I sewed a bunting out of vintage linens and doilies as a little Valentine's Day present for my sons sweet girlfriend Katie. (hanging above it is a garland I made in a class taught by Pam Garrison that I wrote about HERE)
I started by cutting out 15 triangles of heavy canvas to use as my base. My triangles were about 10" long and 7" wide, and my finished bunting was about 10 feet long.
I sewed the triangles together at the top with 2 pieces of seam binding...one on the front and one on the back, with the canvas in the middle. Cut 2 long pieces of seam binding, leaving about 3 feet loose on each end for hanging. By sewing the seam binding on both sides, the banner will hang properly and not twist.
Then the fun part...layering and stitching your vintage linens. I never pass up an inexpensive damaged linen at the flea market...those are the ones I don't feel guilty cutting up!
Some linens were sewed onto the canvas and cut into a triangular shape, and others like the crochet doilies, were left in their natural shape and just trimmed at the top.
I stayed with a pastel palette, because Katie is a fan of Shabby Chic.
And I wrapped it up with a copy of one of my favorite books...
She loved it...and I thought you might too!
OMG your a genius!! I'm so doing this today!!
P.S. I've read your blog for a long time, have to tell you, I cried when I read about your son brushing his sisters hair the night before she married. PRICELESS!
Your a good momma.
Michelle :o)
Posted by: Michelle K. | February 16, 2013 at 03:18 PM
Oh, I know what I'll be digging out today! Your bunting is absolutely gorgeous!! What a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Debi
Posted by: debi | February 16, 2013 at 05:54 PM
I love it Suzanne. It's so pretty! I would love to know how she displays it.
Posted by: Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity | February 16, 2013 at 07:41 PM
Wonderful! I'm hitting the resale shops soon to look for loved linens. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Amy in Texas | February 16, 2013 at 09:18 PM
Lovely idea for a gift. You've done it up beautifully.
Posted by: Holly R. Moore | February 16, 2013 at 09:21 PM
This is absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Sandi M | February 17, 2013 at 09:06 AM
beyond fabulous!!! wow!
m ^..^
Posted by: {oc cottage} | February 17, 2013 at 01:16 PM
You know her well! Love this idea sew much:)
Leann
Posted by: Leann | February 18, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Oh my, how lovely! Every piece has its own story- I imagine this has become a treasured keepsake for her.
Michaele
Posted by: Michaele Sommerville | February 18, 2013 at 12:08 PM
Love, love this beauty! xo
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | February 18, 2013 at 01:43 PM
It's absolutely gorgeous!! Katie is one very lucky girl.
Posted by: Lainie | February 19, 2013 at 10:04 PM
Just BEAUTIFUL Suzanne!!!! I love it so much...and what a wonderful way to repurpose those beautiful old linens too ~ xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn Edmonson | February 28, 2013 at 12:01 AM
This is gorgeous Suzanne. how in the world are you? would love to see you. lauri
Posted by: lauri evans | March 06, 2013 at 12:34 AM
I'm delighted to say I've just been given 12 old doileys to add to my collection. I still have a way to go before I've enough to make a banner of my own but I'm getting there.
Thanku for the inspiration!!
Lainie
Posted by: Lainie | March 11, 2013 at 05:36 PM
c'est vraiment très joli,très beau travail je souhaiterai vous acheter ce modèle "vintage linen bunting" est-ce possible ?
Dans l'attente de votre réponse
cordialement
Annick
Posted by: Leclercq Annick | March 17, 2013 at 12:55 PM
Hi Suzanne so good to read your blog again- I've been gone far too long! Just adorable vintage bunting! Thanks for sharing this- I've got to do something with my mom's old needlework table covers- they are so tattered and worn from years of use- this gives me great ideas on how to save and treasure them in a new way.
Posted by: Teresa | March 20, 2013 at 12:43 PM