Vintage Finds

I just can't resist shopping for more fabrics its one of my favorite things to do. It doesn't matter if its new fabric or vintage items to recycle into other usable items. These are my finds from last weeks shopping venture.



Blue and green flower sheets, so many possibilities



Tan native design pillow sham


blue and yellow curtains


burgundy flower pillow case

I just can't wait to make something out of these items.

Picking fabrics

How does one pick fabrics for making aprons or anything else? It all lies in the eye of the beholder. One persons tastes may not be anothers. That is why there are so many different styles and fashions and choices to be made.

Now somethings I can see visually and other times I need to see things all laid out together. Take yesterday, my husband was talking about putting rod iron fencing with wood posts. Now I could not see how it went together so he took me to Lowe's and showed me pictures and low and behold it can be done. But it was not with white painted posts and black rod iron but with natural wood posts and black rod iron. That is why I could not see putting it on my front porch, since I have white wood posts.

Now fabrics is another thing. I can look at some fabric, raw, in other forms such as curtains, table clothes and clothing and see how it would look cute in an apron. I guess its just what you have an eye for.

Look at this:


This was once a curtain valance and when I saw it I just knew it would look great as an apron.



This apron was an table cloth in its former life.

Picking fabrics is all in a matter of taste and also thinking beyond yourself and your tastes to think of what others might like as well.

What is organza?

Many times people shop and buy items and not really know what type a fabric is made of and the uniqueness of the fabric. Today I've chosen to tell you about organza since it is what several vintage aprons are made of.


This is from blueribbons.co.uk

Originally a lightweight silk fabric, organza is a plain weave that is created using nylon, polyester, and silk or a blend of any of the three which results in a translucent look. Nowadays, though many organzas are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon, the most luxurious organzas are still woven in silk.

Chinese organza is still often made completely from silk filaments. Italian and French organza is generally sturdier and often includes nylon filaments as a blend with the silk. Organza produced in India and the United States often uses a mixture of nylon and polyester to create usable organza that is both cost effective and smooth to the touch.


This is from Laritsana.com


Organza has a number of uses around the house. They are great for window treatments, adding a romantic touch to the bedroom by applying as a netting over the bed, draping over lap shades and suspending and draping over the walls. Make sure to use the lamps that have low wattage so that the organza doesn't burn. They also can be used as room dividers too.


This is from my shop: heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com

When it comes to attire, organza is a staple of formal dresses and other feminine wardrobe items. Wraps that are overlaid with organza can produce a sophisticated look that will draw many admiring eyes. One of the main uses of organza is in the creation of wedding dresses that help to make the big day all the more special. Between wedding attire and uptown evening fashions, organza has a secure future in the world of fashion.



This is from myweddingsales.com
Information is derived from the Wikipedia.org and Wisegeek.com