At some point last year, I noticed that all of my quilty friends on flickr were buying "vintage linens" and being one who does not like missing wagons, I decided to go to etsy and buy some "vintage linens" for myself. Okay, let's be real here, vintage linens are basically old or used (and old) bedclothes. I suppose there could be tablecloths and kitchen towels too, but these things do not fall under my vintage umbrella today. Today, I am talking about bedclothes. My mother (and probably some of you) are wondering why on earth I (or any other quilter?) would want to purchase and make things out of old bedclothes when there is so much incredible fabric readily available to the home sewer/quilter today (that has not been slept on by other people that we will never know). I can't speak for anyone else, but mostly, I did it because I could. And I know the old adage of just because you can do something doesn't mean you should; but, honestly, when I see stuff like this, I think of my childhood. And since my childhood was a happy one (I have found that crazy or eccentric parents, really help in the building of fond childhood memories category), I don't mind re-living it every now and again.
So, as I was saying, I bought this "vintage linen" (which you have to admit sounds much nicer than, "used bedclothes," really, and then I faced the quandary of what to do with all of it. I bought a goodly number of fat quarters. The colors were, well, reminiscent of the 1970s; and, their fiber content was questionable (1970s=textile manufacturing employing polyester in everything imaginable). I knew if I threw in a solid of two, I would have enough for a quilt; but, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with this fabric. And since I have washed the fabric a couple of times (well, wouldn't you?), I had plenty of time to think about it.
And then I wondered, do I really want a quilt out of this fabric? So I figured, let's do a quilt block and see how that goes, but I can't stand waste and I wanted to do something somewhat functional so I decided to make a pillow (an envelope pillow, specifically). Okay, so not the most functional thing in the world, but it's cute and it helped answer my question. Of course I want to make a quilt with this fabric. So, yeah, let's do that.
I can understand the desire for some of these vintage linens (it does sound much classier than used sheets!). Your pillow is darling (especially the orange trim!), and I think a quilt made from these pieces will be a lovely addition to your abode.
Posted by: Jacey | March 01, 2011 at 04:04 PM
oh, goodness. yes!
i have a small collection of linens and have been quite stalled on ideas. lovely to see how you use yours. good luck!
Posted by: cauchy09 | March 01, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Beautiful cushion! I love the fabrics you've used :)
Posted by: Silvia | March 02, 2011 at 02:19 PM