Tablecloth Re-Do

I have been collecting tablecloths, damaged are better but, anything really, if I find them, I buy them. I have many ideas in mind for them, things I want to try to make. Living part of the year in France and Germany, between you, me, and the wall, Germany is better the better country for finding colorful embroidered tablecloths and France is better for more dainty or delicate embroidered items and white on white.

Here is a small sample of what I mean. These are from Germany

And these are from France.

 Now I am not saying that it is always like this, it’s not. However, if I were to generalize, if I want colors on my embroidered tablecloths, most likely they came from Germany.

A couple years ago, I bought a garment; it was made in India using modal (a form of rayon). Although nice, the length was not quite right for me. Due to the length the way it tapers in at the hem meant that I really could use a couple of inches in width to fit me correctly and be at its flattering best. I am not fat, its just the length is not, well …right. Most irritating was that the garment did not have pockets. I need a Kleenex pocket or a place I can put my hands. I cannot stand sweaters without pockets, as I do not normally carry a purse.

I copied off the pattern from the modal ready-made garment. I added inches to the side bottom, adjusted the length and found a place to insert hidden pockets. 

Having shopped in Germany last year where my selection looked something like this:

I have a sizable tablecloth stash. I pulled several similar in color tablecloths and removed the heavy lace from the edges. I thought I might add it back later, but once I completed the garment, I found it did not need it. It went together fast with few seams and super easy to sew.

This picture shows my starting point, This is the same picture as before.

All are similar in background and embroidery color. The bottom left and center bottom pieces were not used. Notice the bottom left one has a hole in the fabric. I had to be mindful and work around holes and stains on all of the pieces.

So, here it is completed. 

The fit is nice and once the weather gets a little cooler, it will be a nice casual jacket to get comfortable in around the house or out and about.