The Thrifter's Revenge
Last April I went to Canton for the first time and happened upon a booth filled with the most gorgeous vintage table cloths. They were all bright white, ironed and folded, hanging in a row. I gasped for air, brushed my fingertips along the edges and promised to come back later as it was one of the first booths we had visited. But then when I went back it was nowhere to be found. Like a DREAM!
I went back in the Fall and looked again. No luck. But this past weekend we went again and there it was right in front of me! In that instant I decided to spend every last penny in my pocket on vintage table clothes. I mean, I might never see them again!
Am I crazy? What should I do with them? Since none of them actually fit my table. HA!
Give me guidance oh Prudent Mamas and you might win a LOVELY child's chair from Belle & Blue!
Labels: thrifting
posted by Jacinda @ 1:00 AM
107 Comments:
These are really gorgious, congratulations on finding them.
What to do with them? As long as the fabric becomes something that will last, all is good.
Esther.
I know I would probably use them as full skirts for dresses for my girls, but those who are more original than me might cut the fun parts out and make a garland with them and maybe hem some other parts into napkins for decor for a big vintage tablecloth-themed party!
absolutely gorgeous find, I envy a little:) maybe it's new curtains for kitchen or lovely summer dress for one nice girl?:)
They're so beautiful that it seems a shame to cut into them. However, since fabric IS meant to be used, I think the plate and cutlery print would be nice to cut out the place settings as appliques. The one with the diamond shape just seems like an apron to me, all those shapes pointing down. Maybe a pillow with the flowered one? I don't know. I'm just really starting to get my brain oiled and working again. I'd probably just set them aside until inspiration struck as well. I'm forever grouping what fabric I have and discovering new combinations that look good together.
I think, that I would frame the best parts and put them up as artwork (the plates would be good in the kitchen), or make bistro curtains ... lots of kitchen ideas but I spend most of my time in here.
I would cut out some of the motifs and frame them for friends!
You know with tablecloths that beautiful it would be perfectly acceptable for you to go out and buy a table that fits them. No one here would judge you for it.
A maxi dress! So "in" right now and some of these prints would be perfect for them! I seem to remember reading a prudent mama post quite recently about lazy quilting and adding panels to make the fabric fit a too-big pillow, so maybe add panels to make the tablecloth fit the table? Nice find!
My daughter has a gorgeous dress that was made from a vintage tablecloth, I'll search for it and send you a pic.
Oh, I would have to cut up that one with the plates to make placemats. Maybe a border in a retro looking floral. They would be adorable!
courtlyons@yahoo.com
There is a really great pattern in Stitch magazine for a girls dress specifically made to be sewn with a vintage tablecloth. I've been waiting for just the right find, but it looks like you snatched them all up!! I could see every one of those as a beautiful dress!
I would make them into dresses and skirts! If they're not enough fabric to make adult sizes, I'd make them for my daughter. I'd also probably use them to make vintage style aprons, wouldn't that be cute? And maybe bags or even a table runner. :)
Jess
Wow those are seriously gorgeous!! I don't blame you for hunting them down!
I think you know what to do with them, sewing them into something adorable! Do what ya know right?
Oh my goodness!! I am so, so jealous. I love vintage table clothes and have a small collection of my own. I currently have them all folded and stored in our hutch. Not hidden away, but up where the dishes can be seen through the glass fronted doors. I have also, I probably shouldn't be admitting this, cut some apart and used them to make curtains and other fun projects. In my defense, I only cut ones that have stains and tears. I can't wait to hear what you decide to do with yours!!
So gorgeous! Along with skirts and dresses, you can take the place setting one and make individual place mats from it. Are they big enough to be curtains? Or even totebags. Oh the possibilities are endless. Great job on hunting them down.
I'm thinking pillows. Lots and lots and lots of pillows!
I'm in the process of upcycling all sorts of thrift store finds into clothing for my little girl... I spy some pretty spring outfits when I see those lovely table clothes! pillowcase dresses and peasant tops with little frilly bloomers underneath....
I might actually try framing some of them, for vintage kitchen decor. Or an amazing apron. Or for a little one's table and chairs for sweet tea parties.
