The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Beautiful inexpensive fabric!

Rachel sent me beautiful photos of what she had been making and I thought I have to make these into a post!  She made gorgeous tea towels (kitchen towels) using old sheets and they are so pretty!


To finish them off she worked a crochet edging around them.  Lovely! 

We have talked about before how old sheets, quilt covers, curtains etc provide miles of fabric at very inexpensive prices.  I hunt for them at op shops and have also been given lots of them.  In particular I look for vintage florals as they are what I love!
These have ended up as tea towels, table napkins, table cloths (a table cloth cut just to fit your table with a crochet edging is beautiful! Plus maybe matching napkins!) little curtains, aprons, pillowcases... that are also very suitable to make nighties, pyjama pants, little dresses, hankies...  so many things.  Also sheet sets can be cut down and even trimmed or appliquéd to make cot sheets, bassinet sheets and other nursery items. Very economical.
Usually I am able to get sheets for $2 to $4.  But it is a lot of yardage!  



I will also use plain  white or plain colours to back my tea towels as I would usually make them double thickness.  So plain ones are on my radar too! 

Rachel's are just so beautiful and far nicer than most tea towels in the shops. They probably cost her cents to make.  Ugly tea towels here are probably $8 each. Beautiful ones are probably $20 each but I almost never see any that I like.  These I love! 


I have had good luck with old curtains. These below I made a while back and I backed them with plain sheeting.  I keep lots out on display and on hand...


I had a box of trims I had collected over the years (again, op shops) and used these to trim them however my normal trim would be a crochet edge.  I might work that all the way around or just do one edge and make it a bit wider.


There are so many styles available you can find something to match your kitchen... pastels, brights, retro etc. In fact teenagers tend to really like the crazy retro prints and these make great pyjama pants which they then wear with a cotton t shirt or singlet top. Good gift! 

Fabrics can be really expensive but there are ways around it!   I always check in op shops for quilt covers, valances.... (think of all that ruffle!) sheets, curtains, table cloths...  this is how I met Jo! She saw me in an op shop rummaging through all these big bins of old linens and heard me talking to Andy and I don't know what else but then she said "is your name Annabel" and I said "yes" then she asked me if I was the Bluebirds are Nesting Annabel?  I think Jo was pretty on the ball to figure out it must have been me!  And I had good success in that op shop too! 

Thank you Rachel for showing us what can be made with a fantastic source of cheap material. Your pictures are just heavenly. 

I hope your week is going well!  What are you working on for your Christmas cupboard?  
What are your ideas for really inexpensive things to make?  Crafts and gift making do not have to cost a lot!  Not at all.  We can make the most of what we have and what we might find along the way. 
Currently I am trying to use up all kinds of things I have stashed in my craft cupboard and turn them into gifts or useful things. 

See you Friday! xxx




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81 comments:

  1. Sarah18 April 2017 at 19:05

    Yay, I get to be the first to comment! All of the pictures are so lovely, you ladies are so talented! I really need to figure out how to crochet an edge...

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    1. Annabel18 April 2017 at 19:10

      Dear Sarah, Take a look at this:
      http://thebluebirdsarenesting.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/simple-crochet-edgings-and-things-you.html Edgings are so useful and pretty easy! I hope you will try this and let me know how you go! Thanks for being the first to comment! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  2. Leslie McKinley18 April 2017 at 19:22

    Thank you Rachel for sharing your lovely tea towels! I am so inspired. I have used sheets for my own napkins, night gowns, and curtains, but never for gifts.
    I also appreciate Glenda's post on preparedness. Wow, you have done your homework!
    Thanks again to Annabel for sharing what these lovely ladies know and do.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 03:56

      Dear Leslie, These truly are pretty enough for gifts! I think the thing I aim for is if I know the colour of someones kitchen this is a help. Once I made a set of napkins and a little custom sized table cloth with edgings for my friend who has a caravan. It fit the little caravan table just right. This was a hit! Thank you for your comment and to Glenda as well! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 04:58



      Leslie, thank you!! I am just taking in your ideas - well, what you have actually made from sheeting! I think I'd love any of these as a gift! We tend to appreciate others' work more in the line of gift making!! I love the thought of Annabel's caravan tablecloth and napkins!! Delightful!!
      Rachel

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  3. Fiona18 April 2017 at 19:31

    Rachael they are gorgeous tea towels. I made heaps of them a year or so ago and I always sort of smile when I get one out of the basket. It's so much nicer to use what you have made. Did you back them with anything? I love the edging too and the actual floral is so pretty.

