Sewing with heart
How are you? I hope this email finds you well. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the quiet joy of working with vintage fabric. The soft feel of aged cotton, the faded charm of an old floral print, or a delicate hem stitched decades ago by another pair of hands. These are all things I love about reusing vintage linens in my quilts and projects. I hope that if you've never tried it, you will be inspired to give it a go after reading this email.
Sewing with Heart - Why I love using vintage linens in my projects
More and more, in my own work, I am finding myself reaching for old embroidered linens, handkerchiefs, or even dresses that have been tucked away in drawers for years. These pieces may be worn, but they’re filled with character. A tiny patch from a child’s dress, a snippet of a vintage tablecloth, these details bring depth and story to our projects in a way new fabric simply can’t. They add a unique twist that can't be replicated. No two projects can ever be the same if you add in some vintage fabric.
Sometimes it can be hard to cut into a beautiful tablecloth that has been lovingly embroidered by someone in the past. However, I think that by using it in a new way, you are extending its life and giving it a new meaning and purpose. Reusing fabric in this way helps it live on and honours the work that went into it even more.
Using vintage materials is also a gentle act of sustainability. Instead of buying new, we’re giving old textiles a second life. It’s one small way we can slow down, waste less, and make something truly meaningful.
I love to combine vintage linens with new fabric. I think the mixture of old and new has a lot of charm and really creates a sense of handmade. This is also a good way to make your fabric stash last longer!
If you’re not sure where to begin, try starting small. Perhaps add a vintage square or two to your next patchwork quilt or even create a simple lavender sachet using tiny scraps of old fabric—they make lovely, simple gifts with a real sense of charm.
If you're looking for inspiration, I recently made a video using vintage linens combined with Liberty Tana Lawn to create a simple quilt that I will eventually hand quilt. You can view the video here.
Thank you so much for your support,
