Collecting Vintage Fabrics

Textiles can be used in various decoration themes, as collection for their pure beauty, or for displayed as arts.  Secondhand shops and flea markets are a treasure trove of vintage quilts, laces, curtains, tea towels, and shawls.  Here are some guides for choosing cloths of different colors and pairing prints and patterns.

--When planning to use mixed patterns from different eras, for example, such as Victorian and French toile, or a classic fleur-de-lis pattern and stripe, be sure to choose ones that have color in common.

--Don’t pass up badly damaged remnants in color or motifs that you like.  The damaged pieces can be cut and used as appliqués for store bought pillows to create a themed signature style.

--Gently faded textiles add nostalgic setting to a room.  Fabrics are a shortcut to transforming any room into many moods and looks at serious savings.

--In addition to using your vintage textiles for making pillows, shams, bed flounces, drapery panels, and quilts, try covering a folding screen with your favorite finds to liven up a dark corner of a room.