Vintage Sheet Projects

Published: Jan 6, 2011 by Amy Smart · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

I realized I never shared pictures of the final hanging of the hoops. I love them. I was originally inspired the first time I visited Purl Patchwork and saw their swatch portraits. Only their's are Liberty prints - and seeing as my Liberty collection is still pretty small (extremely small, like maybe one really small hoop's worth), and that Liberty prints are around $30 a yard, I never did anything about it. Until I saw Amanda's wonderful use of Vintage Sheets for such a purpose! Brilliant!

(The one on the bottom left was my Grandma's. It's my sentimental favorite. I still have a flat sheet to use as a quilt back some day . . .)

Here's a brief tutorial how I framed mine. I found all the hoops at thrift shops for really cheap. Most of the sheets in a likewise manner. Use the hoop to frame the sheet portion you would like to focus on. Tighten that screw-thingy. Trim off the excess leaving about an inch of fabric all the way around. Carefully apply hot glue a couple inches at a time and then gently pull the fabric taught over the glue.

This should create a nice, tightly framed swatch.

I've hung mine over my cutting table where I can admire them. And here is a rare glimpse of my work space. (Notice the photo is strategically cropped to hide some serious piles of WIPS.) My goal this year is to have my whole sewing space aesthetically pleasing enough to be photographed.

Here's one more vintage sheet project we've been working on. My baby is turning 12 this week!! (CRAZY.) Anyway, she is ready for a new, chic, big-girl look to her bedroom. We found a great slightly-damaged PBteen duvet cover (at a greatly reduced price) a few months ago and we've been building around that. Part of that makeover includes this throw quilt made from two vintage sheets. And then we added our first coordinating throw pillow. Hopefully I can get to the curtains in the next few weeks and then we can do a big reveal. But in the mean time, here's a bit of a peek.

PS MANY THANKS for your kind words about my last post. (I realized afterwards that I had broken one of my rules about not writing blog posts when I should be in bed - that one came off way too cheezy!) But you folks are nice nonetheless.

And I was reminded of this little feature. If you've made one of those table runners (or anything else with one of my tutorials) please share! I'd love to see it! (And so would lots of other people, I'm sure.) Go to this flickr page to post pictures. Then one day we could totally have a party showing off the stuff YOU made.

Thank you again. That's all. {curtsies}

More Sewing for Your Home

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Bonnie says

January 06, 2011 at 4:21 pm

This is such a pretty idea and a fabulous way to add some colourful art to the walls.

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Larain says

January 06, 2011 at 4:27 pm

What a great idea. I think I will do the same with some of my favourite fabrics. It will help to brighten my sewing space.

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Tara @ Tara Being Tara says

January 06, 2011 at 4:31 pm

I love the framed fabric idea... I have some scraps of fabrics from various projects that I'm too attached to to actually use again - framing them would be a great reminder of my past accomplishments. P.S. I think your sewing room looks great! =)

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Michelle@Somedaycrafts says

January 06, 2011 at 4:42 pm

Oh So Gorgeous! I am featuring this tonight at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

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John'aLee says

January 06, 2011 at 4:59 pm

What a great idea! That is such a cool arrangement you did with them on your wall.

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Elena says

January 06, 2011 at 5:00 pm

Great idea, and such a nice arrangement on the wall! I think the final layout is always the hardest part of hanging things up. Well done!

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A. says

January 06, 2011 at 5:06 pm

Yeeesssss!! It is all so gorgeous!! And I want to roll around in that quilt. I felt the same way about Lizzy last week (though she is only 3) 'cause it was her first week in Sunbeams. Like, whaaaat - I have a kid in Primary?! I *love* that that funky green print that's on the back (or is that the front?). Nice pillow, too - did you see the pillow thing at Stitched in Color? Anyway, thanks

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Clisty says

January 06, 2011 at 5:16 pm

Thanks for posting that cute throw! I just inherited LOTS of vintage sheets from my Great Grandmother, and I am so excited to put one of these together!! I might even see if there is something I can use for two new quilts in my girls' room, they have a full and twin bunk, so it would be fun to coordinate two fun prints for each bed. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FUN POSTS!!

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DJ Rose says

January 06, 2011 at 5:46 pm

I have one of those sheets. 🙂 The one you used for your daughter's throw. Its the one with purple flowers and green. So excited. I've had it and a purple satin sheet to make into a TV king size blanket for 10+ years sitting in my sewing room. I may have to pull it out and finish it.

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Stephanie Rose says

January 06, 2011 at 5:51 pm

LOVE THIS!! I really, really do!!

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Karen says

January 06, 2011 at 6:12 pm

This is a project I've been meaning to do for my sewing room. Just need to buy more hoops. I saw this idea in a magazine a few years ago. Thanks for sharing your pictures...they served as a reminder to me. Karen

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Katy says

January 06, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Thanks for the flickr shout out! I'll be sure to post my runner when it's finished. 🙂 Happy birthday to your little girl, too.

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Kristie says

January 06, 2011 at 7:04 pm

Oh, you are making me drool with your pretty hoops and your daughter's sneak peek! I have a small vintage sheet collection I had forgotten about...need to get back at it!

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Amelia says

January 06, 2011 at 7:08 pm

Love those hoops! I've been wanting to make some for a while but haven't gotten around to it. But you've inspired me to find some fabric that I really love and just do it! I also love your "baby's" new quilt and matching throw pillow, a very happy birthday to her!!

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Patty says

January 06, 2011 at 7:12 pm

Nice idea love the look you achieved withe hops. The throw quilt and pillow are gorgeous what 12 year-old wouldn't love those in her room?

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Meghan says

January 06, 2011 at 8:11 pm

Oh I love this 🙂 But who does not love vintage + hoops!

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Katie B. says

January 06, 2011 at 9:50 pm

I love your hoops! I have plenty of blank walls that could use a group of those.

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Michelle says

January 06, 2011 at 11:03 pm

I love love LOVE this idea! I am deff. going to do this for my 'man cave'! LOL! And link back here of course! Thanks for the inspiration <3

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Amy says

January 06, 2011 at 11:53 pm

I love the hoops! I am sure your daughters bedroom will look divine!!

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Anna says

January 07, 2011 at 9:07 am

love love the hoops amy! they're beautiful. and the tiny one with the big flower is so sweet. the quilt/pillow is amazing too, how fun. I remember being big into decorating my room when I was that age. 🙂

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Natalia from Piece N Quilt says

January 07, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Amy, what a fabulous idea! They are darling! I totally want to make some for my studio now! 🙂

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Andy says

January 07, 2011 at 4:33 pm

ahhhh! I have a whole empty wall in my sewing room and I could never decide quite what to put there. Now I know! Thanks Amy

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Christine says

January 07, 2011 at 6:29 pm

I love what you did, it looks amazing!!! I really love the sheet quilt, it oh so pretty.

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Chrissy says

January 07, 2011 at 10:39 pm

I love vintage sheets and your selections look so beautiful together! You have a lovely aesthetic. 🙂

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joliesjunebugboutique says

January 09, 2011 at 6:59 am

Love the colors of her quilt and pillow! Can't wait to see the big reveal!

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-Sam says

January 12, 2011 at 6:54 pm

I love this idea--I have so many vintage sheet "pieces" leftover from other projects, this is perfect!

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Carolyn says

February 02, 2011 at 6:57 am

what a neat idea....and you can change them quickly for a nice change and use the fabric on a scrappy quilt. https://www.thriftyideastoday.com/

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Sara vs. Sarah says

March 03, 2011 at 3:57 pm

The sheets framed in embroidery hoops is a great idea! I may have to do that with some of my vintage table clothes that have seen better days.

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Bobbie says

March 12, 2011 at 9:28 am

OMG!!!!! I have (and still use) the blue sheets with the big flowers on them as seen in your daughters "new" throw quilt. They are on a twin bed in our spare room. That's just too funny!!!!!

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Cassandra {Sleeping or Sewing} says

April 26, 2011 at 8:45 am

LOVE IT ALL!!! The loops are fantastic! Now I'm gonna be on a mission to find a whole bunch of loops at thrift stores (but I'm already there all the time anyways looking for vintage sheets. 🙂

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Katie @SwimBikeQuilt says

December 07, 2012 at 1:25 pm

hot glue gun is so smart!

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Cindy says

May 04, 2013 at 11:05 pm

What a great idea! I recognize a sheet set we still have around! 😉

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