Doily Table Runner

There are so many beautiful, handmade things I find at thrift stores and garage sales that just  aren't my style. Yet I have a hard time not rescuing them because someone put so much love and time into them. Doilies are a great example. I am proud to say my house is doily-free with the exception of the ones I have stashed out of sight in my craft closet. With my stash in hand I set about to figure out how to make something pretty and dare I say modern from doilies. Here is the result.
  

Project Steps

If you'd like to make your own doily table runner follow these steps. Or, if you prefer to skip the hard stuff, you can also buy one here.

Step 1: Source between 8 and 12 vintage doilies. I often find them at thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. You could also raid your grandmother's linen closet. Look for interesting designs, similar colors and sizes. If they have a few holes or damaged spots but are overall in good shape, you can mend them or hide the flaws in your seams.

Step 2: Soak the doilies in a hot water and OxiClean® powder solution for between 24 and 48 hours. This will pull out stains and any yellowing that has happened over time. Don't ever be afraid to use your vintage linens. I've rarely met a stain I couldn't conquer after a few days soak in this OxiClean® solution. After soaking, wash the doilies with like colors and air dry flat. 

Step 3: Once dry, inspect each doily for holes and mend them using a similar thread color. You want to catch any loose loops to keep them from unraveling further in future washings. This step is actually pretty easy - if you can sew on a button you can mend a doily.

Step 4: Iron each doily and get it as flat as possible. If you find you have one that just won't flatten, put it to the side for another project. Use medium to high heat and a spray bottle filled with water for the best results.

Step 5: Start laying the doilies out in a row until you achieve the desired length. Look for shapes that fit nicely together but aren't too matchy-matchy. The goal is a bit of organized chaos. 

Step 6: When you are happy with the overall design and length you're ready to sew them together. Overlap each doily a few centimeters, pin together, and then sew along the seam by hand using thread similar in color to the doilies. Small stitches will do the trick and in the end it'll be hard to tell the right side from the wrong. 

Step 6: When you're done you'll have a gorgeous, modern table runner. Enjoy!