26 March, 2009

Vintage Tablecloth

I was looking for something else, that always seems to be the case when I find the very best treasures tucked away and long since forgotten! My dear mother-in-law gave me this tablecloth embroidery project when my husband and I were newlyweds, almost 34 years ago. I remember her presenting it to me when we lived in our first apartment, it was a kit, floss and hoop included, that she had purchased from her Avon lady! (Now, I could be wrong about that fact; I cannot find any kits such as this ever offered through Avon. It was a while ago, so don't take this as the Gospel truth. Does anyone know anything about similar kits or this tablecloth in particular?) The kits of those days had the design, with the color code, stamped onto the background. I loved it and began stitching right away directly onto the stamped lines and did, oh, maybe ten inches before I abandoned the project! Here it sat, all those years in the very same Avon snap-top sack, until it was rediscovered last month. I love it just as much today as I did when she gave it to me. It is approximately 34" square, the design goes all the way around the four sides. I saw a vintage tablecloth that Quiltdivajulie had sent out to be quilted a few months back, it was beautifully done! This week that same quilter, Quilting4U, has quilted another vintage tablecloth, a cross-stitch embroidered beauty for her mother. I know, now, what I'll do with this when the embroidery is complete! I'll remove the red binding, find a backing, and load this onto Sundance for quilting. It will look perfect in our breakfast area! It's both new and vintage at the same time.

Life is Good!

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19 comments:

*karendianne. said...

My mom sold Avon when I was a little girl. I wonder if she would remember. What a lovely piece this is and what a great idea for the quilting when it's done. I don't remember Julie's tablecloth. I'll have to go knock on her door and ask to see it.

SubeeSews said...

I sold Avon maybe 40 years ago and I have a couple embroidery kits that they sold. Mine are owls and another with a broken fence. All done with 3 dimentional cutwork etc. Still have them on my wall.
I do not remember your kit though.

Dolores said...

What a great idea for your tablecloth. It will be wonderful when finished and then you can enjoy it.

Janet said...

What a great idea! I have a tablecloth that belonged to my MIL that has cowboys and cowgirls square dancing in the corners that is wonderful. You have given me some inspiration here!

Paula, the quilter said...

I have a linen tablecloth my MIL gave me as a newlywed that is embroidered like that, but it is strawberry flowers. I wonder if it is from Avon? The 'binding' on mine is a satin stitch edge.

Here is a link to Cindy Needham's blog for some quilted vintage linen work. Delicious!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Here is a link to the photo album for my tablecloth/quilt ~

http://picasaweb.google.com/quiltdivajulie/ElsieSEmbroidery#

I spent hours doing stamped cross stitch like your tablecloth ~ pillowcases and dresser scarves and napkins and ladies handkerchiefs (all under the watchful eye of my grandmother, Elsie)... have fun working on yours!!!!!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Let's try that link again:

http://picasaweb.google.com/
quiltdivajulie/
ElsieSEmbroidery#

Domestic Designer said...

I love it! I used to do stamped cross-stitch all the time. I think that quilting it is a great idea. I am glad that you found it! Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it is so lovely. It looks so delicate! Isn't it fun to do the hand work? I always have liked hand work, though I do very little. And it has strawberries, imagine that!!!!!!! You go girl!

Salem Stitcher said...

What a great find!

Carrie P. said...

And it is strawberries, how neat is that. I went and looked at the other quilts and that is such a great idea.

Barb said...

It is amazing how designs recycle...my daughter loves *vintage* for her home, and I love sharing my vintage with her! Your tablecloth is wonderful, and it is a great idea you have for finishing it to use!

Connie said...

I love your new 'about me' photo and your new haircut!

nannergirl said...

This is so neat! I love the idea of quilting it. My mom recently found 2 clown wall hangings she did when I was a kid...maybe I should quilt them :) Thanks for the idea

Tanya said...

How great is that! And STRAWBERRIES! I need to check your archives to see how you came about your blog name.

AnnieO said...

I have just inherited a number of 20's to 60's tablecloths, towels, and other linens from my MIL. I could not bear to let them go. One I draped over a miniature quilt stand on my mantle, it was so heavily and beautifully embroidered, very rich. I like your idea of quilting the linens and getting to see them on your wall instead of stuck in a cupboard or trunk!

Nan said...

What a beautiful treasure to find! I'm glad you're finishing it now, and I can't wait to see it finished and being enjoyed.

leigh anna said...

so have you finished it yet??

MARCIE said...

How wonderful and exciting to quilt this! I can't wait to see it! I enjoy handwork like this in the evening. I LOVE when it was printed on the fabric!