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[ScrapHappy]

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@Kimnola wrote:
I inherited several pieces of cotton and linen needle work tablecloths,(cross stitch and crewl) bridge tablecloths, napkins. Natural to bright.Well cared for. Many with needlework, cross stitched and finely crocheted lacey ovals, I supposed to be used on small tables. I am 63 and many came from my greats. Some of table clothes are for enormous dining tables. Specially the cotton block of cross-stitched. Currently they are neatly folded and in a cedar chest.
I live in a small home and definitely not with a dining table for 12. I don't know how to use them yet I feel compelled too. My questions are for creative ideas to use some, perhaps outside of the literal purpose. Oh, also a queen/king hand lace bed cover. Thanks

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I have several of my Mom's tablecloths and napkins.  They're very large, beautiful and some she didn't use herself.  I was just thinking of them this morning.  Why am I holding on to these besides the sentimental aspect?  I'll be donating them.

[Still Raining]

My mom left me many and I eventually solved the problem by giving them to DD.  Yep, I am ashamed.  Hope I am dead and gone before she realizes what I did, but I do think she is on to me.  On the bright side, she also has a DD......

[CelticCrafter]

I'm not sure a women's shelter would want to have to take care of something like that.

If you dont want them and have no one to give them to, donate them to Goodwill.

Don't keep them out of guilt.  You are only leaving the job of disposing them to someone else and chances are they will end up in a landfill.

[Kimnola]

Thankyou for all for your input, support, and resourcefulness. Yes, guilt, was a big dilemma. I am happy to report that as the storm is currently off our coast that our city's nextdoor.com has put a notice that donations will be accepted, appraised, and sold at a reputable auction house in in a nearby city mid Oct. Proceeds to go to those affected by the big "D" in Freeport and surrounding communities. If I had known my benefactors (relatives) of yesteryear, they would be very pleased of the generosary, as they were generous to pass these heirlooms down. I will now go through some boxes of other China, etc to see if I can also add. Thank you

[VaBelle35]

My grandmother crocheted lace doilies.  She also did a lot of needlepoint on toppers.  I use the toppers over a plain white tablecloth in the spring.

I took some of the doilies and rolled them up and put them in a small basket on a shelf.

The rest I sent to a textile donation place.  Salvation Army would not take them.

[Flatbush]

I was given a beautiful linen bedspread and other pieces. They were made by my Great Aunt for her dowry which never occurred. I rarely used them, but kept them in special tissue paper. There is a small, local, antique shop owned by a very nice woman, near my house, and I gave them to her .She really appreciated them, and I think she is using them in her home. 

[on the bay]

@Kimnola -

Many of those old linens are so pretty.

I would use some to cover a small side table or something like that.

If I could make one into a scarf I would

How about a shower curtain or yes folded and draped on the edge of a bed or storage chest in the bedroom.

[sandy53]

When my MIL died, I used one of her ivory crocheted tablecloths and made an infinity scarf for each granddaughter.  I found instructions on pinterest.

[Mom2Dogs]

@Kimnola could you faux wrap some of them/one of them around a large decorator pillow insert and attach with an old pin/broach?  

It would not be something you would use but it would be out of the cedar chest and you could 'see' it.

I have used old lace table cloths to cover windows....In the past I hung a the tablecloth and then pulled it over to one side, so the window was not covered...

How about taking an old window and putting the smaller pieces behind the glass and securing the cloth with a piece of cardboard and tape or small nails, to keep the fabric from falling out...it's a more primitave look, so not sure that will work with your decor....but you could add hooks to the window and use it as a coat rack or in a bedroom for pj and robe.

Post back when you decide what to do.

[Kimnola]

@on the bay, @sandy53, @ momtodogs- you have posted some alternatives to donation; decorating with USA made items. I like shabby chic, minimalist. Our sun room is folkart. Corner chair with a old stained glass lamp behind it. A quilted flower pillow in chair, wrought iron maple top side table and a lap star quilt draped on other chair. So I have been give some great options from all if y'all. Thank you so much!!