Monday, September 15

Repurposing A Vintage Tablecloth

One thing we are sure to stumble upon in our explorations are tons of vintage linens.  While those in perfect condition can be a bit pricey, we have gotten quite a few damaged pieces for bargain prices.  


Cutting stained tablecloths and sewing a quick rolled hem has gotten us several sets of cute dish towels.  


Cutting out the undamaged middle of a vintage barbecue themed cloth, sewing a rolled hem all around and adding a little ric rac got us this cute table runner.


I made this purse a while ago out of an old tablecloth.  More complicated than the other projects but definitely worth it.


And these pillow covers out of a variety of old linens.  Even with all of those projects done I still have several damaged tablecloths left over, and with all of our junk shop trolling I'm tempted to pick up more.  I started to collect project ideas a while back-- wanna see?





Wall hoops -- I think adding a bit of embroidery to this idea would be a fantastic touch



Have you stumbled upon any interesting uses for vintage linens lately?

womaninreallife.com

19 comments:

  1. I wish I had even half your creativity! Your projects are lovely. Thanks for linking up at Vintage Bliss Tuesday. Jo

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    1. I'm happy to join in! Let me know if I can help promote it!

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  2. I love old linens but have a hard time cutting them! The lounge pants sure are cute! I always think a ladder or drying rack is neat with lots of them folded and hanging up. Enjoy your day!

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    1. I agree on the ladder, it is a perfect way to display them

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  3. Seriously can you come make over my house?

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  4. I love vintage linens and collect them too. I actually like to find a tablecloth that is a tiny bit stained, because then I can bring myself to actually use it, rather than keep it all tidy and stored away, because it's too perfect to use! I love all these ideas for using the badly stained linens ... you still get the wonderful graphics and a piece you can use. Good going!

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    1. Me too (on finding stained or damaged ones). I don't cut up linens that are in good condition, but if they are no longer functional as designed, I figure getting some use and/or displaying value out of them actually saves them in a way. They weren't meant to be in attic boxes or stored in a linen cupboard, they were meant to be used! Have you hit on any cool ways of using them?

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  5. I'm an avid vintage tablecloth collector and loved seeing yours. I have a tablecloth ladder also. A great way to display. I always use my imperfect linens, and if I could sew like you I would have lots of towels and runners. Visiting from Vintage Bliss. :)

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  6. Love this post! I have several bags of damaged linens - great ideas for repurposing them. Thanks!

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    1. I am jealous of your bags of linens!! I wish I had more storage at home so I could get more, sigh

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  7. I don't sew - I can only be in awe of such talent - everything is so pretty!

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    1. You are too kind! It is very easy sewing-- the dishcloths could totally be done by hand, no problem!

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  8. Love all of these! Reminds me so much of my mom, in a good way :) she used to make those strange 'dust covers', basically a piece of fabric you lay down on top of your dresser, by cutting down table clothes. Always love all of the patterns.

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    1. Aren't they pretty? I actually rather prefer them to be a bit faded-- there is something comforting about them

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  9. I have stacks and stacks of vintage linens. I just need to learn how to sew! Love that lampshade idea. I could probably pull it off :-)

    ~Erica

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    1. I'm thinking some spray glue and simple white lampshades and easy peasy lemon squeezy!

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Let me know what you think in the comments below-- and don't forget to leave a link back to your own blog or google+ page- I'd love to follow along on your adventures!