I have a NON Stamping Related question that I need some help with…. if you have some input for me on this, please leave me a comment below. THANKS!!!!!
I have had these amazing tablecloths for several years, inherited from my grandma. I am guessing she accumulated them in the 1940's, 50's and maybe 60's ? I have been wishing I could do something with them to be able to enjoy them…. we don't use a tablecloth at our table, so I was trying to figure out something else to do.
THEN.. it struck me.. I could die cut them into flower shapes to make those REALLY FUN flower pins!
OK OK>> I know.. don't shoot me for saying that I'd cut them up …. BUT .. I'm at a point in my life where I don't want stuff in boxes.. I want to either GET IT OUT AND ENJOY IT, or just get rid of it. I felt that if I made things out of these fun patterns I'd at least be enjoying the process and enjoying the end result.
So… here is my question.. does anyone know anything about these? Are they valuable to collectors? Is there something else I should consider doing with them? LEAVE ME A COMMENT and let me know.. thanks! If you have any websites or anything that might be helpful, leave that in your comment.
Here are some close-ups:
(the train is actually an apron)
Thanks in advance if you have any words of widsom or input for me!
Make a couple of quilts. Make one for yourself and one for your son. But before cutting them up, I would take them to an antique shop first. If they’re not stained, they may be worth something.
What about making a quilt and pillows for your son. My grandmother made a quilt out of things she had just laying around and I love it. I am going to pass it on down to my daughter when she’s older.
Wow are they wonderful! I am sure that there are collectors who would love to find them. Another idea – I know you don’t have a little girl but the latest rage is making dresses for little ones out of pillowcases so I’m thinking the tablecloths could be used to make some also.
How about fun pillow cases? You’d see more of the design that way. Also, you could make them into tea towels and you’d get to see them daily and enjoy them. I agree that you should do something crafty with them and enjoy the creative process of giving your grandma’s gift a new life and new use. I bet she would be proud. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do! — Corris
Here’s a crazy idea I’ve actually done. I’ve used some old quilt blocks and linens to scrapbook with. You could the pattern just like dsp. or cut into “quilt blocks” and just do a scrap book page or mini book about these pieces maybe telling a story about the the fabric or your grandma?
I did a very quick search online for vintage tablecloths, and there are several sites selling them for $75-$125 and more. I would go to a local antiques store and ask if they know someone who specializes in these. With as many as you have, there might be a few worth enough money to buy LOTS of stamps with, and a few not worth much you could make the die cut flowers with. They look like they are in such amazing shape it would be a shame to cut them up before knowing their worth, and a collector might be looking for these…?
flowers, bags, quilts. yes, use them and make something useful to you. it’s only valuable if you sell them. are you selling? if it has senitmental value, why not put them to better use for you. just saying. have fun. and i’m not an expert in textiles so i have no clue, but i would cut them up and make beautiful things. have fun
love you blog
Oh don’t cut up those beautiful table clothes, use them. I know it’s not the thing to do anymore, actually put a table cloth on a table, but do it any way! They are to gorgeous. Good luck
They are beautiful. I have several of these and they can be very inexpensive to quite pricey. I would have someone give you a price before you cut them up. And if you want to sell some, I love the geranium one (my sunroom is all geraniums) and the train apron. My husband is a massive train buff!
DON’T CUT THEM UP!!!! Vintage textiles are VERY collectible!!! I would have them valued/appraised…..you have some gorgeous tablecloths that can NEVER be replaced!!!
They are beautiful!!!!!!!!!! Please don’t cut them up. One thing if you are going to part with them – before you do – take pictures of them and make a scrapbook with them, so that you can always remember them and their beauty. You have a real treasure in your hands and a part of your Grandma as well. I love them and vintage things. I have a few of them. I have a collection of vintage Christmas decorations and love them. I get them out every year.
Good luck on your decision!
If you are going to cut them up anyway, why not make pillow cases out of them. Or small decrotive pillows for the bed.
