Absinthia Returns, Part 11

Bed from the Early Modern period of German furniture (1500-1800)

photo by R. Engelhardt

This is part of a continuing series of email letters exchanged with my Swedish friend, Absinthia. To see the whole series, start with  Living a Simple Life.

Second-Hand Crafting: Bed Linens

Hello again,

In Sweden, we would probably die without duvets. Seriously! Sometimes we have duvets and blankets on top of that! We have thin duvets for spring and autumn, and thick duvets for the midwinter.  During midsummer, we don’t need duvets at all.

Here are some second-hand sewing projects for the bedroom.

Bed Sheets

Two small sheets can be made into one big sheet. The seam will be positioned across the bed at approximately knee height, so it is hardly noticeable.

Duvet Cover

Here’s how I make the Swedish version of duvet covers from two fitted bottom bed sheets.  Measure a well-fitting duvet cover. Use that as a model when cutting off the sides of the bottom sheets. With right sides together, sew the two bottom sheets together, leaving two corners at one end open enough to be able to get your hand in.  Hem the edges of the open corners.  At the other end, sew the two corners shut, and leave the short side partially open so you can stuff the duvet in later. This end will go at the foot of the bed. Turn the duvet cover right-side out. Embroider if you feel like it. If you don´t embroider, it will all be done in about ten minutes.

To insert the duvet, you push it in through the lower partial opening. Then you put one hand through one of the upper corner-holes, the other hand in the other corner-hole, grab an upper corner of the duvet with one hand, the other corner with the other hand, and then shake gently until the duvet is in place inside the duvet cover. Some people like to sew a button and a button hole so you are able to close the lower opening. I have not yet tried it, but it seems practical.

Pillowcases

Measure a pillowcase that fits well, and use that as a model. Fold the fabric you want to use so it’s doubled. Cut it according to your measuring plus a quarter of an inch to make space for hems and seams. Sew the two short sides plus one long side. Leave the other long side open (to be placed uppermost when using). Hem it. Sew nice ribbons in place so you can tie the pillowcase shut later. Turn it right-side out. This is a very classic style here in Sweden. All of my grandmother’s old pillowcases looked like this. If I feel ambitious, I can add decorations like lace ribbons sewn along the sides or some sweet embroidery.

Traditionally we add some small embroidery diagonally at one of the upper corners, the initials maybe or some cute motif, not necessarily fancy. Just something to brighten things up a bit. Everyday life needs a bit of a golden rim too, you know ;-)

-Absinthia

Dear Absinthia,

My philosophy is, "use the beautiful, old things passed down from family... or give them to someone who will."  My friend, Alice, has sold quite a few vintage and antique linens for me, to ladies who are thrilled to get them. 

- amanda

The conversation continues here:
Absinthia Returns, Part 12

Absinthia Returns, Part 10

A second-hand store in Rockport, TX

This is part of a continuing series of email letters exchanged with my Swedish friend, Absinthia. To see the whole series, start with  Living a Simple Life.

Second-Hand Crafting: Fabrics, Yarn

The practice of recyling and re-using is something my mother and the women in her family were very good at.  Since then, our culture has done a flip-flop on that, and I'm happy to see that Absinthia is leading the way back to this important way of life!

Hello,

When I go shopping, I go to second-hand stores. Mostly I look for curtains and bed linens in natural materials like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. I never care what color it is. I can dye it easily if I don´t like it, as long as it is in a natural material. I mostly look for solid colored items, but sometimes I find a nicely patterned cloth too.

When I get home I wash everything as hot as possible, depending upon what kind of material it is. When that is done, I dye it if necessary. And then I make it into whatever I want to make it into.

If I find something knitted or crocheted, I buy it if the yarn is a natural fiber and in good condition. At home I frog the yarn, wash it, and let it air dry hanging with a bit of weight to make it straight again. If needed, I dye it too.

Curtains

Bed sheets can be made into curtains with very little sewing.  I make a small ordinary hem at the bottom.  Then at the top, I make a wide hem, wide enough to fit over the curtain rod. Then I either crochet a nice curtain tie-back, or if I have enough left over from the sheet, I sew a curtain tie-back. Very easy.

Table Napkins

Second-hand curtains and bed sheets can be made into napkins, as long as the fabric is cotton or linen.  Hemp is too scratchy. Just measure up what you think is the ideal size for a napkin with extra allowed for the hems. Fold the cloth into a bunch of this size, cut up, and then hem the edges. Voíla, you have a family pack of matching napkins, for almost no cost at all!  :-)

-Absinthia

Dear Absinthia,

My good friend, Alice, owns a resale shop.  She told me that often when a customer is interested in an item but hesitating to buy, she says to them:

“I don't want you to buy this if you're not going to use it or display it.  Will it end up in a closet?  The garage?  There are other people waiting to find it and love it.”

Now that's the kind of shopkeeper who helps us stay on track!!

-amanda

The conversation continues here:
Absinthia Returns, Part 11