Handkerchief tablecloth

[shindeco]

I finally got around to trying something I first thought of doing about 15 years ago! I ran across a 'quick gift idea' in a woman's magazine from 1911 (sorry, I have completely forgotten the nameof the magazine). They suggested buying 4 men's handkerchiefs and pre-made lace and making a small tablecloth (what my mother would have called a tea cloth or bridge cloth). I thought that would be a great idea but using tatting for the lace. Well, 15 years later, I finally got around to doing it! It was my sister's 40th birthday present; the thread actually came from her late mother-in-law. When she (the mother-in-law) passed away several years ago, they gave me a bunch of thread that had been hers. I figured by using it for the tablecloth, the present really comes from both of us! I would have liked to put another row around the outside but didn't have enough thread.

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[Lace-lovin' Librarian]

Your handkerchief tablecloth is very pretty! Some of those older publications had some really neat ideas!

[xstchntat]

Very nice! I am sure your sister will love it. Such a wonderful use for her MIL's thread.

[waterdew]

I love the effect - nice idea!

[carolivy]

Very pretty!

[Rayma]

Something different to use hankerchiefs for and it looks very pretty. Well done. Rayma

[Jon Yusoff]

I finally got around to trying something I first thought of doing about 15 years ago!

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I had the same idea but never got around to realising it. I wonder if it will also take me 15 years to finally do it, LOL. I wonder if it will look good using hankies with stripes in them because I have not come across plain white hankies.

[delseylynne]

What a wonderful idea - using the handkerchiefs and using that heirloom thread - and....useful too.

[patrice]

I love that you used her threads...SO COOL!What a wonderful gift...I hope they know how lucky they are.Great Job!

[Joy]

Great idea and fantastic tatting
Hugs
Joy

[Susan B T]

What a great idea. I have a large hankie collection... put it on my list of to do when I retire.

[CrafterGariella]

I had the same idea but never got around to realising it. I wonder if it will also take me 15 years to finally do it, LOL. I wonder if it will look good using hankies with stripes in them because I have not come across plain white hankies.
You could always make your own hankies out of say an old scarf, wedding gown, sheets, or even pieces of cloth that have been passed down and hold meaning for you. It would definitely mean so much more when brought out for the holidays or special get togethers.

[GraceT]

What a lovely idea! And what a lovely tablecloth.

[Susan B T]

Very lovely.....

[crazytatter]

So pretty. what a great gift, I am sure your sister will love it.

[eollie]

Very thoughtful and meaningful gift. Well executed.

[LaceMistress]

I wonder if this would work as well with fat quarters!

[Lynn]

I wonder if this would work as well with fat quarters!

As long as you hem them, I think that's a terrific idea. You can have any color or combination you like then.