Vintage Sheet Patchwork Swap

I’m taking a break from my quilting project to . . . start another project.  Yeah.  That’s just how I roll.

 

I had a great time participating in Lisa’s Summer Skirt Sheet Swap and it got me thinking about how many people have commented and sent me e-mails about how difficult it’s been for them to collect enough different vintage linens for patchwork.  It occurred to me that, even if we don’t all have a great thrift store nearby, we probably can each get our hands on one really cool sheet and, if we then cut that sheet into fat quarters, we could keep one or two and then swap the rest for different prints.

 

If you participated in Lisa’s swap, you’ve probably noticed that this is basically the same idea, but for quilting/small-item sewing.  (Thank you, Lisa, for letting me copy you!) 

 

How does it work?

Each swapper will send me return postage and as many fat quarter (18” x 22”) sized pieces as she wants to swap.  Once I have everyone’s pieces, I’ll send each swapper a package with an assortment of fat quarters (the same number she sent).  The picture above is of my initial contribution to the swap -- 11 fat quarters cut from a Wabasso fitted sheet I found on ebay.

 

What constitutes vintage?

I’m not a purist.  The goal here is simply to reuse and share fun prints of the past.  That said, I’m going to suggest that we try to avoid anything overtly 1980’s or later.  I will do my best to accommodate requests for particular styles and colors. 

 

Does it have to be a sheet?

I’ve used sheets as an example because they’re an easy way to get a good amount of fabric, but I would say that pillowcases, tablecloths, curtains, napkins and even vintage yardage are great, as long as they’re made from cotton, linen or 50/50 percale.  Let’s also avoid solids, quilted fabrics, and licensed images (Strawberry Shortcake, Star Wars, NBA Basketball, etc.). 

 

How do I sign up?

If you’d like to play, leave a comment on this post before midnight (Pacific) on Monday, May 26.  I will then send you an e-mail with specifics.  If you can, please mention your favorite local thrift store or other vintage linen source in your comment.  This might be helpful to some people who’ve been having trouble finding one. 

 

ETA: This swap is open to swappers all over the world. (Shipping for both US and International addresses will be via USPS Priority.)  I will need to receive your fat quarters by June 30.  Hopefully that will give you enough time to hunt down a sheet if you don't already have one.

Comments

[amanda]

I'm in! I'm so into garage sales right now so I hope I'll score some vintage sheets!

[Kerry]

from/to Australia OK?

[Stefanie]

Oh I am so in! I had so much fun with the Lisa's swap.

Thanks for setting this up!

(oh and St. Vinnies has always been a great place for me to find vintage linens in general)

[carrie]

i'm in! any excuse to go out and buy some vintage linens is welcomed!

[Claire]

oooh I wanna play!!!! I even have OODLES of fat quarters already cut from another project.

[Liz]

Now this sounds like fun, count me in!

[holly cazabon]

I was just wishing to join a swap for vintage sheets!!! I'd looove to join, woohoo!!! This sounds awesome! Another reason to visit more thrift stores!!!

[Michelle]

I missed the Summer Skirt Swap, and have been absolutely green with envy looking at all the lovely stacks of sheets on (seemingly) everyone else's blogs. Now I get to play, too! Yay! Thank you. There are several Goodwill stores near me, and I've gotten a lot of nice sheets and fabric from Freecycle.org.

[Katie]

ooh, I'd love to play! I like to hit up the local value village. they always have great things!

[michelle]

i'm soo excited. this will be my very first swap! thanks for making it so easy!

[Dallas]

Ooh, I'd like to participate. I even have a sheet to use already.

[jessi]

Thanks so much for the invite - count me in! I've been wanting to do some vintage sheet patchwork. I get my best sheets at our local thrift stores - DI, Goodwill, and a Catholic Church Store. Maybe I'll make a quick run today to see what I can find!

[Regina]

I am totally in. I wanted to host a swap like this myself, but have no time. I'm so glad you decided to do this. I still have loads of sheet pieces I could cut up into fat quarters. Great thinkin!!!!

[Penny]

I'll play! Got some killer paisley to contribute. I got it at a church rummage sale longtime back, just waiting for the day when I would take up sewing (and that wait was not in vain).

[Susan]

Thanks E, I'd love to join the swap. I'll make a trip to Value Village this evening. They always have interesting things.

[Katy]

I am soooooooo in!!!!

[calamity kim]

I have a bunch! count me in!

[Stacey]

I would love to join!

[Lana]

Count me in, it'll be a nice intro to the sewing community. :)

Please clarify for me: what is the exact dimension of the pieces for this swap?

I thrift everything I own, and it's always hit or miss, but there's one particular Goodwill in Seattle that offers up gorgeous sheets all the time.

[EmmyLizzy]

Yes, yes, and yes!!!! I've got some great pieces that I'd love to share!

[janice]

Thanks! I'd love to join :) I would like anything but things that would work with pink and yellow would be much appreciated as I want to do a patchwork coverlet.

I'm thrilled you decided to do this as I CANNOT find anything around here. Thanks again :)

[Carrie]

Please count me in!!! This will be my first swap and I cannot wait for the lovelies that I know I will receive. I love scouring the local thrift stores and yard sales for "treasure", so I'm hoping to find some good stuff for you all!

[Nancy Cook]

I'm in
Great idea!

[Erika]

I'm in! This will be such fun!

[steph]

this is such an awesome idea. i get vintage linens at the salvation army stores scattered around my area (rhode island, usa) for under 5 dollars each depending on the size.thanks elizabeth !