I have a stack of old tablecloths like yours from my mother and grandmothers, in fact one looks like your geranium one! I’m sure they are collectible and valuable, as long as you find the person who will actually pay you what they are worth. The lady who helped me decorate with and find places for all my family’s things I inherited told me to put a shelf up over my washer and dryer, which is where we come in the back door and off the kitchen, and put the tablecloths in a stack on the shelf so they would be handy to use. Well, I don’t use them but at least I get to see them everyday, which I like! There used to be/is a place here in Houston that would take anything and make something else out of it as people have mentioned. If you wanted to save blocks of each tablecloth you could frame them perhaps as a remembrance. Good luck with your decision. It gets to the point where you can’t save everything I know!
Patty,
Vintage tablecloths such as yours are quite valuable to collectors! Please don’t cut them up!! Yours appear to be in great condition. If you don’t want to use them, I would suggest selling them. If you want to unload that geranium tablecloth, I’d be HAPPY to help you out! LOL
Martha Stewart Living had a whole article on this style tablecloth and dish cloths. They are valuable collectibles and there are dealers who specialize in this product. I can’t remember how far back the article was–in the last couple of years–I remember wishing I had kept some of my old embroidered dish cloths from my Great Aunts! –But I tend to use things that are given to me! Since you are in California–you should be able to find a dealer/collector. Once you have had the value determined (some are rarer than others), then pick one of them and make an article you can use to remember your grandma in a special way!
How about using them as wall hangings? DO NOT CUT THEM UP!
Defnitely make a quilt! They actually make quilt fabric like that for people who want a quilt look from that era. Karen
I agree- don’t cut them up!! Find or search online what there worth before you do anything. There seems to be several people that would be willing to take them off your hands for you- maybe you should auction them off on your site :> That would be fun to watch! :> I have a hard time getting rid or even selling family items…..such as something like this…they are great items to hand down to your kids (in your case your son). Don’t cut them up- there are too many great patterns in the stores to choose from….rather then cutting up a family treasure :>
BEFORE YOU CUT THOSE, I’ve asked one of my Tweeps who is a Vintage seller on etsy to come take a look.
Pleeease don’t cut them up! If you don’t want them anymore, sell them to someone who will love them as they are. I recently bought some from http://www.thevintagetable.net/ for myself, perhaps you could contact her and see about selling yours? I’ve also seen them for sale on Etsy if you wanted to sell them yourself. Spend the money you make on stamping stuff!
They are beautiful. I know you can’t keep everything but sort them and keep some of your faviotes and then make something that you can use out of the rest. If you decide to sell them or some of them, find out what they are worth first. Take pictures of all of them and scapebook them and then you will have that memory.
I just recently found a old scrapbook in my Mothers things. It is old post cards. Some of them are dated back to 1907 thur 1920. Of course the scrapbook was falling apart so I am putting them in a new scrapbook. I love your blog!!!
I agree with those who said some of these could be quite valuable and very desirable to collectors. I would surely do some research before cutting into them. That being said, I also make kanzashi flowers, and they would make adorable brooches! Check out the book Kanzashi in Bloom – the author slips my mind.
NOOOOOO Patty!! Dont cut them up!!! (unless they are really stained)
I am a collector!!! I have about 40 vintage tablecloths and hankies!! I use them on my tables every day!!!
I do cut ones that are stained or holey. Use a spockets on shorts or denim jacket, make a vest, use the Scallop Square die to make a bag, etc.
Want to sell some? ASK ME! 😉
Depending on pattern and size, they can range anywhere from $25 to $50-60.
Lucky you!!!
They look beautiful!
Hugs!!!
Patty,
You have a real treasure in those tablecloths – you are lucky to have them. Personally, I would not cut them up because they are worth something. There are people out there who collect tablecloths like these. I first became aware of the value of vintage tablecloths while reading an article about them in an issue of Martha Stewart Living. The only way I would cut them up is if there are stains or worn spots that make the tablecloth un-useable.
Patty, I am so glad you posted this. I have a couple of these old tablecloths that I remember my mother having on the table when I was a little girl. Every once in a while I bring them out…and I would love to find a way to use them.
i am in concensus with most when i say do not cut them up. love the idea of taking pics of the cloths and making a scrapbook. i love vintage tablecloths and would definitely buy a few from you. they would be given much love and would be used daily.
