Using Vintage Fabrics in Small Doses
April 6, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Home & Living
Collecting and using vintage fabrics for various projects fascinate many quilters and fabric artists, as well as multi-media artists. By “vintage” fabrics, we mean those of more than 50 years ago.
Sometimes you find them simply as pieces of fabric. More commonly, vintage fabric comes from clothing, coverlets, and even quilts.
According to Mary Engelbreit’s book, Winter, you’re most likely to find these vintage treasures in small pieces. So…what kind of small projects would you use them for?
Mary Engelbreit suggests “Fancy Pockets” made into cases for eyeglasses, limpstick tubes or combs. In the book, there are directions for these.
What about other vintage fabric projects?
- Add a pocket to a skirt, apron, or dress.
- Combine several pieces for a patchwork or applique pillow.
- Make a decorative evening purse.
- Collect enough pieces and you can make a crazy quilt.
- What about appliquing vintage pieces onto clothing for decorative effects.
- Use these fabrics for postcards and inchies.
Do you have any vintage fabric ideas?
Great ideas. Covering buttons. Lingerie bags. Head bands. Trim on pillow cases. Little wall hangings to show off antique brooches. Little bags for jewelery.Trim on plain new bought handkerchiefs. Wrap a small present to a special friend who likes that stuff.
Thanks for stopping by Blisstree, Frazzled Sugar Plum Mum, and responding to my post. Also, I appreciate your contributing ideas for using vintage fabrics. Super suggestions!