    Annabel you are fantastic all the things you think of making. I've fallen off my perch a bit and to try and get myself back up there I called in at spotlight this morning and bought of all things - some tea towel fabric. I had to go to one of my rentals for an inspection and did the detour to spotlight on the way home. Now i have to gird my loins and think about sewing but have work for the rest of the week so will get to it next week.

    Have a lovely week. Fi xxx

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:03

      Thanks, Fiona! I'm glad you're back!!
      As I wrote in my spiel, the towels are backed with cotton chenille. Actually, I would have had the chenille first, so I backed the chenille with pretty vintage sheeting! Ha ha!! I know what you mean - the towels do make me smile!!
      Rachel

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    2. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:21

      Dear Fiona, I have fallen of the perch many times. If I am not crocheting or making something it is pretty much a sign I HAVE fallen off the perch. In hard times and after I think crafts have helped me up again and enjoy life again when things have been tough. I know sewing is your happy place so I hope you have time for lots of it. Planning projects and collecting the things we need for them is fun too.
      I back my tea towels, I like that Rachel used chenille as I can say chenille is very absorbent! I have made stiffer heads from chenille...
      I hope you are having a good week! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Jane18 April 2017 at 19:35

    Rachel's tea towels are just lovely. Once again her photos are so beautifully styled. I thinks she may have been a photographic stylist in a former life.
    Just to add to your list of makings from old sheets and doona covers. I have made makeup purses, bathroom bags, library bags, shopping/market bags, pencil cases, messenger bags, computer bags, table runners, food bowl covers(you have a set of these), burp cloths, baby change mats, balloon covers(Harper has one not made with old sheets but Tilly has some). I'm sure there is many other items these wonderful cheap options of fabric can be made into. Forgot that I made my son some luxe pillowcases out of an old satin sheet. He has these in his rooftop camper for a bit of camping luxury.
    I think I might have talked myself into getting up into the sewing room and making a few things. Thanks for this as my sewing mojo had deserted me for the last wee while.
    Life is good.

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:07

      Thank you, Jane! Ha ha- this is my former life, and I love taking these photos to share with all you sweetie pies!! It's fun learning together! The green grass part of the photography was included for you!!
      Rachel

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    2. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:25

      Dear Jane, I love your list of suggestions! I can see library bags in my future. I like the idea of shopping bags too. And the balloon covers!
      The satin sheets idea is another whole area of ideas! I would love to find silk i.e. in a dressing own or scarves and make pillowcases with it.
      I hope you did get back into the sewing room! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. Cozy Thyme Cottage18 April 2017 at 19:50

    I just love yours and Rachel's tea towels made out of sheets! Did Rachel use a plain backing like you did? They are all so pretty and lovely! Think I will look in the thrift store tomorrow! Thanks for all your sharing! Nancy

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:11

      Thank you, Nancy! I love Annabel's towels, too!!
      I used cotton chenille (a bedspread) for the backing. It is very soft, and I have yet to dry something with it!! You might see this in your op shop/s!!
      Rachel

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  6. Mrs. Kelley Dibble18 April 2017 at 20:23

    Annabel and Rachel,

    I am GONE on these beauties! I can't say much more than they just turned out so adorably lovely! Anyone would smile to pull one of these out of the drawer and hang in the kitchen or bath. Even precious for a table napkin for tea or line a bread basket. When you see one displayed or happily hanging there, why, it doesn't get any funner than that!

    What thrifty bluebirds you gals are!

    *hugs*
    ~Kelley

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:14

      We thank you, Kelley!
      I hope you haven't gone too far; we love to keep your talent around, remember!! Ha ha!!
      You have made this fun!
      Rachel

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  7. Anonymous18 April 2017 at 20:26

    Wow Rachael, I love your tea towels and the styling. You are very clever.
    Annabel you are a continued source of inspiration. At the moment I am crocheting around bath mats and hand towels so hopefully I will have some pictures soon.
    Have a great week bluebirders.
    Love Jo

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:17

      Thank you, Jo! We will look forwad to your Annabel-inspired crocheted bath mats and hand towels!! Lovely!
      The joy in the towels comes from making beautiful things from very little!
      Rachel

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  8. gardenpat18 April 2017 at 20:28

    Such a beautiful use of sheets! I also frequent the thrift stores for flat sheets- mine are used as quilt backings and leftover pieces as handkerchiefs! Nothing as beautifully detailed as the tea towels pictured though! Well done!!

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:20

      Thank you, Gardenpat! Phew! You would use such a lot of sheeting for all the quilts you make!
      It seems that we are a very satisfied group of Bluebirds nesting in sheeting!
      Rachel

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  9. Mimi18 April 2017 at 20:36

    Rachel, these are just a bundle of beautiful! Such loveliness deserves display! I love them. Alas, my teatowel making skills at this time, only extend as far as mitred corners, which alone have given me grief...lol! I'm a little ways away from this sort of gorgeousness. But I will make it my aim to address this gap in my skills. I don't know...Bluebirds...always pushing me to do better ;-) Another easy thing to do is pillowcases and I am becoming quite accomplished at those, albeit simple ones. So easy, and like the teatowels, prettified with edgings or vintage and shabby chic fabrics, they become an unexpectedly lovely gift. I've only just got back to sewing so I have a lot of time to make up! Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:42

      Oh, Mimi! Thank you for helping me enjoy my pretty towels!
      I had thought I was set for mitred corners with the clear tutorial here
      http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/make-your-own-tea-time-napkins.html
      However, I found that they were unnecessary! Really, if crochet edgings take your interest, you can definitely make your own beautiful towel edgings! I did one towel with proper crochet through the pretty fabric, and that is definitely the nicest in its effect. Blanket stitch on the rest just made this project easier.
      Rachel

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  10. Anonymous18 April 2017 at 21:32

    Rachel- your edged teatowels are so pretty ! well done and thankyou Annabel for sharing with us.
    Love Maria xxx

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:43

      Thank you, Maria! You are a sweetie pie!!
      Rachel

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  11. Anonymous18 April 2017 at 21:43

    I love all the beautiful tea towels! You've both done lovely work x

    I look and look for lovely floral bedding in op shops, but never see anything like yours. I did, however, get one old blue floral flannelette sheet when cleaning out my MIL's house recently. Still deciding what that will become :)

    Sorry to hear about Andy's job loss, Annabel. I am pleased that you already have back-up plans in place, however I hope he is able to find something more soon xx Fiona

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 04:03

      Dear Fiona, ooh blue floral flannelette... I love the sound of that. It sounds so pretty. I would be torn between many things... heat packs, hankies for when sick, the worlds pretties dusters, pyjama pants.... so many options!
      This week Andy has picked up design work for at least four days so this is really helpful plus he knows some more is coming, hopefully next week. This is a big help. Thanks Fiona! with love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Anonymous30 April 2017 at 18:57

      Hi again, Annabel!
      You got me thinking, and I pulled out those sheets. Turns out they aren't flannelette, but that was ok.
      And I got an idea!
      I did like your thought of pyjama pants, since I've just made some for my son, but I'll have to keep waiting for some flannelette now.

      Instead I made some new lampshades! I've just put up a post about them :)

      I am sorry to hear you have been so sick. I also had Glandular Fever when I was young, so know how horrible it is. I hope it doesn't knock you around too much xx
      But good to hear that Andy has an interview! I hope it goes well for him, and that he gets a positive answer quickly!
      Much love,
      Fiona xx

      Delete
  12. Anonymous18 April 2017 at 22:03

    Dear Annabel, thank you for another beautiful post and for showing us what is possible using readily available resources . Thank you Rachel for sharing your lovely work with us , you may just end up persuading me to try to learn to crochet again!.

    I have been busy using my sizzix big shot machine to cut out pretty butterflies and dragonflies and flowers and balloons etc out of colourful cardboard .I am going to make some more cards in sets to give as gifts and also I would like to make some bookmarks and decorate some pegs . I also have some beautiful little birdy die cut templates which I will use to cut out lots of birds to decorate a notebook or a journal . I have an idea of decorating a canvas with die cut butterflies and seal it so I can use it as wall art for myself and if it turns out ok I will make more for gifts .
    Annabel I apologise I haven't commented for awhile , I have read every post but not really been up to commenting due to my increasing pain levels.
    I am at the point where I need to use my walker all the time. I have seen a muscular skeletal physio regarding my knee and I will be having physiotherapy regularly for 4 months plus seeing a couple of other professionals to help me.i haven't felt up to doing much crafting until Recently when I made some cards and cut out the butterflies etc.
    I hope everyone is having a lovely week . Thank you again Annabel and Rachel. Love BarbW.

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    1. Mimi19 April 2017 at 20:57

      Sending gentle hugs Barb xxx

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    2. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:31

      Dear Barb,
      I just love the sound of your bird templates! That is right up my alley! Also decorated pegs! They sound just lovely Barb!
      I also really like your butterfly ideas! They would make beautiful gifts too.
      I am really sorry you are suffering so much and hope the doctor can think of things to try and help reduce the pain. I hope the physio helps and that it all adds up and makes a big difference. Pain is awful to live with it is bad enough in a short time frame but continuous is another thing entirely.
      It is very worrying. Hugs Barb, thank you for your comment and joining in even when it is hard! With lots of love Annabel.xxx

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    3. Jane20 April 2017 at 00:54

      Barb I wish I could just come by and have a cuppa with you. I would love to learn how to use these card making machines but need an expert, like yourself, to walk me through the do's and don'ts. I hope you feel more like yourself real soon.

      Delete
    4. jomorro20 April 2017 at 02:38

      Hi Barb,
      Sorry to hear that you have not been well. I was wondering about you. Your card making sounds great. Bookmarks are really useful. I have been given some that are cross stitched and I use them all the time. Great gift idea. Decorated pegs sound interesting too. Do you add magnets? I hope that you get some relief from the pain soon. Take good care. Jo

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    5. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:17

      Dear Barb!
      You're having a tough run, and I'm sure many hearts go out to you. I'd love to see you pain free.
      If crochet interests you, then I hope you will feel up to tackling it afresh! Just chirp if you can use a hand with it, okay?! This subject of repurposing fabric is so exciting .... and another favourite of mine now!
      Rachel

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  13. Janine18 April 2017 at 22:26

    Simply gorgeous Rachel and Annabel.

    Janine

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:44

      Thank you from us both, Janine! You're another sweetie pie!!
      Rachel

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  14. Nanna Chel19 April 2017 at 03:05

    Annabel, the tea towels look lovely. I wonder how absorbent they are though but I guess it depends on the fabric. I have some 'vintage' sheets which were given to use when we got married back in the 1970s and they would be much too thick and non-absorbent to be used as tea towels. I always love that photo of the old curtains you have trimmed. Such a lovely floral design.

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 04:00

      Dear Nanna Chel, I have not had an issue with too thick but I have with too thin. As long as it is cotton it is good but if too thin I back it with a thicker cotton. If you have something too thick I would think of cushion covers, table cloths maybe... Also I use my most absorbent cloths as tea towels and if I think they are less absorbent I could use them to line the picnic basket, wrap scones, cover food etc. but really I go for cottons and they are really good and versatile. Many thanks! I love pretty florals to me they are so cheerful, with love Annabel.xxx

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  15. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 03:52

    Absolutely beautiful Rachel and Annabel!! Blessings Cookie

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:48

      Thank you, Cookie! A crochet hook can be as artistic as a paintbrush, can't it?!
      Rachel

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  16. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 04:47



    Hi Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    Well, everyone, do you see that photo with the ladder? It was the beautiful kitchen towels hanging on the left that inspired me so much!! I thought they were so colourful, cheerful and pretty all at once! That was last year!

    The story is that one cut piece of fabric seemed to look back at me in an op shop one day! I wondered about it. It looked colourful and chirpy. .... The next time I walked through that shop, the same piece of fabric jumped out at me!! I saw in it some of the qualities of Annabel's own kitchen towels. I imagined crochet edgings to match the flowers in the vintage sheeting! I bought it for $1. It cut into five towels. Each towel is backed by pale blue cotton chenille, cut from a bedspread being sold as a painting drop sheet for .... $1. I just need to test out the towels, although I like the idea of giving them light duties - like covering food and looking pretty!!

    I also set myself the challenge of using the crochet cottons that I liked least by combining them with colours I liked better to make something thick enough to work with! Variegated orange with pale pink now makes me smile! I am on my crochet crash course!

    Thank you, Annabel, for the inspiration here, and for the cumulation of ideas that you and your Bluebirds are so kind to mention. Allowing us to share our work is another joy, in itself! I have other projects with other sheeting planned! All you sweetie pies who have contributed comments make sharing of these humble towels such fun!

    Thank you, all!

    Now, those towels were made from curtains, eh?!!!! I'd better keep my eyes open!!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. quakerhillfarm19 April 2017 at 05:55

      Your creativity shines through! Love the fabric and the edging. Great inspiration for this beautiful morning. thank you

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    2. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 14:55

      You know, Lynn, I am learning to crochet as part of my 'blog secretary' job! I'm not finished yet!
      Thank you!
      Rachel

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    3. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:36

      Dear Rachel, Your photos are always like they are from a Romantic Homes or Victoria magazine and I am so grateful for them! What a joy! I also love that simple homemaking things can be so happy and lovely! I think I should have published your description of how you did all this but what happened is I saved the photos for a post and forgot about the words. (see me smacking myself in the forehead!)
      Yes curtains.... the other day I saw a bedspread with quilted top, quite thick. Too bad it was UGLY as anything as I thought if it was nice the thick quilted area would make up well into pot holders! Sometime I will see one! Plus ruffles.... the ruffles around some things can become bedskirts, or valances on a little window... or RUFFLED TABLECLOTHS. I have a thing about table cloths with ruffles. Chloe has a shower curtain that is just row after row of ruffles and it is gorgeous! Now I want to go op shopping!
      Thank you so much Rachel! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  17. tealady19 April 2017 at 05:04

    Very pretty towel's. I wear a lot of dresses and have been using sheets for years. the cost of fabric has just gotten so expensive. The only way I could continue sewing was by using sheets. After seeing her tea towels I think I'm going to use my next sheet to make these pretty towels.

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:51

      Thank you, Tea lady! We hope that you'll join the kitchen towel-from-sheeting sewers!
      Rachel

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  18. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 05:25

    Very beautiful towels, Rachel! This is a timely post, as I just finished a set of p.j.'s for my girls for Easter out of the last of the rose sheet I had already partly used for pillowcases for our bed. The nice thing was it already had a really wide trim to the top edge of the sheet, which I had incorporated into the top edges of the pillowcases I made, and then there was just enough left to use for a bottom edge for the front of one of the p.j. shirts! (One less edge to hem??? Yes, please! :) The thrift stores here caught on a few years ago that quilters buy sheets for backing and have been charging accordingly. It's quite ridiculous, as it is often just as cheap to buy a new sheet, instead of a used, possibly stained one. But every once in awhile I luck out! Rachel's sheet is just lovely.

    xx Jen in NS

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:39

      Oh Jen please take photos! Those pjs sound gorgeous! I have seen new sheets on great prices in the sales... they also become an economical option! Lately Jen I am using Ebay as a giant op shop when I want something specific and with pretty good results. You have to watch postage costs don't wreck the deal but I have had a lot of success!
      I hope your week is going well! xxx

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    2. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:29

      Jen, I imagine your sewing is beautiful! It is lovely that your rose fabric has served your purposes so well! It is good when things just turn out like that!!
      Thank you for your uplifting comments!
      Rachel

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  19. JES19 April 2017 at 05:34

    Rachel, your picture is just to my taste! The fabric is lovely and I love how you made such pretties out of it! I have old twin sheets from my daughters bed that I have been saving for such things... Thank you for sharing! P.S. Yours are also gorgeous Annabel :)

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:40

      Thank you Jes! We could include re covering pot holders in this! I think how a matching apron and pot holder would be lovely.
      We need more hours in the day that is for sure! xxx

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    2. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:45

      Jes, there's something special about bringing homely things outdoors! They just come to life there! Thank you!!
      Rachel

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  20. quakerhillfarm19 April 2017 at 05:53

    What beauty! I just love the pics of both Rachel and your creations! Great inspiration!

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:41

      Thank you Lynn! They are cheerful aren't they!? Something so simple can be lovely. These little things make a day nicer! xxx

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  21. Glenda19 April 2017 at 07:18

    Very beautiful fabrics, Rachel and Annabelle. I love any of the old prints. They are hard to find these days; at least, in our area.
    You've both done a gorgeous job of recycling them into useful products.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 14:57

      Thank you very much, Glenda!
      It's amazing what we do for a smile!! They must have had a lot of smiles back when this sheeting was new!
      Rachel

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  22. Teri S19 April 2017 at 11:22

    Annabel and Rachel, I love the fabrics you have chosen to make tea towels and so clever to use old sheets. I now look at the thrift stores but, like Glenda, don't seem to see the old prints or floral prints in our area either.

    I keep looking. I'm also looking for flannel in the floral prints (sheets) to make pillow cases and hankies with!

    Also, Annabel, I didn't get a chance to tell you how much I love your new clothes line!! Andy, well done!! Love, Teri

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:44

      Dear Teri,
      Try eBay as an alternative thrift store. Watch postage but it can be just as cheap and easier to find what you want. Also possibly Etsy. Again look for old sheets, linen, curtains etc as the volume of fabric will be much more usually for less. I have had some success with this.
      I am glad you like the clothes line! I am loving it and it fits a huge amount, at least twice the area of the old one.
      I hope you are having a good week! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:34

      Teri, the funny thing is that this was the only fabric to choose from, for me! That was a good choice! Actually, I had the idea that Annabel must have used sheets! Ha ha!! Too late now!
      Rachel

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    3. Teri S20 April 2017 at 20:31

      Annabel, thank you for these suggestions. I'm sure getting lots of ideas for using some lace curtain valances! :) And I plan to make a couple nighties also!! Love, Teri

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  23. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 13:01

    The tea towels are gorgeous! I had the good fortune to find an Estate sale online set up as an auction (a local company does these) and I bought literally at least 25 flat sheets (twin and full size) and just as many fitted sheets and probably 60 pillowcases! I'll send Annabel a few photos of my stash. Most of these sheets were new, still in plastic, and so were a good number of the pillowcases, only without the wrapping. I have one twin bed in the house and no full size beds (we have mainly queen and king), so I plan to use these to sew with and to back quilts. Many of the pillowcases have buttonholes added with buttons. I'm guessing the lady made them so that the bed pillows don't fall out of the ends, anyone else have any ideas why these were done? I hadn't even thought of making them into tea towels, this is a wonderful idea! Thank you!

    Jeanette

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    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:49

      Dear Jeanette,
      !!!! oh my goodness I wish I was at that sale with you! I would LOVE to see photos! Just wow! I have dreams about things like this!
      A pillowcase filled with towelling or an absorbent fabric can also become a bath mat. Your supply sounds just fabulous to me! I have seen pillowcases with buttons for that reason. Little childrens clothes can be made i.e. with a suitable print little boys pyjama bottoms, library bags, toy bags...
      You can have too many kitchen towels. I use them to line picnic baskets, cover food, wrap scones and a lot of things apart from actually drying dishes of course!
      Oh! and another one is covering your sour dough mixtures and your rising bread! :) I hope you will share some pictures as you make things! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Teri S20 April 2017 at 20:27

      Jeanette, I'm thinking that this lady used buttons on pillowcases to keep the matching set of sheets all tucked into the pillowcase?? Just a thought! I never did this but have read that lots of people do this with sheet sets to keep them together plus it keeps the linen closet more tidy. Teri :)

      Delete
  24. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 16:26

    Annabel,
    Such beauty to behold from a simple sheet! They look so pretty displayed on a ladder! When Em was about 3 I had lovely white cotton ruffled curtains and made her a pretty lacy dust ruffle and bedspread from bunches of lace curtains I had embellished with big pink bows and made fabric flower tie backs for the curtains to match. Unfortunately the moved and left them. It broke my heart!

    Rachel- Your tea towels are so perfectly lovely! What a wonderful and pretty way to make do! I love the edgings they just add that extra touch! Good job!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    Replies
    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:53

      Dear Vicky,
      I would have loved to have seen a dust ruffle and bedspread made from lace curtains! What an idea! oh my! There is a site called Victoria Trading company... they have lace dust ruffles, throws, and lace edged sheets and pillowcases. Gorgeous. You just gave me a ton of ideas! Bye... I have to go op shopping! haha!
      Thank you for this idea, I wont be the only one reading this imagining what could be made from lace curtains! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:40

      Vicky, we get so much satisfaction from making do that we just don't know what new purchases we're missing out on!!
      Rachel

      Delete
  25. Anonymous19 April 2017 at 17:12

    Dear Annabel and Blue Bird friends, what a feast for the eyes you have given us. I just love the splash of colour these simple kitchen items give.

    I have loads of sheets and doona covers waiting to be used for something else other than a bed. There was a time when the Sheridan outlet shops use to not only sell reduced bedding but sheeting by the meter. I also have lots of the by the meter stuff as well. Because of the massive width it was always perfect for curtain fabric.

    I know in my stash I have quite a few meters of white, purchased as backing for curtains.

    This will be house number 3 that I have stored my stash in but, it will be used. Mimi's idea for a night gown will see to some of the stash disappearing but there are curtains and now kitchen items and the list will no doubt grow from there.

    I will just have to keep my eyes peeled for some crochet cotton to create pretty edges.

    Love


    Lynette
    XXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:58

      Dear Lynette,
      I remember Sheridan selling sheeting by the meter! I haven't seen that in a long time! We had other places that sold sheeting too years ago. It was fantastic because of the really wide rolls.
      It is wonderful you have this stash. It could become many things. So much potential.
      I think you know about Bendigo Woollen Mills for cotton... I like finding it in op shops too though! Spotlight is ok for the very fine cottons in balls.
      We are having pouring rain today. It is good on the garden and a good indoor catching up day! I hope your week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Jane20 April 2017 at 00:48

      Lynette and Annabel they used to also sell the corner cut outs of fitted sheets. My first quilt was made from these. It was for my son when he was four. It finally became a dog quilt and then was retired to the tip about a year ago. My son is 27.

      Delete
  26. patsi @ a working pantry19 April 2017 at 18:30

    Just look at all this beauty and it didn't cost a fortune either!!!! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel19 April 2017 at 22:54

      Economical and pretty! There are so many lovely ideas and I love practical things being beautiful! A little bit of basic sewing means we can make a lot of things too!xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:47

      Thank you from me, too, Patsi! I had thought that Annabel's kitchen towels would, surely, bring sunshine to any difficult day.
      Rachel

      Delete
  27. Mel20 April 2017 at 02:30

    Loved these gorgeous items and a very timely thread as I am going op-shopping tomorrow. I have lost a lot of weight of late and am in need of clothing but because I am still losing more weight I will not buy any new clothes but I am hoping to buy enough in one or more sizes down. I will also be looking for sheets etc for making new night wear for my self and for my two youngest DDs for Christmas. I am also wanting to make a few nice pillow cases with lace crocheted edges for gifts and for my bed as well as making a few "funky ones" for DD19 to give as gifts to her friends at Christmas. I am also wanting to make my Granddaughter some nice cushions for her room and also I am needing new cushion covers for the lounge> I have some cushions but need new covers so I will be looking for suitable fabric for these.

    I am so impressed with these beautiful tea towels and am going to make some with perhaps even a few geometrical designed ones thrown in and some matching oven mitts. I am excited to get started.

    Love Mel

    ReplyDelete
  28. jomorro20 April 2017 at 02:45

    Hi Annabel,
    I am so glad that you remember our shop. I must have had my detective hat on that day! Look forward to your next visit. The photos are beautiful. Lots of great ideas to inspire! Many many thanks to you and Rachel for sharing. Cheers Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 04:38

      Jo, you must see so much potential being on the other side of the counter at your op shop! Just imagine what fun the Bluebirds would have visiting you there!
      Thank you for your thanks!
      Rachel

      Delete
  29. Debbie Lever20 April 2017 at 15:05

    Just beautiful Rachel and Annabel, I always look in op shops but have yet to come up with anything that pretty. I will keep looking. Debbie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous21 April 2017 at 18:37

      All the best with your fabric search, Debbie, and thank you from the two of us!!
      Rachel

      Delete
  30. Poppy23 April 2017 at 23:30

    Stopping by from JES', what charming and cheery pretties you have created for your Christmas challenge! Beautifully styled, too!

    Poppy:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous24 April 2017 at 02:13

    I've just been over at Jes's, too!! Thank you for your friendly visit and appreciated comments, Poppy!
    Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  32. Carol @Comfort Spring Station24 April 2017 at 03:30

    I also look for vintage linen - sheets, tablecloths, curtains. I've made pillow covers, curtains, and tablecloths. I haven't tried crocheting the edges but I must try that. I've sewn lace on the edge which is similar but more expensive. Lovely photos. It's hard to find the soft pastels which I also love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel24 April 2017 at 18:44

      Dear Carol, Thank you! One thing I have done is if I find a fabric I like but its too bright I use the wrong side which is normally a softer version. I have also faded things at times but that is time consuming! Another is I have placed a layer of tulle or organza over a brighter print and this softens it hugely! I have done this on cushions.
      Good luck on pastel hunting! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  33. JES24 April 2017 at 13:09

    Hi there! Just wanted you lovely ladies to know that this post was featured today on The Art of Home-Making Mondays. Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel24 April 2017 at 18:44

      Thank you so much Jes that is a great honour! xxxx

      Delete

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