Crochet-edged Vintage Pillowcases

Whilst the weather continues wet and windy, my afternoons, when I am at home, are being devoted to indulging in the creative whim of the moment.

And this afternoon's whim was adding a crochet trim to a pair of pretty vintage pillowcases I found in a charity shop a week or two ago, for the bargain price of 50p each.

I have crochet-trimmed vintage pillowcases before, here and here, after being inspired by the gorgeous crochet-edged pillows in Rosehip's blog a few years ago, and buying this Mollie Makes Crochet book a couple of months ago I was excited to find that it included several edgings designed by Rosehip.

So finding these pretty pillowcases covered with tiny blue roses and even tinier blue spots, buried amongst piles of old duvet covers, sheets and curtains, was serendipitous.

And so, with the rain battering the windows, the wind howling outside, a good fire roaring away in the wood-burner, and a friend in for a cup of tea and a chat, I finished one pillowcase this afternoon.

As I had two balls of cotton, both which matched the flowers on the pillowcase, and not being able to decide which one to use, I went for using both. 

I used the green yarn to blanket stitch the edges first, then crocheted the first round in blue, then the second and final round in green. I'm glad I did as I like how it's turned out.

Another project I've pulled out of  the pile of WIPs for finishing off are these patchwork cushion covers started over a year ago. Made from new fabrics for a change, these are pieced from reproduction 1930s and feedsack fabrics, with simple embroidered hearts on white squares.

Even though I'm using new fabrics, I am using second hand embroidery threads that I picked up from the antique and flea market.

A peachy pink for these pretty yellow and pink tiny florals...........

.......and a pretty pale blue for the blue fabric patchwork top

I've marked the heart shapes ready for embroidering in a simple running stitch, and then I just need to make them up into covers and put them in my Etsy shop with some other Spring-like products.

I am still working on the reverse applique cushion cover, using these three shades of oranges and red, and I'm liking the look of this sea green thread as a pop of contrasting colour. 

Not sure yet how or where I'll use it.

Linking up with Chrissie Crafts and Ladybird Diaries in the Bloomin' Crochet-a-Long today, so check out the others linking up here.

Hope you have a happy and creative week!