For my Vintage Crafter’s Challenge I decided to make-over two doll beds that I found at a yard sale last summer. I got them for a steal and was so happy to find them.
They did come with little foam mattresses and some homemade quilts. But they were a bit 80’s and I wanted something that matched Hannah’s room a little better than the pastel blue and yellow.
So, I spray-painted the doll beds white and then when I came across a dresser scarf with two embroidered ends I knew that I wanted to use it to make two new doll quilts for the vintage challenge. Doesn’t every little girl need a bit of vintage in her room? I think so.
And here’s how I did it. First of all you should know that I am not a quilter. I was telling my super-quilting-friend the other day that piecing and free-motion quilting sometimes make me want to poke my eyeballs out because I am not very good at it. And she laughed and said the same thing about sewing clothing.
But this was a challenge, right? Yep. And quilting is certainly a challenge for me…
Here is the dresser scarf before.
And here are the scraps from vintage sheets and vintage pieces of fabric that I wanted to use.
I cut my squares 5 x 5 inches. Then I laid two with right sides together and drew a straight line corner to corner like this.
Then I made a 1/4 inch mark on either side of that center line. These are the marks that you will sew on.
Sew on your marks.
Now take your rotary cutter and cut down your center line.
And you have two squares of triangles. Trim of the excess and you are ready to put it together.
I used 4 of these squares for each of the sides and then measured and cut my dresser scarf embroidery pieces to fit in the middle. I then made “the quilt sandwich”, did some stippling around the edges (I didn’t want to detract from the embroidery in the middle), and then bound it.
And if I can do it….really anyone can. (I know my quilt-friends are laughing at me right now…. because they know.)
I used the vintage trims and buttons on the pillows that I made, and then made some new mattress covers for the mattresses as well.
And I love them, even if they are not perfect.
Elizabeth, those are darling! I loooove the quilts and what a great idea to use those little scarves! great job girl!
those are so lovely! I love them!!! Wonderful job!!!
Elizabeth! These are ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! I adore them…you did a marvelous job on the quilts and, with the beds, they look really just amazing…great job!
Beautiful! I love the vintage fabric and your quilting work is fabulous.
Absolutely wonderful! I love the embroidery in the middle . . . that is too perfect. And for someone who hates free motion quilting, you sure did a great job!
Rachel @ Maybe Matilda
Adorable! Now you’re a quilter! What a fun challenge. Found you from Midwestern Sewing Girl =)
-caroline @ c.w.frosting
oh so sweet! i guess i need to start quilting now! i can handle little dolly quilts i think… baby steps! love how you mixed patterns too!
~selina