Repurposing Vintage Tablecloths
I have a big stack of vintage tablecloths that I've picked up over the years; here, there, anywhere. That picture above isn't even half of my collection; I use them all the time in my display at events, so a good portion of them are in my bins, washed & pressed, and ready to go.
Some of them are in less than perfect condition; a few were in complete tatters - holes and stains. Some I even bought that way because the pattern was so beautiful. I still use that aqua Willendur cloth up there with the Dogwood blossoms - what you see is about the extent of the damage, and there are holes in a few other spots. But with my lifestyle (i.e. teenage boys), it's perfect to throw on my table everyday.
I've held on to these tablecloths in that condition for years, but since they are really quite unusable like that, I've tried to put my emotional dependence on hold, and tried to utilize them in another way. Interestingly enough, in my collection, most of the damage was on the unprinted parts. The portions of cloth with flowers or designs were mostly intact and in good condition. I don't know if the printing process stabilized the fabric more than the other parts, but I started placing my 6" plastic square ruler over them and started cutting (yes, as a matter of fact, if was painful).
I matched up the wrong sides and stitched three sides together, turned them right side out, pressed them and then added a few scoops of lavender. Stitched the opening closed (you could do that part by hand and have a more invisible seam, but I used the machine), and then added a vintage button to the center, a la pincushion-like, and that's it.
They easily became little tablecloth sachets. I can think of so many other things I could have done with those little squares, but this was fast and easy, and I think they're really pretty cute! You could have a bunch on hand and then toss them in with a gift for a little extra surprise. And the lavender...mmmm. Always a good choice!
Oh, and I had the most incredible craving yesterday for Udon soup - look what I made!
I love your little tablecloth sachets - such a lovely idea. I also have a tablecloth collection - though I'm not quite there yet with the cutting idea!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | March 06, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Great idea ... I believe you when you said it was painful though!
Posted by: LizKnits | March 06, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I think I felt a little sympathy pain- really, I flinched a little when you said you cut them, but the results are beautiful!!
Posted by: Autum | March 06, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Oh I could just roll around in those tablecloths!It is always sad to see the end of something vintage, but in re-purposing them, you gave them new life!
Posted by: Chelsea D. | March 06, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I need to be cutting up some of mine and making things out of them, too. Those little sachets are great!
Posted by: Kathi D | March 06, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: bari | March 06, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Great Idea! But I can understand how hard it would be to cut them up. ouch!
You could, also, use them for pockets on a skirt or apron.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | March 06, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Now they are out of the cupboard and look very pretty!
Posted by: Lisa | March 07, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Woo woo woooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! You are featured on the Craft site!!!
Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!
And you totally deserve the attention!
Posted by: Kathi D | March 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Oh wow, you are a brave woman. I have several old tablecloths that I keep thinking I'll make into something else, but I havent been able to cut into them. Maybe your courage will spur me on!
Posted by: Eren | March 07, 2008 at 02:46 PM
What a great idea. I also love those itty bitty flower hats you posted about below. Too cute.
Posted by: jessica | March 07, 2008 at 04:29 PM