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Is it just me???
I'm looking around for table toppers and I come across this: Top a Picnic Table with a Star Block Quilt.
My question: Why would anyone put a quilted piece that took a long time to create under food? I think of toppers as dressing up a table but to be taken off when there is ketchup, mustard and kids eating at that table. Is it just me??? :confused: |
Well, I wouldn't put a bed quilt on a picnic table, but I have made quilts specifically for picnicking that are used on the ground - I wouldn't care if those were used on top of a picnic table.
I don't know if I'd use a star block quilt for that purpose though...I make scrappy crazy quilts for that use instead. Triangles are still tricky for me so I don't do those except for special quilts! LOL |
[QUOTE=marcycn;6744472] when there is ketchup, mustard and kids eating at that table. [QUOTE]
Or husbands.... :p I would do it if I had a clear sheet of acrylic or glass or something to put on top. |
I use quilts as table cloths all the time. I don't have young children and that does make a difference. If we are going to have something that is especially staining like spaghetti then I will either use something else or place mats over top the quilt. When they get dirty I wash them and treat any spots if necessary. A lot depends on the fabric used too. If it is a busy fabric then spots don't show on it so after washing if there's a smudge or two it goes unnoticed.
I enjoy quilting for the process of quilting. How many show quilts and wall hangings can one have so I make things that are used everyday not so much for the end product (although I do enjoy the end product too) but rather the fun of making it and learning something new. Rarely do I repeat patterns. |
I made a tablecloth quilt once. It was for a swap and I gave it away. So, I guess I really didn't think about mustard and ketchup much.
I've been tempted to use quilts for tablecloths but don't do it because I don't have a piece of clear plastic to cover it up. That's the only way I'd do it. |
I would only use it for a decoration, or if I was the only one eating on it because I'm clean!
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I use ScotchGuard on all my table runners, placemats, pot holders, etc. No kids at home but MrJanRn makes enough of a mess. After washing the items I re-spray with ScotchGuard.
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Originally Posted by janRN
(Post 6744615)
I use ScotchGuard on all my table runners, placemats, pot holders, etc.
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I have a quilted table cloth on every day with a clear plastic sheet I bought off a roll at Walmart. I like it better than a vinyl table cloth.
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I'm sure it would be lovely for a photo-op but I believe highly impractical.
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I am with you 100%. One time, I was working with fabric scraps and just started putting them together using QAYG method. When I finished, I had four placemats. And they were so pretty that I refuse to use them. I might just get hem framed and call it "Quilted Art" . In any case, here is another view point - If a Gourmet Chef were to use those placemats or that exquisite table runner, don't you think that artwork would distract from the gourmet food? I agree food and quilts do not mix...
Originally Posted by marcycn
(Post 6744472)
I'm looking around for table toppers and I come across this: Top a Picnic Table with a Star Block Quilt.
My question: Why would anyone put a quilted piece that took a long time to create under food? I think of toppers as dressing up a table but to be taken off when there is ketchup, mustard and kids eating at that table. Is it just me??? :confused: |
I'm with you--no table toppers/runners around food--that's the job of a placemat.
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I want to make a table topper for my table, just the two of us most of the time. When the kids come I would remove it, it is a small table. No one is messy just would need the room.
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I couldn't do it! No way after all the time put into a quilt I would be able to sit calmly while the gravy or spaghetti sauce is being passed over the top.
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I would do it if I had a table that needed covered that I used all the time. I made a large bed runner size mat for my kitchen island for putting pizzas and hot pans on and it gets spilled on all the time. I also have scrappy placemats that have withstood all sorts of things. I just use stain remover on them and wash them. So far, nothing has stayed on them. The only thing I think of when I think of a quilt for the entire table is drink cups might spill easier.
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Wish I had the link, but I remember seeing a series of beautiful small quilts that were used every day under glass. The edges came just to the edge of the table.
I've also seen quilts on end tables: hanging down but the top, again, protected by glass. No children in that home to pull on the edges hanging down! |
I use freshly washed quilts on my table a lot and also as floor rugs. Never had a stain that didn't wash out. They look great. I have a dog and two little grandsons. If the quilts are stuck in a closet rarely used or seen, I don't need them.
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Originally Posted by citruscountyquilter
(Post 6744550)
I use quilts as table cloths all the time. I don't have young children and that does make a difference. If we are going to have something that is especially staining like spaghetti then I will either use something else or place mats over top the quilt. When they get dirty I wash them and treat any spots if necessary. A lot depends on the fabric used too. If it is a busy fabric then spots don't show on it so after washing if there's a smudge or two it goes unnoticed.
I'm enjoy having a quilt on my table, too. I, too, use placemats when serving some certain foods. I have them for the seasons. I agree the table toppers wash as well as a regular tablecloth. I enjoy quilting for the process of quilting. How many show quilts and wall hangings can one have so I make things that are used everyday not so much for the end product (although I do enjoy the end product too) but rather the fun of making it and learning something new. Rarely do I repeat patterns. |
I've used them as side table toppers. I have a pretty red, white and blue quilt that I had under a few plants on an end table i no longer have, and I think table runners or place mats / blocks used as "doilies" or coasters are fine, but I never would have thought to use a quilt as a table cloth.
What gets me is tree skirts. There are some beautiful tree skirts out there that get covered with presents. Not that presents are bad, but you don't get to see the prettiness of the skirt! I've also seen place mats, table covers, and potholders done in cross stitch - to that I say no way! All mine is hanging on walls, nothing that takes that much time is going to risk spaghetti sauce or blueberries, because it really does slightly dye fabric and floss. |
I use quilts made specifically for the table, love my seasonal ones such as watermelon for summer, americana, Christmas and fall. DH and I remove them when we eat on the dining table, it's not a big deal. A lot of the time we just eat at the bar. I love the way they look and it seems to dress things up.
