A couple of years ago, right before we left California to move to Virginia, I went to visit my sister-in-law. One of the passions that we share is quilting. As much as she loves to make quilts, for the last several years, she has become an incredibly talented long-arm quilter. Her quilting has been featured in countless quilting magazines and even a few books. On this visit, she shared with me a few quilts that she was working on for an up-coming book being published by C&T Publishing. These quilts had been made using vintage tablecloths. A few weeks ago I received a lovely little present from her. An autographed copy of C&T’s new book, Vintage Tablecloth Quilts … kitchen kitsch to bedroom chic.
Of the twelve quilts featured in the book, Darla quilted ten of them.
Here are a few of my favorites.
You can visit Darla’s blog at Wildflower Quilting.
I have seen a few of these tablecloths here and there, but never really thought about how they could be used besides, well, just being a tablecloth.
Now that I had been re-introduced to these beautiful linens, I began seeing them pop up everywhere. Who knew there were so many ways to re-purpose a vintage tablecloth! Some were pretty obvious, others very creative. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy these pictures of something old made new again.
NOTE: All the pictures shown below are not my own. I have acquired them all from Pinterest. Wherever possible, I have listed the original source. Where the original source is not available, I’ve linked the Pinterest address. These pictures have been posted for the sole purpose of providing inspiration for the many uses of vintage tablecloths. These, and many more, can also be found on my Vintage Tablecloth Love Pinterest board.
Lamps
Left Lamp Source
Right Lamp Source
Pillows
Top Left Pillow Source
Top Right Pillow Source
Bottom Left Pillow Source
Bottom Right Pillow Source
Curtains
Left Shower Curtain Source
Top Right Source
2nd Right Source
3rd Right Source
Bottom Right Source
Clothing
Top Left Source
Top Right Source
Bottom Left Source
Bottom Right Source
Aprons
Left Source
Top Right Source
Second Right Source
Third Right Source
Bottom Right Source
Outdoor Dining
Here are more great ideas using vintage linens …
Follow Simply Fresh Vintage’s board Vintage Linens on Pinterest.
Do you have any vintage linens? Do you have one that is your favorite? How have you used vintage linens in your home decor? Do you have special memories associated with a vintage linen?
Where can you buy vintage tablecloths. Iam disable and shop on line. Can you please help me.
Hi Julie,
Probably the best places online to buy Vintage Tablecloths are Etsy and Ebay.
Here’s a couple of links to get you started: Etsy and Ebay
Hope these help!
Love it all!
Bliss
What a great post, can’t say “love” enough times. My friend collects vintage tablecloths, I’ll have to share these clever ideas with her, Thanks!
Karee
I simply love vintage and vintage tablecloths…I have several in my collection…and collect aprons too.
Latest Follower!
Hi Lani,
How great to see your feature of my book, Vintage Tablecloth Quilts. I am one of the co-authors along with Liz Aneloski. I cant get enough of vintage tablecloth and linens and have gone on to make totes, runners, pillowcases…you name it.
Your sister Darla did an amazing job on quilting most of the quilts. Loved working with her.
Rose Wright (after many years of marriage finally changed my last name from Sheifer)
Happy Sewing!
I love quilting with vintage linens too!
What a great bunch of photos of these used in different ways! I love the dress with the large shawl collar/neckline! Gorgeous!
Sherry
I adore vintage linens, and their colors and patterns just are sure to make you smile:)
that book looks awesome. Twice today someone has mentioned vintage tablecloths. I have all of my mother-in-laws old tablecloths and they are collecting dust. I am going to get them out and incorporate them into some quilts for my children. I found you on Sew Many Ways Find a Friend Friday! I joined your site and subscribed by email.
I love all the fun ways to use vintage tablecloths. So many pretty ideas.
Mary Alice
What a talent, and those fabrics sure do go a long way toward the quilt appeal. So many treasured styles. Love all the pinterest ideas you shared. Fun!
Liz
I was just going to agree with the comment by Clara, the little girl dresses and the aprons, are my favorites. Of course the quilts are right up there, too. Just curious, I am wondering how difficult your SIL finds it to locate the old tablecloths? It seems like I find them frequently at estate sales here in the Midwest, but of course when I say that, I will never come across another one in the upcoming Summer sales/events. Congratulations to your Sister-in-Law!
Hi Linda,
Although Darla quilted the quilts, they are not her own. She quilted them for the authors of the book itself.
Yes, definitely keep an eye out at estate sales and thrift stores. You can also check Etsy. I’ve found several there.
Thank you for stopping by!
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
I adore those vintage cloths~ especially the Aprons! I totally have a thing for aprons… I don’t know why. I’m not an avid fan of cooking!
Hi Gwen!
Aren’t the aprons cool? I love the one you made as well! The colors are fantastic đ
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Thank you Lani for the wonderful compliment about my quilting.
And who knew all the things you could do with vintage tablecloths!
Hugs,
Darla
Awww .. your welcome dear sister đ
Miss you much!
Hugs …
Lani
I love the aprons and pillows!! I need to keep an eye out for vintage tablecloths! Off to visit Darla’s blog tell her congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us!
Thank you so much Jennifer!
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Beautiful ideas. My mind is running through the linen closet to see what Have. Chris
Hi Chris,
These are some pretty neat ideas. There are a few more on my Pinterest wall as well.
Happy searching!
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
It looks like I should be adding vintage table cloths to my list of must haves!
I really like the little girl dresses and aprons made from them!
I live in VA now too, almost 7 years now! We moved from WA.
Hello Clara!
I had a hard time picking my favorites! But the little girls dresses are adorable đ
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani