Monday, November 23, 2009

More nifty, thrifty gifties

Apron

I began collecting vintage sheets and pillowcases this summer to re-purpose into aprons after I saw it elsewhere.
The sheets cost me anywhere from $1.99 to $2.99 and you get an enormous amount of fabric!
I've also used them for summer blouses...
You know, the ones that look like they are straight from the 70's with the little pouffy cap sleeve?
Or how about a toddlers dress?
Or a summer nursing blanket for when you are a nursing mama and it is just too darn hot to hide your nee-nees under a sweltering blanket?

Dishrags or Washcloths

If "I" can knit or crochet a REALLY simple dishcloth, anyone can do it.
I just do a basic knit/purl stitch, or crochet the whole thing in double crochet.
The cotton yarn cost me $1.69 or less, and i can get two dishcloths from each skein.
If I pair that with some of my homemade soap and tie it up real pretty, it would be a sweet hostess gift, yes?

Linen napkins

Now, I paid $1.00 for 9 at a thrift store for these spotless, vintage napkins.
I can leave them plain, or if I want, I could stencil the recipients initial in the corners.
Not sure where these are going yet, so for now they are plain.
Dang!
I would want THESE for myself!!!

FRESH AND PURE

A bar from my very first batch of homemade soap, ready for gifting.
Mine don't cut real pretty, but I kind of like the rustic look, and I am certain the recipients won't mind.

You'll find the easy-peasy soap making instructions back in one of my October posts.
There's still time to make a batch for gifties, as it needs to cure for about a month.

I hope these thrifty little ideas inspire you, as so many of YOUR ideas have inspired me!

xoxo
Cindy

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31 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to make the aprons-You do give me inspiration to get the show on the road. Yours is so cute.
I need to make some soap like you have. Well gotta get busy! Have a great thanksgiving.
vickie

Faith said...

Rustic is definitely in! Those look lovely. :o)

I buy used sheets all the time, for our ballgown projects. They come in VERY handy!

Cute ideas, as usual, Cyn.

~Faith

Jane said...

I think it's a fabulous idea to use vintage sheets for aprons. They have interesting patterns on them and like you said, you get a lot of fabric for the money! My mom makes aprons for a local shop in my hometown...she has made and sold over 250 aprons in a couple of years (It keeps her 80 year old self busy).
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Jane

Renata said...

What great ideas you have. Such beautiful gifts & all created by yourself - well done!!
I love the apron - never thought to make them from sheets etc.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know I got my seeds. Thank you so much! I will think of you when I see them.
donna.case@comcast.net

Cheryl said...

Have enjoyed your gift ideas. Never thought of using vintage sheets for aprons, like it!
Also thank you for the seeds, will be planting them tomorrow. Excited to see them next spring.
Happy Thanksgiving

Six divided by two..... said...

I love love looovee your blog!! I too crochet- but have not made dish towels. I will have to get right on that. I found you through my twin sis Angelique of six in one hand. I am now a follower

Sue said...

I love your ideas!!! Old cotton shower curtains are a little heavier and work equally as well... I like them for aprons...and the dishcloths/washcloths...I love these...can make 1 in under an hour. They are the best! We're also making hot water bottle covers in beautiful flannel this year. Thanks for sharing...keep the ideas coming!

Maria said...

Hi Cindy!
I received my sweet peas today!
Thank you so much... what fun this will be ...
I will say two little prayers when I plant them.
One for the giver... Thank you again, Cindy...
And
One for the sweet pea seeds... that they will endure our NY winter and grow sweet and pretty~
Merci, Merci
~Maria

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I am a "farmgirlcyn," too! Loved your gift ideas...I'm going to get crochet hooks and yard. It's been too long since I've felt that relaxation. Thanks for reminding me. C

Camille said...

Great ideas! I LOVE those dishcloths...they are the BEST!!! Any hostess would be a thankful recipient! Good for you...well done!

Blessings,
Camille

Holly said...

Looks like you'll have to make some more soap since your giving it away. Oh well, it wasn't hard to make and with the dish cloth it makes a unique and lovely gift.

Luisa said...

Loved your thrifty ideas...yes vintage linen is a great find, when you can find them!

goatmilker said...

These are great ideas! I love them thanks for sharing.

Alice said...

Here's a dumb question but what does "vintage" mean exactly? Is it just patterned fabric? Please don't "beat me up" in your answer! I hear the word all the time and thought it was just "old fashioned" but how do you tell old fashioned from new fashioned?

Alice

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Hi Alice! I guess I would describe "vintage" as something older than around 15? It could mean different things to different folks. I have some cannister sets that I believe were produced in the 70's...I would call them vintage.I think "antique" technically means something older than 50. Which means I, myself, am no longer "vintage", but I am an "antique"!!!
I hope that helps somewhat!

Lola Nova said...

What a wonderful and inspirational post! I love your ideas and all the pretty you have going on!

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

Great ideas Cynthia! I'm determined to make this a frugal homespun Christmas. I've been knitting dishclothes all day! I bought a super cute pillowcase at the resale shop for .50 to make an apron out of. Great minds think alike!

Donna said...

What wonderful and simple gifts! I would LOVE to get things like these!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

More wonderful goodies, thank you muchly! I'll blog about mine "whenever" but did buy a blue striped twin sheet that will make some nice kitchen towels. At quilting bee last week, someone had a box of 'rags' and I pulled out a piece of vintage material that will become the middle of a tablecloth. I'm excited about this idea as the vintage material is lovely and the pattern is complete inasmuch as possible for a 'rag'.

Pomona said...

You are inspiring indeed! And your soap looks lovely - I have been dying to have a go.

Pomona x

Witchcrafted Life said...

Such marvelous and sweetly beautiful ideas, thank you very much for sharing these wonderful items with us.

Thank you very deeply, too, for your lovely "Stellaversay" wishes, dear soul! They really me a lot to me (and Stella :D).

Oodles of hugs,
♥ Jessica

Anonymous said...

Cyn,
Hope your Thanskgiving was wonderful. Went to the mailbox and I had received your sweetpeas. so nice thank you. I love your seed packet also. I can't wait to grown them.
vickie

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

I am giving soap out too this year and little teeny jars of bread spreads - have you seen those cute teeny ball jars!!!
The sheet thing is a GREAT idea and I have heard that you know someone who might be needed that nursing blanket pretty soon - congratulations!!!!
Frais et pur - very cute. I call mine "Bain par Main" - Bath by Hand. Esty is almost up and running!

Rachel said...

I have bought sheet sets before and then bought a matching flat sheet in the same pattern to make matching curtains with. Curtains are expensive; even for juat a little valance!!

Soap is a wonderful gift I think!!

I am going to teach a male friend how to crochet and I think dish cloths would be a good beginning project for him! Thanks for the idea!

Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!!

Suzanne Marie said...

Letting you know I received the seeds and hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday! Thanks so much and I'll let you know how the growing goes! Never knew you lived so close to my summer home in Paw Paw! It IS such a small world really! Thanks again, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie said...

Letting you know I received the seeds and hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday! Thanks so much and I'll let you know how the growing goes! Never knew you lived so close to my summer home in Paw Paw! It IS such a small world really! Thanks again, Suzanne

~ Junkyard Jennifer said...

I love when I find pretty vintage sheets and pillow cases at the thrift. That, and doilies and lace. There is nothing better! I like your idea of using them to make aprons.

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

~ Jennifer

Jenny said...

Great ideas! I like your style!

Homemaker's Heart said...

You are so kind! Thank you.

I think your creativity is amazing...my jaw dropped when I saw you make soap too. Wow!

Lora said...

so creative! i love that apron. :)