I'm starting to become the Textile Guru among my friends and family, which means I sometimes come across some really fascinating and lovely textiles! There's so many sentimental or historical textiles out there that people aren't sure what to do with due to them aging, being damaged, or too special to just use as is.
I want to inspire you to find ways to incorporate these treasured bits of textiles in your life! These special items often reflect gone by times and skills that are being lost, so I think it's really important that we do what we can to keep them around!
The latest treasure I received is a hand embroidered tablecloth with 12 napkins from a knitting friend. She told me that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law had done it by hand back in the 80s. From what I can tell, the fabric is likely a cotton or cotton blend, with cotton embroidery thread. It's slightly sheer, so I might need to line it if I decide to make it into a garment.
Look at all of this gorgeous hand work! I can't even imagine how many hours it must have taken to make these!
If you have a similar textile, you'll want to make sure to wash it prior to making anything. Mine has been in storage and is a bit musty, triggering my allergies! It's not crazy dirty, but there are a few small areas of light stains that might need help.
As a first test: I plan on soaking a napkin in cold water my hand to check that the green thread is colorfast, meaning that the dye doesn't bleed on to the white fabric or into the water.
If it's colorfast, I'll go ahead and wash everything in lingerie bags in the washing machine, on delicate and in cold water. If I still have any stains, I'll tackle it with my soap stain bar. For any lingering musty smells, I hang my fabrics outside in the sun.
If I run into any accidents and the green does transfer to the white, I'll dye it! Maybe a dusty sage green would be nice?
Now the fun part! What to make from such a beautiful time consuming textile?! I made a Pinterest board, but here's a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing!
Clothing Ideas
1. Embroidered Dress- Try looking up "Oaxacan embroidery" or browsing through the Folkwear's Sewing patterns for inspiration! I don't think you would even need a pattern to make a simple kaftan silhouette! I would simply cut a large square from the table cloth or piece together several napkins for the body and use napkins for the sleeves. You might need to add a little underarm gusset or a front yoke construction to accommodate a bust.
2. Skirts- I can also see this fabric turning into a beautiful skirt! Personally, I'd go for something twirly and gathered but that might require more fabric and planning but totally worth it! Make the most of the embroidered sections or edges by using them at the hem or sewing them together in panels for a gored skirt!
3. Boxy Blouse- I can see this being a very cute boxy embroidered top- similar to some of the Mexican traditional blouses or peasant blouses. Fun fact: a lot of different cultures have simple square cut blouses that incorporate embroidery!
4. Button down Shirt- Into a more modern vibe? An embroidered button down would be a really stylish piece that you could even wear to the office.
5. Embroidered Jacket- Feeling bold, I mean cold? This would be an excellent statement! Make the whole thing from scratch or embellish the back of a jean jacket.
6. Appliques- Add a little spice to your closet! Use up your scaps to spice up or basics, make a statement or even mend! A few ideas to get you going:
All over small appliques on a plain white tee
Embellished collar or lapels
Patches for all your holes. Bonus points if you mix in your own embroirdery!
6. Contrast Pockets- Only have scraps or smaller fabrics to work with? Add pockets to EVERYTHING. If you're working with true vintage, or delicate fabric, I would recommend lining the pocket so that it can hold up better. Especially if you're adding high use pockets, like on shorts as opposed to a more decorative shirt pocket.
7. Contrast Cuffs- Speaking of dress shirts, why not add a contrast cuff? Or even on a worn pair of jeans! This might be easier to do as an applique, I haven't tried it yet!
8. New Hems or Edges- A lot of heritage textiles have pretty borders. Use them to dress up any worn out hems or add a delicate flair to blouses or sweaters!
Everything but Clothing
Maybe clothing isn't your go to for embroidery? I got you!
9. As is- Did you score a gorgeous table cloth at the thrift store and it doesn't have any damage? Lucky you! Why not use it as is, for every day or just for special occasions? But maybe don't do this if you know you'll have to wash it heavily!
You could also use smaller embroidered fabrics under lamps or on the top of your dresser. That's actually how a lot of these fabrics used to be used! I think this could be really cool look if you're aiming for a vintage, cottagecore, or maximalist aesthetic!
10. Wall Art- Listen, I never said appreciating old textiles had to be hard! Wash that bad boy (carefully!!) and hang 'er up! Use some caution if your fabric is more delicate or very heavy, look for tapestry hangers or quilt hanging options.
11. Curtains- How about some pretty curtains for that bare window? Cafe curtains would be good for less fabric or combining a bunch of smaller textiles. Heck, if you have the supplies and the patience, go all out and make full length drapes! (and for the love of all the gods, TAG me because I have always wanted to make these!)
12. Pillow cases- Everyone needs a new decorative pillowcase once in a while! It's easy to dress up your old ones, even easier if you use an envelope style closure so you don't have to mess with zippers! You could also raid grandma's old cookie tin for pretty buttons to complete the look!
13. Doll Clothes or stuffed toys- How special would that kiddo in your life feel to have their very own fancy outfit for their dolls? I know I would have been OBSESSED. Would also make really sweet stuffed animal toys, just be sure to line it first for durability!
14. Decorations- Embroidery was made to be decorative, so just embrace it! Try making some cute bunting, table runners, or ornaments!
15. Bags- Maybe this is a bit of a cop out, but you can literally make a bag out of anything! Purse, wallet, zip pouch, tote, drawstring, gift bag, clamshell, etc etc. Personally, I would make a few simple gift bags after making a larger project for giving special gifts in!
I have a feeling I'll be turning mine into much needed curtains in my office! I've had the hardest time finding curtains that I actually like and I think the light will filter through this fabric prettily. I'll be sure to post the results!
Let me know if you have any embroidered treasures you've refashioned, I'd love to see! Tag @Sunny_Salvage on Instagram or Facebook and follow me on Pinterest for more upcycling ideas! Hope this inspires you to look through any treasures hiding in your linen closet!
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