Why I Love Vintage #1 – Repairs

There are a lot of reasons to love vintage textiles – they remind us of Grandma, they represent a time in history when most household goods and clothing were manufactured in the U.S.A., attention was paid to details, and durability was a consideration. What attracts me most to vintage clothing and household items are REPAIRS. I'm happy to find old textiles at a yard sale, thrift sale, estate sale, etc., but when I find repairs to the item I am elated. There was a time before our "throw away society" began when our belongings were treasured enough to do a little "hand work" to add length to their life.


This is a cotton bedspread, probably from the 40s or 50s that followed me home. The first photo shows what was peeking out from a pile of modern day mass-produced household goods that may have only been purchased a year ago and are already tossed aside. After an examination lasting about 2 seconds the decision was made that it was coming home with me. I thought it was a window curtain.

At home the bedspread as well as half dozen other items were given a closer examination. I made the discovery that it was a ruffled bedspread and I noticed that a notch of fabric was removed just above the ruffle and was finished with a running stitch; I tried to think of a reason that the little cut out would be necessary – to accommodate a bed post ? ? ?

I flung the bedspread out on the deck so I could see the whole thing and found little holes right in the middle of the top – and then I found it! The repair! The homemaker stole a little patch of fabric from an inconspicuous spot. She took the time to turn under the raw edges so that fraying would not occur. She made her repair and the pretty cotton green gingham check bedspread with white piping and ruffles could continue to serve.

I will follow the homemakers lead and steal a little more fabric from the inconspicuous spot and finish the edges; I will make my repairs and offer it for sale in the hope that it will continue to be someone's treasure.