Vintage craft ideas and projects
Dec 31, 2015 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Getting ready for the New Year
Hard to believe that 2015 is almost upon us. This year has been so frantic; I’m looking forward to an opportunity for a reset. I hope January brings that very chance. Yet I’m a person who can’t really sit still. So I’ve selected a few vintage craft ideas and projects I’m hoping to conquer over the next twelve months. What’s on your list? Let me know in the comments…
Sew a petticoat
If you enjoy retro fashion, you know that it’s all about the shape and fit. Petticoats can be a critical component to achieving this goal and they can be expensive. But they are also surprisingly easy to sew. Now that I have my grandmother’s sewing machine, I’ve decided this would be a great project to undertake.
This looks like so much fun!
A version of petticoats has been worn since the 16th century, with the intent of minimizing the wearer’s waistline. In the eighteenth century it was quite common for these undergarments to receive star treatment. Incredible details and adornments decorated the petticoats of the wealthy. However, for my first attempt at a petticoat, I’m staying simple with these instructions.
Floral arrangements
I love collecting vintage containers and up until now they’ve been displayed just as is – empty vessels. But I received a beautiful teal porcelain pitcher from Ryan’s grandmother and I’m feeling inspired. After an initial attempt of a greenery arrangement for my sister-in-law I’m feeling a bit more sure of myself. I hope to create a beautiful lavender hued piece and I’ll look to my local craft shop’s floral department for ideas. I’ll take a peek at this for starters.
Make a felt hat
I adore a good hat and hope to try out this project that I first spotted on Pinterest. Which one is your favorite?
Needlepoint
I’ve had a needlepoint project waiting in the wings for the last few months. I had every intention to make something for the holidays, but other things came into the frame and so it’s sat in the corner of my craft room. So with this tutorial in my back pocket, I shall try again.
Needlepoint dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Other key developments happened in the 17th century with the popularity of upholstered furniture and in the 19th century with brightly colored wool.