I had a couple of people,Ann from Protector of Vintage, being one of them, that suggested vintage tablecloths. I think quite a few people who have a love of vintage have a stash of these. Here is my stash. One shelf in the studio CRAMMED with my vintage tablecloths.
If the price is right I don't pass them by. I buy them regardless of condition as I use them for cutter crafts as well. I always cross my fingers that I can get the stains out. The tablecloths on the rack are mostly cutters or have been made into runners and such.
The colors and patterns just make a person happy.
I love that these two rose strewn tablecloths are the same pattern, just in a different color.
This is my lucky tablecloth. All the symbols on it are good luck...rabbit's foot, wishbone, four leaf clover etc. Speaking of lucky tablecloths, you may remember this tablecloth story from this post.
I love the huge color range of tablecloths. These are yellows and browns. The tablecloth in the center is not cotton, but more of a rayon material.
I mix and match tablecloths when I use them in the garden. I will have a variety of tables with a mish mash of patterns. If a tablecloth isn't large enough I just layer it with another.
I also use old cutter tablecloths to make things. This is a banner that I hang out each year. It is getting quite faded, but each summer I enjoy its festive look.
Another nod to a tablecloth in my window box.
You may also remember this project I did with another cutter. This hangs on my neighbors garage and adds a pop of color.
Or a simple skirt for a chair.
That about sums up this weeks collection. I think the thing I like
about this collection is that I actually put it to use. Either as a
simple tablecloth or in a project with a cutter cloth.
I am sorry all these tablecloths weren't freshly pressed for this post. i love the look of them all fresh and ironed...but with as many as I have, I would have had an iron in hand for hours!
Remember if you have a suggestion for a future Collection challenge post, just leave me a comment and finish the sentence "show me your collection of ____". I'll do my best...happy day!
My Vintage Table Clothes are my Pride N Joy!!! WOW!! You have a fantastic collection!!! My Fav's are prob the Christmas ones my M-N-L just gave me...looove them!!! Do you have any "secrets" for getting"old" stains out by chance? Some times they do add character but in same cases not so much :( Thanxs again for another inspiring peek into one of your magnificent collections :)
Posted by: Liza | July 13, 2010 at 10:47 AM
I find that if I soak the stained tablecloth (or any stained fabric) in a solution of Oxyclean for about a week it takes out 99% of old stains. It's worked with nearly everything I've dunked and believe me I KNOW some of those stains were ancient! Laurie, as usual you have the best stuff!
Posted by: Vintage Christine | July 13, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Love the tablecloths, Laurie! More is more. Maybe for your next collection challenge, you could show us your collection of vintage accessories (eyeglasses, sunglasses, & jewelry/pins, etc).
Have the loveliest of days!
~Molly
Posted by: molly | July 13, 2010 at 11:41 AM
I think tablecloths are so cool, but I never buy them because it would drive me nuts seeing them getting dirty from use!
Posted by: Jill | July 13, 2010 at 12:08 PM
I loooove vintage tablecloths, and I loooove your fabulous collection! I just purchased a cutter tablecloth the other day... I might make a valance for my kitchen window with it!
Hugs,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | July 13, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Hi Laurie, you are definitely a
woman after my own heart!! : )
Looooove your collection of vintage
tablecloths. They are just lovely.
Lucky you to have found one in the
street! I really enjoy seeing them
and love the projects that you
did with them. I have a somewhat
similar garage situation and I am now inspired by your project. Your hydrangea's are stunning!!
My blue one's are wilting in this heat wave that we have. :( We need rain desperately. It is so much fun to see your collection.
Please show me your collection of vintage pyrex or fireking bowls.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | July 13, 2010 at 01:31 PM
Pretty collection Laurie! And from now on I'm not going to pass up any cheap ones. Someone just told me that they swear by a combination of Biz and Oxyclean. If it works, my house will be bursting at the seams with tablecloths and quilts that I normally would have passed by!
I have that same lucky tablecloth! Is yours real small too? I'm thinking it was used on a card table. What do you think?
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | July 13, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Love the vintage table cloths. I have a couple but for me they are hard to find at a good price. Maybe I'm just cheap! LOL! Great collection!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | July 13, 2010 at 01:42 PM
I love vintage table cloths too. I have a few that were my Grandma's and always am reminded of good times I had at her house. I love your chair ruffle and as always like learning and getting ideas from you. Have a great day.
Posted by: sandy | July 13, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Laurie, thanks so much for posting your collection of vintage tablecloths! They are beautiful!!!
Posted by: Ann | July 13, 2010 at 03:00 PM
When I was looking at these I was thinking what it must have been like to go in the housewares department in the day and have these to pick from. (SO much better than the boring stuff I see now.) I just heard about a magical soaking blend that I might try if I'm feeling brave. Anything that involves mixing bleach with anything else is a little scary, so I'm not even going to tell you until after the experience. Assuming I survive.
Posted by: barbara | July 13, 2010 at 04:29 PM
I love vintage table cloths and these are wonderful love the ideas too..with the little skirt on the chair...LOve IT!!!
Posted by: Gina | July 13, 2010 at 05:18 PM
What a beautiful collection!!! I love old tablecloths and would love to collect them. I just rarely find them for a good price, so I only have one! Two weeks agoI almost bought one exactly like that one that is covered in small pink and red roses- the one you have that is over the polka dot one. It was cheap and I really should have bought it!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 13, 2010 at 06:12 PM
Love the vintage tablecoths!! Wow you sure have the collection. I have a bunch to. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: elma | July 14, 2010 at 04:59 AM
What is it about these tablecloths that is so addictive? I don't even care -- I just love them. Your wooden laundry rack makes a great display for them too. I am loving the one with the giant fruit.
Do you also have Christmas tablecloths? That's a collection I'd like to see. -amy
Posted by: Into Vintage | July 14, 2010 at 09:06 AM
Sigh, they are all so beautiful! Great challenge! E
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 14, 2010 at 11:22 AM
As always, wow! What a grand collection! I have a few but none big enough to fit my giant table. Not sure I could bring myself to cut any up lol.
Posted by: rebecca | July 15, 2010 at 07:46 AM
I have a friend that makes aprons from vintage table cloths. They are so country and nice.
Posted by: Rosalyce | July 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM
yum. your blog always makes me smile!! i used to collect tablecloths, but we move every 2 years now....so i just can't collect like i love to anymore.
your yard is adorable and those prints on your linens make all those hydrangeas pop!! thanks for sharing.
sue
Posted by: vintagesue | July 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I love my vintage tableclothes...hard for me to find and have paid quite a bit for some, but they make me happy with their pretty colors and patterns. I spot one that I have, red roses and aqua...why can't they make such pretty & quality things today!
Posted by: tammyCA | July 16, 2010 at 08:18 PM
Just beautiful! I especially love the ones in green and blue. I have a small collection of vintage tablecloths that I need to do a post on one of these days. Other things just keep coming up.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | June 28, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Ah, what a nice collection! I recently bought a cherry and strawberry Wilendur!! ♥
Posted by: Holly | December 27, 2011 at 02:18 PM