Quilt, use for windows, make dresses for yourself, your kids and your dress form :) sangee1234 at gmail dot com
Oh! I am not a quilter, but these finds are screaming to be quilted together to make for a lovely vintage blanket and shams. I think perhaps large squares as to not disturb the decorative beauty they each hold. A quilt will allow these treasures to continue their journey through the generations - and the best part is that a quilt "fits" everyone! Fun!
They are just gorgeous fabrics. Definitely upcycle into garments, home decor, handbags, anything! Great find!!
I am insanely jealous! I've never run up on so many at once like that!
I would make some great pillows for your office.
You could also photocopy parts to make cards, wrapping paper, etc.
How big are they? If there is one that is not too giant, I would consider pasting the whole thing to the wall in my girls' room. Ever since I saw Jill try this 100% removable project on Homemade by Jill (she got the instructions from How About Orange) I have wanted to try it! Here's the instructions and glue recipe:
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2008/07/starched-fabric-decal-experiment.html
How about use them as curtains in your newly decorated office space? A dress for the wee one or your triplets (wink, wink), cloth diaper covers? Tote bag? Alternatively build a table to fit the tablecloths? That might be a bit excessive though. . .
I think there are SO many things -- but Im thinking back to you kitchen potholder competition ... and then some kitchen towels to go with... I also think they would be divine lunch bags if you used the Gingercake patterns ?
Insanely jealous !
They are fabulous! You could make a picnic blanket with a waterproof backing. I'm working on one right now with a vintage sheet and a dollar store vinyl tablecloth for the backing. It's fabulous since I can wipe it clean. I must say, I love the above suggestion of building a table to fit the tablecloths :)
You could make cute pillow case like dresses for little girls with them or they would make really cute aprons! Nice find!
I would keep at least one of them as a tablecloth and create a skirt for it so it WILL fit a table. You could use the others to make a "playhouse teepee" for the kids to play in while you are sewing or cooking.
Seems like you could add to the edges with cute fabric to make them fit your table. Or dish towels edged with pom-pom fringe would be super cute!
Good going! You must have been thrilled to find them again! Maybe you should just hang them up the way you found them, but in the other direction, so you can ogle them daily!
The book, "Sew What Skirts" (http://amzn.to/ijxAe9) has an adorable skirt made from a vintage table cloth. I've always wanted to try it but have never found the fabric cute enough like the ones you found.
Clothing is obvious, what about taking parts you like and cutting them out frame them. Use it as art. You could cut small squares and decoupage them to make coaster. Just think of it as normal raw fabric.
Ack, I love the one with place settings! And the bottom photo looks like a girly carnival tent. I know, that's not helpful at all.
I like others' idea to do some summery skirts, but I'm always a fan of quilting! Looks like you have some fussy-cutting opportunities.
I use my vintage table clothes to make simple lap quilts. Add a backing and batting, a few simple quilted lines, binding and bobs your uncle you have a nice lap quit or baby quilt. The holiday table cloths especially make nice quilts!
Skirts and dresses are always a good option, if you want to make something with them. Using them for upholstery would be fun, too, but I don't think I would have the guts to cut into them. I'd just leave them folded and use them for picnics in the yard.
They are so pretty! The first thing i thought was cute summer dresses for your girls, then i was thinking the oil and vinegar table cloth would make a cute apron, and finally the table setting, with plates and silverware could be made into a stuffed play set for a tea party! Looks like lots of fun! can't wait to see what you end up making.
They're lovely! I would opt for an apron or skirt for me or a dress for my little girl. Can't wait to see what you do!
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Hmm...ideas...slip covers for chair backs; child-sized pillows for the car, or grandparents' laps; add a crochet border or fringe; add some embroidery to it; cut out different parts and make a picture story on a quilt; make a skirt with the last one!; bean bags; make tea towels; or simply use smaller tables when you entertain outside and have them all displayed as tablecloths! I wouldn't want to cut them up....What size are they anyway?
These are wonderful! And they need to be seen! I'm thinking pillows, or curtains, or framed (all previously mentioned ideas). Another fun way to use them, but that wouldn't be seen all the time, would be to make some bunting with them for themed parties, for girls' rooms, etc.
Some of them look to be the right weight for a breezy summer top.
