Turning antique embroidery into an heirloom quilt -- help!
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 5
Turning antique embroidery into an heirloom quilt -- help!
I have inherited quite a few linens with beautiful embroidery, crochet, tatting, and cutwork. Most are stained and a few have moth holes. I would like to rescue the good places and turn them into a quilt. I have never quilted before, although I have done a lot of sewing in past years. I may try to piece the top myself, or I may design it and try to find an experienced quilter. My question is whether I can back a piece with heavier fabric if the original material is very thin or has crochet or cutwork which would need something behind the "holey" parts. Any suggestions on how to do this? Thanks in advance.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,079
It's funny that you posted this now. I also was given some vintage linens just this last week.
Here is what I found:
Cindy Needham does beautiful work with them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo6ST1_R2VY
and Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-4au8tZ_A
and Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63cyQj1Mp0
She also has/had a class on craftsy. Now bluprint.
Also, youtube has lots of interesting videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...vintage+linens
Welcome to the board!
Here is what I found:
Cindy Needham does beautiful work with them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo6ST1_R2VY
and Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-4au8tZ_A
and Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63cyQj1Mp0
She also has/had a class on craftsy. Now bluprint.
Also, youtube has lots of interesting videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...vintage+linens
Welcome to the board!
Last edited by mindless; 06-14-2019 at 10:03 PM.
#4
texasmary- there is a product called Retro-Clean that is a fantastic product used to take out old stains. I've used it for years and have had great results. It has never ruined anything I soaked it in.
Amazon has it, among other places.
I've used it on linens, quilts, and any old things like that.
Amazon has it, among other places.
I've used it on linens, quilts, and any old things like that.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,709
Welcome, Mary. I think that one thing you have to keep in mind before using vintage linens in a quilt is how much you plan to use the quilt. Vintage linens aren't going to stand up to too many repeated washings. If you can live with that, then there are some beautiful quilts made from vintage linens.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,433
I googled "Using doiles to quilt with" The ideas are endless.
#8
I have also made small projects and sewing totes with the individual embroideries that are set into fabric. Hand sewing sets, machine dust covers, little organizer zipper bags for your purse, storage bags for your closet and sewing room are just a few of the things I have made them into. In other words, if you need an organizational item and an embroidery that is the right size, go for it. It is very fun and enjoyable to use.
I turned a larger hand-made tapestry into a picture for my sewing room by making very small log cabin blocks, melding them with the piece and framing the whole to hang it up.
Many embroidery magazines have projects that might work for your pieces. You could maybe check the library for books or magazines for inspiration.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 06-15-2019 at 09:25 AM.
#10
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
A coloured fabric behind, can show nicely through the cutwork of the antique fabrics.
I've done similar. Rather than framing, finished them off as mini-quilt wall hangings.
Last edited by QuiltE; 06-15-2019 at 10:06 AM.
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