts are interfaced on the 9- and 12-Block T Shirt Quilt Blankets. This is mainly for ease of construction.
Can I use the front and back of a shirt?
Yes!
Can I combine two shirts into one block?
Yes! If the sizing is right, I can often take two shirts and combine them into one block.
Can I use sweatshirts?
Yes.
What other things can I use?
Varsity jacket, sheets, blankets, shorts, button-down shirts, jeans, jerseys, uniforms, varsity letters, vintage quilts.
Can I select the fabrics?
You can leave fabric selection up to me or we can work together to make the selections. Sometimes customers will specify a color they would like or think would work well. Many times they leave the choices to me. You can always look through examples of my other blankets to get ideas.
What are other creative ways to preserve memories?
If you have extra shirts, I can make a T shirt pillow, Sweatshirt tote, or a taggy blanket.
