From Linen Closet to Wardrobe
Last month I published a post “Deb Speaks Out: Finding a way to live our lives as honest, respectful, loving people in the midst of chaos. I concluded the post by saying we can’t live without joy. We have to find it.
Consider this post #1 in a series of “Finding Joy.” This was truly a joyful find. When searching for an old sheet to use to try out a new pattern, I found a set of embroidered pillowcases my mother-in-law had made decades ago. I’d never used them, but now I thought it was a shame that they’d been hidden for so long. I wanted to celebrate the beautiful work and the woman who made them. I remembered hearing about someone who turned vintage linens into clothing. Could this work with my pattern?
Preparation
Before I cut the pillowcases apart, I drafted my pattern, the Joan Woven Top by Style Arc, onto tissue paper. I was excited to see there was just enough fabric in the pillow cases to construct this simple top. I noticed, however, one of the cases had yellowed. Doing a google search I discovered several ways to try to brighten vintage linens. I soaked the yellowed case in a weak solution of cool water and Oxy Clean, did a gentle hand scrubbing, and rinsed thoroughly. Then I put the case out on a towel in the Arizona sun for several hours. I repeated this process twice and was amazed at the final result. The two cases were now the same color. Using a rotary cutter, I cut off the edges and top of the pillowcases, leaving the lace edging intact, carefully pinned my pattern pieces, and cut.
Sewing and Adaptations
The Joan Woven Top is a simple, boxy top that features a deep-v neckline, dropped shoulders, and arm and hemline bands. The center front seam makes the v-neck facing go on easily, but it’s important to be precise. There is a YouTube video to lead you through this step if needed. To adapt this pattern to the pillowcase fabric, I needed to make a center back seam instead of cutting one back piece on the fold. I didn’t have quite enough fabric for the neck facing, so I substituted a piece of an old sheet in the same weight and color as the pillowcases. By leaving the lace edging on the pillowcases, I didn’t need to add the hem bands. This made the top a bit longer, but no hemming needed!
The Result
Ta daa! I’m happy with my new summer top! It was a great way to practice this new pattern, it didn’t cost me anything (other than the cost of the pattern that I’m already planning to use again), and best of all, it gave new life to the embroidery work my mother-in-law so lovingly made.
Who knew I’d find joy in my linen closet!
Threads of Thought
I can imagine this conversation when I wear my latest creation out to lunch :
“Say, are you wearing pillowcases?!”
“Why yes. Yes I am.” (hilarious!)
Find joy my friends!
If you are enjoying my blog, and want to read more, check out my books Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life and Until Italy: a Traveler’s Memoir. Perfect reading for summer escapes or book club selections. Get you copies here!
