Although most windows in my new home are covered with bamboo shades, for the bathrooms I went in a different direction.
Here I want privacy while allowing as much light in as possible, and allowing someone in the room to see out. A café curtain seemed like the perfect solution to me.
I really like being able to see out. While I was waiting until I had time to make a curtain, I put a pillowcase in the window to serve as a temporary curtain. Then I thought, hello! Wouldn’t a pillowcase make for a great cafe curtain? I inherited so many darling vintage pillowcases, so I had several to choose from. The pillowcase looked like it had barely been used. Someone, maybe a family member embroidered this sweet basket of flowers onto the pillowcase. It also has a charming lace edge.
All that was left to do was to cut the top top off, since it was going to be too long for my window. Then I went on the back of the pillow and made a cut so the fabric was a rectangle and no longer a tube. After hemming the edges, I made a rod pocket at the top, and I was done. The curtain rod is a tension rod I found at Walmart.
Using vintage materials adds a unique element to your home while preserving a bit of history. There are some really pretty old pillowcases out there. Give your grandma a visit and ask if you can rummage around in her linen closet. You’ll have a fun visit and you just might leave with a treasure. (Maybe don’t tell her you are going to take the scissors to it.)
I never would have thought of upcycling a pillowcase in that way. It is such a wonderful way to use and display a pillowcase that might have been in the family. I know I have lots of pillowcases such as these that my mother gave me. Thank you for the inspiration!
I love this! I made a similar curtain years ago for my powder room by cutting a small vintage tablecloth into three pieces, one for the top of the cafe curtain, and two pieces for the bottom. It was exactly the right size, with small rod pockets sewn in by hand, since I didn’t have a sewing machine. I felt so satisfied because I got just what I wanted for free!
Love it, Anita! This pattern was very popular in the 20s and 30s, and also showed up a lot on handmade beaded purses. I agree, the crocheted lace edge is very charming.
I treasure these old embroidered pillowcases, especially if they are in pristine condition. I think that’s why I love vintage things, because I’m preserving the past.
I have a pillowcase with this same embroidery. What a great idea! It looks darling. Thanks for sharing.
That was brilliant! I love it, and I love how light and airy it is, as well as that nice link to the past.
Hi! My sewing room has vintage linen café curtains with vintage hanky valances. Like yours, they are so cheery and feminine.
what a beautiful idea!
A wonderful idea! And, since the usual price is around 14.00 a pair for pristine sets, the hand-embroidered, hand-crocheted fabric is less expensive than a new curtain. The 100% cotton fabric lasts forever and is easy to wash and dry. Love the way the light comes through the weave. The flower basket motif is one of my favorites. What a charming bathroom!
So sweet! Love the look!
I went the opposite way. I found a lacy new curtain in a package, just one, so I cut it to make a pillowcase and added vintage lace.
I have absolutely no sewing skills since I didn’t listen to my mom and learn. She was a fantastic seamstress. Could make anything, how foolish I was and how I regret that now!! I love what you have used it is so simple and adds a touch of vintage whimsy.
Cynthia
What a great idea and it looks so pretty. I bet the embroidery looks so lovely when the light is shining through.
Lee
I have a pair of pillowcases with the same embroidered design as yours. They came from my Grandmother. Love your idea.
So pretty! Love this idea!
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Simple and so beautiful.
Oh!!!! How I love this!!! I DO have many pillow cases….of my own family and husbands family!!!! I was thinking maybe pillows, but I love this idea!! We have 4+foot high windows in our 1842 one room school house house and this would be an awesome addition!! I do know how to sew a bit [and like others here, should have listened to my Mom as she was a seamstress!!] this would be a perfect addition to our windows and a good easy sewing job!! Thanks for sharing this!!!
That’s so sweet, Anita. Great idea!
Anita how do you laundry vintage fabric? I bought several this weekend at our flea market some are tablecloths with a few stains I want to use some of them making pillows but want them to be clean and not so yellow looking. Thank you for all your good information love reading your blog one of my favorites. Gloria
The curtain look wonderful. Such a wonderful way to use vintage materials. I love handmade items that have meaning or belonged to my family. 😉
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I love it’s sweet simplicity. Anything with hand embroidery is a win-win in my book.
Your curtain is so cute and so clever. I love vintage pillowcases too. I used 2 for a lampshade cover. Thank you for sharing this idea.
Oh I just love your curtain. What a clever and sweet idea. I made a lamp shade from two pillowcases. I will certainly use this idea. Thank you for sharing.
Your home is so beautiful. I love these curtains. I might have to start asking around for vintage linens. You inspire me!
I made 4 of these today. Great tutorial! Took me forever though as I’m not very talented and my sewing machine is 30 years old and crotchety! I made notes for next time to make main fabric 25” and trim wider. Loved learning the French seam! My kids get new PJs on Christmas Eve. This year they will be given to them in their new winter themed pillowcases. Thank you!!
Made a curtain for my sewing room window. Went to the thrift store and got a pillow case for $.99 and it worked out super.
Made a curtain for my sewing room window. Went to the thrift store and got a pillow case for $.99 and it worked out super.
Great idea! I hate that these beautiful handmade pieces are just sitting in some (antique, imported) trunk or (also antique, hand engraved) cedar chest. At least they’re mildewing away in pretty containers! I have lots of lovely handmade handed-down options to choose from, and just realized again how lucky we are to receive these things we dont have an immediate use for.
I saw lots of great ideas in the comments too. Thanks all! ❤️
Shireen, so sorry I missed your comment when you posted it. Yes, it’s very sad to see these beautiful pieces not appreciated or cared for.
So cute. I am currently going to attempt to make kitchen curtains using gunny sacks!