Tuesday, October 16, 2012

MONK'S CLOTH


 Are you familiar with Monk's Cloth?  I think it is primarily used for Swedish Embroidery, but in the 1930s-1940s my grandmother made anything and everything out of Monk's Cloth -- curtains, pillows, dresser scarves, porch cushions, etc.  It must have been like the burlap/drop cloth fabric of the era!

I didn't know if it was still available, so I decided to go on a search.
 That was easy!  I found it at my local Wal-Mart for $8 per yard.  It is 60 inches wide, but I could tell from its loose weave that it would have to be washed in hot water and dried to avoid shrinkage in the finished project. 

 Here it is after the wash/dry process.  It did shrink up quite a bit, but it now has a really soft, nice texture.
I decided to do something simple with my piece, so I made a runner and lined it with a piece of neutral toile fabric.
 Because of the loose weave, it really makes an interesting self-fringe.
Here it is with the toile side up.
GRANDMA WOULD BE SO PROUD!
I'm joining the following parties  -- please check them out for a bunch of inspiration.
Creative Things Thursday at The Vintage Farmhouse
Share Your Cup Thursday at Jann Olson
Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Tuesday Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Oh, I like your runner you've created. Now that Monk's Cloth looks like Aida cloth for cross stitch projects. I'm supposing it's a lot softer. Love your vignette you've set up on your table too.
Hope you're having a great evening and I'm waiting to hear the Town Hall Debate! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marilyn said...

Looks great both ways! The fringe looks easy to pull, too. I can't believe there are only 2 more days in the first quarter! Time is flying.♥♫

Anonymous said...

What a pretty runner you made Sally and I do love the neat fringe it makes! Is that the little frame you found Saturday? It is such a neat one!

Working on newsletters today and trying to come down with a cold I do believe! :( I hope it won't be too bad as I have my nephews wedding this weekend to go to and would like to be feeling like celebrating with family!

It was so fun spending time with you Sat! Thank you again for making the trip to help Carolyn feel special.

bee blessed
mary

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love it Sally! I have seen this fabric before, but did not know it was called Monks Cloth. I think I called it Aida cloth. Love the frayed edge and the toile. Walmart here I come. lol! Glad to see that you will be sharing this with SYC.
Hugs,
Jann

Doll in the Looking Glass said...

Thanks for educating me on Monk's Cloth! That fringe is lovely -- it almost looks like lace.

Debra

must love junk said...

Love your runner and the whole vignette!
Susan

Babs said...

Now that's the kind of fabric I've been looking for. Something with texture that can be washed. Your runner turned out beautifully. Love the toile on the reverse. Do you remember hopsacking? As I remember, it was similar to the look of yours. Our Walmart doesn't have sewing materials, but I'm checking the one a few miles away. Thanks for the tip,
Babs

sweet violets said...

Now that cloth looks familiar. I do stitching on a cloth called Laguna, that is very soft. But I like what you did and the look of it, old fashioned!!! Love the toile on the reverse and the self fringe too. The vignette is wonderful with the brown transferware....nicely done!!!

Tomorrow I'm off to Walmart!!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Sally, I had not heard of Monk's Cloth. What a great runner you made. Love the fringe it makes! Have a good weekend. laurie

Sue said...

well that is very cool....how did you fringe the ends so nice....never heard of Monks Cloth...my mother was a big burlap/ball fringe kinda gal......and the ball fringe was always in orange....Oy.

Olive said...

I have never heard of it. I am glad you located it and your scarf turned out very pretty.

craftyles said...

Rug Hookers use Monks cloth instead of burlap. I love your table runner. I'll have to pull some of mine out and use it. It's so much easier than burlap!

chateau chic said...

Your Grandma would be proud. Your runner is beautiful! Love that it's reversible to change up your decor.
Mary Alice

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the runner, it looks fabulous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Judy Biggerstaff said...

I wasn't familiar with month's cloth so do appreciate your tips. Your runner is perfect, love the vignette on the table.

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Beautiful runner and table vignette :)

The Charm of Home said...

Lovely vignette! Yes, Mother did Swedish weaving with it.
Sherry

Michelle~Sugar House Creations said...

I've used monks cloth for traditional rug hooking...never thought of doing anything else with it. My mind is swarming with ideas now. Beautiful runner. :-)