opinions, please
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 193
I have a "collection" of linen tablecloths from my mother's generation. They are just sitting there since those aren't in vogue any more and require more care than today's standards dictate. So I'm considering what to do with them. What do you think of using them as whole cloth bed runners? Would you simply fold them in half so they are reversible? --or use other fabric for backing? Would you put any kind of batting in those? I have a long-haired cat who likes to sleep at the foot of the bed and it would be so much better to clean up a bed runner than the entire quilt! Your thoughts, please.
PS, I have linen napkins, too.
PS, I have linen napkins, too.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas area, Texas, USA
Posts: 3,042
If you mean the kind that have printed designs, such as large irises, and are usually in squares that would fit a bridge table, I have seen cute quilts made from them at a quilt show, and to my way of thinking, it's a wonderful way of getting them out of storage and out where they can be enjoyed. If you're not sure of the value of your tablecloth, you might be able to see something similar on eBay and check what the final bids have been on recent auctions (Asking price says nothing!). That would tell you whether you have a rarer one that probably should be preserved as is, but in any case, it's yours to do with whatever you want. I am using one as a window topper, but I folded it in half on the diagonal and draped it through scarf holders so that I didn't have to cut it. It has no particular sentimental value for me, however (bought at an "antiques and collectibles" store), so I would not hesitate to cut it if I wanted to make a bed runner. In fact you could cut one on the diagonal and use a compatible fabric to make alternating triangles that would go with it to make a longer runner to drape on each side of the bed. That way the whole tablecloth would show up. Use whatever fabric you like on the back and quilt it with a thin batting. Or you could quilt it to a layer of fleece with no batting, and the result would be a throw that drapes more softly.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Stevens, WA
Posts: 1,914
I'm another of those who still uses tablecloths, but I don't presently have a cat! I like the idea of just folding one plain tablecloth over a layer of leftover batting, stitching it closed, adding enough quilting to keep batting in place, and giving it to the cat!
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