As I reflect on the past 2 weeks, I am filled with emotion. Feelings of loss and fulfillment, sadness and joy.... but my cup has definitely been filled.
Following the death of our Shelby Grace it was so strange to return home from any errands and not be greeted by the little brown dog with the wagging tail. When we shared the news with the people that frequent our doorstep with deliveries and the tellers of the drive-in bank, tears welled. Not just ours, but theirs as well. Though, I have to admit, it made the preparation for our travels much easier since we didn't need to arrange doggy day/night care.
As we drove, we listened to a book, Chasing Fireflies. It was well written, and the narrator was pleasant to listen to. And I worked on a new paper embroidery project.
It is sometimes difficult to know when such a project is "finished." As I look at it in the photo, I see several more lines and shadows that could be enhanced. For now... I'll say it is done.
During our return from the Lazy J Goat Farm, We listened to Where the Crawdads Sing. We have seen the movie and the book is just as good. Though we are only 1/2 way through. I hope to renew it to listen when we travel to Illinois.
When the unpacking was complete, I stitched on the label for the Baby's First Year quilt and kept eyeing a small vintage tablecloth that was included in the box of baby clothes.
Grace was selling some of her mother's items after her passing and I had commented on the cloth in July. Much to my surprise it arrived months later.
Sure, it is a little stained and worn... but can you imagine the fellowship and conversations, stories, laughter and tears that took place around it. The coffee/tee and food stains and small holes only add to the charm of the piece.
You can read some further thoughts I shared years ago when I quilted another tablecloth for a customer... The Heart of the Home.
It is currently under my needle, and I hope to share the finished, refurbished table topper on Monday in my Sew & Tell Party. Stay tuned! Speaking of Sew & Tell... This week's party is still open! You're more than welcome to join the fun. :)
In recent years I have started using table toppers or placemats on our table. This one may be added to my collection, even though it is a little larger than our table... We shall see.
Do you use tablecloths or table toppers?
Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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So sorry for the loss of the beloved member of your family. How touching that your pet was so much a part of your whole community! I had read on another blog that you had done a guild trunk show, congratulations! That gifted tablecloth will look good and probably last even longer quilted. I always want to use one but admit I do think about the stains. I like your perspective on that though!
ReplyDeleteThat vintage tablecloth is beautiful - the colors are amazing. I know you miss your dear companion. I pray your heart will be eased with time, but I know it's hard!
ReplyDeleteWe used to use tablecloths, it was the thing to do, but I never use them or table toppers now. They are waiting for me to use them like you are!
Sorry for your loss of your four legged licker. That was a special pet to be missed by so many! No, I don't use table toppers. I like looking at them though! Congratulations on your first trunk show. I'm sure it was well received.--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteI use the old tablecloths I found of my husband's mother. Stained, holes I don't care as they are precious to me. I have had one on the small freezer setting in dining area and removed it to replace with another. I told my husband the freezer looked naked without it.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Melva for the loss of Shelby Grace; it is lonesome after one loses their fur baby . It is so nice that you were given the gorgeous vintage tablecloth and you will be able to save and use it. I do use tablecloths on my table and collect vintage ones. The one you have is a treasure. Have a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteI love your repurposing of the tablecloth and giving it a new life. I keep thinking I should do this to one or two of mine....as I love the padding a quilted tablecloth gives. Maybe someday....adding it to the inspirational list.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to preserve and use that old table cloth! It's going to look lovely. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
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It sounds like the trunk show was an added bonus instead of the purpose, happy for you. Table cloths, placemats, etc do not fair well at my house. The guys always wadded and shoved them aside. I choose my battles and this wasn't one I wished to pursue, lol. But that's not to say I wouldn't want all the pretties. Thank you for sharing in Put your foot down.
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