Bags from towels

Remember, the current theme is to make a bag using (preferably vintage and recycled) linens.
So that would include towels.
Although I hope you get more creative than this, it's a stepping stone.

From Make it with Towels, Cannon Mills brochure.
No date listed.


(sorry for posting this a second time, but it's applicable again)


(click on image to enlarge. Flickr doesn't size horizontals well)
From "The How To Book: Do it Yourself with Stevens Utica Sheets & Towels", by J.P. Stevens & Co, 1978

Inspiration from a vintage napkin

More inspiring ideas from Mlle Hyena.
This bag is constructed from a vintage cloth napkin.
She embellished it with a puffy applique, and a crocheted mushroom.
Now THIS is what I'm talking about!
Vintage linens are a great source for fun fabrics.
Note this bag is currently available for purchase on etsy.


She says the bright colors were "inspired by the colors people of the Andes in Peru use in their blankets and clothing. The handles are made of that woven handle material bought in a craft store. I embroidered it and lined it.."


Maybe you'll find an old quilt top or vintage tablecloth that has some holes or stains, so you can salvage the good parts and give the cloth new life.
Or maybe you have some novelty hankies in your drawer collecting dust.
Make something with them so they'll be seen!

You can embellish with embroidery or beading or add something fun.
Be creative!

Scrap to Something Special

Inspiration for rescuing a lone quilt block, from the incomparable Laura of Rick Rack Ruby.

What are you going to make from vintage linens?

Geez, about time I posted some ideas for the vintage linens challenge, eh?

Any pattern can be made with vintage fabrics, but again...try to challenge yourself!
Try something new and crazy.

How about using a vintage hanky?
Tutorial for making a purse from a vintage handkerchief.
Here's another.

Or take bits and pieces of vintage linens and think in terms of shapes and color. Like the Tote tutorial by Alicia Freile.

ideas for using old tablecloths

This challenge affords the perfect opportunity to make a crazy quilt bag.
Think about using scraps of old doilies, bits of vintage fabrics, etc.

You can purchase a pattern for making this purse.


Tips for cleaning vintage linens.

New Challenge

I just wasn't that excited about the container challenge.
I tried to have a theme that might appeal to a lot people, especially now that we're approaching a seaon where we'll need gift bags, baskets, purses for gifts, etc.
Oh well, again, a poor showing on this one, sigh...
I didn't even participate for goodness sake (my sewing machine is broken, but still...no excuse).
The container gallery is up though.

Let's try this again, only this time I'll be more excited about the theme.
Normally the deadline would be February 1st, but that would put it on the same day as Tie One On.
Since a lot of you like to participate in the apron challenge, let's take this to three months and the deadline to submit your photo of your project will be March 1st, so you can make an apron and a bag and not be so crunched for time.

New theme: Recycled linens (not clothing this time--that will be a future theme).
Meaning make something from an old tablecloth, or incorporate grandma's doilies, or refashion some old curtains into a purse.
Sound fun?
And as always, push yourself--no simple square totes...make something really fabulous.

Like this bag made using an old dresser scarf.

From Old Glories: Magical makeovers for vintage textiles, trims and photos, by Diane Herbort and Susan Greenhut, 1992

This is a great way to take vintage textiles that get dusty in a drawer, or that are soiled or damaged in places...and give them new life.

I will be better about posting ideas along the way to inspire you this time.
Please participate!