I had several similar tablecloths that belonged to my mother and grandmother that I sold quite a few years ago because I wasn’t using tablecloths. We recently moved and I am now using tablecloths and wish I had them back. My son is now married and he and his wife love vintage things so they would also love to have them. If you don’t want to keep them, I would sell them so someone else can enjoy them. Don’t cut them up unless they are not in good condition.
Aloha Patty,
Those are pretty!!! What if you cut like a focal point (?) from those tableclothes and have it frame and you can decorate the frames too!!! You can display it and you’ll always remember your grandma.
I also have a collection of these and did not want to cut them, so I folded them in such a way that they are “lined” and tacked them by hand and made CUTE kitchen and door curtains out of them. When you are ready for a change, snip the stitches and you are back to the tablecloths. Good luck and let everyone know what you decided!
if you have sentimental feelings about them, or some of them and want to keep their integrity….i would hang them in the kitchen on small quilt racks….un touched 🙂
if you have sentimental feelings towards them, but don’t mind cutting them…i say make a quilt, or two 🙂
even if they don’t match your decor….if you were close to your grandma, just seeing them in your home will give you good thoughts.
i have a quilt that my great grandmother made out of old clothing….it matches absolutely nothing in my house…but i keep it on the rack anyway. it was given to me by my grandma, which i am very close to…i never met her mom, but i have heard so many great things about her, i feel connected to her through my grandma.
if you have no sentimental feelings towards them and they are valuable…sell ’em if they are worth something.
however, i am too sentimental about material ( no pun intended..lol!) items, that is why i am crowded here! lol!! so i really do vote….keep them all, display some, make things out of others.
Yes, vintage tablecloths are very collectible and worth $$$ if in great shape – HOWEVER – if you won’t enjoy them as tablecloths and it is more important to have them then sell them – then CUT AWAY! Make something that you like to have a visual memory instead of storing them away in a drawer or selling ’em off. HAVE FUN! I do like the ideas of the quilts – you could use the die cuts for that too.
Making something out of them, whatever you choose to do, is a great way to get them out of boxes and into your life. I have beautiful enbroidered dish towels from my grandmother that I use every day. I love the memories that pop up every time I take one in my hands to wipe dishes!
You can put the tablecloths on furniture-dresser tops, piano tops, shelf tops. You can also pin them to a wooden dowel and hang them up. (I pin a couple of ribbon loops on the sides so I will have something to hang them up with.) I have done both of these with some of my vintage tablecloths. I rotate them every few months so I can enjoy them.
Wow…you’re getting some very good ideas and information here. My vote would be to find out their value, becuase you could buy more stamping stuff! Then, I would suggest picking your favorites or those you remember most and doing something with them. I like to rack idea, pillow idea an quilt idea too. It’s making me think!
On another note, I LOVE, love, love this new blog header!! Great job!
NOOOOO cutting the good ones! VINTAGE textiles are valuable and rare. And yours look in VERY good condition. They should be given to a museum if you don’t want them in a box…or sell them to collectors! I would LOVE a few. I have some, but they are a treasure of our American Heritage!
Create SU! Scallop Square purses, bags, and eye glass cases.
There are fewer and fewer of these great tablecloths/aprons available because so many are cut up, sewn into drapes, pillows, etc, or just thrown away.
So, I guess in one way, you are helping drive the price of them up, for those lucky enough to have them.
The sad part is – this is really an era of texttiles that is long gone, except these simple reminders. You cannot just go buy one if you want one because they are rare and becoming expensive. I would much rather see you sell them to an antique store or collector. Then go buy current fabric to make flowers with your profits. I love and appreciate vintage & antique things for the era they represent and a time gone by. I would use them as tablecloths or aprons unless they are too worn or damaged – then, I might make pillows or drapes – something that would preserve the images. Whatever you decide it is nice that you appreciate the items enough to ask other’s opinions.
Since they have white background, it’s much better to make bigger projects like your tote bags. If you make flower pins, they’ll just come out with alot of white background and hints of the design only. I hope this helps!
