WOW = WIPS On Wednesdays
Time just flies when I'm working on LE, but I need to take frequent breaks from it, to give my eyes a rest - its incredible how much eye strain I've been having lately with all my hand sewing and intense focusing! I need a little break to keep my perception fresh about the colours and fabrics I'm working with too. I find that when I spend all day with the same fabrics, it's good to put is aside for a few days and then re-look at it with 'fresh eyes', it's interesting how just a few days can really change your mind about colour choices.
I'm lucky enough to have an extra large table that serves as our dining table (officially) but is really just an excuse for me to design and create in the middle of the house. It needs a daily tablecloth so I can distinguish my creative time (hardwood) from our eating time (tablecloth). I have one tablecloth for special occasions, but I need a daily one and making one is long overdue. I just never have the time. I was considering making a patchworky HST tablecloth from the thousands of fabrics in my stash - but I don't actually want to invest that much time in it right now (although the idea definitely appeals). Yesterday I stumbled across this wide-back fabric which I've had in my stash for years. There's enough of it to make a tablecloth and napkins so that's what I'm doing. Today I'm measuring up the napkin sizes and later in the afternoon I will simply turn the edge of the fabric and call it another finished WIP!
Does anyone bother with tablecloths anymore? Do you?
I like the ceremony of setting a table for family time. Maybe it's an old fashioned idea, but I think some old fashioned ideas have merit and sitting down when you can, to spend time with family seems more precious the older I get. My DDs don't think a tablecloth is necessary at all. Perhaps my new blue one will change their minds... Personally, I can't wait to lighten my stash and set the table for dinner.
What's Your WOW?
I have my table covered with a table cloth all the time. I have a beautiful 8 seater of dark wood, but one dinner party ended up having a discoloration when someone put a hot casserole dish back on the wood instead of the placemat/tablerunner. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike those heat stains - mostly because I had to live with one for years! Luckily this table is actually a boardroom table and I'm not all that attached to it, so I can work on it and not mind when I accidentally create small compass point dents or when flecks of permanent market come through paper.
DeleteI have a table topper on the table, most of the time but it is always a quilt of some sort so I take it off the table when we eat and placemats get put on the table instead.
ReplyDeleteI love table toppers, they are a great compromise in the whole tablecloth should I or shouldn't I?
DeleteI just have a bit of red with bit white dots oilcloth so I can wipe it down. I have ambitions but really it is fairly low down on the to do list. I might get round to making some heat proof mats though....
ReplyDeleteI really love Cath Kidston style oilcloths, but could never find one wide enough, good idea though, I much prefer wipe down to wash and iron
DeleteTablecloths made from wideback fabric - fantastic idea!
ReplyDeleteOur table always has a cloth and is always set each night for dinner. Family time around the table is time to unwind and debrief the day with each other over the meal. It is precious time and something that our young one's friends also enjoy.
Yes and it ate through the stash too :)
DeleteFancy you should mention and come up with one. I just did the same thing and also gave a big piece to a friend. I call it de-stashing. We don't normally have a table cloth, but I do use one for Sunday brunch.
ReplyDeleteExactly! eat the stash up!
DeleteWe don't use a table cloth - and only use a table runner on high days and holidays! We use serviettes, though, and your post has just reminded me that I promised to make a couple for my dad this week - thanks! We always sit and eat our meals at the table, it's a lovely thing to do, and a great time to chat with my DDs about their school day.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a table cloth except special occasions. But I will be looking at wide backs differently in the future.
ReplyDeleteWe have a black glass table with wood edges and wooden legs now in our new Condo. My hubby and I always have a nice table mat (home made) under our dinner plates when we have company I alway have a beautiful table cloth on the table I have several in small size for when table is closed and large when table is open. A priest friend said family dinner without a table cloth is like going to bed without sheets. I will never forget him. Hugs Bunny
ReplyDeleteI love that quote Bunny, what a charming thing to say!
DeleteI love old linens so I keep them on both the kitchen table and dining room table almost all the time. Most of mine have been washed to a softness you have to feel to experience. I might add a quilted table runner on the dining room table for various holiday themes.
ReplyDeleteI actually love to use tablecloths. It's hard to 'bother' with them as you say.
ReplyDeleteI am working to finish my sunflower table runner and placemats for my table.
Table runners are a great in between I think, they are small but still make a big difference
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