Monday, June 24, 2013

Using Those Rummage Sale Finds

 
I bought a bunch of this fabric a while back.  It was actually large valances.  I took out all the seams and threw the fabric in the washer with regular detergent and oxyclean.  (How about a sponsorship?...I mention them every time I wash a vintage piece or thrift store find. It works great ;-)
Anyway, I was left with many large pieces of this fabric.  What to do?...

 
Then I saw a photo at Into Vintage.  Amy has an amazing blog.  I just found her, and she collects and repurposes vintage tablecloths among a million other amazing things.  She made a tea towel using a floral motif from a tablecloth, cutting out the floral and appliqueing it to the towel.
 I also collect vintage tablecloths,
but all of mine are too precious to cut..except for one that is not floral.
Then I remembered my fabric stash.
A good sharp pair of scissors and a hubby on the road
was all the encouragement I needed to get started.


 
After I had a stack of florals cut out, it was off to the sewing machine.

 
My machine is a simple one, but it does have a zigzag.
So I pinned and placed and zigged and zagged
until I had a stack of towels.

 
What do you think?  I think they are terrific.  Do they need a ruffle?  A crochet edge?  Would I just be gilding the lily?  Let me know. I think they would make a sweet gift.  Now to wash them and see how they hold up...  Experimenting is fun.

Thanks for stopping by, I so appreciate all of your kind comments, and especially your friendship.
Enjoy this beautiful day. 


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4 comments:

Lynne said...

You know how to stay busy when Mr English Valley is away! So creative you are and resourceful too. I think Oxi Clean needs to recognize you with a monthly allowance!

Very pretty, lovely, creative Miss Penny!

ornate splendor said...

Love these! I actually have that same yellow/floral fabric. Had a chair covered in that fabric for a while...Now I have some scraps left of it---so this is a perfect idea! I like the idea of a little ruffle on the bottom too. Thanks for sharing. Catherine (new follower)

babs said...

Wow! These turned out fabulous. I think a crochet edging would be awesome! Don't get into too much trouble while T is away!

Melanie said...

You know what I think of your lovely creative endeavors and your sewing talent! These towels are fabulous and a great way to use fabric and make something new. I think they are fine as is if they would be used as a tea towel; otherwise, if used as a hand towel in a bathroom, maybe a plain ruffle on the bottom would be better.