Curtains for the kitchen, I think the one with the flowers and the fence would make the most adorable little dress or twirly skirt! Maybe a set of mother/daughter aprons, that you can pass down?
I could see a really cute skirt made from a bordered printed table cloth. Cafe curtains would be cute as well as picnic blankets for this summer (back them with a vintage bedspread?) Stretching a particularly pretty one over a canvas would be nice too!
awesome fabric find!
I just had to comment because I'M JACINDA too!!! COOL! :D
I think they would make lovely Mother Daughter Aprons like the full aprons that are all ruffly amazingness :) or Dresses. :)It would be really fun to have mother daughter aprons and then have a vintage tableloth themed tea party with the lucky lady's friends. :)
Wow! Love the designs! I don't have a specific answer for what to do with them because you have way too many options. Whatever it is, it will be spectacular!!
I vote for a vintage style apron and a couple of buntings. Make some easy peasy ones for outdoor summer parties.
My first thought was skirts/dresses for S and her doll-babies. But even better would be a quilted summer coverlet.... nice and lightweight, but colorful and fun.
napkins? dish towels? I totally want to store my fabris like that now on hangers!!
I just saw the most adorable "bunting" style quilt. Large triangles in strips like hanging bunting, against a white background. Too adorable. The large triangles would be a great way to show off these prints.
Otherwise--curtains, little girl dresses and skirts, and aprons are all great suggestions too.
These would make the most beautiful shift dresses for any little girl! They are gorgeous. Depending on their size they would probably look great as a shift dress on a mommy too!
I think they would make fantastic pillows, if not for you, then for friends! I believe that every room should have one "odd" piece that really sticks out, and I think that this could be that piece for a lot of homes.
These would also make killer reusable bags if you used some iron-on vinyl to protect the fabric. :)
I would be terrified to cut the fabric, though! I have some that I bought months ago and still haven't used it because I don't want to "mar" it. LOL!
I'm dying over these gorgeous table cloths. I'm always looking for funky and vintage cloths for my dining room.
Oh MY.
These are too gorgeous.
NO. You should NOT cut these babies.........
Go and find yourself a table to fit them..............!
(...but I am sure, that if you'd cut them, you will create something so beautiful that we all will forgive you. ;))
Very nice! I have framed old vintage linens before and hung them in bathrooms and the kitchen. This way you can reuse it!
That Mexican print one would make an adorable shopping tote. I love the kitchen themed cloths. I would use those to make pillows for the window seats in my breakfast area. Great finds! I MUST get to Canton this year!!
Aprons for mama and dresses for little girls :)
I'd make purses and aprons...but that's just me.
handkerchief skirts, or use them as a center panel in a quilt, or just as wall art [:
I have a vintage tablecloth from my Great Grandma that is a weird square size. I put a large solid colored tablecloth on my table, and then center the vintage one diagonally in the middle (like a focal point?) I also take it on picnics since it is the perfect size for park benches. Yes, my son spilled on it, and no, it didn't all wash out. But what's the point in having lovelies if you don't use them?
Or make a purse with one. Your purse is one thing that you look at all the time, so it should be made from beautiful vintage fabric. This is the one I made from vintage curtains: http://randomcreativity.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/perfect-mid-sized-purse/
In the "Sew What" book series..."Sew What Skirts", they have a great pattern for turning vintage tablecloths into a ladies skirt using the pattern of the tablecloth to the best advantage. I love it! These would be perfect!
Stacia.ciminski@gmail.com
Great finds! I think you should turn them into clothes.
I say a quilt! Gorgeous!
I don't think you are crazy. They are beautiful! Would make wonderful napkins, aprons and possibly even shopping bags to bring to a farmers market. You could even add fabric borders to them so they'll fit a larger table!
Dresses and skirts! I never thought to go to Canton to look for fabric! Good idea. Make and sell a couple on etsy.
Hmmm.. Maybe use them them to make little upholstered chairs for kids. You can paint some little wooden chairs bright fun colors to match the fabric and then make little cushions out of the fabric. Perfect for playing house!
Next time you are in Canton go in the BLUE building at the back. The far left corner normally has BOXES and BOXES of vintage table clothes etc. Some are in good shape others are torn or may have a stain but there is plenty of usable fabric to create something new and they are CHEAP!!
gorgeous history pieces.
bag, apron, curtain, framing pieces in a collection. many possibilities.
