TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham shares her favorite tips for using bed sheets around the house.
- Flat sheets can easily be made into window curtains. Simply unstitch the sides of the top of the sheet, where the wide hem is, and slide it through the curtain rod. The thicker the sheet, the more effective it will be as a curtain. Considering this when purchasing coordinating drapes for wallpaper, the cost of the sheets are often less expensive than the fabric.
- Make cafe curtains for your kitchen by cutting a sheet in half and hemming the bottom.
- Re-use a decorative bed sheet by sewing weights in the corners and using it as a tablecloth for a party. It is impossible to tell the difference, and it is much easier to clean.
- Your children's bed sheets also make great tablecloths for their birthday parties because they already have the child's favorite character or activity on them.
- To cover the back of a chair, just slip an attractive pillowcase over the top of it. You can even slip a pillow in there to make the chair more comfortable.
- Pillowcases also make a great laundry bag for when you're on the road.
- For the youth hostel traveler, (where linens are not provided,) make your own "bivy sack," which is like a sleeping bag, only it is made from cotton sheeting. Simply fold a king or queen size sheet in half, and sew together the bottom and half way up the side.
- Make an inexpensive shower curtain by attaching grommets and purchasing a coordinating liner.
- Old bed sheets make great drop cloths and picnic blankets. They are easily washable, too.
- Use as dust covers for off-season clothes or furniture.
