Thread: Do you have any vintage linens and what do you do with them?

I have many family antique linens, from table linens, to hankies, to dresser scarves, to bed linen, to gorgeous laces, and an old large lace table cloth.

I've used monogrammed and cutwork napkins as valances on windows, others things at the top of closet doors, for pillow covers, draped over the railings of my tester bed, as a drape on the wall at the head of my bed, folded to hang over an open armoire door for display, lining the mantle over the fireplace, and small cocktail napkins turned on point over the edge of the shelves in my glass door secretary. Shabby chic and romantic look magazines are favorite inspirations.

Jan in VA

i take them to family reuion to put in silent auction to rise money for next years reuion they always sell

I have her book - it is wonderful. I have appliqued some of my Mom's old embroidered handkerchiefs onto appropriate color/design cotton background, sandwiched, and then hand quilted a complementary (to the embroidery) pattern on this small wall-hanging. Used pieces of wide old lace (cotton) for the quilt sleeve. Also was gifted with some vintage hand embroidered dresser scarves and such and did the same thing with them. My next project with these vintage linens will be sandwiching some vintage pillow cases, quilting them, and using as wall-hangings. My Mom's old handkerchiefs - now wall hangings - will be gifted to my daughter and grand-daughters. Fun way to re-cycle old linens into something new and practice your quilting too. I also like the idea of incorporating the individual pieces into a larger wall hanging or a throw or bedsize quilt. What a great way to preserve someone else's needlework and combine their talents and pleasures with your own - and create possible heirlooms. Some vintage handkerchiefs might be appropriate for turning into a quilted cover for a Bride's Bible or top for the pillow carried by the ring bearer. Depending on what type of vintage linen they are, they could be re-used in a handbag, tote, skirt, jacket etc. Have fun!

Originally Posted by jitkaau

Have a look at Cindy Needham's site. She does wonderful things with old linens.

http://www.cindyneedham.com/

Yes, I was going to recommend Cindy Needham. She teaches all over. She often teaches at the Road to Calif. quilt show and will be teaching at Asilomar Empty Spools Seminar in 2013. She teaches freemotion quilting and how to quilt on old linens. I am going to take her class next year. I can hardly wait.

I took her class a few years ago. She is great.