They’ve long been overshadowed by quilts, but overshot coverlets deserve their own location in the sun. The nubby-textured textiles, loomed from wool and cotton into detaining geometric patterns, initially migrated to America from Europe in the 1770s. Later on, commercial mills replicated the handcrafted heirlooms, and today these versions abound at antiques fairs and on Etsy.
While perfect finds are rare, the pieces are simply as impactful. Thankfully, these materials can be upcycled into a myriad of family accents with just a couple of simple steps. We have several concepts: Consider slicing out a long, undamaged section, for example, and hemming the edges– and voila, you have a declaration table runner that you’ll enjoy taking out for a dinner party. Searching for some other project inspiration for the home? If you’re limited on scraps, attempt making an art display trio with squares or rectangles of all various sizes; merely use a sealant on the edges you cut, dab fabric glue onto white support, frame, and hang.
Of course, there’s nothing incorrect with utilizing these blankets as intended– as actual bed coverlets. Ought to you score a piece of overshot fabric that’s big enough to decorate your bed (and in mint adequate condition to display), change your winter quilt with this lighter model when the weather condition warms.
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Dining Vroom
You don’t need to go to terrific lengths to make this stunner of a runner. Just cut a 14-inch-wide undamaged area from a ripped or holey blanket, hem the edges, and your table is set. Chairs reupholstered in a mix of themes will also bring graphic punch to the scene.
Shop Now: Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son CH327 Dining Table in Oak Lacquer (comparable to revealed), $6,700, danishdesignstore.com; Eric Bonnin Kam Bowls in Black, $135 and $65, ericbonninceramics.com; Bob Dinetz Pistachio Pitcher, $218, bloomist.com.
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Bench Warmers
A neutral nook gets a huge dose of patterned pizzazz with these pillow covers. The largest is an envelope-back design fashioned from a vintage overshot blanket, and the others are from Family Heirloom Weavers, a third-generation mill in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, that develops premium, machine-washable recreations.
Store Now: Pine Cone Bloom Pillows in (from left) Brown/Black and Navy/Red and Tennessee Trouble Pillow, in Navy/White, $35 each, familyheirloomweavers.com; Interior Define Ines Bench in Oat Performance Pebble Knit, $595, interiordefine.com.
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Dream Weavers
Treasured for their lightweight heat, toughness, and artistic color combinations, overshot blankets decorated beds from New England to the southern seaboard states during the 1800s. This antique cream-and-dark-peach coverlet provides instant character to a smooth canopy bed, and a contemporary lumbar pillow in a similarly strong concept bridges the past and the present.
Shop Now: Women of Oaxaca Viento Lumbar Pillow (comparable to revealed), $225, the-citizenry. com; IKEA Yttervag Bed in Black, $499, ikea.com; Ballard Designs Jonah Side Table, $699, ballarddesigns.com; Folk Abigail Ball Lamp in Black Glaze, $499, rejuvenation.com.
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Remnant Revival
Geometric grids are the trademarks of overshot weaving, so why not show those information like artwork? In this grouping, minimalist frames concentrate squarely on the detailed lines. To make your own, cut a piece to the desired size and use liquid seam sealant along the edges to avoid unraveling. Dab fabric glue on the back of the material– at the center and corners– to hold it in place.
Shop Now: Blick Wood Gallery Frames in Natural, from $25 each, dickblick.com; West Elm Multi-Mat Gallery Frame, 16″ by 20″, in Wheat (center), $95, westelm.com.
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Varieties
Another striking concept for overshot scraps: Jazz up plain canvas totes. Snip a rectangle of product somewhat larger than your carryall’s middle section, hem the raw edges, and adhere it with iron-on fabric fusing. That’s what we call individual design for the long run.
Shop Now: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Open-Top Bags in Natural, from $25 each, llbean.com; Muuto Dots Large Wooden Coat Hook in Mustard, $37, finnishdesignshop.com.