Creative Repurposing with Vintage Tea Towels

Have you ever wondered what to do with old souvenir or beautifully patterned tea towels? Discover the possibilities for creative repurposing with vintage tea towels and linens with this curated selection of Australian makers with Etsy shops. Explore unique fashion and homewares crafted from vintage linens, tablecloths, and bedsheets, where the patterns inspire each one-of-a-kind piece.

There’s creativity here for everyone, even if you live beyond Australia! The inspirational items outlined below are available through Etsy, one of my affiliate partners. #etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase

Jessica Wolf Designs

Image Source: Jessica Wolf Designs (Etsy)

Jessica Wolf Designs loves quirky colour schemes, Australian floral designs, funky texture & pattern. Wollongong-based Jessica makes one of a kind vintage and retro inspired handmade fashion & accessories, and particularly loves repurposing with vintage teatowels to create unique wearable works of art.

Magnificent broad brimmed sunhats, newsboy hats and a selection of crossbody bags are Jessica’s most popular selling items that are primarily made from vintage tea towels.

I proudly own one of Jessica’s hats – it goes with me everywhere and each time I wear it I receive fab comments asking where to buy a hat like it. Here’s me in the garden, where one of Jessica’s hats.

Go here for the Jessica Wolf Designs Etsy shop… #etsy #sponsored – I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase

I Love Green

Image Source: I Love Green (Etsy)

Michelle from I Love Green is a Newcastle NSW local who loves making clothes that are a joy to wear. Even better when they’re made from preloved, remnant, excess stock, vintage and upcycled fabrics!

You can find I Love Green at selected regional markets as well as sourcing items from her Etsy shop found here… #etsy #sponsored – I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Here’s me chatting to Michelle from I Love Green at the Homegrown Markets (Speers Point).

Chosen Stranger

Image Source: Chin Chen St (Etsy)

Bonnie from Chosen Stranger (formerly Chin Chen Street) is more than a fashion creator. Known in the local region as a sustainable sewer, Bonnie has the skills to re-love items with small, sew-simple changes to garments. The Newcastle NSW-based creator calls her style “anti-fashion” and stocks a curated range of vintage and designer handmade clothing.

You can find Chosen Stranger on instagram as well as source her inspirational preloved and handmade items from her Etsy shop here… #etsy #sponsored – I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Tootsie Handmade

Image Source: Tootsie Handmade (Etsy)

Tootsie Handmade’s creator Karen loves the idea of recycling & upcycling so items get a second or third chance at life. The Semaphore (SA) based creative predominantly uses vintage & reclaimed fabrics from the 60’s and 70’s, including vintage blankets, tea towels, doilies and buttons to create one-of-a-kind accessories.

The practical yet one of a kind clutches, purses and bags are made from a combination of vintage tea towels and retro linen.

Go here for Tootsie Handmade’s Etsy shop…#etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Two Bettys Handmade

Image Source: Two Bettys Handmade (Etsy)

South Australian-based creator Sharyn loves making one-off or limited creations using vintage linens. Two Bettys Handmade specialises in making cushions from tea towel calendars and young girls pinafores. The makers’ dual love of sewing and sustainability means that you’ll always have a unique creation for your home or little one.

Go here for Two Bettys Handmade Etsy shop… #etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Tassie Dazzle

Image Source: Tassie Dazzle (Etsy)

Toni designs and creates unique, colourful and fun jewellery from sustainably sourced Tasmanian timbers. Tassie Dazzle combines the timber with other repurposed mediums such as free-trade felt, upcycled vintage crochet, lace, embroidery and fabric.

Specialising in earrings, the Tasmanian creator ensures there’s a funky style to suit everyone!

Go here for Tassie Dazzle’s Etsy shop… #etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Sourcing Fabrics & Supplies

Now that you’ve been inspired, perhaps you’d like to source your own materials, fabrics and resources to get started. Choose from beautiful oak hangers, vintage Australian tea towels, vintage tablecloths and bed linen.

Vintage Tablecloths

Choose from a diverse selection of vintage tablecloths, napkins and table runners from Australian stores as well as global stores. Go here to start browsing vintage tablecloths from Etsy…

#etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Vintage Bed Linen

Choose from a wide selection of vintage bed linen, bed sheets, and doona covers from single bed size to Queen Bed size. Go here to start browsing vintage bed sheets from Etsy…

#etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Vintage Tea Towels

Choose from a diverse selection of vintage tea towels, available from Australian stores as well as global stores. Go here to start browsing vintage tea towels from Etsy…

#etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

PosteryComAu

Image Source: PosteryComAu (Etsy)

Go here for PosteryComAU for sustainably-sourced Tasmanian Oak timber hangers and vintage prints – they ship internationally to selected countries!

#etsy #sponsored I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Vintage Repurposing Inspiration

Finding ways to creatively repurpose with vintage tea towels and other linens is an excellent way of using items already in circulation and has the bonus of usually being one of a kind items.

Enjoy supporting Australian small businesses and the creativity that shines from upcycling preloved fabrics.