opinions, please
 

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.

How about folding in half, closing up the open edges and doing a little (or a lot) of quilting and using it that way for your cat?

I think you answered your own question when you said that linen requires more care. Lovely linen tablecloths never really go out of style if you enjoy using them. I wouldn't have the heart to cut up vintage linens.

Especially if they have handwork. I have many doilies that my dear grandma crocheted. I don't use them but can't bear to part with them.

Look up Cindy Needham on Pinterest. She has lots of ideas. I use old battenburg lace shower curtain on my bed in summer, works fine.
I like your ideas for bed runners to. I hope you find a nice use for them.

I use my linen tableclothes, but I have made clothing out of them in the past. I made beautiful blouses out of damask tableclothes from the resale store when I was young and poor. I also made a jacket from a vintage tablecloth a few years ago. It was a challenge but came out really nice.

For me it would depend on what size they were and what design. If it was one I particularly liked, I probably wouldn't cut it up because I don't mind ironing them. If they are large, I just send them out. They're worth the effort.

ps: You can find them on eBay for a reasonable price.

also check out Kelly Cline's work using vintage linens

I have a very pretty older tablecloth that I'm thinking of using for café curtains in our bathroom. If you do use them for bed runners, make sure you quilt thoroughly so you never have to iron!

I had been "gifted" with a single linen napkin/handkerchief with a lovely little hand-embroidered leaf/flower. Napkin was stained, given with a laughing scornful "Here, maybe you can do something with this!" The embroidery ended up appliqued to a crazy quilt block and seems to be one of the things that people look at first.