Patty,
As most suggested, find out their true value. People in the movie industry are always looking for things that make their movies authentic. If you are willing to part with them, then sell. If not, find a way, as many suggestions were made, to use. Will your son really value them as he gets older? My guess would be probably not. Only he would know that. Or his spouse? An apron or two would be a wonderful way to use them on a regular basis. Placemats? Dishtowels? Quilt projects? What good are they doing sitting in a box or closet somewhere? All things rot, rust, or get stolen, as scripture says.
These things will not last forever. Enjoy as best you can!
Best wishes in your decision making!!
I am absolutely drooling over a few of those cloths….I have a small collection myself and am always looking at antique stores. I glanced at a few other other comments and agree that you should have someone price them – I have seen pretty high prices $30-50 for some and lower for others. Depends on size and how old. I am caught bewteen cutting them up or saving/selling them. Agree that if stained or have holes, go for it! I find reasons to use mine and get lots of compliments. Look forward to knowing what you will do….hard choices but good luck!
OMG! I collect vintage tablecloths & aprons.
I’d say don’t cut them up Patty! I use my alot for patio tables outside & tables by my pool in the summer. Every one loves them
and it’s rare to find one’s as cool as these. Love the train 🙂
Patty;
One of the things I did with my grandmothers “vintage” tablecloths and napkins was to cut them up and make quilts/wallhangings out of them I made sure that my daughter and my niece each got one as well as my cousin and her two daughters – it was a way for both my cousin and I to share with the next generation part of their Great “Nana” – now the memories are not stuffed in a box without being seen.
Definitely make a quilt (or two). Of course, you’ll have to save it and pass it to future generations. Still saving, but in another form.
Hi Patty!
I actually have been starting to collect them! (see my last blog – there’s one in the background even!) I know what you mean about stuff in boxes but maybe you shouldn’t destroy them because they are history??? I dunno! That’s a hard one. Hope you’re having a good day.
I think you should make Big Shot purses!
I seek out vintage table cloths to make aprons, window treatments,and jams like shorts.
I certainly do not know anything about the value of such vintage tablecloths, but reading the comments already made, the popular vote seems to be DON’T CUT THEM!!! If you do, a Scallop square rag quilt bag would be oh, so very cute! love that geranium one!!
Esther
Please don’t cut them up.
Use them on the table.
Sell them to someone that will love them.
Add an extra tension rod in your window and drape them over it as an addiitonal curtain. You can move the tension rod up or down for the size of the table cloth.
If they are stained or have holes in them, make a tote out of those using the bigshot die cut scallop square.
But, please, please, don’t destroy these beautiful antiques.
I love your blog.. I am a faithful follower! You have some awesome ideas!
They are highly collectible and yes, they are worth something to the right person. I wouldn’t cut them up.
Oh, my, I am a vintage tablecloth collector and it does make me cringe to think that you might cut up cloths in good condition!! If they are true cutter cloths that is another thing but yours look to be in decent condition. PLEASE contact me before you start cutting….if you are willing I may purchase at least a couple of them then you can buy cutters to make something!!
Just my humble opinion!
Georgia
http://grandmags.blogspot.com
Playing with vintage textiles is fun. I buy mine at yard sales and have no guilt or regrets about using them in unconventional ways but these are a treasure you might regret cutting up. There is a lot of interest, you could sell them. Personally I’d tea stain at least one and cut it up and play and enjoy it–guilt free.
Patty: these tablecloths can be quite valuable depending upon the pattern. Check Ebay for a quick assessment. If the brand in on the tablecloth (eg Martex) search using the brand name. Ebay is a selling option as are consignment antique stores. Keep in mind that summery bright tablecloths sell better in the spring. Prior to selling them take some great pictures, both full shots and close ups for your memories. I turned one of my tablecloths into curtains and enjoy them every day.
Patty, How about making placemats from one tablecloth. Save one tablecloth to pass onto your future daugher-in-law. Great shower gift idea. Or just for your son if he stays single. Definately take pictures of all of them if you should decide to sell some. Good luck!
Patty…..I love them all…..please DON’T cut them up. A good way to really remember them (if you choose to sell them) is to take them to a good copy store and “color copy” each of them in the larger size paper (11×17)and use those to scrapbook pages about your Grandmother. I worked at one such place for several years and I copied many, many things to be used as background paper. Make “retro” cards etc. out of the pictures. You will have memories and someone else will enjoy them too. I love the idea of pillows or vest or how about a bag??? if you decide you have to keep them and cut them up. Good Luck!!
