need advice: bed runner using vintage crochet doilies
 

I have a big collection of crocheted doilies and pillowcase edgings from my Mom, Grandmother and two Aunts that I want to make something "special" from. My first idea is a bed runner. I’d love input and advice on what and how you’ve used such a collection of crocheted items. I also have some beautiful embroidered "dresser scarfs" and pillowcases that would be nice to incorporate into something too.

Thanks in advance.

What great treasures to have. I have done a little pieces with doilies. My suggestion would be to starch them and I did some hand sewing and machine zig zag to secure on a creamy colored back ground. It was much easier to handle. I added some buttons, lace, ribbon and some Yo Yo's out of some great vintage fabric. I've also make my own dresser scarf out of old linens and such w/ ribbon and lace. I did it like a Crazy quilt but not so much fancy stitching. I did use some of the decorator stitches on my machine. My sis loved it so guess what she got for Christmas. Lol I would say just go for it and what your eye tells you. Enjoy these treasures.

I have several doillies my grandmother made I mounted them on choc colored velvet and put them under glass, they hang out of direct light in my family room. They were just too fragil to use

I was in an antique shop and a lady's booth had all kinds of doilies, etc. made into something. The pillowcases with all the fancy embroidery and lace edges were made into small pillows the width of the pillowcase but maybe only 8" tall.
They looked wonderful. Round doilies were framed on a dark background with jewelry pieces on, like a pin that said
"Mother". Other pillows were the shape of the doilies. I could have spent a lot of time in that booth but husband was with me, no hurried I go.

I think a bed runner is a great idea. And starching and tacking down the doily in various places would be a must. I once sewed a doily onto some dark avocado (way back when that was a popular color) velvet and made it into a pillow. Unfortunately the new puppy decided it was good eating one night and chewed it up!!!! GRRRRRR (but such a cute puppy!!!)

Frame some in shadow boxes and hang in an interesting grouping.
Depending on the condition, I've used some like these as valances or across the top of an archway, sort of shabby chic decor. I've also used crocheted tablecloths or spreads and window curtains.

Jan in VA