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Recycled: Little Linen Dress and Doll Quilt

Posted on December 4, 2012July 3, 2014 by Martha

Last week at the Goodwill I found a couple of pretty linen shirts, and thought maybe I could cut them up to make little girl dresses.  This is my first effort, and I’m so happy with it (and the process), that I am thinking of adding another line to my donated fashions.  First there was Retro Girl “Fashions from Vintage Patterns” — now there could be Recycle Girl “Fashions from Rescued Clothing”.

This dress didn’t require too much imagination — the darts were taken out; the front, back and sleeves were cut to make a simple a-line dress; the collar was removed and turned into a neck ruffle; and a tiny pocket with vintage hanky corner was added.  I like to imagine I’m on one of those weird Project Runway episodes where you have to make something from old clothes, although I’ve noticed the designers don’t seem to enjoy those challenges very much.

A few months ago I bought this doll quilt top on Etsy.  The yellow fabric was a sort of cheater applique print with printed stitching on the little animals.  In the original top, the quilter cut the fabric animals in groups of 4, set the blocks with this icky cotton blend fabric, and then didn’t finish it.  I loved those little animals, though, and bought them thinking I could make something better.

For my 17″ quilt, I cut all the animals apart and added some floral triangles to the blocks.  The quilting pattern in the alternate blocks is an enlargement of the little flower in the print, and the animal blocks are quilted inside each piece.  Both the quilt and the dress are headed to the Life Spring Thrift Shop.

10 thoughts on “Recycled: Little Linen Dress and Doll Quilt”

  1. Sarah says:
    December 4, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    I would be first in line at the little thrift to hand over my money for those treasures!

    Martha,
    I bought an old quilt that has been finished later with poly batting and a blend backing. Then stored in moth balls. I CANNOT get the smell out, no matter what I try. I wondered if you had any thoughts on polyester and mothballs? I fear that it is a goner and all I can do is take the top off and try and salvage it.

    Reply
  2. Jan says:
    December 4, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    That little dress is so cute and just imagine how good it would feel to wear! I love the little quilt, too! I can’t imagine how you can let it go without knowing (for sure!) that it will find a home where it is suitable appreciated. I guess I have a ways to go to develop a true charitable heart!

    Reply
  3. Little Penpen says:
    December 4, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    It’s a good thing I don’t live near you, because I would be stalking you to see when you make thrift store deliveries! Love the little dress and love how you recreated the doll quilt.

    Reply
  4. Allie says:
    December 4, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Wow amazing, Martha – that dress is stunning, so sweetly perfect! GREAT save on the quilt, too!

    Reply
  5. Michaelanne says:
    December 5, 2012 at 6:10 am

    I LOVE that you recycled both your finds into BEAUTIFUL treasures! That quilt is SOOOOOO AMAZINGLY ADORABLE:) Great job!!

    Reply
  6. Panee says:
    December 5, 2012 at 7:17 am

    I am speechless. I learn to scroll very slowly and read through the lines before I can look at the pictures. Just so that I can see your work(s). Wow!!! I wish I can see sometimes the states of the works, especially the transformations of these recycle or vintage dresses. So very wonderful. I love coming to see your blog every other days!!!!!

    Reply
  7. Tina says:
    December 5, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I’ve been trying to repurpose fabulous fabrics lately, too, so I really appreciate seeing your creations. As usual, so inspirational.

    Reply
  8. barbara says:
    December 11, 2012 at 10:28 am

    That is about the cutest little dress I’ve ever seen … and the quilt is just adorable.

    Reply
  9. Carol Berge says:
    December 17, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Hi Martha, Love your blog. Where do you locate all of your fabrics?
    Love the little doll quilts.
    Could not locate where I could post comments. Do you know the name of the quilt block that you show has your “Quilts” button, don’t know what else to call it. Under categories “Quilts” My mother made one similar to that & I have been trying to find out the name of the block? She is now deceased.
    I live in Kent, WA, so we are neighbors…. sorta….
    Thanks, Carol

    Reply
  10. Jessie @ Messyjesse says:
    May 14, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Hi Martha, wow you have done such an amazing job on this quilt, you’ve really brought it back to life! Your talent astounds me, you’re such an inspiration to me and probably a lot more than you might ever know 🙂 Keep up the great work, I love reading your posts and watching your creations come to life. xo

    Reply

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