When my mother passed away my dad couldn’t bear to get rid of her dresses. so he kept them for many years and then when he passed away we found them. They brought back such fond memories, my mom died at the age of 44 and she was a very beautiful lady and her dresses were beautiful as well. Again, we hated to get rid of them, so my sister cut them up and made a “fabric scene” for all five of us which she framed. I treasure mine, I have a little piece of my mother which I can display and tresure too. She also shared the buttons which I have used on occasion on a card but it has to a special person to get one of these!
Patty,
One of my relatives did something with some old cloth like yours but it was from the very early 1900s. She wanted each of us to have a piece of our family history. The cloth was from one of my great grandmother’s pieces. She cut and quilted the 12″x12″ pieces. I then framed it in a shadowbox and have it hanging in the house. I never would have thought something so simple could be so cherished. I hope you find a wonderful way to share this piece of your family with younger members.
Best Always,
I agree that you should not cut them up, unless they are stained or have holes. I had some of these and I “hired” an EBay seller to put these up on her website. They brought 25-40$$ each AFTER her commission.
You could use the money for more stamping stuff, of course, OR donate a portion or all money rec’d to Haiti Relief, which wold be tax deductible on you 2009 IRS return.
I recognize some of the tablecloths because my Grandmother had them when I was growing up. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Hi patty. Wow, those tablecloths are so beautiful. I used to work in an antique store and I know for a fact that you would be able to make quite a bit of money on those. Please do a little research before you go into an antique store. They want to get the lowest price possible and it may not benefit you at all. However, you inherited them from you grandmother and you should be able to use them any way that would bring you joy. If you die cut them and make the Flower Pins, you will be able to have something that came from your grandmother that you could actually use. Giving the pins to friends and family is also a good way to spread that joy. Good luck Patty. 🙂
I have to agree, don’t cut them, at least until you have checked their value to others who appreciate them whole. Of course, this is coming from someone who can’t bear to cut DSP to use one side because I’d be wasting the other side. 🙂
PLEASE do not cut them up! Yes they are valuable. If you do not want them, I am sure that there is someone else that will. There may be someone else in your own family that would love to have a remembrance of your grandmother. As a curator, I see the value of preserving our American artifacts! I have a few of my mother’s and grandmother’s tablecloths that I use in the middle of my table rather than a runner or sometimes on top of a small table.
Patty, I agree with the rest. Don’t cut them up unless they are stained. The ones you would cut up would be great as a simple block quilt to show off the patterns that can be saved. I also think if you don’t want the others to go ahead and sell them. I love some of them also and think your own auction would be great!
DON’T CUT THEM UP… I HAVE A COLLECTION, AND I LOVE TO GET THEM OUT AND USE THEM WHEN I HAVE A TEA PARTY… SO GET IT ALL OUT AND USE IT.. I HAVE SEEN THEM SEWN WITH A SIMPLE POCKET AT ONE END AND GATHERED ON A CURTAIN ROD AS A CURTAIN, OR WALL PIECE, THE MORE THE MERRIER…I LOVE THE LOOK, AS A QUILTER… AHHH THAT I AM, I STILL WOULDN’T CUT INTO THEM.. THERE IS LOTS OF FABRIC OUT THERE THAT YOU CAN USE. AND THEY ARE VERY COLLECTIBLE, AND GETTING HARDER AND MORE EXPENSIVE TO FIND.. SELL THEM OR USE & ENJOY!
I have no idea if they are worth big money, but people like me do collect vintage linens and use them. It’s hard for me to cut them up, but I have a few that I found that were beautiful, but had stains in certain places that wouldn’t come out. For those, I have pieced them and made small quilts for new little family members, I have made yo-yo quilts which are super easy to do. I have also cut out larger areas and made pillows and added vintage buttons and lace/trims to them.
Having said all that, since they are from your family, I would NOT cut them up if they are in good shape. If you can’t use them, give them to younger family members when they marry or have children. Or if you just can’t keep them all, check out some of the websites above and see if they are worth something-especially that train! Love it!