I live in Canton and it's a wonder that I'm not completely broke thanks to all those amazing vintage shops!
Did you know that the civic center (the blue building) is only for antique items? That's the best place to go hunting for vintage linens!
Curtains,an apron,table runners,pillowcases,cut squares and frame in cute vintage frames,peice a few together and make a patchwork like shower curtain...the possibilities are endless!! How fun! I LOVE going to first Monday in Canton! :)
Holy Moly, the things I could make with these! I agree, the possibilities are endless. You'll know what you need to make when you feel as compelled to make it as you were to buy it <3 <3
Love them! Pillows are the most obvious thing that comes to mind. You could do so much... curtains, you could make an awesome memo board out of them, cut them down and frame them as art... endless possibilities.
Hm, what should you do with them? How about a giveaway, to share the love? :)
I want to go to Canton so bad it almost makes me cry!!! Okay, I see R.U.F.F.L.E.S! New tables cloths, aprons, skirts, curtains, and quilts. Pillowcase dress? Or just fold them up so pretty, put them on a shelf in the kitchen and sit at the kitchen table, drink a glass of sweet tea and relish in the great buy you made that day.
These are gorgeous! You could do so many things! You can make aprons out of them, table runners and/or placemats (if the designs fit), dishtowels, finger towels, the list goes on! But I like the aprons idea the best :) I LOVE aprons!!
Great find :)
These are fun and I actually have been to Canton years ago with my aunt. What an experience. So my idea because you have to look at it also is for a new cover for a bike seat. I am in the middle of doing this now (well actually I have just bought the fabric, which was fun). We received a used bike seat for our little man that has an addiction to bikes. But it had a super thin and gross seat pad. So I bought some fabric with batting and am going to use snaps to attach to plastic seat and velcro for where the straps go in so we don't have to take them out every time. I am very excited to do this and it could be really fun with you new fabric!! You could even do a different pattern on each side to enjoy more than one fabric. Good luck decided that seems to be the hardest thing for me, narrowing it down.
Oh man, the things you can do with them are endless if you don't mind cutting into them. I bought vintage table clothes and turned them into christmas stockings. You could also make pillows, skirts, blankets...for babies or for a picnic, maybe a handkerchief for your hair. Good luck!
these are exquisite! i could see a long wrap skirt using panels cut on the bias, maybe using two or three different cloths for an eclectic bohemian vibe! so pretty....
GIVE THEM TO MEEE!!! lol. or another prudent mama. not just me.. but especially meeee. :) or you could frame some of them... like 2 square feet of some of them.. ya know.. make a dress out of them... ANYTHING!!
Curtains, dishtowels, bedspreads, turn them in to a rug somehow...so many possiblities! :)
Make throw pillows, use the patterned ones for clothing...easy DIY sewing patters, frame sections of them, use them on smaller occasional tables at parties.
Wow, I am so jealous. Those are beautiful!! I've been collection vintage sheets lately to make a quilt, but for table clothes I wouldn't do that. Some would be good for decorative pillows I bet. Others would be so fun for a tote bag or whatever kind of bag you want to do. Shower curtains might be great too. Some of those I would just frame maybe. Might be cute in the kitchen...I especially LOVE the plate and utensil one. You could make an adorable apron with the oil and vinegar one too!
I know exactly the booth you're talking about ... it's one of my favorites on my annual Canton trip. I've always thought a little girl's dress would be so cute made from an old tablecloth ... so vintagey and fun. Or maybe you could back one with some flannel and make a great summer picnic blanket.
I recently bought a vintage tablecloth off EBay that were too small for my tables. I just found one of my old denim tablecloths centered the vintage tablecloth onto it and then sewed them together. I love the contrast of the denim.
Ohhh... I see an apron, placemats, and a girl's dress. So beautiful!
I had a friend who found some vintage curtains/ tablecloths and turned them into super easy, super cute shopping totes.... You can take them shopping at the supermarket or where ever and everytime you buy something you can pull one out to show off! My friend says she gets stopped every time she's out by people commenting on her fabulous totes! I haven't had any luck stumbling across anything tote worthy but my search continues.....
When I have a piece of fabric that I absolutely love, all I want to do is hug on it. So to avoid the weird/concerned looks from my family,I would make my fav into a quilt. Just border it with a calico or gingham print. This way you can cuddle all you want and your family breath easier knowing that you haven't gone completely bonkers.
You should make some of these beautiful nightgowns http://gingercake.typepad.com/gingercake/2010/05/pillowcase-nightgowns-free-tutorial.html OR make the School House Tunic Pattern by Sew Liberated http://www.etsy.com/listing/63813910/sew-liberated-schoolhouse-tunic-sewing OR some of both!!!
xx,
Elizabeth
Sell some to me! LOL Then make aprons or a circle skirt. Cute pillows or a quilt! So fun!
Placemat and napkin sets!
i have a ton of vintage tablecloths that don't fit my table & i plan on cutting them up and patching them back together for a quilted tablecloth with flannel in between. these are gorgeous!!
These are gorgeous! I'm drooling over the Mexican themed one (I collect Fiestaware and would love it to have one like it!!)! These would make a darling nursery bedding set, like a patchwork bedskirt, pillows, etc!
I just love these old tablecloths and dishcloths. They make me think of being little at my grandma"s and my aunt's homes. I have seen a couple of suggestions for a new use of these vintage fabrics. One is make Aprons out of them, couldn"t they be cute with some of that large ric rrac? I have also seen skirts made from them, or even kitchen curtains. You could go crazy!
wrap warm breads in them and give away! How about a light jacket for the spring!
So cute! You could do an amazing upholstered chair seat set. If you can find a few wooden chairs with fabric seats, you're just a can of paint and a staple gun away from a beautiful new kitchen nook set. :) It's usually a simple process to remove the seats, cover them with the new fabric (and maybe a bit of new foam, depending on the condition).
Oh so many ideas! Drapes, pillow case dresses, scarfs, belts... I could go on! So lucky!
-Brittany
Jacinda, first off, I love! Second: I am highly jealous of your find. Thirdly: make one into a skirt, make another into dish towels, the other your should cut out the images and display them in frames, and it doesn't hurt to have one as a give away ;) I love your beautiful finds, Bethany
I buy a lot of table cloths that aren't a perfect fit. Use them on a picnic,just on the ground or thrown in the middle of a picnic table. If nothing else just bring them out to ooh and aah over once in awhile til something strikes your fancy. I am so jealous as they are all darling.
1. an apron
2. a little girl dress
3. placemats, table runner, or napkins
4. pillowcase
5. chair cushions
6. frame pieces in colorful frames for kitchen wall art
Definitely some vintage looking aprons! Or potholders, or quilts, or a clothespin bag or some cool tote bags. :)
oh I am jealous! I must remember to look at the tablecloth section of my local thrift store the next time I get to go! how about making: short alls! ruffle-y skirt, or curtains for a chikllds room/playroom. art tote. patchwork/tiered maxi dress for you.
Wow! So many great "lightbulb" ideas!
Hmmm? You know I would never cut a perfectly good tablecloth .But using only the damaged ones for fabric was OK to do and very "Prudent". However, the suggestion of using the printer to copy parts of the print (design) was so simple yet brilliant! You could then decoupage and /or frame them. Even use as gift wrap or origami paper! Also,I absolutely love the comment about acquiring a table to fit the tablecloths!
My Ideas are many. How about hanging one as a shower curtain? No cutting involved, just use some type of clip to attach it to your shower linre? Ta-Da!
AHH! i have some of these too and don't know what to do. Can you compile everyone's suggestions?
as for my ideas, i thought i might add a border around them to make them fit the table. now i just layer them on the table to cover it all, but it's not ideal.
I'm not sure what I would do with these either, except hoard them in all of their fabulousness. Actually, I might use one to line a sleek spring jacket. I love a drab coat with a surprise inside. You have the luxury of many choices...I'm jealous.
I think it's high time somebody wore a tablecloth around here. If anybody could pull it off it's one of you ladies. ;)
Fussy cut the pictures and add to tea towels or potholders!
Maybe cute little aprons or dresses?
Whatever you do,they are gorgeous! Have fun with it!
I am so jealous. I live in Texas and haven't ever been to Canton, I may just have to grab my Mom and Sisters and make the trip.
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