Vintage French Christmas Tea Towels

I think I have done it…managed to squeeze in my last project before Christmas! And here they are…my vintage French Christmas tea towels! I love their old-fashioned look and feel!

Of course, I could not have done it without the help of my faithful co-host Baby Kitty who assisted me as I was sewing in the wee hours of the night! It was easy! For each one, I cut two 19 inch X 28 inch pieces of Osnaburg fabric that I bought with a 40 % off coupon at Hobby Lobby…so about $2.50 a yard. I love this fabric! It has the nubby texture and unbleached color of linen, but without the fussiness, since it is 100% cotton. That left two 4 inch x 28 inch pieces of remnant to serve as the ruffles. I hemmed each one of the larger pieces on three sides and then gathered and attached the ruffle on the remaining  short side.

Next, I printed this graphic on transfer paper as is…it must be backwards so that it will face the correct the direction when applied. I used a 3 inch x 4 inch size with Photoscape. Several of you have asked what kind of transfer paper I use…Avery for light fabrics. First, I trimmed as closely as I could around the design and then I followed the directions on the package to apply the transfers. My advice…iron, iron, iron…and when you think it might be ready…iron some more!

And here’s the result! Doesn’t it almost look like embroidery?

I didn’t hem the edges of the ruffle, but left it with the selvage as is. I love the little raveled edge! It adds to the vintage look and will not unravel any further than that.

In fact, I like them so much that I think I will make a few more and use them as generous napkins at Christmas eve dinner!

And wouldn’t they make nice gifts? The traditional red and green just say Christmas to me! Whew! Now I just have a few things left to share and then Christmas can arrive! I think I might be just about ready! What about you?
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my Christmas decorations!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday (first Monday of the month)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Beth at The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Fall into Fall
Jill at French Cupboard for Voila!French Inspiration on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Fabulous Fall Fun
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!