A while back, I was passed down a tablecloth from Gamma's side of the family. It's this really pretty Cinderella-esque blue, with little details woven into the fabric and ribbon running through it. The kind of thing that's almost too pretty to use as a tablecloth, honestly.

As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to make something out of it instead of letting it sit folded somewhere. A short, flowy 70s-style mini was the silhouette I had in mind: fitted up top, full and breezy down below. Something that would actually show off how pretty the fabric is.

The vintage blue tablecloth laid out next to the printed pattern

The tablecloth from Gamma, laid out next to the printed pattern. Day one.

The Pattern

I was looking for patterns for a while before I found the right one. I knew I wanted something short and simple, and originally a sleeveless mini. Most of what I found was either too strappy or just not the silhouette I had in mind.

Eventually I found the Milli Dress from Iggi Patterns on Etsy. It came with ruffled sleeves, which wasn't quite what I had pictured, but the rest of the silhouette was exactly what I wanted. The pattern itself was really straightforward and easy to follow, which was a relief because I wanted to focus my brainpower on the fabric, not on figuring out construction.

Work in progress shot from making the dress Another behind-the-scenes shot from the construction process

A couple of behind-the-scenes shots while it was coming together.

The Ruffles

Here's where I went back and forth. The pattern calls for ruffled sleeves, which I love in theory, but the fabric is on the thicker side. I wasn't sure how that much volume was going to sit with a heavier weight. I almost skipped them.

I'm so glad I didn't. I ended up committing to the full pattern, ruffles and all, and they ended up working with the thicker fabric instead of fighting it. They give the dress structure and drama without overwhelming anything.

Emily trying on the top piece of the dress before attaching the skirt

Fit check on the top piece before attaching the skirt.

I also shortened the hem after my first try-on. The original length kind of looked like a nightgown, so I cut it shorter to lean more into that baby doll dress look.

Emily wearing the dress at its original longer length, which looked like a nightgown

Trying it on at the original length.

I'll also cop to one mishap: I left some small burn marks on the fabric while ironing because I forgot to test the heat on a scrap first. Always test on a scrap first. I knew this. I forgot.

The Finished Dress

I'm so happy with how it turned out. The blue with the ribbon details still reads like a tablecloth in the best way, just one you can wear now. I'm already imagining it with a pair of tall tan boots. And every time I put it on I'm going to think about my Gamma and Aunt Enid, which is honestly the best part.

Project Details

  • Pattern: Milli Dress by Iggi Patterns on Etsy. Beginner-friendly, very easy to follow.
  • Fabric: A vintage tablecloth from Gamma, originally from my great aunt Enid. Blue with ribbon and woven details.
  • Notes: Kept the ruffled sleeves even though the fabric is on the thicker side. Shortened the hem a bit more than the pattern called for to lean into the 70s-style mini silhouette.

Why I Love Upcycling Like This

Honestly, taking a piece of fabric that already has a story and giving it a new one is one of my favorite things about sewing. This tablecloth was sitting in a drawer for who knows how long. Now I can actually wear it.

If you've got a piece of fabric or a garment with sentimental value that's just sitting around, try to find a project for it. Way better than leaving it folded in a drawer.

If you make something out of something old, tag me on Instagram @DesignsbyERB. I'd love to see it.

Another shot of the finished 70s-style mini dress made from the vintage tablecloth

One more, just because.