How many tablecloths is too many?

Yesterday I went out early in the morning to what I thought was going to be a tabletop sale. It was more of a free-for-all jumble sale, selling really good stuff.

I bought so much excellent stuff and spent only £3.50. Included in the haul were embroidered items: tablecloths, tray cloths, placemats and such. About twenty of them.

I also got a beautiful vintage glass lampshade, which I'll show you later as I have a couple of others I can also show; and denim skirts. No, I haven't gone mad, but No1 wants to set up an Ebay shop, and these were all in wonderful condition, and cheap- so if it doesn't work out (and we all know how fickle teenagers are) then nothing has really been lost.

Most of the embroidered stuff is in good condition, a couple of pieces need a boil as they have tea stains on them, and an odd one is probably best for re-purposing.

Which brings me to the point. I have gazillions of cloths already. I now have even more. It's the thrill of finding them, I think, coupled to a real appreciation of the skills required to produce them, that leads me to buy all the good ones I come across. But one can only use so many...

I now have to think of something to do with them, like Emily does here and here. 

If I were really brave I'd turn them into funky clothing, as so many clever and original people seeem to do. However, I fear I'd just look like a loon and be pointed at by small children.

I need a new peg bag after mine burst its seams the other day, and this seems like a good, and easy, project to have a go at. And I have another cunning plan. Both these plans require me to get out the sewing machine and learn how to thread it. I'm ashamed to say I had a new one at Christmas and I haven't used it yet. It seems easier to go with the old one, even though it's crap.

Good news as well, the Nanny McPhee blanket is now finished, and I should have pictures tomorrow.

 

Comments

[t]

What gorgeous old embroidery,I can understand you snapping them up for any reason! I have seen patchwork quilts with embroidered panels cut from tablecloths etc, I'm sure that you will find a good use for them. Don't let your daughter sell ALL of them! Will look forward to seeing your lampshades.

[Rattling On]

Kathleen, is that you with a new nom de plume??? Love the quilt idea...

[Anne Donald]

I can't believe you got all that for £3.50!! Another suggestion for using the tablecloths is to make bags - drawstring ones are quick and easy. Get that new sewing machine out now!!

[Sue]

They are beautiful, not sure I could cut them up. I buy any I see I think it's nice just to own them and appreciate all the work that went into them. Can't wait to see the lamps.

[SmitoniusAndSonata]

Of course you can never have too much of a good thing ! Lovely , lovely designs and workmanship . A real treasure !