Oh Nooooooo NO, a big NO Patty!! Please Dont cut them up!!! I have 2 vintage tablecloths, inherited from my grand aunt, I use them on my tables on occasions!!!
If you want to sell some? I can bid for them please ask me!!! Depending on pattern and size, they can range anywhere from $25 to $100. I recently watched the Antique Road Show, and a lady had one of these, it was indeed beautiful, I was squealing with amazement, when it was valued at 350quid!!and it was damaged at the border, so all I can say is get them valued, ya never know – Lucky you!!! Hugs always!!!
Patty…the tablecloths may be worth money but if I had them from my grandmother I would rather re-make something out of them to keep and use rather than selling them just for the money. If you make something else with them, at least you will still have them. If you can’t use them all to make something, maybe just use your favorite ones and sell the rest. How about an apron? I know the train is already an apron, how about using that as a pattern? That is, if you use apron’s. Or, make a quilt, pillows, hand towels, placemats, napkins, chair pads, blouses, scarves, tie belts, watch bands (for our new SU! watch), holiday banners, and of course the cute flower brooches!! How about a sofa cover? If you have enough of them, you could make a cover for a sofa or love seat. I’ve seen some of these sofa covers and they’re so cute in a sun room or family room. Can’t wait to see what you decide!
LOVE your vintage tableclothes!! PLEASE don’t cut them! If you really want to get rid of them, I’d be happy to help you out and take some off your hands!!! they really are beautiful-and I DO use tableclothes again!
Wow, Patty, you’re getting a lot of advise. Yes, chances are that some of them could be quite valuable and some probably are not. I would definitely get them appraised before you do anything with them. That said, the sentimental value to you might well be worth more than what you could sell them for and if that is the case, then I would agree with you that fashioning at least one or two of them into something you can use and enjoy daily would be a wonderful gift to you and your family. I’m sure your grandmother never imagined there would be such a fuss over her old tablecloths! Blessings my friend! Gretchen
cut them up? AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!
Beautiful…..I collect these myself, and also make items with them from the stained ones, cutters I call them…..my sister and I made over 350 angel dolls, beautiful using family tablecloths, laces, hankies and such with a vintage postcard and jewelery for familys to remember someone with…I can send a picture if you want to see one…..the red geranium one…is well “to die for”…I have also made window valances for my kitchen, christmas stockings, pillows, rabbits, and more with these…..I have bins of them……can ya tell I LOVE vintage!!
Obviously you have pictures of them (they are posted here). Honor them by framing and displaying (scrapbooking) the pictures. I am mixed about what to do with them. I have lots of items from my grandmother and was going to slowly purge some items. But then talked with my son who stated he had an interest in them (see my expression of surprise??)! So I’ll be hanging on to my collection of Granny’s stuff for a while longer. A few generations down the road it will be easier to put the items on the auction block!
But on the other hand, I thought your idea of the flower pins was great too. How better to honor the memory of your grandmother than to wear it! Maybe you can google “Peter Walsh honor the memory”. It directed me to an excerpt from one of his books on that matter.
I’ll be interested to know your decision too!
As a vintage quilt/linen collector and previous seller, I say please don’t cut them up! They look like they are in great condition and clean and these are still highly collectible. As previously suggested, you can go to local antique mall and ask for linen dealers there. Also you can look on ebay to see what they are selling for there currently. Of course, they’re yours to use however, but I’d personally hate to see them cut up.
Put them on e-bay and use the money for a worth cause.
If these tableclothes are your grandmothers, and you don’t use tablecloths, I would cut and make quilts out of them. Maybe even matching pillows. My husband has things from his Grandmother that he just can’t part with. I have used them in decorating my home. Unfortunatley, my MIL has not turned over any fabric items yet. I know they are out there, I just can’t wait to get them and turn them into something fabulous. Which I what I know you are going to do with yours.
Wow…the tablecloths are beautiful. I, too, have accumulated some things from my Grandma and I hate having them in a drawer hidden away. I’m sure they might be worth something for a collector, but they might be worth more to you as a remembrance and to have them around as a reminder is priceless.
