soccertxi

If the fabric is not a tight enough weave, when you sew seams and put any tension on them, the threads could pull apart. I think the table top idea is wonderful. I might even put a piece of glass on top of it to protect it from spills.

QuiltnNan

perhaps you could use a lightweight iron-on stabilizer. it's really beautiful. i'm partial to red. if you do decide to do a quilt, maybe use the fabric as a single large center block. Something like this
[ATTACH=CONFIG]304399[/ATTACH]

vickimc

cool, make a special wall hanging. it would be perfect.

CoyoteQuilts

That looks like a linen tablecloth to me. I have seen similar in different colors and designs through the years. Drapes well and washes up like a dream. Great find!

quilterella

I don't know if it is 100 years old or not, but it sure is pretty. I too, would use it as a tablecloth, only I would put a clear plastic tablecloth over it ( the kind you buy at Wal-Mart) so it doesn't get ruined.

threads57

There are also a couple of really good books on dating fabric. I'm not sure the name of the authors but if you check out amazon you should be able to find them.

TnBecky

That's a good idea. Thanks.

Greenheron

Is the pattern woven or printed? If woven it might be a type of "damask" and used for table linen. Older would be natural fibers and more modern may have synthetics. It looks 1940-50ish to me. The iris pattern looks like decorator fabric, not dressmaking goods.

TnBecky

It is a woven print. I now believe that this is a coverlette for a bed, not a tablecloth.

hobo2000

Turkey reds fade to brown due to the chemicals even if kept in a closet. I have several from my childhood that were in my grandmothers stash. They are still lovely to me but others think not so. It looks to be from the 20's. I would back it and bind it and lay it across a chair back or couch back and enjoy it. Maybe cut a large square frame it with an info card down in the corner about it. JMHO