We're back now, actually, and we all had a great time. I just had to share with you my newly made camping tablecloth because I know you are some of the only people that will "get" it like I do. A huge motivator for me in making things, is not for my family's understanding or appreciation (that's where you, and this posting on my craft blog come in!-more on that later), but in the hopes that, after using it year after year, someday, my children will see/use the tablecloth themselves and say, "Remember this? This is the tablecloth mom made when we were young and went camping..." and the memories will all be tied in and come flooding back. The tablecloth will represent happy family times and love. That's a huge desire of mine; to make crafts that will be nostalgic for my children in the future. A living family tradition in the making. Am I even making sense? Hopefully, you know what I mean, even though my words are a bit clunky today.
Anyway, the photo that got me moving on this project was right here. Isn't it amazing that just seeing a photo can inspire you for days? That an idea captured beautifully can be so energizing?... I just couldn't stop thinking about her dreamy canopy. I have seen Alicia use vintage sheets beautifully many times before, but was afraid to use them myself because I thought they would be too thin. It wasn't until I saw Amanda Mello's (I don't know Amanda, or if that's her real name or flickr name, but I am ever grateful for the inspiration and want to give credit where due!) canopy on her friend's flickr page that I saw the thin-ness of the sheets as a positive. Of course, the way I used them (unless one day I hang the tablecloth as a canopy in a tent, over a hammock, etc.) doesn't show the ethereal quality of the sheets, but it made me love them all the same. There is nothing original or amazing or unique about my use of the sheets as tablecloth, I know that. I'm just sharing because I finally did it and used it and am happy with the results, and like I was saying earlier; you're that neighbor friend that I can show what I'm working on lately that will usually want to see and understand why I would spend my time doing it. For that, I can not thank you enough. To be understood is a beautiful and encouraging thing. So thank you, always. And thank you to the creative world out there, all the people like Amanda, that I don't know except from craft photos shared; thank you for constantly sharing creations just because.
Speaking of which, here's more beautiful creations I recently was wowed by. How great are these?!?! I wish I knew how to crochet all these beautiful stitches. And I certainly hope to be lucky enough to purchase one of these before they sell out some day. Until then, I used them as inspiration while we were camping. We needed something to hold down the tablecloth, so we brought some rocks back from the beach and I covered them roughly with fabric scraps and found crochet pieces. Nothing like "knitalatte's" ! Hers are pure magic. I put the Knitalatte's name in quotes, because I can find her real name anywhere. Anyone know it? Or maybe she prefers to be private. Here's her blog: resurrection fern. Oh! I just was checking the link and see a new post...is that a hanging lamp with a shade made out of vintage linens? Oh, that would be beautiful! Not sure what's in the top right corner, but it looks lovely. You see, endless inspiration out there by people just sharing their corner of the world. Thank you for stopping by and letting me share my corner with you. Happy creating!
I COMPLETELY "GET IT", PAM! THANKS FOR SHARING AND I'M SURE YOUR FAMILY'S TABLE WAS THE BEST DRESSED ONE THERE!
Posted by: KENDLE | July 18, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Such beauty.
I am almost thinking I can manage to sew some pillowcases + vintage linens together....almost.
You inspire + make me think that I can--that's what it's all about....
Posted by: Janice | July 18, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Hi Pam,
it's knitalatte aka margie here. I love your interpretation of the covered stones. They are really beautiful and definitely look so much better than those dollar store clips for keeping your camping tablecloth in place. We camp every summer for oh so many years and we always adorn our table with vintage table cloths. It just wouldn't be the same without them.
Your patchwork table cloth is perfect and believe me your children will remember the extra special attention to detail.
Posted by: Margaret Oomen | July 18, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Pam I remember so many things that my mother made and did as a child, and that is one of the driving forces in the things I do and make as a mom too. Your kids will remember and as you said, memories will be associated with things. You are ever-inspirational.
Posted by: Holly Abston | July 18, 2009 at 05:45 PM
What a wonderful idea- a tablecloth made from vintage sheets. Love the covered rocks, too. When we're at our favorite vacation spot, I have to pick up the round, flat stones on a special beach.
Posted by: Leslie | July 18, 2009 at 06:15 PM
That tablecloth is so lovely...reminds me of how you use vintage wallpaper... You may call the "glam-ping" with such a lovely tablecloth.
I have been wanting to make a table runner ala your crazy quilt method for journals.
xxx
L
Posted by: Lisa | July 18, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Love your tablecloth! It is inspiring me to get back to some sewing.
Thank you for sharing your photos!
