Linen napkins and table cloths
#21
Originally Posted by illinois
I have linen table cloths and matching napkins that belonged to my mother and both grandmothers. Has anyone repurposed these into a quilt or is that a terrible idea? All seem to be in wonderful condition but who uses linen table cloths and napkins in our day of simplicity?! Our foremothers spent hours starching and ironing these. Seems I should come up with some idea that will preserve the fabrics in a more usable way.
#22
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: England
Posts: 2,365
I do not care for "our day of simplicity", this usually means dumming down.
surely these could be used on special occasions, I use table pads and seersucker or poly cotton napkins for every day, but do like to see the graceful formality of a properly laid table and as you all seem to have the iron out permanently is it really such a chore once in a while to do this?-------I realise that blue bagging and using proper starch would be a chore but you can use either sugar water or spray starch. HOWEVER , if there are those who wouldn't do this ,why not embroider the t/cloths with your fancy machines , starch/iron properly and use over pine/oak chests ,side tables so that they maybe displayed permanently without regular washing as the starch will deflect dirt.
surely these could be used on special occasions, I use table pads and seersucker or poly cotton napkins for every day, but do like to see the graceful formality of a properly laid table and as you all seem to have the iron out permanently is it really such a chore once in a while to do this?-------I realise that blue bagging and using proper starch would be a chore but you can use either sugar water or spray starch. HOWEVER , if there are those who wouldn't do this ,why not embroider the t/cloths with your fancy machines , starch/iron properly and use over pine/oak chests ,side tables so that they maybe displayed permanently without regular washing as the starch will deflect dirt.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,256
i have one table cloth ( that one doesn't need ironing and does not stain) that will cover two banquit tables together bought whe jeffersons went out of business also all of the kids and grandkids were comming over, should sell it or something.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 1,911
A woman came to speak at our guild one evening who does this. It generally requires cutting things up. She uses the crocheted edges of dresser scarves, vintage handkerchiefs, doilies, etc. and puts them over fabric for a very pretty quilt. Very feminine. I have tons of stuff my grandmother made, and I have in mind to do this one of these days. I have to get right with cutting up my grandmother's handwork first. But since it just sits hidden in a drawer, I might as well. She embroidered chair head and armrests, handkerchiefs, dresser scarves and usually crocheted a pretty edge around them. Also tons of pillowcases, tee towels. You name it.
#25
You have to see what Cindy Needham does with old linens. Here is a link:
http://www.cindyneedham.com/
She appeared a while ago at The Quilt Show. If you are a basic member you can get her show for under $3.00 and watch it is show #202.
You will see linens in a totally different way.
http://www.cindyneedham.com/
She appeared a while ago at The Quilt Show. If you are a basic member you can get her show for under $3.00 and watch it is show #202.
You will see linens in a totally different way.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Sparta, TN
Posts: 1,211
Originally Posted by illinois
I have linen table cloths and matching napkins that belonged to my mother and both grandmothers. Has anyone repurposed these into a quilt or is that a terrible idea? All seem to be in wonderful condition but who uses linen table cloths and napkins in our day of simplicity?! Our foremothers spent hours starching and ironing these. Seems I should come up with some idea that will preserve the fabrics in a more usable way.
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 234
I was just going to post the same thing. She has a book called 'Wholecloth Linen Quilts'. Ther are a few examples in the front of the book, but mostly it is full of quilting designs.
Good luck with your project.
Good luck with your project.
#28
This was my idea also. I have tons of linens from my grandparents and parents. I can't begin to get rid of them because some of them recall family dinners and holidays of my youth. But I could see myself embroidering a center motif on some of the plainer ones and using them as quilt squares. Damask weight napkins - definitely. Linen and Battenburg lace-edged pieces - probably not.
The older and more delicate pieces are still a question mark for me. I'd love to "re-purpose" them in a way that preserves their beauty.
Keep the ideas coming!
The older and more delicate pieces are still a question mark for me. I'd love to "re-purpose" them in a way that preserves their beauty.
Keep the ideas coming!
Originally Posted by Connie Merritt
I found some quite large Damask napkins at a garage sale and used them to embroider my redwork and then those went into a quilt. It worked great and washed wonderfully. I think it is wonderful for us to use these items before they rot away in storage. I love the ways and ideas that all of you create, use, design etc. Thanks for more ideas.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Battleground,IN
Posts: 1,496
I used my 35 year old wedding gown to make heirloom Christmas
stockings for my kids, the front bodice of the gown is on my tree skirt I embellished it with lace dollies trims buttons etc. Your napkins and table cloth have endless possibilities.I say go for it!
stockings for my kids, the front bodice of the gown is on my tree skirt I embellished it with lace dollies trims buttons etc. Your napkins and table cloth have endless possibilities.I say go for it!
#30
So THAT'S what I can do with my gown! I doubt I'll marry again so the box is just taking up space.
Sue
Sue
Originally Posted by asmmauer
I used my 35 year old wedding gown to make heirloom Christmas
stockings for my kids, the front bodice of the gown is on my tree skirt I embellished it with lace dollies trims buttons etc. Your napkins and table cloth have endless possibilities.I say go for it!
stockings for my kids, the front bodice of the gown is on my tree skirt I embellished it with lace dollies trims buttons etc. Your napkins and table cloth have endless possibilities.I say go for it!
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