I have been in love with vintage fabric for as long as I can remember.

When I was a child, even before I could sew, I remember begging scraps of vintage fabric from my Nanna’s sewing, just because they were pretty. I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but they were nice just to have.

Not much has changed, eh?!When I grew up I forgot about fabrics, and sewing, for a long time. Although I still had a bag of scrap fabrics, mostly vintage, left over from a patchwork quilt I started when I was about eight years old, stashed in a bag at the back of my wardrobe.

There is nothing quite like a shared interest to draw people together, is there? Even when they don’t know one another. Even, in fact, when they have never actually met.I feel incredibly fortunate to have found other people who feel the same attraction to vintage fabric as I do.

Especially when they have amazing collections and are incredibly generous…

I got not one, but two gift parcels of vintage fabric recently, from fellow enthusiasts Lusefine and Rachel of Rainbow Vintage Home.

There’s nothing quite like beautiful vintage fabric when it comes to inspiration. I mean, once I’ve got over the urge to just rearrange and stare at them, that is…I have already incorporated some of Lusefine’s fabrics into my new elf girls…And having been selected for a stall at the Secret Garden Craft Fair this year (for the first time in several years! Yay for me!) I can’t wait to get on with making more bright, summery dolls and creatures to take along with me.

I mean, don’t these colours and patterns instantly cheer you up just looking at them?!I’ve been trying to curb my hoarding tendencies recently, particularly when it comes to vintage fabrics.

Because whilst they are lovely to have, I bought quite a few with the intention of making cushions with them – and I don’t do that any more. The fabrics are wonderful, but their large-scale patterns just don’t lend themselves to tiny dolls. And frankly, I could do with a bit more money and a bit more space.

So I’m going to sort out some of the ones I can bear to part with, with the intention of selling or passing them on in the not-too-distant future. Maybe at a local event, or maybe online. We shall see. Any suggestions as to the best ways to dispose of them gratefully received – what would you do?

Some of them I may decide to gift to other enthusiasts… because as Rachel has said, it’s good to share the love.

And if I can make others feel like Rachel and Lusefine have made me feel after receiving their gifts, well, the vintage fabric love will be well worth sharing.♥