Great idea...i couldn't put scissors to that..its beautiful

My Mom made table cloths just about like this one of yours. She ordered them from Hersheners Company. Spelled wrong.
It would make a lovely bed topper. Thanks for the idea.
Please don't think about cutting up your Moms beautifull
embrodery work. It is lovely.

I would definately do a whole cloth quilt. No mention of the size. So possibly add coordinating fabric to make desired size if desired. Ask a good LA quilter for opinion on quilting. I would think that feathers would be gorgous in the large open space. Good luck and post pics, please.

A quilt is a wonderful idea. Anything that doesn't get used and sits on a shelf ends up with no personal value. This is a great idea. I have a table cloth I inherited from my grandmother that I have never used because we don't use table cloths. I think I am going to copy your idea and make it into a quilt. A quilt will get used and be even more special.

There is s quilter - book author and teacher - who specializes in taking old linens and making quilts out of them. Google her for some ideas.

If you are worried about bearding, you could put a layer between the tablecloth and the batting, very fine muslin, maybe.

(didn't read p2, 3)

My vote is wholecloth, leave the tablecloth intact. Add borders primarily the same color (cream or white). I'd like something with small triangles of lt & med blue, in a complementary block pattern.

I agree with the whole cloth idea also. I suggest that you take "before" and "after" pictures of the items to document the work of your mother, your aunt, and yourself. I treasure all of the old linens made by my mother, sister, and others and still use many of them.

Please let us know what you decided to do, and show us a picture.

The LA quilters at a LQS where I worked did this several times and they turned out beautifully. Even quilted, they can still be displayed on the table when not in use.

I think it is a lovely idea and I think it could be done. I would leave it whole cloth.