DIY Vintage French Silverware Sleeve

I am excited to show you my latest project…an oh-so-frenchy silverware sleeve! It’s just the perfect complement to my collection of mismatched vintage silverplate, don’t you think? And it feeds what seems to be my recent obsession of labeling everything in French!

Here’s how it looks when it’s folded and placed on the plate…love it! I knew as soon as I saw them here that I would have to try my hand at making my own!

Once I figured it out, it was pretty simple really! Here’s what I did:
1. I used Osnaburg…a very user-friendly and inexpensive linen look-alike ($5.00 a yard on sale at Jo-Ann). I needed one yard to make 4 sleeves and another yard for matching napkins (if you wish.)  Cut three 11 inch x 11 inch pieces of fabric for each sleeve. Fold one of the pieces in half and press it.
2. Place the folded fabric on one of the remaining pieces with the fold to the inside and line up the edges. Place the final piece of fabric over the two and pin in place. Stitch on all sides, allowing an open space to turn the sleeve right side out. Clip the corners at an angle, turn, press and hand-stitch the opening.
3. Stitch the length of the inner pocket along the center and at two more intervals on the right side to create slots for the silverware. The pocket on the left will hold the napkin.
4. Print the following graphics on iron-on transfer paper and apply them according to package directions.

I have already flipped them to the mirror image that you will need for the transfer. Bon Appétit roughly translates “Enjoy your meal” while fourchettte, couteau and cuillère are fork, knife and spoon respectively. I used PhotoScape to print them at the 3 inch x 4 inch size and printed four of them on one sheet since I am making four sleeves.

Finally, I tied a knot in the center of three lengths of twine and hot-glued them above the slots. This will tie the silverware securely in place until the sleeve is opened. Baby Kitty says to be sure not to skip this step since you wouldn’t want your guests to have their silverware fall out!

And here it is! Now you can get a good look at the napkin, too. I cut four 18 inch x 18 inch pieces of the Osnaburg for my four napkins and hemmed them on only three sides since the fabric has an interesting fringed selvedge edge. I love their rustic look! You could, of course, use your own napkins and skip this step.

Here’s a final look. I know I say this every time, but I really think this may just be one of my favorite projects ever! Now I am ready to invite some friends over for lunch so I can use them!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my silverware sleeve ! 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
Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring
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
Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!