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[Kimnola]

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

[Kachina624]

@Kimnola.   I commiserate with you having also inherited a similar collection.  Grandma was a big bridge player.  Here was my solution....I have a sister with 2 daughters.   My sister and I each got half the goodies including a large crocheted tablecloth each.  I told her it was only fair each daughter had a set so I insisted she take mine for one of them.  Problem solved with a clear conscience.

[Snicks1]

Could you perhaps frame some and hang on your dining room/kitchen?

[CAcableGirl2]

@Kimnola  If me, I would see if I could donate them to a battered women's shelter so they could make the shelter more like home or speak with the leaders of the shelter to see if the could be given to the residents as they move into a new place. I think most times, they only have bare bones items starting out and those would certainly make their places more beautiful.

If not interested in donating them, you could always make curtains or pillows out of them, or even pillowcases if not too ornate.  I'm sure they would be beautiful as shams or covering a round side table like those ones we used to have where it was a plain wood base for the top and 3 broom like legs that screwed into the top.  I think it took a 70" round tablecloth that went to the floor.

Or, maybe some of the elementary schools would like them to use for craft projects....

Sorry if these aren't the type of suggestions that you are looking for, the assumption is that you don't want to sell them and don't have a strong connection to keeping them or passing them down to others.

[Kimnola]

@Kachina634- lucky you. I am the sole female in the family. I do have 5 SILs in Iowa 1500 miles from me in Fl. I don't know why I mentioned them as I a not close to them. These sisters are thick as thieves since I married their only brother 33 years ago. But you found a reasonable and very generous solution in your case...
@Snicks1 - that is a good thought.
Thanks to both! Kim

[Kimnola]

@CAcableGirl2- great ideas, woman's shelter! Thanks

[homedecor1]

I would make a small quilt or pillows from pieces of each tablecloth that you'd like to have a remembrance from.  I did this with my kids clothes, baseball & sport jerseys,  special linens left to me, etc.  

When my niece was about 10 we did same with her favorite t-shirts & sport outfits.  This quilt still hangs in her guest room over a quilt rack. 

I am not a true quilter but I cut squares, triangles, etc. of the prettiest parts & just sewed them together.  Then added a nice backing of a cotton material.

I like the idea of donating them.  Many places or auxiliaries set the tables for special occasions.  

I just donated to Habitat lots of table clothes, placemats and home items.  They allow those who are getting back into homes to take for free.  We also have a woman's shelter who does the same.

Someone will appreciate them.  Or you could take to vintage shop if you want to sell them.

[Love my grandkids]

@Kimnola Oh I'm jealous. As a cross stitcher of 35 years, a knitter and lover of all things needlework, I'd love to get my hands on those treasures.

[Lilysmom]

@Kimnola , I am in the same position.  I gave lots away already, mainly to my aunt (who is the same age as I am).  I kept only enough to set a formal table...a few times.  LM

[goldensrbest]

I love old linens, tablecloths .