4 IDEAS FOR REPURPOSED VINTAGE LINENS
Ideas for repurposed vintage linens
Decades ago, women spent hours carefully embroidering their linens. Now, those carefully crafted items go for a few dollars at garage and estate sales. I hate to see these beautiful linens languish in the closet. I’d rather put them to use in new ways. Here are 4 ideas for repurposed vintage linens.
1. Vintage card tablecloth turned into baby outfit
People used to play cards, and they covered their fold-up card tables with creatively embellished tablecloths. I found this adorable cross-stitched sailor tablecloth at an estate sale and thought it would be great repurposed as a beach outfit for my grandson.
I used an ordinary baby outfit pattern, and used the tablecloth for the top of the onesie. I found vintage sailboat buttons in my stash for the finishing touch. It’s a great example of repurposed vintage linens.
Looking for sources for vintage linens?
I love to find estate sales on EstateSales.net.
2. Vintage linen zipper purse
I’ve been on a zippered purse kick this year, and it’s been a great use of my (gulp) vast collection of vintage linens. For the purse above, I used a vintage woven tea towel. I made sure to keep the fringe of the tea towel intact. For the strap, I used a piece of vintage muslin. All repurposed vintage linens don’t have to be embroidered – plain muslin is another great find.
For the purses below, I used a cutwork napkin, an old piece of upholstery fabric and an unfinished cross-stitch scene.
3. Vintage tablecloth dress
Three vintage tablecloths and runners found new life in this dress I made for my daughter, Rachel. I didn’t use a pattern, but instead used Rachel’s measurements — and a good deal of trial and error — to piece it together. My favorite part — which was Rachel’s idea — is the round tablecloth at the bottom. It’s swirly flounce makes this a light and airy dress for summer.
4. Vintage doily spider web
A fly is caught in the web of a vintage crocheted doily. You could appliqué this to a sweatshirt or a T-shirt. I used it as the centerpiece of a tea towel. It’s one of many for sale in my Etsy shop, handyjan.etsy.com.
Looking for more crafty ideas?
Check out these ideas on my blog:
