Recent thrift store finds.....vintage fabric

Edit #2: Little Judy is on the edge of her seat today wondering what I will create. Patience Judy. :) I will be posting some vintage goodness very soon. Like maybe tomorrow. ;)

Oh my goodness! You can't leave us hanging like this! Craft, create and POST!!! Judy H.

Edit #1: Sweet Cassie is just full of questions today. Let's see if I can help her out.

Cassie's question: ooohhh - lovely goodness!how are you laundering them? hot/warm/cold? etc????

Mishie's answer: I have been throwing regular cotton fabrics, bed linens, et that have similar colors into the washing machine on cold, using the regular cycle. I use liquid Tide and some April Fresh liquid fabric softener(takes out some smell that may linger). I dry them in the dryer and then press til my finger's ache. For the doilies and more delicate items such as the hankies, I put them in the washer on cold in the delicate cycle. No hand washing for me. Everything has turned out great so far. Note: I'm crafting with these so I'm not too worried about ruining a precious heirloom. Some items have shrunk though but again that's no biggie to me.

Cassie's question: And what about vintage tableclothes that are lace or crochet? I passed one up at an estate sale a few weeks ago because it had stains on it - I am looking for one for my dining table -- but I wondered if it could be cut apart for projects and stuff?

Mishie's answer: Buy these up if they're cheap enough. You can always try to bleach a little area if the item is white. Or use Oxyclean or something like that. If the stain doesn't come out, stitch on another piece of vintage fabric. The mixy matchy style is what I like anyway. Or cut them apart and use the pieces for crafty projects. And remember, laundering and pressing and item are a must in my opinion. Everything is nice and clean, pre-shrunk for crafting and laid out flat.

Oh...my...goodness. I have been having the best time visiting thrift shops, the Goodwill stores, garage sales, etc. I have a new passion of collecting vintage fabrics and goodies. Let's take a look, shall we?

First, there's this pile of goodness. Yards and yards of vintage fabrics in all colors and patterns. These usually sell for under $3.00 a yard. I may never shop in a real fabric store again.
Then there's these bright fabrics in retro and tropical prints. Love.
And check these out. Vintage (meaning not brand new and who knows how old they are) sheets and pillow cases. I have seen several posts online where ladies are doing vintage linen swaps and/or vintage linen quilt block swaps. I guess the quilts made from vintage linens are super soft and have a look of Grandma's quilts. I want to make one this summer! Maybe I'll even host a swap if anyone is interested. That way we can get different patterns and colors. And just wait til you see what I'm doing with the pillow cases. Need more!!!!
Vintage eyelet trims and pleated trims. Heaven on earth at Mishie's house.
These are embroidered and crocheted pieces. Some have spots and tears but you just cut them apart or cover up the spots. I think of someone's Granny sitting in her rocker making these. I must rescue them all.
Oodles of doilies. Not ready to set them out on all the tables? Me neither. No worries, I have new uses for these too.
And then....swoon.....the vintage hankies. Be still my heart. Jordan and I go through them all, picking out the few we want to keep. Problem is our keep pile ends up being bigger than the *use for crafting* pile.
When I get a new bundle of goodies, I immediately rush home and launder them all. Most of these items have been in boxes at some estate or in some Granny's sewing box. They are kinda old smelling. And then I press every single item. I love to iron. Really, I do. But not Eric's shirts. Only fun vintage items. Then I fold everything and put it on shelves. I'm in the process of redoing my laundry room. I'll show you photos some day when it all comes together. Some day. Not anytime real soon though. Too much thrifting to do, who has time for major organization?
Okay, so that's what I've been up to lately. I hope you visit your local thrift stores. The thrill of the hunt is so fun. I visit my stores every time I'm nearby. They update their goodies all the time. You never know what you're gonna get! And...it's good to recycle and reuse and repurpose these items. Heaven. Just heaven. I can't wait to show you some of my recycled creations.