Don’t you love when people get you and can lead you to treasures? I was stopping by to deliver some donations to a local ministry thrift store. While there, Lissa (a wonderful volunteer and kindred spirit), approached me and said, “Did you see that stash of vintage linens over there?” I’d love to have seen my face when those words rolled out of her mouth. Eyes wide and ready to run, I reply, “no…”. This begins my mini hunt for this linen treasure and here’s what I take home in my arms. At this point, I have a vintage tablecloth project in mind I want to share with you for this month’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun.
While I’d love to be able to say that these tablecloths are in excellent vintage condition, it is safe to say they were donated for a reason. Personally, I have a slew of vintage tablecloths in various conditions in my painted pine hutch. They all have wear, tell a story, and remind me of simpler times. This thrifted collection has holes, pretty big stains, and make it not as fun to display on a table as-is.
No worries, though, because there is plenty of life left in these treasures. Let’s have some refashion fun, shall we?
CUTTING TIME
First, as you can imagine, I want to preserve as much of these pieces while creating a new heirloom piece. I could create any of these ideas rolling around in my head:
- bunting
- envelope pillowcases
- tote bag
- window treatment
- quilt or duvet
- apron
- upholstery
- tea towels
The possibilities are endless as you can see. For today, I’m choosing to create an heirloom doll. Why? Well, I’m a sucker for dolls as you can see HERE. Not only are they a joy for me to create, but bring smiles for many generations and to all ages. Also, as I’ve mentioned in my past DIY jaunts, I love to create my own patterns for clothes and the like. This time is no different. I break out my old desk calendar paper and begin to draft. Since I’ve made many dolls in the past, I draw from my experiences of what I like and what I want to avoid. Obviously, you can use any doll pattern you want to do this very same thing. Have fun with it!
Then, as soon as I have my pieces drawn, I cut them out and trace onto the vintage tablecloth. This part makes me hold my breath. I really don’t like cutting up one of these, but I know it will fare much better in this form than tucked in a box in a basement.
After that, I cut out the pieces and get ready to assemble.
ASSEMBLY
Finally, it’s time to assemble. This is not only an fun time, but arduous. Why? Well, when working with tiny parts, it can take a long time. Especially when hand-stitching much of it. As you can see, I absolutely must add my own personal touch. ahem.
Can you tell where I’m headed with this particular doll? This is where the love of my craft blooms. My hands, my eyes, my back are all weary, but getting those final touches in place really make it all worth the while.
MEET MY FRIENDS
Here is that vintage tablecloth collection upcycled into a few light-on-their-feet friends that are sure to bring smiles.
We’ve got cherries, strawberries, and roses. Which one for you?
I’m partial to each one far various reasons, but my heart always loves strawberries as I’m a June baby. tee hee.
Thankfully, I have plenty of tulle in my stash that I also used on my chenille comforter turned chicken OVER HERE. At any rate, I’m smitten with these mice and I’m eager to share them with you in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
In addition to leaving some comment love below, do pin and share to inspire others to break out grandma’s old linens and create memories too.
Likewise, before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you can see what becomes of this misfit vintage clock. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more refashion fun like this vintage tablecloth upcycled:
I love vintage table clothes and other linens. The mice are adorable. I live anything Roses,but the strawberry one has a certain look about it,as if it had a secret. She just wants to tell,so badly!!!Lol. What a talented lady you are. God Bless you and yours
I do believe you made me giggle, Charleen! 😀 Thank you so much.
They turned out darling! Love it!
How fun to hear, Lynda. Thank you so much! 😀
Angelina Ballerina!!! As soon as I saw the mouse head I knew it had to be going this way. So fun- and I really like the vintage table cloths. I never have any luck finding them though. I’m wanting to do a ladies lunch with different vintage table cloths or a Mommy and me tea. Anyway these little cuties are bound to make someone smile (as they did me) and I’m sure they will sell quickly.
too funny! 😀 They are very hard to find nowadays without blemish or at least a few. I cherish the ones I still have. Thank you for the smiles!
Love your meeces to pieces!
hahaha!! good one!!
Delightful and Precious
Thank you so very much, Stephanie. I had fun!
These are absolutely adorable!! Thanks so much for sharing – you are a terrific sewer. I finally had the nerve to cut into one of my old tablecloths this weekend that had some holes and made a market bag and a cute little hand bag. The first cut was hard but the outcomes were worth it!
Bravo!! That’s so true and so worth it. I plan to use up my remnants in the same manner. Much fun to be had. Thanks, Cathi!
Larissa, the mice are adorable! Such a fun way to use those beautiful vintage linens. Last Christmas I decided to do something special with my mother’s old tablecloths. I bravely cut them up and pieced together with other bits of fabric to create vintage style aprons for each of her daughters and daughter-in-loves. I gave them with a note telling them how I felt this was a good way to keep mom close when we are working in the kitchen. They loved them!! I still have some pieces left to try to make some aprons for her granddaughters also. You’re so right that these beautiful old things have stories and memories, and it is so important to cherish and honor those with our loved ones. Thank you again, for another wonderful inspiration! Blessings!
You are such a kindred spirit, Judy! 😀 I can imagine the look on their faces when then opened them…followed by tears. What a treasure you created. Hugs!!!
I love them all! So cute and fresh in their summery prints. I’m in awe of your creativity and imagination…nice finish to August 🙂
They were fun to make. Thank you, Carroll. 😀
Hi Larrisa! I love vintage tablecloths and pillow cases, but don’t find them often enough. These are the cutest dolls. I’m a sucker for flowers but that strawberry one is adorable too. I can’t pick a favorite. You better get that firewood chopped and ready. I know your winters are rough. I live in Florida so we don’t really get winter. I would love to see snow again.
I know the feeling, Cheryl. It’s like when I do find them I better hold on because these kinds of treats are rare anymore. Thank you for the love. Yes, hoping to get some done this week and take a deep breath because time is flying. I’ll send you some snow! 😀
You never stop to amaze me. God made a special vessel in you. I have some also but not as bright looking as these.
I love them all but am partial to the roses. At first glance I was like oh my gosh your not gonna cut those are you?
Should have known you knew what you were doing. These will be well loved as you are by all your followers.
Your words mean so much to me, Bonnie. Yes, painful to cut, but happy with the outcome for sure. I plan to use up the remnants as well for making more fun. Sending hugs!
Absolutely adorable. I would love to make these for my great nieces.
Thanks! I’ve made sets for my girls over the years, and they love them too.