Thursday 6 February 2014

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!




34 comments:

  1. Love your cushion covers, so perfect xx

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  2. Both your crochet edging and quilting look lovely!! You are so right about the colours you used on the pillowcases, they pick out the colours in the flowers and leaves so nicely. xx

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  3. What a pretty way to dress up pillow cases...love them! and your quilt!

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  4. What a wonderful idea to make plain pillowcases fancy. They really are stunning!

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  5. Your crochet trimmed pillow cases are just gorgeous Gill! This is definitely on my list of crafty things I must do this year. Thank you for linking up.
    Marianne x

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  6. Gorgeous images. Adore the blue and green crocheted combo. xx

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  7. So lovely, so charming to add a crochet lace to your colorful pillows! I love this idea! And the shades you choose, perfect!

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  8. I'd love to edge some pillowcases - can I ask how you start it though? And what yarn you are using? Any help appreciated!
    Thanks
    Sara

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  9. The colour on the link picture drew me in from Chrissie's blog. I love green any green, and I love those pillow cases. Also without knowing it, you have given me a brilliant idea for the blank cotton squares I was going to leave out of my quilts. They were all ready cut out because they were given me so they were easy pickings but I was going to stamp them but don't have the right ink so the hearts are a fab idea. Jo x

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  10. Love the crochet edging - it is something I would like to try.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  11. Ooooh I'm loving all your colours today Gill, so springlike . Your patchwork is gorgeous and I adore those pillowcases! :)
    V xxx

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  12. Gill, you're makes are always so inspiring! Love the colours of the crochet and your embroidery stitching is so neat - I'm quite envious :-)
    Hope the weather is not too horrible down in your part of the island,
    stay safe
    xx

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  13. The heart cushion covers are so sweet but I just love the crochet edges you have made on the pillowcases, they look so good with this little touch.
    Lisa x

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  14. The pillow cases look really pretty now - lovely idea. I'm very envious as I still can't crochet - went on a workshop recently, but now with no-one standing by me, I can't do it! If I get time at the weekend, I'm going to look on YouTube.

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  15. Oh wow! Soooo pretty! I love the colour combo you used for the pillow edging, it is just perfect! And the patchwork pillowcases, the sweet stitched hearts...someone is going to have sweet dreams with these pillows! Thanks for linking up, Chrissie x

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  16. Love the shell edging on the pillowcases Gill, they look gorgeous and the colours are perfect. Looking forward to seeing the finished patchwork cushions, the heart detail is a great idea. Have a lovely weekend.
    Jane xx

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  17. Love the edge of your pillowcases! And the book of Mollie Makes looks nice! Wish I could crochet like you can!
    Margriet xx

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  18. So clever and so so pretty
    Thea xx

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  19. Such beautiful workmanship, your photographs are stunning

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  20. Wonderfully bright Springtime colours - love that zingy green - especially on this grey freezing cold day. And your patchwork is just beautiful. Perfectly matching squares (unlike my attempt!). Keep warm! xCathy

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  21. Those twoo greens are lovely together, such a good idea!!!!!!

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  22. It is the special little touches that make a house a home and you are a genius at special touches. These pillow cases are magnificent :) Beyond charming.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  23. The crochet edging on the pillow cases have just made them wonderful and the colours match almost perfectly x

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  24. Oh I love those two colours together and they look exquisite as a crochet edge on your pillow slips, really pretty xox

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  25. Your work is really beautiful. I love the crochet edgings on the pillowcases.

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  26. How absolutely gorgeous! I wish I could crochet. Such pretties here

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  27. So pretty, Gill. Bet they will gorgeous on the bed - I'd never thought of crochet round a pillowcase but do like the look. Axxx

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  28. Your crochet edge vintage pillowcases are so gorgeous, Gill! I love the colour combination :)
    Helen xx

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  29. There's nothing like a pretty edge to a pillowcase, it just makes it sing. Loving your pretty quilting, it is all looking very pretty xxxx

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  30. Those pillowcases are absolutely beautiful. The two colours together are perfect.

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  31. How pretty these are ... and yes, those edging colours are perfect. Someone can expect some sweet dreams :)

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  32. these are very sweet an fine love them love de fabrics and the pastel colors lovely fine patchwork

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  33. I love the crochet edging! I have never tried it....may have to chance that!

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Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment - I love to read them!
Gill x