Great Idea: Oilcloth Table Cover

We just heard from Elyse and she reports that her table cover is still pretty after 8 months. I just checked out her very pretty blog and I can see that she's been using the oilcloth covered table both night and day! See how she made this pretty table by checking out her how to at Kido Info.

Color Combo's: Green and Blue Laminated Cottons

Here are all the pretty laminated cotton's that look great with the Hop Dots in green and blue!  Starting at the top center print and moving clockwise: Slim Dandy Strip, Navy Tea Garden Floral, Passion Lily Fern, Emerald Temple Tulips, and Picnic Bouquet Gold.

Q & A: Oilcloth as a BBQ Cover

Question: I have been toying with using oilcloth for a BBQ cover in the winter. Are you aware of pros/cons? How does oilcloth differ from a tarp or vinyl in this regard?

Answer:  I use an oilcloth cover, and I must say it didn't look pretty for long! I made it in the summer of '09. As you can see in the picture, I used the cherry print on white. Over the first winter it became moldy and faded. I can, and have, scrubbed it clean but it's still a faded mess. On a positive note, it's still weather proof, which is why I am still using it.

I've been toying with the idea of using a sunbrella fabric, flat lined with a thin clear vinyl. That way I get a fun print and it'll still be waterproof.

Let me know what you decide to do!

Kelly

Q & A: Covering chair cushions with laminated cotton

Question: I am considering re-doing some old chairs that currently have oilcloth on their seats. They would be used in a very active kitchen (which includes three kids). How would cotton laminate hold up as opposed to oilcloth?

Kelly: While laminated cotton is not as thick as oilcloth, I do think that it will work. It's thin and supple, but it's still strong. I think it would last longer than if you were to use a medium weight cotton fabric.

If I were to try this, I would add a layer of fusible interfacing. I've had some luck using fusible Heat Bond on the back of laminated cotton. You need to use a dry iron, set on medium heat, and be sure to use a press cloth or the laminate will melt!! The interfacing would increase the longevity of the cotton laminate for use as seat cushions.

Oilcloth is a great fabric for covering seats, but laminated cottons have a different design aesthetic and compliment certain decors better than the kitschy oilcloth prints.

photo credit Prudent Baby

I am a big fan of going with the unexpected when it comes to easy projects like seat covers, and I like to change things every couple of years. I don't think you'd be unhappy if you used the laminated cotton.

Check out this fun bath bench from the brilliantly talented Prudent Baby gals! I'll email them and see how this cute bench has held up and report back to you all ASAP!