I’m a bit of a hoarder, probably not surprising that I decided to become a curator. It started off with rubbers, then My Little Pony stickers, vintage postcards, and since I’ve been a grown up, fabric. My hoarding instincts got so bad I had to limit the number of fabric shops I went to, only going in if I needed something specific.
However there is one exception to the current moratorium on fabric buying and that is vintage embroidered napkins and tablecloths. I can’t bear to see something that has been stitched by hand being sold for 50p so I snap them up. My stash isn’t too out of control and this weekend I picked up some more and started to think if I could re-purpose them.
vintage tablecloth
embroidered flowers
detail of embroidered tablecloth
embroidered flowers
embroidered bouquet
Most pieces are in great condition and I think it would be lovely to re-use the embroidery to make gifts. It’s never to early to start on Christmas presents and this little lot will be made into cushion covers, phone covers and some scented lavender sachets.
Linking up with Flea Market Finds, Magpie Monday and Thrift Share Monday
12 Comments
Jac
May 8, 2011 at 11:24 pmThey’re so cute! And you can never have too much fabric, I say!
http://bygoneboutique.blogspot.com/
Michelel
May 9, 2011 at 2:39 amThese embroidered tablecloths and fabrics are just beautiful. Thanks for sharing them!
Protector of Vintage
May 9, 2011 at 8:36 amYou found some beautiful items. I, too, can’t bear to see such lovely handiwork get tossed or sold for next to nothing, so I bring the pieces home with me.
Lana
May 9, 2011 at 1:04 pmSo pretty. I love old-fashioned embroidered linens. Lana http://www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com
Karen Jones
May 9, 2011 at 2:01 pmLove, love, love them. I have lots of pieces that I hoard in a cupboard upstairs, no idea what to use them for but could never part. I love the idea of the work and the family history behind them. xx
Liz Burton
May 9, 2011 at 2:19 pmOh what a lovely idea. I bet they’ll look fab. Did you see my tutorial on making bowls from fabric doilies? http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.com/2011/04/lace-doilies-just-got-cool.html
Grace
May 9, 2011 at 3:22 pmThat first tablecloth is absolutely stunning. I love it.
camille
May 9, 2011 at 4:00 pmthey are beautiful, I love embroidered tablecloths, so stylish 🙂
Dolly
May 9, 2011 at 8:20 pmI know what you mean, funnily enough vintage embroidery is my pick this week too. Can’t get enough of the stuff. Husband is less keen so I shall be hiding it.
Carole
May 9, 2011 at 11:04 pmBeautiful! Clever you being able to make gifts from vintage fabric, I’m impressed 🙂 x
cheryl
May 10, 2011 at 12:17 amThats so cute you put limits on your collecting lol My stash is huge. I bought new bedroom furniture recently. Um, every single drawer is FULL of embroidered/crocheted pieces and odds and ends of fabric….. crazy.
Kate Davis-Holmes
May 11, 2011 at 9:48 amLovely and brings back memories of my late Mum embroidering tablecloths for family celebratory events.
Did my Magpie Monday late this week but there now