Tablecloth Quilts

I finished putting the binding on my tablecloth quilt on Friday morning, but I could not get any pictures taken until this morning because of two rainy days. This was my take on the Charm Square Sampler Quilt Along featured by Shannon here 

http://moderntraditionquilts.blogspot.com/p/charm-square-quilt-along-2015-block.html

I quilted it with red on the diagonal both ways using a wavy stitch on my Pfaff.  It kind of gives a diamond effect.

I have had several questions about the wavy stitch, so I took a picture of the screen on my Pfaff hoping that will help. I don't make any adjustments from what the machine has preprogrammed.

 The backing is a Robert Kaufman fabric called Metro Living. I picked up for 40% off at my LQS's Memorial Day Sale. 

I named this "Cherry Charm Square Sampler Tablecloth."

 I have had lots of questions and comments about using quilts as tablecloths. It was not my idea! We attended a family reunion about 14 years ago back in Springfield, MO. Part of the reunion was at an amazing 300+ acre farm with lots of different houses and they were using vintage/worn out quilts as tablecloths. It was very country and they looked fabulous with the vintage dishes, so I came back and made a quilted tablecloth. This is the tablecloth on my kitchen table right now. Large design quilts look great on tables.

 This is the quilt tablecloth on my dining room table. I recommend using a thin cotton batting like Warm and Natural because it is low loft and lays flat. I also recommend using dark colors and avoiding whites and lights because of spillage and staining. Also use high quality fabrics if you expect the tablecloth quilt to last.

You can coordinate your tablecloth quilts to your dishes like I do with my Fiestaware and I also like to make seasonal and holiday versions. I wash the tablecloths often and have several to rotate them. Don't bother with hand quilting or hand binding a tablecloth quilt because they will be laundered at least once a week if not more!

This is one of the first tablecloth quilts I made. The blue sashing has faded greatly and so have some of the other fabrics.

This large hole was put there by my dog, Lola. She pulled the tablecloths off the table and ate holes in several of them that had especially delicious things spilled on them. Needless to say it was retired as a tablecloth and is now used as a utility quilt for dogs!

This is Lola, our border collie mix and the culprit, but she did the tablecloth destruction when she was young. She is now 10 years old and ill. She had an anemic crash last week and was diagnosed with cancer. The vet put her  on steroids and she is doing a little better and eating again, but is very lethargic. We will try to keep her comfortable as long as we can. This was a shock because it came on so suddenly and within weeks of putting our chocolate lab mix down.

Bella is trying to be a good buddy and not bother her too much, but she is very energetic and it is hard for her to have her pal no longer be able to play.

I did make my Farm Girl Vintage Corn and Tomatoes Block this week, but I still need to make my Country Crossroads Block. I have been working on some secret sewing projects too and hope to share them soon.

I will be Slow Stitching as we watch the Women's World Cup today and for the next few weeks. Check out other handwork here http://kathysquilts.blogspot.com for Slow Sunday Stitching.

My birthday was last week and I did receive some great quilty gifts, but I will save them for another post.