I have developed a new love which I'd like to share with you today instead of my sofa. Well, strictly speaking it's an old love but it's used in a new way here.
Tapestry. I love the texture, the warmth and the meaning it holds for me. My mother was a keen stitcher and I used to spend a lot of time at it too. We made pictures to frame and cushions galore. But those tapestry pictures have fallen out of favour and I just can't cope with too many cushions. I even have a pile of completed tapestries that I never made into anything. So what to do with them all? Hmmm...
Here are my beloved vintage tapestry handbags.
They're very pretty but won't hold much more than a lippy and some keys. I'm a big bag kinda gal.
As luck would have it I stumbled across these amazing bags on the web, all made from upcycled tapestry!
Cool or what? Anyone could do this...
The bag above makes me think of Fiona.
I love that it's something grannyish used in a new and practical way. No point having a pile of tapestries in the loft right?
Oh my word, someone's been busy!
But what if you don't have a stack of them in your loft?
I picked up two large framed tapestries for £2 each at the boot sale on Sunday. Er, just to add to the pile in case I run out. I'm sooo making one of these bags. There are some great bag sewing patterns to be found on ebay...
But why stop there?
Have you ever seen a tapestry lampshade?
How sweet are they?
If you have a little more time on your hands, how about covering your sofa?
Embellishing a coat?
There are some very creative people out there. I love these ideas.
An entire coat made from vintage tapestries?
Stunning. I'd be smiling too.
Skirts?
What about this inside out deconstructed tapestry skirt?
Certainly different! I hope you've enjoyed this post and you've found something that inspires you. I know I'm not the only vintage textile junkie. I will no longer be passing up those old tapestry pictures and firescreens that no one wants at the boot sales any longer.
If only I could find my bag sewing pattern. It's somewhere in the living room. Better crack on with the tidying...
Most of the sources for these pictures can be found HERE