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | July 18, 2009 at 06:49 PM
What a beautiful idea. Love the rocks too, would love some tiny flowers on them. I have adult children with their own kids. They do remember all the special things I did and now they appreciate how much time and effort it all took. ;-)
Posted by: sandy | July 18, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I really love all the cottagy fabrics! Very inspiring!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Shyra Nelson | July 18, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Very beautiful tablecloth. Totally get it!! Great job seeing something inspiring and then acting on it. I'm trying to do that more too. Love the rock weights also.
Thanks for sharing,
Cari B.
Posted by: luckygirlgifts | July 19, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Those are the most adorable little rock sweaters! We "get" what you say! Beautiful work.
Posted by: Dede | July 19, 2009 at 04:26 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT PAM- and yes I do get it, what a surprise for me this morning logging in to your blog, I have been thinking of things that our new house needs and out my kitchen window is our old weathered picnic table and I need to come up with something to cover it you have inspired me. Thanks I am going to make one. I believe in memories for my children to think back upon. I too as a mom want them to long for those days again. Everyday moments leave a mark in the hearts of our loved ones.
peggy lee
Posted by: Peggy Lee Baker | July 19, 2009 at 04:54 AM
I totally get you girlfriend!
Keep up the beautiful work. Your children will cherish this stuff one day.
Francesca
Posted by: Francesca Di Leo | July 19, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Pam--I love your sharing spirit and am always inspired when I visit your blog...not only by what you are creating, but by those who are inspiring you as well. Your children will have a lifetime of happy memories.
Posted by: Pat | July 19, 2009 at 08:52 AM
these pictures are so beautiful. i want to go camping with you!
Posted by: tricia | July 19, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Love your idea with the sheets. I have a large collection of pillow cases, maybe they would work as well. I think making memories like this for your children will have a profund effect on them for the rest of their lives..they will remember that you made that picnic blanket and the memories that come with that...thank you so musch for sahriing....I am also making the journal of interest and thanks for being such a great inspiration to me as well.
xoxo
dagmar
Posted by: Dagmar Leuenberger-Swift | July 19, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I love your tablecloth and I completely understand your sentiments. I'm always hoping my kids will look back on their childhood and remember the "little" things I did to make it fun and memorable. (We all know that the "little" things, aren't little at all, but time consuming and absolutely filled with love.)
Posted by: Teri | July 19, 2009 at 12:22 PM
The tablecloth turned out beautifully! I love all the colors and the rocks holding it down is great too. I see old sheets all the time...now I know what I can do with them!
Posted by: Jeanne | July 19, 2009 at 02:19 PM
This is such a sweet post. And a beautiful, beautiful tablecloth. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: gabrielle | July 20, 2009 at 05:33 AM
What a beautiful tablecloth! You post makes perfect sense, and I totally understand the motivation to make such beautiful and unique things to be used by friends and family. And the heart shaped stones are the perfect touch, I'm sure you're saving them to store with the tablecloth. Don't even get me started on the lace covered stones - I covet them!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 20, 2009 at 08:10 AM
great tablecloth .. we have things we use in the same way .. i have a sone my mother used to put the note for the milkman under .. wendy
Posted by: tichmouses trinkets | July 20, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Pam -- I've been a lurker on your blog for a while (love your journaling style) ... but this post? oh my. Let me assure you, your children WILL remember -- my sons (aged 18 and 22) actually now LOOK FOR certain linens, blankets, chipped enamel mugs, etc., when we camp, because I always brought them along ... and the same in our home, different glasses for different drinks, and so forth -- I managed to create traditions in their minds and connect them with occasions and favorite meals. You are SO on the right track!!
Posted by: Toni Brown | July 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM
I totally "get it" and have the camp stools to match your lovely cloth! I use sheets as tablecloths all the time, but never reworked like this! what a beauty it is and how patient you were to make it! I love your motivation too - glad I am not the only one with those hopes!
Posted by: jerusalem | July 20, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Oh, dearest Pam, I know exactly how you feel! But don't worry. I've always been a little artsy/crafty, & not too many in my family got me. But I continued to try to infuse my life w/ fun, vintage designs, especially after I had my own family, always planning special events where I could use my funky designs, whether bd parties or simple backyard picnics; & now that my boys are 23 & 28, they still talk about the fun we had & my youngest has claimed a lot of the vintage pieces for himself & they both talk about what they're going to do w/their own children--someday. Ah, being creative CAN rub off--even on boys! ;) I love all your wonderful, inspiring ideas! Your blog never fails to give me such a creative spark! Thanks!!
EL
Posted by: Ellen Lingle | July 20, 2009 at 01:43 PM
I so get it. So much so it's almost scary;) Love the tablecloth and the rocks just adorable. Maybe I could even tolerate camping if it included those things:)
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | July 20, 2009 at 03:41 PM