What about cutting them up and either hemming or serging the edges and use as dish cloths. (Please everybody…don’t yell at me) I rather have and use something that brings memories than make a few bucks. I also like the idea of using them as DSP for scrapbooks.
GOOD LUCK
Do NOT cut them until you know for sure ALL the info about them. If anything, I would make a couple of quilts. You would most likely get more use and enjoyment out of a wallhanging and quilts than some pins you would wear only on occasion. you are lucky to have them.
Stay well,
AnnMarie
I would cut them and matt in some way and frame them to hang in the craft room. Like a shadow box.
I agree about not cutting up any that are in great condition. With the popularity of vintage aprons and the like you should be able to find a good use for the ones with holes or stains. I’m sure many cooks would love to have an apron made out of one of these. Me being one of them. I love the old style patterns of aprons and to have it made out of vintage fabric would be even cooler.
Hi Patti,
I just searched 1940’s tablecloths!
Check out these two links:
http://www.fabrics.net/joan703.asp
http://www.vintagetableclothsclub.com
If you can’t find if they are worth anything, I’d recommend to either sell them on ebay if you don’t want them…
OR…
Frame them and I am not saying frame the entire tablecloth.. Do like a collage of all the of them or all the ones you have memories of!! Maybe even put a picture of your grandma is the centre of the collage?! I know it gets expensive but to get them done at lets say Michael’s, but you could frame them gradually.. Especially if they have a special memories you could definitely pass them down to your kids or grandkids!!
You might want to check e-bay to see what on-line auctions are bringing for them as well.
Rita
Patty, I would check into the value of them before cutting them up. And I would definitely take pictures of them and scrapbook it as a remembrance of the whole collection. I took a bunch of old doilies that my grandmother and great-grandmother had made and were in the family for a long time. No one wanted them, so I took nicer looking ones and hand sewed them to a background piece of fabric, used large old fashioned wooden embroidery hoops in various shapes to frame them and glued lace to the back of the embroidery hoop and then hung them on the walls as decorative art. Quite a few family members wanted them after I did that–so they remained in the family, are decorative art, and a very special remembrance of my grandmother. Otherwise, I would have sold them rather than destroyed them. But stained or torn (not fixable) tablecloths would be beautiful as flowers or something that you use so that they are not rotting away in a box. Enjoy your memories.
Patty please let us know what you are going to do with these beautiful cloths. I love this type of stuff and would just die to have something like this and would put it to great use as my entire kitchen and family and dinning room is decorated with 1930 to 60 stuff. Mostly reproductions. My house in Kanab is built in the late 50’s and we will be restoring it to it’s former beauty!
Enjoy them in a way that you will love. I know that people may not want you to cut them but if it will make you enjoy them more then you should. They are from your grandma and that makes them specail. Have fun with this and again please let me know what you are doin with them. My heart just skipped a beat when I saw them here. Well I guess that I have been a big enough pest.:)
M
OH man they are wonderful. I am sure they are valuable. You could have a quilt made with them. If you decide to make flowers I want one. If you decide to sell them I would like to buy some. Good luck with your decision.
Patty, you’ve already gotten some good advice, I want to add mine — these are definitely collectors’ items, I often/always seem them for sale at quilt shows. Lots of people do use them to make quilts — but that’s all I know. My mom mostly let hers get eaten by mice, I salvaged one or two….
Hi Patty
How about using a portion on a quilt and setting up a small table in your living room or den maybe even your bedroom as a little tribute to your grandma. So when you pass this table you’ll think of her!
I have bought them for 15- 20.00 each. I collect them and use them everyday. I would not cut them up. Janet in NC
Remember that old adage “be careful what you ask for?” You DID ask for advice, right?? Hmmm… anyone reply yet, LOL??? Seriously, my recommendation is to not cut them. I know they’re sitting there accumulating dust but in the time it’d take you to cut them up, you can offer them on consignment at some antique store or ask a knowledgeable collector to sell them for you. I have a soft spot for this vintage sort of stuff and know someone would love those tablecloths to bits, but not after they’re literally in “bits”, LOL! Good luck sifting thru your replies darling 🙂
I’ve never posted a comment on your blog, although I read every post and love your work. Please DO NOT cut up those tablecloths!!!!!!!!!!! They are very collectible. See http://www.vintagetableclothsclub.com/DesktopDefault.aspx. You might want to ask your question there.