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I made a beautiful batik table topper. The fabrics were quite pricey. (I love this topper.) So, I use a clear plastic table cloth over my beautiful topper. Problem solved. I do really like the idea of scotch guarding it.
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My MIL has a beautiful blue and white irish chain on her table in her eat-in kitchen. She covers it with heavier clear vinyl off a roll at Joann's. It fits her decor and is beautiful. I spend a lot of time checking out those tiny stitches while chatting with her. I would use a quilt as a tablecloth, too,if I had a quilt to coordinate with my dining room and I wouldn't just point out my mistakes.
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I use a quilted table cloth all the time. I may be the Spray and Wash queen. I have never had an issue.
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If the materials were cheap enough, I would do it. I've moaned about this before, as material here, on average, is $26 per metre and one can easily spend an extra $100 on wadding, backing and thread. Nobody wants to put a $300 quilt under a bowl of beetroot. I would love the luxury.
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I only have one quilt that I've used as a table topper. I went to Wal-mart and got a piece of plastic (it's on a roll in fabric dept.) just a bit bigger than my table to cover it. Comes in various thicknesses.
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I have made table runners with fall and holiday scraps to use as hot pads under our holiday dishes and to help soak up some of the drips from serving dishes. I think of table cloths as decoration that come off of the table when large groups of family are around. The runners brighten up the table without taking up space for the many extra dishes.
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I have a " formal" dining room........yes, I know that is obsolete nowadays.....but anyway.....I have used clear plastic ..from Walmart or Joann's on top of my tableclothes forever......I would have spent a fortune replacing linen or hand embroidered tableclothes otherwise.......cheaper to replace the plastic...have it in three sizes( have 3 leaves). Do make tablerunners for it and also for coffee table in living room, den, also fireplace mantels-with a drop on point....here's one...toppers for toilet tank....thinking about lid covers........just have to keep cutting, piecing,quilting!!
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Quilts are to be used, that is what they are made for. If you make something that you want to cherish, then hang it on the wall. Table runners are make to work with all the hazardous of being on the table. By the time this table runner is stained, there might be another table runner you wish to make.
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My twins are now 17 and my oldest 23 and all boys, but I have always had something on my table, the latest being the table Placemats ( in album on profile many more to come as I get pies resized))that have made for samples for the store and etc.. I always spray mine with Scotch Guard fabric. It is amazing stuff wash and spray again.
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The way I see it, I make quilts to be used and loved and especially to be washed! One of my favorite gifts to give to newlyweds is a picnic basket and a picnic quilt.
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I put a freshly made quilt on my coffee table at Christmas, it looked adorable there. I was horrified when my daughter in law sat down on the floor to eat on top of it!!! Thankfully no others followed suit.
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I have made two quilted tablecloths for special occasion. I love using them outside when the wind is a problem, the heavier quilted cloths seem to not flip up as much than the flimsy ones. I then make sure I wash them in cold water and spray any spots before washing. I also do not put them in the dryer. I chose black and white and black and yellow for the color scheme for the quilted tablecloths. I hate having tablecloths hanging in my lap so by making my own to fit the tables I can measure to the length I like.
Hope this all made sense. |
I think that using a quilt on top of a picnic table would be OK, if you place clear plastic over it. Every month, our Guild would have at least one quilt as a table topper for the "goodies", but it was always covered with a clear plastic sheet over it.
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Well, is it really any different than using a crocheted table cloth? Yes they both take a lot of time/effort but if it is being used as intended so what! I would rather have something used and worn out than hidden away
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I guess I am really weird, I use quilts as table cloths, quilts to picnic on, comfort quilts to drag around and feel good. When I was young the quilt my grandma made me went everywhere with me, camping, sleep overs, where ever I went it went. I was 47 when it finally became the dogs rug years after grand daughter "borrowed" it to go home in. That quilt lasted 40 years of love and good memories. I would much rather have that than a quilt that sets on a shelf or hangs on the wall. I think that is why I love quilting so much. The love and care my grandmother put into that quilt is why I quilt today.
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Originally Posted by roserips
(Post 6746740)
I guess I am really weird, I use quilts as table cloths, quilts to picnic on, comfort quilts to drag around and feel good. When I was young the quilt my grandma made me went everywhere with me, camping, sleep overs, where ever I went it went. I was 47 when it finally became the dogs rug years after grand daughter "borrowed" it to go home in. That quilt lasted 40 years of love and good memories. I would much rather have that than a quilt that sets on a shelf or hangs on the wall. I think that is why I love quilting so much. The love and care my grandmother put into that quilt is why I quilt today.
I use quilts as a table topper all the time. With just the 2 of us, it's less of an issue, although I have seen DH eating lunch with a newspaper under the plate of messy food! One thing I do frequently when the grands here is to flip the quilt over before I set it. |
when we had guests for dinner and I forgot all about a table cloth, I used my husband's quilt…..it's all plaids and looked great! Of course, when he walked in the room he almost choked, but I told him….it's washable - don't worry! Adults and young adults at the table with no spills or stains.
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I have some appliqued table toppers and some others that are pretty special, but they come off the table when food goes down. I have a lot of placemats that work well on picnic tables with just an old sheet underneath
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I also have table toppers and quilts I use on my dining room and kitchen tables. My DH and I almost always eat at the bar, so they are used as decoration. If we want to eat at one of the tables, I just fold the topper/tablecloth up until we are done. The tablecloth I did not use batting. I just have a backing, which I stitched around the edges and turned. (Don't remember what that procedure is called - age calling :p.) Then I "quilted" it STID. It lays really flat that way.
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