Vintage Crocheted 'Doily' Pillows

When I am out thrifting, I am always

on the lookout for vintage crocheted pieces. 

As a crocheter  myself, I can appreciate the 

hours of work and skill it takes to create 

these beautiful treasures. 

Vintage crocheted doilies, placemats, 

and table runners can be re-purposed 

in very lovely ways. 

This holiday season I was inspired to create 

this pretty pillow out of a large vintage doily.

(You know, because I didn't have enough to do! *grin*)

 It reminded me of a beautiful snowflake! 

To make one of your own, simply trace the doily 

perimeter onto a doubled piece of fabric to use as a backing. 

I simply used a pencil. 

When cutting out your fabric - add 1/2 inch seam allowance. 

Sew your two fabric pieces together,
right sides facing, with a 1/2 inch seam allowance and 

leaving a 6-8 inch opening for stuffing. 

Turn right sides out and press. 

I used a piece of soft woven fabric I found at the thrift store.

This pillow would look equally beautiful with a colored fabric
as the background. 

Perhaps blush pink or soft gray? 

For the next step, you will want to pin your doily 

onto the flattened, unstuffed pillow, right along the edge. 

It is o.k. if the doily is a little larger or smaller, 

just pin it right along that seam line. 

This is where you will hand stitch the doily to the pillow. 

I made my pillow a little smaller than the doily, so 

that it would have a bit of a lacy edge. 

When you are done with the hand stitching, stuff your 

pillow with fiberfill and hand sew the opening shut. 

Hint: don't over-stuff, you want your pillow to be soft

and a little flat. 

Now you can embellish your pillow with whatever you desire. 

Here, I have used a burlap rose that I found at a shop. 

It had a little clip on the back already. I just slipped it 

gently into the crochet to hold it. 

It would be equally sweet with a jeweled brooch

or large button! 

You could even put buttons on both sides, 

catching front and back together with heavy 

thread to form an indentation. 

I also made some rectangular pillows for 

my French Settee'. 

The Large Pillow was created last year
from a crocheted table runner

and a dresser scarf.

(Click on the link to get the directions)

This smaller pillow was my recent creation.

I used the same construction techniques as the round pillow,
(and the same backing fabric).

The larger pillow was backed with a tea-stained dresser scarf,
highlighting the pretty crochet design.

I left the beautiful edges free.

Another lovely use of vintage crocheted table runners
is to use them as window treatments.

Here I have found one that fits my kitchen conservatory window.
I simply slid a thin tension rod in and out of the crochet weave
and hung it behind my reed blind.

(Showing the thin tension rod woven in the crochet...)

So easy and it doesn't damage the piece so it can be used
as a table runner when you want a new look.

A wider and longer one would look lovely as a cafe curtain
using curtain clips.

This is Maggie's favorite place to spend a cold winter day....

I hope this inspires you to take a fresh look at those
vintage crocheted doilies you might have collected
over the years!
For very little money and time,
you can create your own lovely pillows and curtains
found in those high-priced specialty shops.

Happy thrifting and creating, my Friends! 

xoxo

Linking with :My Salvaged Treasures - Vintage Inspiration Party

and 

Rooted in Thyme - Sweet and Simple Fridays

Won't you join the party? 

xoxo