This was supposed to be a post showing you a fabulously finished patriotic tablecloth. Instead, I am posting about exactly 1 half of a fabulous patriotic tablecloth. My sewing machine and I have some issues–mainly I’m mechanically challenged and little things like changing thread and bobbins slow me down. I’m sure (once my husband gets home and shows me what I am doing wrong) it will be finished in no time, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to blog this, in case you are inspired to make one of your own in time for the 4th. It’s looking cute, isn’t it?
This actually wasn’t really my idea. I had seen fun things done with bandanas around blogland, but it was my friend Shellie that was inspired by this fun post to organize a tablecloth making party. She ordered enough bandanas for four tablecloths, and was generous enough to wash them (separated by color, incase of bleeding) and bring them to our little craft night at my friend, Jackie’s house.
Jackie did the most difficult part, which is ironing them, after they have been washed. Be warned, we discovered that they don’t always hold their shape really well after washing. Not every bandana is exactly the same size. So if you are that kind of a perfectionist, this project might drive you batty. You can see in this close-up, that I was able to line-up some of the corners just right, while others overlap.
If it turns out very uneven around the edges, you might want to consider hemming the entire thing, although, I think the uneven look is kind of adding to the rustic charm of the whole thing.
All in all, not too difficult of a project, if you know how to turn on and thread a sewing machine (unlike some of us)–lots of straight lines! If you are still recovering from pregnancy brain, be prepared for it to take you a long time to figure out your layout and make sure you are sewing the right things together–especially if you are busy chatting with the girls about unrelated subjects, like this cute guy who has turned quite smiley–all of a sudden.
Don’t you love it!
Anyway, hopefully I’ll get another post up when it is completed and ironed. Do let me know if you make one!
FYI:
We made ours 3 squares by 6 squares. You might adjust that for the table you will be using.
I don’t know where Shellie bought the bandanas (Shellie, are you reading this? Can you tell me?), but she didn’t buy the very cheapest ones. They seemed too flimsy. These were a step up. Buying in bulk, like we did, would probably save you money, at least on shipping.
UPDATE: The bandana tablecloth was completed shortly after this post.
To see the finished result go here!
Great idea and so simple! I'm visiting from Somewhat Simple. I'd love it if you'd stop by and link up to my Home and Family Friday Linky Party. I host each Friday. Hope you'll come join us!
Becca
becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness – I love it! Such a cute idea for the fourth. You are amazing Kendra!
XOXO
Jen
Kendra, Bring your table cloth over and I'll finish for you. I finished mine in about a half hour.
I know, Jackie! You totally put me to shame. I was cruising when I ran out of thread, which meant a trip with 5 children to the store, so that didn't happen right away. I literally have 3 seams left to sew, and Barry is checking out my machine right now. So hopefully it will be done tomorrow!
adorable! I often have people asking me for sewing advice and I have to remind them that I can ONLY sew in a straight line – nothing fancy and nothing 3D! Great job on this tablelinen! -diane
This is adorable! Open to so many other possibilities, too. Hmmm… I'm thinking of one made out citrus-y bandana colors (pinks, oranges, greens). Great idea.
This is awesome! Great idea! Wish I was having a 4th of July party.
Love, love, love the idea of using bandanas…I was totally inspired to create some other 4th of July decorations that are posted on my blog based on your fantastic tablecloth. Thanks!
Fantastic! Such a simple idea, I think I can do it! Great job!
What a cute idea! I love it. I am going to make one for my next Fourth Of July party!
Well, that half turned out just darling! Ugh, I remember sewing machine issues. That's why I formed a serious love affair with Heat n' Bond!
Would love for you to link it up to Fab Finds for the 4th. http://muralmaker1.blogspot.com/2010/06/fab-finds-for-fourth-3.html
Well, that half turned out just darling! Ugh, I remember sewing machine issues. That's why I formed a serious love affair with Heat n' Bond!
Would love for you to link it up to Fab Finds for the 4th. http://muralmaker1.blogspot.com/2010/06/fab-finds-for-fourth-3.html
Well, that half turned out just darling! Ugh, I remember sewing machine issues. That's why I formed a serious love affair with Heat n' Bond!
Would love for you to link it up to Fab Finds for the 4th. http://muralmaker1.blogspot.com/2010/06/fab-finds-for-fourth-3.html
Thank you for the inspiration! What a great project for my tweens who are learning to sew. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
Thanks so much for linking to my bandana quilt tutorial! When I made mine I thought it would be darling in patriotic colors, and now that I see how cute yours is I wish I had done it! Hmmm, could I find the bandanas tomorrow?
Oh, and I just started a Flickr group to share Bandana Quilt Tablecloths, would love it if you'd consider adding yours! http://www.flickr.com/groups/1460917@N22/pool/ There are so many fun possibilities with these. Thanks!
This ROCKS, I love it!
I love this project. I am so into birds right now. I use them in a lot of my projects. Thanks for the wonderful idea.
I just saw this over on I Heart Naptime. SO adorable! I love this! It's so colorful, and SO easy! =) Genius!!!
Love this idea, thank you for sharing! I also opted for using bandanas this Fourth of July but for a napkin treatment. I linked to your blog, hope you don't mind
http://www.cherylstyle.com/blog/2011/6/29/from-attic-to-fantastic-repurposing-fabric-into-napkins.aspx
I love this! Great idea for the fourth of July, and with as many styles and varieties of bandanas as are available today, I bet you could make a lot of cute variations of this for other holidays or occasions.
I love the idea of using bandanas as napkins too – I'll definitely have to steal that one!
A great idea, although for Non-Americans! Greetings from Germany!
I found you through Flamingo Toes. Go to: http://www.oriental.com which will take you to Oriental Trader. They have those bandanas and have them in other colors too (if you wanted it non-patriotic).
Thanks for sharing.
Hi! I wanted to let you know that you were featured on my Best 4th of July ideas post at:http://printabelle.com/?p=5299
If you would like a featured button, I have them here: http://printabelle.com/?page_id=724 Thanks!