This is pretty much a repost of something I shared back in 2011. I recently saw a tablecloth of similar design and vintage on someone else's blog, and was reminded of this pretty one that I had made. I thought I would share this again for those who may have missed it. This project was a long time in the making, but the results were worth it!Many, many years ago, when an elderly lady in our church passed away, her husband gave me many of her sewing and embroidery things. Among them was an unfinished project in a grocery bag -- a gorgeous tablecloth stamped for embroidery. The stitching for one corner had been barely started; the rest still had to be embroidered. I admired the tablecloth, put the bag in my craft closet and forgot about it. Although I had done a lot of embroidery when I first got into needlework, it had been years since I'd done much of it -- and I'd never tackled a project as big as a tablecloth!
One day a few years back, I took up embroidery again and began thinking about how I'd like to take on a challenging embroidery project. I was sorting through my craft closet in the same time frame and came upon this grocery bag. I had found my project! It took me years to complete it and I felt like giving up more than once. But I plugged away at it as time allowed.
As I worked on the tablecloth, I decided it would be for my daughter Carrie. She often uses tablecloths and I didn't think she had one specifically for spring, a season she loves. For a couple of years, I set a goal to give this to Carrie at Christmas -- then, when it didn't get finished, I would aim for her birthday in April. Finally, in March 2011, I finished it!!! I love the flowers and the clear vintage-y colors.
Here's the center of the tablecloth. This took the most time, as you might guess.
Here's a close-up of the center.
This is what the corners look like.
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| A small motif like this is in the center of each side. |
A very satisfying project completed at last!
I am sharing today with Sandi's No Place Like Home and Bernideen’s Tea Time, Cottage and Garden Blog Party. Also linking with Vintage Charm and Share Your Cup Thursday.
Dear Mrs. T.:
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tablecloth! I really admire your "stick to it" designs that you regularly create. Such a wonderful hobby! Thanks for sharing and linking.
Oh, thank you, Bernideen! "Sticking to it" and proceeding ever so slowly is the only way I can ever accomplish needlework projects, especially right now in this challenging season of eldercare. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the tablecloth!
DeleteThat is simply precious. I know that was hard work. I have often thought of tackling one of those, but always put it off. You are making me rethink it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandy. It was work, I will admit it, and seemed to take such a long time. But it was so pretty that it was also a joy to work on it.
DeleteI might suggest that you tackle a table runner, or a set of pillow cases or place mats, first. And when choosing a design, make sure that it doesn't include a lot of satin stitch. I did a chickadee table runner (for the same daughter) and when I bought the kit, I didn't pay attention to how much of the design was in satin stitch. Very time consuming. This tablecloth design, with its more open stitches, was much easier to do.
This is super pretty - WOW - what an undertaking this must have been!! So special!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you and your sweet family are all having a beautiful spring!
It was an undertaking, Mrs. Smith! Took me several years. Of course, there was also a lot of other crafting going on during that time, and lots of real life being lived. I'm delighted with the finished product all over again every time I see it on Carrie's table.
DeleteSpring is really just getting started here. No flowers or blossoms, leaves just beginning to pop out on trees. It's nice to have it warmer and more sunshiney, though.
That is so pretty and just screams Its Spring!! After a dreary winter, it is good to pretty up our tables.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Arlene! I love how it turned out.
DeleteWe still have some dreariness here, as I mentioned to Mrs. Smith above. Things will change eventually. I'm always at a loss as to how to decorate for this in-between season here. Guess I will break out the silk daffodils and pussy willows.
Mrs. T, that has to be one of the prettiest table cloths I have ever seen! It is just beautiful and it really is perfect for a Spring table setting. I admire your 'sticking to it' so you could finish it. It's a real work of art and love! Thanks so much for sharing it with us and have a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
Oh, thank you, Sandi, for those sweet comments. Even though it took a long time, I did enjoy the work as I went because the colors were so cheerful and the design so pretty.
DeleteI'm glad I thought of something to share with your link party after all! You have a lovely day as well.
If I have already commented, don't mind me. I keep getting interrupted here and so every time I return, here you are! And I still don't know about a comment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly exquisite gift for Carrie! Anything that takes that much time and turns out so beautifully is a love gift. I can not even imagine tackling such a project and have a few little projects stashed away. If God allows our friends to know such things, I know it would please your church friend to know that her project had been completed. Her husband was very thoughtful to think of you, too.
Nope, this is your first comment for this post, Vee. I'm in and out of the house so often each day that I don't always get comments published in a timely way. Just life as it is here right now.
DeleteThank you for your sweet and thoughtful comments. I appreciate them more than you know.
Embroidery projects ... you know, for years I enjoyed counted cross stitch so much and I sort of let my interest in embroidery slide. But it was my first crafting love, and I find myself drawn back to it in recent years. It's easier on my aging eyes, too ... though, that said, I still have several cross stitch projects I want to tackle.
Yes, I think my friend Hazel would be very pleased that her project was finished. Her husband (now also with the Lord) was thoughtful indeed to think of me. I finished up several of the projects in her stash and used some for gifts. She had tons of inexpensive floss as well, and I've used lots of that in making felt food. Nothing wasted!
This is so beautiful, and I know your daughter must treasure it. I also have a tablecloth that my mother embroidered for me many years ago, and it is very precious to me. Very nice work you did on this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cynthia! I think it is so sweet that you also have a tablecloth that your mother embroidered for you years ago. It's a blessing to think of future generations enjoying heirlooms we've created with our own hands and imaginations.
DeleteThe tablecloth you embroidered for your daughter is truly a labor of love. It is quite beautiful. I'm sure she treasures it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tablecloth at Vintage Charm.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon! I appreciate the opportunity to share this project at Vintage Charm. This was a labor of love as you said, but for the most part it was an enjoyable project to work on even though it took awhile!
DeleteDear Mrs. T,
ReplyDeleteI will be featuring your post at No Place Like Home this week. Have a lovely.
Blessings,
Sandi
Oh, thank you Sandi! How sweet of you to feature my spring tablecloth! I am honored indeed.
DeleteI absolutely love your beautiful tablecloth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with SYC.
Thank you, Carol! I'm glad you enjoyed seeing it.
DeleteWOW! You are right - it's nearly identical to the one I cut up! Mine didn't have the large designs in the center but it's definitely the same pattern! I didn't think it was an OLD tablecloth because of the fabric but still that's a LOT of work! Mine had some holes and big stains so it wasn't salvageable as a tablecloth any more!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that so much fun, Lauren? I knew you would like to see it. I'm guessing that the pattern may be from the 1970s. It was indeed a lot of work, but I did enjoy working on it and finishing up my late friend's project even though it took me a few year.
ReplyDeleteYour tea cozies are beautiful! What a wonderful use for vintage linens that are otherwise too damaged to use! I have saved a bag full of linens just for small projects like this.