Don't you love when people get you and can lead you to treasures? I was stopping by to deliver some donations to a local ministry thrift store. While there, Lissa (a wonderful volunteer and kindred spirit), approached me and said, "Did you see that stash of vintage linens over there?" I'd love to have seen my face when those words rolled out of her mouth. Eyes wide and ready to run, I reply, "no...". This begins my mini hunt for this linen treasure and here's what I take home in my arms. At this point, I have a vintage tablecloth project in mind I want to share with you for this month's
Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun.
While I'd love to be able to say that these tablecloths are in excellent vintage condition, it is safe to say they were donated for a reason. Personally, I have a slew of vintage tablecloths in various conditions in
my painted pine hutch. They all have wear, tell a story, and remind me of simpler times. This thrifted collection has holes, pretty big stains, and make it not as fun to display on a table as-is.
No worries, though, because there is plenty of life left in these treasures. Let's have some refashion fun, shall we?
CUTTING TIME
First, as you can imagine, I want to preserve as much of these pieces while creating a new heirloom piece. I could create any of these ideas rolling around in my head:
- bunting
- envelope pillowcases
- tote bag
- window treatment
- quilt or duvet
- apron
- upholstery
- tea towels
The possibilities are endless as you can see. For today, I'm choosing to create an heirloom doll. Why? Well, I'm a sucker for dolls as you can see HERE. Not only are they a joy for me to create, but bring smiles for many generations and to all ages. Also, as I've mentioned in my
past DIY jaunts, I love to create my own patterns for clothes and the like. This time is no different. I break out my old desk calendar paper and begin to draft. Since I've made many dolls in the past, I draw from my experiences of what I like and what I want to avoid. Obviously, you can use any doll pattern you want to do this very same thing. Have fun with it!
Then, as soon as I have my pieces drawn, I cut them out and trace onto the vintage tablecloth. This part makes me hold my breath. I really don't like cutting up one of these, but I know it will fare much better in this form than tucked in a box in a basement.
After that, I cut out the pieces and get ready to assemble.
ASSEMBLY
Finally, it's time to assemble. This is not only an fun time, but arduous. Why? Well, when working with tiny parts, it can take a long time. Especially when hand-stitching much of it. As you can see, I absolutely must add my own personal touch. ahem.
Can you tell where I'm headed with this particular doll? This is where the love of my craft blooms. My hands, my eyes, my back are all weary, but getting those final touches in place really make it all worth the while.
MEET MY FRIENDS
Here is that vintage tablecloth collection upcycled into a few light-on-their-feet friends that are sure to bring smiles.
We've got cherries, strawberries, and roses. Which one for you?
I'm partial to each one far various reasons, but my heart always loves strawberries as I'm a June baby. tee hee.
Thankfully, I have plenty of tulle in my stash that I also used on my chenille comforter turned chicken
OVER HERE. At any rate, I'm smitten with these mice and I'm eager to share them with you in
my online store.
SHARE
In addition to leaving some comment love below, do pin and share to inspire others to break out grandma's old linens and create memories too.
Likewise, before you go, be sure to
sign up for my newsletter so you can see what becomes of this
misfit vintage clock. Until next time!
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Also, more refashion fun like this vintage tablecloth upcycled:
