5 Ways to Bring Retro Vibes with Quilts

If you've been around my site for a while, you probably know that I have a 'thing' for vintage and retro quilts and style. So I was excited when Maude of The Retro Quilter offered to share some tips and favorite quilt-inspired-projects that can bring that retro vibe to your home decor!

5 Ways to bring Retro Vibes into your home the Quilty way

Hi friend! I’m Maude, the Retro Quilter and surprise surprise! I love all things quilty and all things retro! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ways to bring a little retro flare into your home while of course, keeping it quilty.

Jelly Roll Rug

The jelly roll rug is classic vintage style. My grandma had one in her kitchen and so I automatically am fond of these rugs.

I love them as well because it is a fun and easy beginner project that you can do over the weekend with not a lot of commitment. If you would like the Retro Quilter’s guide to making a jelly roll rug, click the link below.

The Retro Quilter Jelly Roll Rug Guide

Hexie Lampshade

This project uses up your scraps nicely and doesn’t actually require any sewing. I used my AccuQuiltGo! Me and the 1½” hexagon die to cut all of my scraps. Alternatively you can cut fabric with most Cricut cutters or by hand.

Cut all hexagons the same size and glue them onto a fabric lampshade with permanent fabric glue. Trim the hexagons that go over the edges so you don’t see a bunch of extra fabric hanging along the inside of the shade. You can seal in fabrics with a good coat of Mod Podge, or simply leave it as is to enjoy.

Retro Daisy Wall Hanging

Retro Daisy Wall Hanging made by and courtesy of Maechen Heitzman

Retro Daisy is my third quilt pattern, and I have included a wall hanging size with instructions on how to make the pockets in order to use a dowel and hang it on a wall.

This pattern can be made with flat or stuffed daisies to make it 3D applique. Retro Daisy is so versatile and fun to make, it would bring all sorts of 60’s vibes to any room.

You can find the Retro Daisy pattern here

Retro Ribbon Quilt

My latest pattern, Retro Ribbon is full of those mid century curves for maximum retro goodness. This pattern exudes cool in any fabric pull or colourway. Hang it on the wall, put it on the couch or bed and soak in the nostalgia and coziness.

Find Retro Ribbon Patttern Here

Making any quilt in vintage sheets

Using vintage sheets for fabric in any quilt pattern will give a fun uniqueness into your home.

Some helpful pointers:

Use polyester thread since most vintage sheets are 50/50 polyester/cotton, you’ll find your stitches to be smoother and easier to do.

Starch your sheets well before cutting and sewing because a lot of vintage sheets can be flimsy and slippery due to the polyester.

Any vintage sheets will make your quilt even more unique and special.

Any or all of these fun projects will give fun and uniqueness to any space. Please tag me on social media @theretroquilter so I can see your take on these activities! For more retro quilty goodness, go to www.theretroquilter.com and @theretroquilter on Instagram and Facebook.

Until next time-

Keep it Quilty friends!

Maude

Thanks so much for the fun and fab inspiration, Maude!

I finished a patchwork quilt made from a collection of vintage sheets last year, and it's one of my favorite quilts - both to look at and to nap underneath. Those linens are so soft and so fun to collect.

If you're looking for vintage sheets, check your local thrift store.

If you don't have the time or desire to go thrifting, you can also often find various assortments of vintage sheet fat quarters or even pre-cut squares on Etsy.