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Thursday 12 January 2012

My New/Old Ruffled Tablecloth

It's a rainy, grey day here in Ontario and I wanted to add some pick me up colour to the house.

I like the rich colours and country vibe of this tablecloth I bought at Homsense a couple of years ago, for $14, and thought it would fill the bill. ~


Then I remembered it irritates me because mass produced tablecloths are skimpy on fabric.  The drop on the cloth should be 8 to 12 ".

The sides on this one only have a 6" drop. ~


I've been meaning to add some kind of a border for a better fit.  Then I remembered this great one made from dropcloths Courtney, at French Country Cottagemade for her dining table.  You have to click on her site and pay her a visit.  She has a full tutorial on how she made hers.  Whenever I need an awwww moment I head over for a fix of beautiful!  ~

Tablecloth from dropcloths

I have a painter's drop cloth and I'll do just about anything to put off prepping my kitchen cupboards for painting!

I'm not a sewer.  I'm more of a figure out how something was made and copy it my own way, kind of girl.  So, you know this will be simple to make.  I buy the lighter drop cloths so they are more flexible to work with.  They shrink like crazy, so be sure to wash them and throw them in the dryer before you sew.  

Here's a trick for making sure your fabric is straight.  Make a cut and then start pulling a thread. ~ 


This leaves a nice line for cutting, without measuring all the way along. ~



Courtney made her tablecloth loosely casual like a slipcover.  Casual works for me!  I start pinning the fabric, right side of ruffle to right side of tablecloth, with random spacing. ~


I've used the pre-hemmed parts of the drop cloth so there is no sewing there.  I did have to join ruffle sections to get enough length but that is just a straight line, so no big deal.  Then, it's a simple line of stitching all the way along the tablecloth.  

Here she is all dolled up ~

  

Now that I managed to use up most of the afternoon, I can stop for tea ~


That gives me time to figure out how to get out of working on the kitchen reno tomorrow!

I'm sharing this with ~

21 comments:

  1. Awesome! You know how much I love ruffles Maureen...love it! xo

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  2. Maureen,

    Great look for your table cloth! And, by the way, love, love, love your tea cup and pot! Tea is good any time!

    Have a great upcoming weekend!

    Blessings,
    Donna

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  3. That ruffle turned out very nicely, and it holds the table cloth in place with the added weight. Great idea.

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  4. Great idea and so simple even I could do it, just!
    off to take a look at Courtney's blog now.
    Happy Pink Saturday and thanks for stopping by earlier.

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  5. You are so clever! And I love the tip on pulling the thread for cutting a straight line. Must remember that!

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  6. Lynn @ www.etsy.com/2becherished14 January 2012 at 10:19

    Wow! The table cloth looks gorgeous.

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  7. Now I know why some of my tablecloths look so...lacking. Thanks for the guidelines and the ruffle idea.

    Also, thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I had to laugh at your attitude about when it's time to sell, your daughters can hire a stager! That's how I am feeling, too.

    I'm your newest follower, and enjoying reading about your clever projects.

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  8. Now I know why some of my tablecloths look so...lacking. Thanks for the guidelines and the ruffle idea.

    Also, thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I had to laugh at your attitude about when it's time to sell, your daughters can hire a stager! That's how I am feeling, too.

    I'm your newest follower, and enjoying reading about your clever projects.

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  9. Maureen you are so clever! That really gives a sense of fun to that tablecloth. I love it!

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  10. Maureen you are so clever! That really gives a sense of fun to that tablecloth. I love it!

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  11. Pretty Maureen! Thanks for stopping by...
    Have a great Day!
    XO Cindy

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  12. Maureen that is awesome. My Mom is going to be teaching me to sew soon. It has been on my bucket list for some time!!!

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  13. Lisa, the simplest sewing skills can take you a long way in adding touches to your home. If you can thread a machine and sew a straight line, you can make a pillow! Happy sewing!

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  14. How cute, and what a clever idea. Really adds a nice touch. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. thanks Maureen for stopping by and leaving that lovely compliment. Love the tablecloth.

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  16. the ruffle really dolls up the tablecloth. what a change.

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  17. Wow, you really dressed up the tablecloth with the burlap ruffle. I know you wanted to add length, but you added took the tablecloth to a whole new level - so creative. sharing your always creative projects at Sunday's Best.

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  18. Brilliant idea! It looks so much better, too!
    I am blog hopping & following you from Katherine's Corner. Growing Old With Grace http://growing-old-with-grace.blogspot.com/. Stop by and check out our cool giveaway! Hugs, GraceinAZ

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  19. Absolutely stunning. Oh Maureen, if you ever discard it away, give it to me. In any condition. It's fabulous. And I have a love for table cloth. :)

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  20. Cute and that thread pull idea is inspired. Thank you sharing. Thank you for linking to the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop at Katherines Corner. Hugs and smooches and wishes for a wonderful weekend

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  21. One year ago and you are still sewing up a storm. Thanks for linking up.

    Bliss

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