Uses for Vintage Embroidered Pillowcases

 Some of the very first vintage linen pieces I owned

were embroidered and crocheted pillowcases

that were given to me after

my great-grandmother passed.

 

 

I was a young junior-high girl.  Even then, I admired the

pastel colored embroidery and dainty crocheted edging. 

I have no memories of Agnes since she moved to the

other side of the United States

when I was very, very young.

 She had come to America as a young girl with her

immigrating parents from Czechoslovakia.

 

  

 

Here she is on the left.  I wonder where she was going

arm-linked with her friend.  Their fur-accented coats

and fashionable hats whisper to me of

some special outing.

 

 

 

For a while, I used my great-grandmother's pillowcases,

but after several washings,

I noticed the soft cotton was wearing thin.

To protect these little pieces I had of Great-Grandmother's time,

I found other uses for her embroidered pillowcases.

 

 

For months, I would drape them over the bedroom nightstands,

letting the handiwork show toward the front of the nightstand.

The cotton pillowcase then draped over the back portion

of the stand.

 

 

I've also placed them inside my linen closet so that

the beautiful edging falls right at the edge of the shelf.

Sheets and towels get stacked on top.

 

 

 

 Sheet sets can be folded and stored within

these pretty vintage cases.

 

Imagine reaching into your linen closet without having

to search for the matching fitted and top sheets!

 

This storage option also reduces the amount of allergens

and dust mites that come into contact with your stored linens.

(We've got allergies at my house!!)

  

 

If you find a clean and mostly un-used set, consider

gifting them to that dear relative

 or friend who already has

everything. 

Even if a year or two's worth of laundering

wears out the beauties,

they still will have served their intended purpose --

adding beauty to the home.

 

 

All of the pillowcases

featured in this post have been

gifts from friends

or my own thrifty finds.

 

 

The Internet and creative craft books

also give numerous repurposing

ideas for these particular vintage linens.

 

Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase

I love this one!

 

 

Do you have any ideas for using your

embroidered pillowcases?

 

I'd love to hear!

 

 

Blessings,

Amy