New Life for Vintage Linens

Oh how I love vintage textiles. It's a shame they are often packed away and not used. I've always been a fan of salvaging antique linens for making quilts. I've heard about making blouses, dresses and accessories from damaged vintage textiles, but I've been completely enchanted by the idea of making portrait dresses from antique pillowcases. It's not a new idea, but one whose time - at least for me - has come.

Most often, the little dresses are sleeveless sundresses, but they can be made with sleeves of any length. In fact, I believe the original design called for sleeves. In addition to baby and toddler dresses, cami tops for older girls, even maternity tops can be made from pillowcases. You can also make beautiful little bloomers or capri pants from the cases. With the extra precious antique linens, you'll certainly want to create a keepsake garment, probably for a special portrait.

You'll want to look for pillowcases that are embroidered and or trimmed with crocheted lace. There are so many lovely choices from white-on-white to pastel to brights. It's all in what you like best! Vintage pillowcases are fairly inexpensive and sometimes you can find exquisite quality pure linen slips, or ones with hand crocheted lace edings, and scalloped hems.

You can also purchase new linens and embellish them yourself with embroidery, beadwork, laces (handmade or purchased). You can make sleeved garments, choose gorgeous ribbons for ties, or make ties from offcuts of the piece.

Your little princess will look heavenly and your grandmother's favorite linen's will be so happy to be loved once again!