My lastest sewing project has centered around a group of vintage barkcloth fabric samples. I acquired these about 4 years ago, and although I didn't know at the time what I would do with them, they were just too pretty to pass up. 
There was a variety of different textures, colorways, and prints, but all featured the romantic florals so popular during the 1940's.The floral and scroll print below is my favorite. There's a deep blue colorway, too.
The average size of the samples is around 7"x11", which turned out to be a perfect size for making wristlets! I've paired the barkcloth with natural linen and made some of them with zippered tops....
And others have a front zipper style... 
So, the next time you come across small or odd shaped vintage fabric pieces and think, "I don't know what I would ever use them for", get them anyway! Inspiration will come eventually. :-)Happy sewing everyone!
I just wanted to share photos of some fun vintage Beauty Shop items. I was a hair designer for 25 years, so I enjoy finding these old salon collectibles. Gram also kept some of them for me.
And I LOVE these two business cards! 
The top one advertises $5.00 permanents and was perfume scented to encourage ladies to keep for their purse. (Brilliant marketing!) 
And the bottom one plays off the Mae West quote, "come up and see me sometime". I think both of these are from the early 1930's. 
Hair pins were a must in the 1940's.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek at vintage Beauty Culture. We've come a long way, baby. LOL
On the inside of the door are scribbles made by my dad and his brother when they were youngsters, this just made it all the more special. 
In here I have a fun old kitchen cabinet that houses my cookbooks, wine glasses and serving pieces. Extreme care is needed when moving this piece as the top and bottom appear to be attached by only a thick coat of paint. 
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I'm not sure if Gram kept these because she knew of their potential 
Recently I've started using my tiny pieces for gift tags. With just a pack of blank tags or a few sheets of card stock, a hole punch, and some fabric glue, they are super easy to make!
First I pinked the edges of a variety of fabrics. Then used a small paint brush to spread a bit of fabric glue on the back, focusing on the edges. 
Then just center the fabrics on the cards and tags. I punched a hole in the top of the folded cards and added string. I chose to keep mine simple and just let those pretty fabrics shine. :-)
I've also been using these as little "extras" to slip into fabric orders . 
Today I'm showing my collection of vintage sewing patterns. Although most of mine are skirts and dresses, I 
Or the pretty rick rack and ribbon trim used on these 
And I'm trying to find a way to translate this sheer over solid window effect into an evening bag....
Looking for vintage sewing patterns to add to your collection? Be sure to check out these websites... 
When I found a multi-pak of these wonderful plain white huck towels at Bed Bath and Beyond, I knew that a kitchen set would be perfect. I used the longest piece of the salvaged border for the towel, and the smaller section for the hot pad. I hope it will be a sweet reminder of her mother as she's working in the kitchen. I also had enough left to make a small make-up bag for her sister. 
I was so pleased with how these turned out, I decided to take a cue from SewMamaSew's Scrap Buster month and make some more using up some of my small scrap pieces. 
These are on their way to one of my dearest friends. I think I need to stop by the store to pick up another pak of towels and make myself a pretty kitchen set, too. :-)
Let them cool slightly before drizzling with the icing.
Pour a cup of coffee and enjoy. These would be great for a brunch table, too!