Challenge: Vinyl Tablecloth Repurposed

I created a fun challenge for myself last week. I purchased a vinyl tablecloth for $3.50 and I wanted to see how many things I could create from my little purchase. (Just remember you can choose any pattern of tablecloth you want. I picked patriotic because it is almost the 4th of July) Challenges help me get my creative juices flowing and they are a great excuse to make some new treasures. The adventure begins...

Here is the tablecloth I purchased at Big Lots. It was oblong and measured 52" x 70".

1. Table Runner: I cut a section off the tablecloth using my rotary cutter to fit over one of my antique buffets.

2. Snack Bag: Cut two rectangles ...x.... Place right sides together and sew around edge leaving 1/4" seam allowance and small opening. Use small opening to turn fabric inside out. Fold over as shown below.

Stitch around three sides leaving the top open. Velcro or a snap makes a great addition.

I was surprised at what a hit the snack bag was. My son asked if he could use it every day.

3. Outdoor Pillows: I sewed two small pillows up and placed them on a red bench on my patio with my cute armadillo. (Armadillo is the Texas State animal)

4. Pennant: Cut triangles out of tablecloth. I kept the finished seam at the top as shown below. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the flags to white rope.

Here are the flags hanging up. I love how crisp they look without any sewing at all! Looks like we are ready to party.

5. Party Favor Music Makers: I wrapped fabric around toilet paper rolls and hot glued it on.

Then we filled them with beans and tied the ends shut. Shake, shake, shake!!

6. Patriotic Cards: I cut some stars out of the extra fabric and made up several 4th of July cards.

7. Hair Band: I cut out several stars and layered them on top of each other. I sewed a button on top and around a hair band.

8. Baby bib: First I traced around an old bib on two separate pieces of fabric. Cut out and place right sides together. I also cut out a small piece of clear vinyl to serve as a pocket. Pin and sew around edges leaving 1/4" seam allowance. I left a small opening to turn the bib inside out. Next, sew around the edges to finish it off. A snap was added at the top. This is one of my favorites!

9. Popsicle Holders: These can be stitched or made using hot glue. There is a great tutorial at Brown Paper Packages for hot glue. Click here. I just sewed around three edges and turned them inside out. I tried them out and they work even better then I expected.

Well,...that is it!! I am officially out of fabric. Thank goodness!!

  9 projects for $3.50

Parties I linked to: