What To Do With This Stuff? Repurposing Vintage Quilts and Embroidery

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@LoraBFlosstube
As a quilter, many of us have faced a similar situation... a friend gives you a bag full of stuff and asks what you can do with it. What do you do with it? In this video I go through a pile of quilts and other items to explain what I'm going to do with it and give a few ideas to help you out with the next pile.

[@pennymiller3480]

I love when you talked about wanting your quilts to be loved, used and worn out My Mother had made and gifted a blanket to me. When I showed it to a friend she gushed over the blanket and told me to save it…. To pack it in plastic and save it. I look at her and said, my Mom would be so hurt if I did that! She made this to be used and loved. It is almost 50 years later. My blanket comes out every fall/winter. It is much loved and a hug from my Mom long after she has passed away.

[@lorabrinkman]

I completely agree. There are definitely quilts that are made that are meant to be art and preserved, but the quilts I make I'd much rather see them used, loved, hugged, and tattered! That's my intent and I make sure to tell everyone I gift a quilt to the expectation. Thanks for watching.

[@MaryDingeman]

And don’t store it in plastic

[@karenholler6561]

The thin quilts were used as summer quilts. I have a few that my grandmother made. God bless you for repurposing and loving them.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the info. I do think the batting itself has broken down with time and washings. But summer quilts are definitely a thing.

[@froesfamily335]

I make them like that all the time. Hot and humid summers here in Japan

[@stitchinggrannyof18]

Wonderful gift! The well loved quilt make some bears and it will be continued to be loved for more years

[@lorabrinkman]

Great idea. Thanks for watching.

[@marthadueck6461]

Another great idea.

[@seaside2001]

Nice to see this coming back again. I made a whole business for myself, buying and repurposing vintage linens during the Shabby Chic years. Did so well, I retired early to the seaside, with my feet up watching you today. I am so happy you value vintage and are finding new ways to use them. I would use the pillow cases to honour the women in your family. If you find the embroidery uncomfortable, just flip the pillow over for sleeping at night. I designed a pattern for little girls dresses, with a front yoke and bodice. I would use the embroidery on the yoke with crochet edge having the skirt portion from there or sometimes the embroidery part would be along the hem line. I sold hundreds of them. So pretty.

[@lorabrinkman]

That is awesome!

[@laurabuoni9710]

Nice!

[@jodiemeyn5473]

Would love to hear more about how you turned quilting into a business!

[@seaside2001]

@@jodiemeyn5473 Quilting was a part of it, I reposed vintage linens I bought in bulk from the rage & bones trade in the UK, had them bailed and shipped to me by boat. I sold the vintage linens that had value after being laundered, pressed/light starch, and items that were not perfect were repurposed into soft furnishings for living room bedroom, kitchen decor items, babies room decor and sold them during the Shabby Chic era, to gift shops, decor stores etc.

[@terrykozak2932]

I used a set of beautiful embroidered pillowcases to make a set of curtains

[@lorabrinkman]

Wonderful!

[@janvar424]

The days of the week dish towels are gorgeous! My brother and I used these for drying dishes while Mom always washed! I really enjoyed seeing the variety from this collection.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Kim-tl4wz]

Oh the Dresden plate quilt!!! Love love love them. I made one several years ago and loved the way it turned out

[@lorabrinkman]

They are gorgeous. Thanks for watching.

[@BettsiLedesma]

I had two thoughts about the projects- the darling days of the week tea towels would make such a cute pennant banner for a breakfast nook or over a kitchen window and I think if I had that amazind Dresden plate quilt I might layer it between two layers of tulle or organdy. It's just so lovely! I think there are a lot of young women that would find that 80's quilt just right today! You have a challenge, for sure. I love the idea for the pillow case quilt- so precious!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you for your thoughts. Much appreciated!!

[@mathgeek7966]

Those tea towels are so cute! I inherited a lot of linens and crocheted doilies, and haven't decided what to make yet, so appreciate hearing your ideas and approach. Thanks!

[@lorabrinkman]

You are so welcome!

[@dorothydishman4664]

What a privilege to be able to decide what the future is for those vintage items. The tea towels are so very usable as is, however, they are large enough to cut out the designs for use in a quilt & rehem fir actual use...thise flour sacks were huge. Pillowcases make great storage sacks for quilts that are in rotation seasonally. You get to admire the handwork each time you change quilts abd the staining would not affect anything. Sometimes repurposing is a simple thing. The pink/cream with embroidered blocks could also make beautiful throw pillows and as you mentioned, totes. It is so important to keep the history of quilting and other handwork in order to appreciate the work, effort and time our ancestors have invested in their lives in order for us to have quality in the future. Love what you are doing, your attitude and care is commendable. Thanks so much for caring.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you for your kind words. It's appreciated. :)

[@Ruby-wise]

Just wow! Such a great vid..and display of the hearts of many women and girls who made these beauties. I love the clever ideas you have to repurpose or just use, these pieces. I was a seamstress, knitter, crocheter, embroider and quilter until, sadly, my fingers and hands were no longer nimble.🥰 I agree..p l e a s e use the quilts and pillow cases…tea towels….. And anything I made..please! There’s no greater compliment or appreciation than to sleep under and nearly worn out quilt❣️

[@lorabrinkman]

Glad you enjoyed it! My mom is in the same situation with her hands not being able to do the things she loves. I plan to keep going until i can't.

[@nazufani4016]

That was a very well done sorting task. 👍. I so understand. I have my own collection of thrift store quilts that I picked up through the years. Some I work on & some I just like cause they are beautiful & from different time periods. '20s - '70s . Thank you for sharing. ☮️💖🌻

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching

[@christinemcritchie1359]

I was given my husband’s baby blanket, stained and shredded. The blocks were embroidered on feed sacks. Some of the embroidery was coming apart. I knew a senior who could fix the embroidery plus make an additional block with my husband name, birthweight and birth location. Once blocks were done I found some vintage fabric and put the blocks into a quilt. Turned out really well. Machined stitch in the ditch to finish.

[@lorabrinkman]

That sounds amazing!! Bravo.

[@marthadueck6461]

Love those days of the week tea towels. I’ve never seen them done like that before. It’s funny how my mom did those same chores on those day aLso. I’ve sort of follow that same time line.

[@lorabrinkman]

I'm sure they were aunt Martha's... my grandma Mom used lots of those iron on transfers. Thanks for watching.

[@suejameson1517]

Wow! Imagine doing all that hand quilting! You will give them great new lives

[@lorabrinkman]

I hope so! Thanks for watching.

[@conniefrank7747]

You are wonderful😊 and everyone has such creative ideas for repurposing. I am a crafter and love thrifting,and I repurpose clothes, linens, pillowcases ...just everything.One of mine, and my gransons favourite books is Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman.I think you would love it too🤗.Thank you for sharing.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching. Happy stitching and thrifting!!

[@nancycollman9356]

I have 50 projects like this. I just love the history and work that went into each one. Love your idea about opening pillow cases and overlaying gingham fabric ! YES! I make and buy quilts, I have bought new, old quilts, never used for peanuts. Love that. I will be donating some quilts or sell a few, just to thin the herd.

[@lorabrinkman]

You are so welcome!

[@angieallen4884]

I had some pillowcases from both my grandmothers and made them into hanger covers. I kept one set for myself and gave the other to my sister (she's my only sibling)so we think of these women whenever we hang up our clothes!

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh!!!! That's a wonderful idea. How clever

[@MamaRazz]

I have some of my embroidery from 55 yrs ago. Some of the tea towels are stained from improper dishwashing, as are pillowcases from Dad’s Brylcreem for hair or just oily hair. Please let us know how you did with that.

[@angieallen4884]

@@MamaRazz I used this tute: freshvintagebylisas.blogspot.com/2022/08/repurposed-vintage-pillowcases.html

[@sherylallred7551]

Not sure what I would do. But I love the way you present and you are so creative - I want to see what you make. I just recently discovered your channel and have to say you are going to be one of my favorites to learn from. Thank you!

[@lorabrinkman]

That's so incredibly kind. Welcome to the channel and thank you

[@susanweaver5248]

I love this topic. I have inherited unusable quilts and "fancy work" that I don't want to get rid of, but most are unusable in their current state. Thanks for the ideas of repurposing.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching

[@dmcrae1743]

When repurposing parts of well-loved quilts, linens, and clothing, I have had success in using lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilize the fabric. The interfacing makes the older fabric "behave" similarly to our modern quilting fabric. This has been very useful in salvaging what I could after our house fire. There were 1920s clothing items in cedar chests; the antique cedar chests were totally destroyed, but they protected enough of the clothing fabric that I will be able to make my mother a table runner using the clothing fabrics from her mother and aunt.

[@lorabrinkman]

How incredibly special. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanmorris5940]

I love to look at vintage quilts! I have some vintage quilt tops that I plan to quilt and will cut one of them up into table runners to give to my husband's siblings. I see nothing wrong with cutting one that is in rough shape. Thanks for sharing!

[@lorabrinkman]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@mariawells8026]

Enjoyed your video! I loved the Dresden! I was thinking one of the blocks could be sewn on the back of a jean jacket.

[@lorabrinkman]

That would be cool!

[@stepoff1277]

Hey there! Happy to see you're planning on repurposing these!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks.

[@jtpaar1732]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching every minute of this video; you have a great personality, interesting content and a cool vibe. And I don't even quilt lol, but I do love the craft, so thank you.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I like watching some channels that i don't do the same things as they are showing for the same reason, so this is a great compliment. Thank you.

[@barrett308]

One quilt we got from my mother-in-law was quite tattered. We actually had used it for padding between furniture when we moved early in our marriage. (At her suggestion!) Then I learned about quilting and did some of my own. I pulled it out of the attic and washed it up. Much of it truly was shredded. I cut out eight of the blocks that were salvageable, put binding around them and use them as a wall hanging collage in our bedroom. There is a section of 4 blocks, one of 2 blocks and 2 single blocks. Yes, they were hand quilted. A tribute to her memory.

[@lorabrinkman]

Love this!! Thanks for sharing.

[@barbaracoleman9215]

I was given an old bowtie quilt. It was beautiful, but had holes and stains. I cut out the bad parts. Used them in my scrap projects. The remaining became a jacket that I love😊😊😊

[@lorabrinkman]

What a lovely tribute

[@JohannesJunkJournalLife]

Oh goodness I’d make some nice junk journals with those!

[@lorabrinkman]

I'll have to Google that! Thanks

[@whitewolfnoami]

I would buy that Dresden Plate quilt the way it is! 😍💝👍

[@lorabrinkman]

It is pretty.

[@CynithiaHenning]

Glad to hear that you live in Columbia. I just moved to Lake Ozark from Kansas. I haven't joined a quilt gild yet. I just received a box from my older sister of treasures like yours. I love repurposing them. ❤️

[@lorabrinkman]

That is awesome! There are quilt guilds in Jefferson city and I'm sure there is one at the lake... not aware, though

[@nancyhurt7145]

The vintage Dresden one I would make a simple chore jacket using the edges on the hems and front and sleeves. I’ve done several and they are amazing to wear. It’s served quality years loved as a quilt and has many more years to be enjoyed as a jacket to pass on. Good luck!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JUPANDY]

I just found you and I really love watching your things. Thank you. Judy

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you so much!

[@LeathaWhitney]

pillows, bench pillows. I had a coworker give me her grandmothers hand made quilts that the family had loved and used. There were four in total. One I cut the best pieces out and organized and combined with pieces of another and managed to get a lab quilt. the other two I manages to get enough to make a bench pillow from. I returned the completed items and her grandchildren are getting use out of them. PS and they love them

[@lorabrinkman]

Great ideas

[@sherilancaster2514]

For the Dresden plate quilt, I would repair the holes with decorative visible mending

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh that is a great idea

[@MelanieClark-ly2jl]

The Dresden quilt is a legacy and precious. Keep it as it is ❤

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the input

[@barbdripsue]

The very thin ones could've been made as Summer quilts for the bed. Some didn't have batting, but maybe another layer of a cotton between. You're donation ideas are wonderful. You gave my sister and I great ideas for the stash of my family's quilts. Thank you. ❤️🤗🧵🪡📍✂️

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh!! I'm so glad. Thanks for watching.

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

I vote for keeping the beautiful Dresden plate as a whole, not cut up.

[@lorabrinkman]

Definitely an option

[@AnnewithanA73]

I would use the border plates to repair the holes. Cut the border off and rebind the quilt with a matching new binding. If the back is salvageable but needs a few patches to repair you can use the old border pieces for that too.😊

[@glenmckenzie3243]

Yes, just lovely! I would far rather have a pastel faded quilt than a bright one, breaks my heart to think of that beautiful work to be cut into.

[@kellyschroer2114]

It would be beautiful as a table covering. You could cover it with a clear plastic table cloth to protect it from food, etc. when using the table. ❤❤

[@leanichols6824]

I'm late to the game on this and like all of the suggestions you have already received. This is a beautiful quilt. The first thought I had was to hang it on a wall. If it is too large and you have a hallway that is long enough it could hang there. It is a sweet quilt.

[@gleehanson4775]

I'm tickled to hear you're from Columbia , Missouri! I live in Laddonia and go to quilt guild in Mexico, Mo., less than an hour from you. I, and especially my sister love rescuing, repurposung and re-homing these beauties that women made in times past . Please make more videos!!

[@lorabrinkman]

How fun! Thanks so much for watching. :)

[@kaykerman7145]

My daughter lives in Columbia so we visit there often. Just went to a quilt retreat there in April.

[@reneesorenson5271]

Wow. These are great. I was once given two shoe boxes full of some torn pieces, and a little yardage. I have made two quilt tops out of it and both were donated. There is enough left for two or three more tops! And, I may take the larger parts and just piece them together for a back. What a blessing, from someone's mother after her passing. I like to think she's watching where it all ends up! With the big pink star, I would take off the outer white border, and maybe the pink one too, and then bind it into a baby-size quilt. The orange one, if you can't find a home for it as a whole quilt, it looks big enough that I would cut it into 4 pieces, and have 4 baby quilts. That dresden quilt is a real gem. If the holes can't be mended, I honestly think it would make a great jacket, with the scalloped edges as the hems and front opening.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching

[@elizabetha8373]

I have purchased pillow cases from estate sales, and they make really pretty shirt yokes. For the worn quilts do whatever gives them another life. It is better than the trash or thrift shop

[@lorabrinkman]

Love the idea of incorporating the pillowcases into apparel! I do agree with you... as long as the item is used, it's a win! Thanks for watching.

[@karen1351]

100% repurpose the cutters. I always rescue peoples work from op shops and try to include them. It’s a salute to the original sewing and others love to see that their work is still very much loved and appreciated

[@lorabrinkman]

Well said! Thanks for watching.

[@karenmitchell89]

I have really good luck with dawn and oxyclean to get stains out. Soak for at least 24 hours. Sometimes I need to rinse and start over. But great results!

[@lorabrinkman]

Dawn is great for so many things, isn't it?? Thanks for sharing.

[@marilynngriffin5538]

The Dresden plate can be displayed ; if necessary to cut up, frame several blocks to show off the handwork;

[@lorabrinkman]

great idea.

[@dixies1461]

Have you made clothing? I have made several vests from “cutters”. The challenge is finding pieces and blocks that can be centered on the back or symmetrical on the left/right fronts. I like using the worn binding as is for the front and bottom edges. It is so obvious that the quilt was “well loved” that people realize it has been lovingly repurposed. My biggest effort was a simple (no pockets, darts, etc.) hooded coat - the quilt had large areas with no stains so I was able to cut the pattern like you would with simple yardage. Use vintage fabrics for “binding” over the thick, raw inside seams. Pillowcases and hand towels with handwork can be made into jumpers for little girls. Sooo cute. Or peasant type blouses. Only have a block? Center it on the front of a sweatshirt! Leave the shabby parts if you can, that gives it personality…

[@lorabrinkman]

Great ideas

[@carolynkauppila346]

My teenage daughters actually loved Pillowcase Dolls made from embroidered pillowcases. Used as bed decor. I'm going to make some to be placed in a giftshop ( trading post )in a frontier town.

[@lorabrinkman]

OH... that reminds me of the "pajama dolls" I had as a kid.. you stuffed your pjs in them to hide them in the morning... now that I really think about that, though, hmm... how many nights should you wear the same pjs? HA!

[@serendipitysue3255]

Love those tea towels!

[@lorabrinkman]

they are neat, aren't they?

[@pamelairvin3164]

The lightweight quilts would make lovely baby blankets...child sized and stitched to new backing. Perhaps bumper sets?? An ottoman slipcover? A snuggle toy?? A custom window topper? Pillow shams? A sewing/crafting tote for supplies? Perhaps the exterior cover for a roll-up knitting needle carry-all???? If you can get past the first cut, anything is possible!!!! Blessings!

[@lorabrinkman]

Great ideas! Thanks for watching

[@glendamaikell4224]

Lovely ideas! I will say that it isn’t recommended to use bumper pads on baby beds now due to the possibility of suffocation. I really love the look of them but would definitely rather be safe.

[@PriscillaMyers-bp8hf]

Hi. Sorry this is lengthy, however some ideas...ref. the embroidered pillow cases, use the better conditioned ones for bed pillow decoration-show only. Swap at bedtime for pillows used for sleeping. If the stain wont come out of the one mentioned, and assuming there is enough width for clearance, maybe it could be cut off for a border to sew onto another pretty piece of fabric for a different pillow case. Ref. days of the week embroidered towels, use as is or acquire ideas on how you could frame them for decorative purpose. Last ref. on quilts, possibly cut main design into larger squares for throw pillow covers, maybe backing it using another part of the quilt? Perhaps the beautiful border of that Dresden quilt could be the border to go around a throw pillow cover using one of the main Dresden designs as the center point of the pillow. I made 2 full size quilts as a very amature quilter 48 yrs. ago that have had quilt love. They have areas of worn out backing. My dad suggested basting a thin batting onto new backing fabric or onto a sheet and tie tack the backing on. Then it would leave the front stitching to stay the same as when I quilted it and extending its use. 16:22 Good luck with the decision making.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching and for the ideas. Check out my video on what i did with the tea towels! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWHZgZp9eZ2dfaMsi=2UO43tOwsDtDh3Qd

[@joanbarker6581]

Love all the quilts and the dish towels are so pretty.!!!!

[@lorabrinkman]

They are! Thanks for watching

[@AnitaSouthall]

I see a few options. Table runner for the days of the week. Aprons are back in vogue so thats what i would use that lovely embroidery pillowcases for. Donate the yellow one. Repurpose anything with holes to make the outside of fabric storage baskets. Or turn into fresher quilts with new block settings and fresh QAYG blocks with new backs. Picking out the colours of the original Dresden pieces to unify any new project. Find a way to save the original border where possible to edge jeans or skirts. Be really great mixing repurposed denim with vintage embellishments. Might take a while but as a bag maker I use every scrap fabric to make new bags from old items .

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you for sharing all of these great ideas.

[@debbiefrick4380]

For the 43 years I knew my mother in law she was always cross stitching quilt blocks, which she then hand quilted with her sister or church group. Every one of her 4 children and 4 grandchildren has at least one of her quilts. After she died, my sister in law, who is also a quilter, took all the leftover new quilts. I, as someone who sews, embroiders, slow stitches, and crafts inherited every needle, embroidered dresser scarf, bit of embroidery thread, and the shreddy quilt that was caught in the recliner, etc. One generations old scrap quilt with layers of fabric, was gross and stained. I cut out the gross parts, washed the salvageable parts, and made little Christmas ornaments for family. I continue to use other pieces which are already embroidered in slow stitch notebook covers. I still have to tackle the quilt with the shredded edges and decide whether to make a smaller quilt or totebags or book covers.

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh!!! I love these ideas. Very clever.

[@MsBfromtheD]

I’m intrigued by the idea of Christmas ornaments. Can you elaborate?

[@debbiefrick4380]

@@MsBfromtheD I cut out simple shapes about 4 or 5 inches tall ...bells, angels, stars, stockings. I added bits of lace or cut out pieces of my MIL's embroidery. Sometimes I embroidered on it. I blanket stitched the raw edges. You can add a back or not to cover stitches. On the stockings I did add a back so they could hold little candy canes. Add a little ribbon or thread for hanging on the tree. The quilt was probably 100 years old so it was soft and thin. I may have actually backed them with another piece of the same quilt. They were not gorgeous treasures but just a small, sweet reminder of a woman we all loved on our first Christmas without the family matriarch.

[@marthadueck6461]

What great ideas. I was thinking of using embroidered pictures for bookcovers. And turn a table cloth into curtains. But a tote bag for be a great idea.

[@mariannebrown6652]

Those stacked pillow cases would make great curtain panels or valances

[@lorabrinkman]

Very fun idea. thanks for sharing.

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

What an interesting video. I think many of us have been gifted items in bulk and wonder what to do with them. Giving these quilts to someone like you who can appreciate the time and effort that's gone into each project is ideal - anywhere but landfill. The dresden plate quilt with scalloped edge is amazing. Thanks for sharing these well loved heirlooms here.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you for your kind comment. The handwork is amazing and something that I just don't typically have the patience to do, so it is definitely valued. Thanks for watching.

[@hyacinth4368]

I still use my embroidered pillowcases. When they get threadbare, I shop for more at estate sales and antique stores.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks wonderful

[@suzisaintjames]

For the dish towels, add every other block a red gingham or something fun, maybe add some red rickrack trim and you have a nice lap quilt for your lazyboy or someone in a wheelchair. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@lorabrinkman]

great idea... check out the video I posted today.

[@teressebirkett3387]

That's me! There's not a week goes by that I don't have a friend say......someone was going to bin this...yarn, embroidery etc etc you'll use this right? I always do but I'm glad there are others out there

[@lorabrinkman]

Ha! I understand. Don't get me wrong. It is very thoughtful and appreciated, but can be a little overwhelming.

[@prettyblimp]

Hi there! I am a new subscriber from Australia. With these old, soft handmade quilts, I'd wash and cut the feature pieces from the pink and other colour in the other quilt...white??. Check them well, repair or discard, and iron. Then iron on some pellon or smooth soft adhesive backing, check carefully for holes etc, and repair with any applique that suits. You could strengthen the pieces with dressmaker's adhesive facing, all cotton I believe. (for the piecing, I use the 1, 3 or 5 way - taking one, three or five coloured fabrics that match well to replace the pink. cheers!

[@lorabrinkman]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing the detail

[@gloriastrelow9822]

Proud of you and your work

[@lorabrinkman]

Aww... how kind of you. Thanks for watching.

[@alexandraandor5008]

Depending on how thin they are, I think they can make great table cloths as well. You can bring them out on the summer picnic table.

[@lorabrinkman]

That's a great idea!

[@kathyanstine4472]

Scraps can be used for journal making. 😊

[@lorabrinkman]

Great idea

[@shariburns6263]

Use the borders of the Dresden Plate quilt to lay on a shelf and hang down over the edge. Put photos and antiques on the shelf. Would also work the same on a mantel or top of a hutch.

[@lorabrinkman]

This would be simply delightful!!

[@laurenfulton6859]

St. Louis, MO, here. Keep up the great work!!!

[@lorabrinkman]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Denise11Schultz]

For the Dresden border, is there a way to add that as an element on a tiered skirt, maybe with a little tulle over it? So pretty. P.S. I’m a Stephens alum, ‘76. What a treat, when you said, “Columbia, MO”. 😉💙✨

[@lorabrinkman]

Awww... how fun! Stephen's is a great college. We are very fortunate to have multiple colleges in Columbia. Thanks for watching and for the idea. :)

[@normafleming2518]

mine were family quilts in much worse shape than the ones you received. I cut out usable squares and framed one for each family member. I thrifted the 8x10 frames and bought some acid free paper to create a faux matte and they came out very nice.

[@lorabrinkman]

That's amazing repurpose. I had some quilt blocks from my grandma that i did the same with for my family.

[@monicamatteo7664]

I like your thinking! - I have some older quilts (too many) that need to be repurposed

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching

[@FoD2001]

What beautiful quilts! I’ve subscribed and hope to see an update on these projects! The Dresden Plate one is stunning - Alice Caroline who sells Liberty fabrics and quilt kits has Liberty Tana Lawn kits that are being made now that look like that! Deb x 🤗

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for subbing!

[@jessicaosfamily]

My mother made a beautiful window dressing from an old quilt for my nursery.

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh!! I bet that's gorgeous

[@Kitten49able]

Love the video the embroidery is beautiful

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you! 😊

[@gailrodgers3079]

I haven't been given much lately and I never was given completed projects. Mostly it is oh Gail sews give her that fabric, give her that 12" rotary ruler (YES!!!), etc. But back when I could stell go yard saling I picked up oodles of embroidered items. Some pristine and others in not so good shape. Idon't know yet what I will do with them. I have enough fabric, embroidered goods, to keep me quilting for the next 500 years! My only quilt that I won a blue ribbon for about 30 years ago is falling apart. I sleep under it every night, I took it with me when I had to do overnights for my job, I always had it with me when I have had knee surgery. I have to finish some other quilts so I can replace it.

[@lorabrinkman]

I don't want to talk about the fabric pile.... lol

[@sarahkittelson622]

Quilt #3 has an ice cream cone border. It is so much work, and very special. Faded can be beautiful too!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the border information

[@debbrunette650]

Live in fulton glad i found your channel

[@lorabrinkman]

Hello, neighbor!!! Glad you found me, as well. We love having dinner at Beks in Fulton.

[@shepherd4406]

I am 69 and I know that my Grandmother and her mother were very much of the mindset that nothing gets wasted. As it wears out, it is repurposed. Eventually, it becomes rags. Whoever made those quilts I think would feel the same way.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for sharing. My grandmas were the same.

[@nitagail77]

I inherited pretty much the same things as you. I haven't decided what to do with the "daily" tea towels. I can tell you that the stained pillow case came from the hair oil that men wore back in the day. That's what keeps me from using them. For awhile, I did use the best pair in the guest room, but it just bothered me! One pair has beautifully embroidered blue birds with pink flowers. I have a pink shirt that I inherited from my mom_in_law. I'm going to cut out spaces on the front & back yokes. I will use the whole thing across the back & the blue birds on each side of the front. I will frame them by turning the yoke fabric & embroidering around. The back of the original piece will be safely backed by the shirt. I probably didn't make sense. I just needed to put in writing. Now I hafta do it!

[@lorabrinkman]

I completely understand needing to type it out and if it only makes sense to you to make it happen, that's fine with me. Happy stitching!

[@stitchflow4219]

It's such an interesting video. My suggestion for the quilt with the 5 embroidered panels that was a bit stained, is, to dye it. Possibly a bright pink would look well. Then it would be a lightweight and more modern looking item. We don't always need thick, heavy quilts. Lightweight ones have their place, too. This idea excites me. I hope it does you too.

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh... that sounds like fun. Great idea

[@pamelalinthompson]

Make a quilt jacket out of that Dresden. Kids coats are very popular too!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching

[@_Lynaed_]

What a funny coincidence. Yesterday I found a huuuuge table cloth with cute embroidery and I thought I need to make a quilt out of it. It doesn't have any trimms, but I don't want to cut into it. I think I might use it as a backing fabric

[@lorabrinkman]

Wonderful!

[@laurieamato-spivey9777]

This is a great topic. I have had things gifted to me. I have a project right now of a quilt that has been loved-hard. I'm thinking of making gifts for the people who gave it to me. That way they still have a piece of it. Bty I really like your videos❤

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the idea and watching!

[@juanitamccallon6205]

My Grandma Bell made a quilt top for each of her grandchildren. She was born in the 1800's. She used a sailing ship pattern. It's very appropriate for me since I live on the Pacific Ocean and have a nautical theme in my decorating. There are so many blessings that can come with the gift of a quilt. Quilts bring people together.

[@robinmccarley3373]

What about putting new backing on the worn quilts?

[@lorabrinkman]

I'm definitely looking into that idea. Thanks.

[@MarthaLambert-tx8se]

Use the pink star quilt with the embroidered blocks as a picnic tablecloth. The Dresden Plate would be a good tablecloth too. But framing the Dresden plates individually would give the plates new life and new purpose. Some little girls would love the the pillow cases as pillow case until they are more worn. Practice soaking methods on this group of things. Thanks for showing us this.

[@lorabrinkman]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@estherchandy6292]

I love your hair as well!!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you!! Ustena at Red the Salon in Columbia, MO. She's a magician!!

[@hnelson5609]

Biz, soak 3 days in a bucket or whatever. Wash on delicate setting. Works beautifully. Can also protect the stitches by placing in net bag or other pillow case. The colors aren't affected.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks

[@maureenmatthews4586]

Question, I have an old family appliqued quilt. It has a very damaged corner and when I washed it some of the colors bleed and I was wondering if you know how I can reason it to remove the dyes that ran and how to make it color stable afterwards so I can repurpose it. It is very heavy and I never thought of making other things out of it before watching your video. I am not sure who made it or now old it is, a paternal family member fro. Texas is all that I know. It was my Grandmothers but I know she didn't make it. The batting looks to be a heavy gray flannel. Thanks for your thoughts and channel. New subscriber from NJ.

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh.. no.... if you ran it through the dryer you may not be able to do anything.. if not... you may be able to get some of all of it out... Google "Suzy Quilts how to fix fabric bleeds" As far as color stabilization.. i use color catchers in with my quilts and typically after the first 2 washings its fine.. i have heard people use vinegar or salt to the washing... I'm not an expert on this so I'd suggest lots of research first

[@marynettleton8216]

The pillowcases would be cute turned into aprons or little girl's dresses/pinafore jumpers. The tea towels would be nice in blocks alternating with other fabrics for a quilt for a grandma, who remembers doing her work on days of the week. I wouldn't cut up quilt #2, or#3. Repair and continue to use the quilts as the original maker intended. Thank you for finding good uses for these heirlooms.❤

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching. Hope you check out the quilts I made from the tea towels and pillowcases! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofQe5qgrdOtbck kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWW7oKGoo9tjr68

[@valeriemaxwell406]

Beautiful quilts

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you! 😊

[@margaretbeard6564]

I love vintage Linens and use them anyway I can in every room in my house

[@lorabrinkman]

thanks for watching.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I would absolutely keep that dresden plate one and let continue to wear out with me.

[@lorabrinkman]

Ha!! It's tempting, but not the intent of the person donating... so I'll figure something out

[@shariburns6263]

Use the pillowcase borders to make a toddler's dress. Cut a coordinating T-shirt off a couple inches under the armholes. Gather the embroidered end of the case to make the skirt, which will be hemmed by the crocheted edging.

[@lorabrinkman]

What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@SheilaKraeuche-Corwin]

Love the ideas, i just recieved two hand quilted appliqued quilts my great grandmother made. I am deciding how to repurpose. Thanks for sharing the ideas!

[@lorabrinkman]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching

[@karinaeichmann1595]

Take the squares from pink and white and add the pillow case embroidery for a border for new quilt

[@lorabrinkman]

Oh!!! I love that idea!!!

[@damarisrempel9147]

Pink Star well worn quilt. Some people love vintage quilts ..,sell it to a collector and use the money for more fabric for you or charity! Same for the dresden one.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for the ideas.

[@jennifergaylor4593]

I tell the recipient of my quilts, if it needs repair, bring it to me and I will fix it. A quilt needs to be used

[@lorabrinkman]

Love this philosophy!!

[@lindagrimm2410]

I think you have thought of excellent ideas for the well loved quilts. Re-purpose by cutting and piecing new life into them.

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for watching.

[@dianam.9554]

I would take out the dresden blocks and maybe put new fabric around them to save the quilt and give that precious quilt new life. Lora, I have quilt blocks that were stitched by my kids Great Grandmother, but she used muslin that is very stiff to place the dresden on and she stitched them on the stiff muslin by hand. I want to finish the quilt but I don't want to take her stitching out. It's all done by her hands. I even have her needle that she used. !!!! Just wondering what would you do to fix this problem ? My blocks are different in that the dresdens are sewn on the muslin. Thank you for any advice that you might have.

[@lorabrinkman]

I'm definitely not at expert in this area and a family heirlooms are a different level of special... without seeing it, it's a little hard to truly know what approach I would take. From what you describe, it sounds like while the muslin is stiff, it isn't a "great" quality of fabric... if it were me... I would probably apply an iron on stabilizer to the back of the muslin and just leave them on it. You could also use a circle ruler larger than the Dresden plates... use the interfacing method of applique to make your circles and applique that onto another square piece of fabric for finishing blocks... That is a little hard to describe what I'm thinking... look up Lori Holt Granny Garden or Mercantile Sampler and hopefully you will figure out what I'm envisioning...

[@dianam.9554]

@@lorabrinkman Thank you Lora for your suggestions. I like the idea of the stabilizer, I know exactly what you mean. That's a great idea, that way I don't disturb the Dresden plates which has her hand quilting on them. Love your videos!!!!!!!

[@jeane.2722]

Thx, I enjoyed watching.

[@lorabrinkman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@terricoopersgermany]

Retro Clean works great on old linen. Find it in your grocery store.

[@lorabrinkman]

Great tip!

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Where can I find patterns to make myself a hand embroidered quilt made up of embroidered blocks. I really like the ones you've shown here.

[@lorabrinkman]

I would Google embroidered quilt blocks. There are a lot that are pre printed... you just stitch them up and then set them however you like. I've tried and failed several times to complete a set for a quilt. Ha! I get tired of doing the embroidery.

[@mahlemade]

I’d cut the tea towels and frame the prints -would be great decoration! Very retro…

[@lorabrinkman]

Great idea!! I love that!!!! Thanks for watching.

[@mindylundine5935]

The0 Dresden would make an awesome long jacket. Casual trench coat type, maybe some type of fabric rose or roses or something brooch on the lapel .....big pockets and lined with a peachy orange print or turquoise print😊😊

[@lorabrinkman]

Great idea!!

[@lindapearson2376]

Great ideas!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thank you! 😊

[@wandawalker4191]

I used Oxyclean stain remover on some old dresser scarves my friend gave me. There were seversl stains, and I soaked them for about a weel changing the wayer every few days. ALL of the stains came out!

[@lorabrinkman]

Thanks for sharing