Uses for heirloom weavings?

[u/ColonelFurbin]

My mom made these beautiful weavings back in the 70s and I’m trying to come up with some ways to put them to use. I asked her about turning them into throw pillows and thought about framing a couple. Any other suggestions? The largest is 26x19 and the smaller ones are 21x16. I don’t want them just lingering sadly in a drawer for another 50 years.

[u/WorksInPro]

Gorgeous! They look a bit like mats you'd display other decorative objects on top of. Or like, a decorative holiday table runner that you remove before putting food down.

[u/CarlsNBits → u/WorksInPro]

Love the display mat idea! I have a few loom waste pieces I’ve done that with—adds a unique element to display shelves

[u/Adventurous-Pen-5625]

Gorgeous. Wow your mom is talented! I’d frame a trio of them, with big mats, then put one on a coffee table, if a few are similar sized, could they be connected to be a table runner?

[u/Big_Swimming8692 → u/Adventurous-Pen-5625]

Yes!! Frame them!!

[u/pizzaisavegetabIe]

So beautiful! Adding to everyone's suggestions — I've seen people add decorative panels to the back of a denim jacket, could sew one on like a large patch.

[u/MarsScully]

I would frame them all in nice frames and put them on a wall

They’re stunning

[u/MarsScully → u/MarsScully]

I see they’re no all exactly the same size. I recommend getting same size frames and just adjusting bigger or smaller mats.

[u/weaverlorelei]

One of my guild mates took the sample squares of 20 different overshot patterns and created stuffed teddy bears for her grandkids. They were adorable.

[u/monolithictrout → u/weaverlorelei]

I really love the overshot teddy bears!

[u/CanNo9864]

For my weavings I've sewn a sleeve on the back to hang on the wall, I've framed small ones, and others I use on top of the kitchen table. I hope that my family will enjoy them after I'm gone. They were woven to be used.

[u/CrochetandChai]

They are beautiful. Tote bags, handbags.... Any kind of bag..

[u/Agitated_Cut_861]

I admire her selvages.

[u/dollythecat]

We used textiles like that as placemats for dinner in my house growing up. There was always one displayed in the center of the dining room table under candles and a trivet.

[u/krampaus]

use as kilims in winter? I have three smaller wool rugs that I put on my couch when the weather gets colder because it warms the seat a little

[u/Soft-Key-2645]

Sew them onto pillowcases, tote bags, denim jackets or a t shirt.

[u/aimthearrow]

I support the framing idea! One of my favorite things my mom owns is a set of two lace doilies that are overlayed on eachother in a frame that were made by her grandmother. I asked if she ever didn't want to display them anymore, or if my sister doesn't want them to have them one day.

Potentially could also be nice as decorative towel toppers (not sure if that's the name), but the shorter decorative towels some people hang on top of the usable ones. Also on a vanity under your things (perfume, watch, etc) could be cute if they fit. And in the middle of the dining table under flowers depending on the size of your table.

[u/TennesseeLove13]

Wow! What gorgeous work. It would take me weeks upon weeks to accomplish those, and they'd not look as beautifully crafted. I'd frame them or maybe make pillow covers/cushions from them—display them for admiration.

[u/PsychologicalPie1170]

I have a similar issue with family heirloom weaving that’s up to a century old. I’m considering hand sewing them all onto a large piece of archive safe cotton to use as a wall hanging. As you say, terrible to hide them in a drawer for another 50 years!

[u/deepfriedcodpiece]

Throw pillows, tote bag (big enough for a rigid heddle maybe?) or jacket back panel would be my vote.

I'm working on Lee's surrender right now, probably out of the same book as your mom did :)

[u/FreyaKitten]

Are they washable? They look the right size for couch arm covers, but I'd only do that if they were washable.

[u/cozycloth]

You might consider one vertical frame with the 3 squarish weavings on top - stacked. Float framed on a creamy matt board. This suggests how they might have come off the loom.

For the other 3 in brighter white - there seems to be two that are the same weave pattern and one that differs, maybe frame up one of each pattern and hang them side by side. The duplicate you can use on a nearby table, it is nice to touch weaving.

Are these from Mary Meigs Atwater's Recipe Book? No matter they are stunning.

These seem to be made to be functional, so there is that. Maybe together as a runner with a dark blue lining on back.

[u/TweaverJ23]

They are the dimensions of placemats, and you could use them for that for guest night or special occasions. They are very beautiful and your mom is a good weaver!