I don't know why I wanted to do this! But I wanted an extra tablecloth for our dining table, and I wanted it to be washable with no ironing. I have the other one in this post here. While I looked at fabrics all over town, I still couldn't find anything I wanted that was better than this old sheet set that I've been going to throw out for months now. Then I got to thinking—yeah, yeah, I know, a dangerous thing for me but I did. So I took the top sheet and ripped it into 4" wide lengths and put it aside for a while. (It takes me a while to decide on some things that I know I'll regret due to the intensive labor of that decision.) It took me hours to do the ruffling with my ruffler. I'd do a bit, rest because it was killing my back, do more, rest and so on.
Then later on, I ripped the elastic out of the bottom sheet. Now, understand that this sheet is soft and well-worn after many years of use on our bed. I ripped that into a 56" square. My intention was to do a french-type ruffled tablecloth with ragged edges. While I wanted it a bit "rough", I didn't want it unraveling in the washer or dryer. So what I did was stitch along the edges and let it fray a bit. Easy to do but very time consuming. I could have just hemmed it but I'm not enthusiastic about orderly hems. I wanted a bit of the shabby look. I got it!
These are the ruffles as I started. You may click on this to enlarge.
A bit further along. Okay, not really, but I took it in a different light and I was too lazy to take it out and have to do more photos! I practice on you bloggers. ;-) Enlarge this photo also.
Ruffles and more ruffles. Click to enlarge.
The finished tablecloth. And, NO, I did not put it on the table and properly straighten it out; I was just too tired at that point. Click to enlarge.
I thought I'd never finish! I ended up with 60 yards of ruffles. Click to enlarge.
A closeup of the hem. Click to enlarge.
As it appears on the table. Click to enlarge.
Another side. Click to enlarge.
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I love this little respite area. The owner made quite a statement with old wicker, a vintage sewing machine, an old crate, an old chair, a basket of apples and lots of old vintage stuff.
The perfect rose on a cupcake.
An Italian side street in all its quaintness.
An idea for a small picnic, drape a tablecloth over an umbrella.
A rose door hanger.
The yellow coloring on this old building complements the purple wisteria. Beautiful!
A french cottage to rent.
Connie,you did well to hang out that long on the ruffles. At least one layer will be a lot easier to iron than your quilt. :) love all those photo's. I've been trying to ice cup cakes like the one with the rose but can't manage to do it in one sweep without a break.:(
ReplyDeleteYour tablecloth turned out gorgeous! I just found your fun blog and am now following :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Your tablecloth turned out great. On a ruffle kick, are we? Tell your husband he better not stand or sit in one spot for too long, or he may end up with ruffles on him. lol Blessings Paula
ReplyDeleteHi Connie,
ReplyDeleteWow, you did an amazing job on your ruffled table cloth! I know it takes forever to make ruffles unless you have an attachment for gathering on your sewing machine. I have been wanting to buy one, my friend has one for her machine and said its wonderful!
You slip covers for your chairs look so pretty with the table cloth. The cupcake rose is lovely. I have enjoyed catching up with you today.
I hope all is well.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth
What a beautiful tablecloth. Very impressive. I would love for you to link this up to my Fall into Fall party that opens tonight at 8pm EST. Hope to see you there.
ReplyDeleteHi Connie, I am all about ruffles and your tablecloth is splendid. Olive
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the ruffled tablecloth! You did a great job on those ruffles and the edges. Great photos, amazing places. I love the yellow house with wisteria.............
ReplyDeleteEmily
The French Hutch
Impressive! I need you at my house to make a tablecloth. LOL I'm simply cutting down a drop cloth to be the size I need, but I don't sew.
ReplyDeleteLove your ruffled topper and the great images..........Sarah
Great job on your ruffled tablecloth. What a job! Love all the other inspirational photos.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Beautiful work! I wish I could sew.
ReplyDeleteHello, new follower here! I would love to have you link up with my Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week!
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/09/clever-chicks-blog-hop-2-featured-post.html
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy
The Chicken Chick
Very impressive, Connie! That's a whole lotta ruffles, girl! lol! But it turned out just beautifully! I envy your sewing talent. :) And your French photos are just gorgeous!! I'd love to rent that French country home!
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Oh...there is nothing more tedious or time consuming then making ruffles! Do you have a ruffler foot for your sewing machine...I do them by zig-zagging over crochet thread. I love the casual hem. The whole finished look is super.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Connie. Someday I'm going to clear a path to my sewing machine :)
ReplyDeleteI sooo want to rent that French cottage sigh. (())
You truly are creative and talented Connie! Happy Pink Saturday.
ReplyDeleteYour comment at my PINK Post is always appreciated.
Have a great weekend!
You have been ruffled! Lovely job! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteConnie, This sounds like a lot of work but the final result is beautiful! Thanks for sharing this at the Open House party and have a great week.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful tablecloth Connie!!! So charming! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
ReplyDelete