When you are sorting through closets and cabinets, organizing and repurposing, do ever come across items that you no longer want or need, but they’re still completely useable? I sure do! At our house, this happens a lot with bedsheets for some reason. I have a whole collection of them in the linen cabinet. White, purple, floral, abstract, thicker, thinner, plain, frilly, softer, starched…we have them all! While some of these sheet sets have always been ours, a few I picked up at thrift stores as “back-up” sheets, and even a few more sets I saved were leftover from my grandparents’ home when it was sold. My favorites are the tops sheets and pillow cases with eyelet trim or scalloped trim. So sweet. And so repurpose-able!!!!!
So do you have any old sheets hiding in your linen closets? There are so many uses for them! I love to do little sewing projects with old sheets that are still pretty, or that still have sentimental value. For instance, let’s talk about those pretty sheets that came from my grandparents’ house. I think most are from the 70’s, judging by their colors. But those colors…that’s what makes them gorgeous! A pop of unexpected color can be a mood lifter…did you know that? I have made so many things out of them, but here’s a short list just to get your wheels turning:
- kitchen aprons (great for matching “mommy and me” aprons, mother’s day gifts, birthday gifts, and more) Yes, the ones in the picture show lots of wear, but that’s because they are well-used!
- quick curtains (kitchen window, bathroom window, kitchen cupboard cover, shower curtain-just add the plastic liner, small window covering, and more)
- arts and crafts half apron for preschoolers (a few stitches and you can make them a handy crayon holder so there aren’t quite as many to pick up off of the floor)
- pool/beach over-up or dress for girls (check out this great link for a “how-to” project!)
- table cloth for kitchen table
- beautiful table runner for the kitchen or dining room table (can add buttons for interest, or leave plain)
- *ne sew* tent in the back yard (simply drape the sheets over a rope and hold down in a triangle shape with bricks! So many hours of fun!)
- ice pack holder (just make a “mini pillow case” to fit whatever size of ice packs you keep at your house for booboos…great because its washable, and many can be made and kept on-hand)
- rice heat packs for the microwave (Awesome for sore muscles. I suggest doubling the fabric to have it be two layers if your sheets are thin. I love this site for directions on how to make these!)
There are soooo many more ideas, both those are a few simple ones to get you started. Once, I used an eye-catching lime green floral pillow case I found in my grandma’s linen closet to remake the fabric sling part of my great-aunt’s knitting basket. I guess it had torn years ago, so she put it away in a closet and it was forgotten. When she passed away, the contents of her house went to my grandparents, and when they passed, it trickled down to me! I don’t know how to knit, but I love this basket! I use it for my sewing projects and so much more. I smile every time I look at it…the basket reminds me of her and the fabric reminds me of my grandparents. Beautiful memories kept alive by simple sheets! I love it!
So are you ready to go see what you’ve got stashed away in your closets? I hope you find some treasures! Maybe you have window that needs a little sprucing up, and you will find the perfect white sheet to make a valance from. Or perhaps your kitchen table would look lovely all dressed up in that sweet floral sheet that no longer fits any of the mattresses you have. The possibilities are nearly endless! As you sort through, finding some things to give away, some to keep, and others to repurpose, I pray you will feel joy flooding your heart. Joy in the memories. Joy in the organizing. Joy in making old things new again. You’ve got this, mama! I’ll be back soon with more ideas for you!