I am with the ladies that say NO NO NO!!! DO NOT CUT!!!
Vintage items like those are very valuable these days, and I would NOT want to jeopardize their value!
Why don’t you take pictures of all of them, then make a photo collage, then you can sell them at a very good price! Even if you did it on ebay, I’d say you’d make quite a lot. I agree that an antique expert would be a great person to consult.
Good luck! But please don’t cut them!!! 😀
Hi Patty, those tablecloths would make the cutest aprons which are making a comeback. They could be embellished with the fabric flowers made with the bigz dies.
Do not cut them up before you check them out. I am a quilter and items like these are valuable. The older they are the better. If they are in good condition they are worth several dollars. I can’t tell if they are from a material called “feedsack” or not (feedsacks were popular in the “30’s, 40’s and even into the 50’s. There is a great story about these fabrics. I wore “feedsack dresses as a child.” Take them to an antique store and have them tell you if they are valuable. You might want to check with two or three different stores. The newer looking they are the more valuable they are.
I agree with most – DON’T CUT THEM UP!
Get them appraised before you do anything.
If you decide to sell any, I’ll take the one with the cherries off your hands. My kitchen is stamped with cherries, and I have a devil of a time finding items with cherries on them.
I’d LOVE to have those tableclothes! I”ve come to appreciate 40’s and 50’s items more and more lately.
I remember a lot of them as a kid – somehow they take on more value as we get older.
I’m so glad that you are NOT going to cut them up. My first thought was “oh, no!!!, don’t cut them up”!!! I, too, have some old tablecloths and quilts from my mother and grandmother, and wouldn’t think of cutting them up!
Don’t cut them up! They may have sentimental value to someone else in your family. If not, they would definitely be of value to collectors of vintage linens.
Pam.
Well I for one want to part with things and yet I can’t bare to part with them. But I’d cut them up and make a quilt or throw out of them and if you have kids, I’d make two to share. What a nice memory and for sure put a label explaining what was used to make it. You know, like a t-shirt quilt. Choose a nice solid piece so as not to take away from the print. There are so many simple easy patterns that would incorporate them and you’d have a great memory. Think of the comfort of the cozy memories of curling up under a quilt of memories. I too am hanging on to some that I keep returning to the shelves, don’t use them and can’t part with them. Hope this helps, from a quilter. Joan Lowder
These look just like the ones my grandmother used to put on her dining table. Oh, how I wish I had some from my grandmother. Please, don’t sell all of them if you do choose to sell. At least make some pot holders for your son’s bride some day, pillow cases, tea towels, small sewing kits or pin cushions, etc. And please check with other family members to see if they would cherish these or cherish something made from these. You’re a lucky lady to have these:) Enjoy!
Patty: I so hear you behind getting things out of boxes. I’d find out if they’re worth anything. If they are, sell them and buy more stamps. If they’re not, cut ’em up girl and do your thing. I know you’ll make something fabulous from them! ~Lucia
Oh my!! Just now read this-I’m behind in my e-mails. Martha Stewart did an entire show on vintage tablecloths. She collects them and (surprise?!!) is quite knowledgable about them. You might do a search on her site too! Who knows, maybe she’ll be interested in purchasing some of them?! 🙂
If you have a flat bed scanner you can make some gorgeous background card stock with these prints. Corris suggested that you could cut the squares and use them directly, but if you just want to keep the memory and sell the table clothes, scanning would do the trick. The scanned copy would also show the texture of the material and along with photos of the complete table clothes and your grandma you could make a fantastic scrapbook keepsake!
This made be smile because I also have the geranium tablecloth!! I have an rose one also that is beautiful. Both were my grandmothers and she passed away when I was 13 so they hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for the smile today when I found this post of yours.
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy
I love your blog.You have a real treasure in your hands and a part of your Grandma as well.I love them and vintage things.I have a few of them.I was a little girl. Every once in a while I bring them out and I would love to find a way to use them.