Spread Cloths

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Dec 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

numbrel	02 Dec 2001
I just had an inspiration to combine my new interest in Tarot with my old interest in needlework. I like to do Hardanger and other drawn-work, which is geometric designs that involve cutting out small pieces of fabric. This would make nice borders around the cloths. Examples of hardanger(not mine): http://www.alexia.nu/alexia/21101611E.html http://www.alexia.nu/alexia/167730324E.html Of course, the middle plain area would be bigger for spreads. Would anyone else be interested in a cloth like this? There is some linen/silk material available, but I usually work on linen. Is this acceptable? numbrel

cj	02 Dec 2001
Quote: numbrel (03 Dec, 2001 01:07): I just had an inspiration to combine my new interest in Tarot with my old interest in needlework. I like to do Hardanger and other drawn-work, which is geometric designs that involve cutting out small pieces of fabric. This would make nice borders around the cloths. Examples of hardanger(not mine): http://www.alexia.nu/alexia/21101611E.html http://www.alexia.nu/alexia/167730324E.html Of course, the middle plain area would be bigger for spreads. Would anyone else be interested in a cloth like this? There is some linen/silk material available, but I usually work on linen. Is this acceptable? numbrel Hi numbrel, I am in the process of starting an on-line company for Tarot bags and such (spread cloth and bag set-mine will be verrry simple, small bags..).. I was told most people like all cotton and Silks (all natural fabrics) .then I was told most people like velvet and satin for their bags....I'm to the point of going the HECK WITH IT...I am going to use what appeals to me.... I think if you are used to working with linen and silk go for it...the cloths sound beautiful..I would love to see a finished product. There is one bit of advise I have been getting over and over is "to use celestial themes". cj

glamourbug	02 Dec 2001
I have always wondered if spread cloths have pictures of where the cards should go on them or if they are just plain? Are there cloths with the card positions marked out and what that position means or would people feel funny using something like that? I always thought it would be nice for the people having a reading to be able to see what each card is representing but wonder if it would make the reader look unprofessional? Lisa

numbrel	02 Dec 2001
cj- thanks for the advise about celestial themes, I will see what I can do about that. glamourbug - I thought. about making outlines of cards for spreads, but I have three decks, and they are different sizes and I know there are other decks with different shapes and sizes. Then there is the spread problem, I use one spread most of the time, but then sometimes feel like using a different spread. I will have to make myself a couple to see how long it takes then decide on whether I want to offer to do it for other people. I already know that I certainly can't charge by the hour because that would put it out of reach for most people. But I could cover my material costs and shipping.

bec	02 Dec 2001
Hi Numbrel, about what you can charge ppl, I think you can charge costs and shipment and then some - it´s all about advertising and getting them out there. If you make them especially for tarot and work with colours and symbols from varies decks - I actually think you´ll do quite nicely in selling them and for a fair price for both you and your costumers. Real tarot lovers, IMO anyway wouldn´t mind paying extra getting extra - I´ve never seen a cloth remotely suitable for tarot if not handmade - and handmade *do* cost. Good luck on your business :)

cj	03 Dec 2001
[quote]numbrel (03 Dec, 2001 01:07): Numbrel, I looked at the site again..the cloth that caught my eye was a plain square in the middle with designs on the outside (looked like lace around the edge). The cloth I own is made to go with one of my bags. it has the outside print on one side and the solid satin on the other..no markings of where the cards go..this way you can do any spread you want .. it is 22" x 22". Does this help. cj

Jeanette	03 Dec 2001
I think we talked about this before, or at least the bags maybe. I made a spread cloth out of a navy blue silk-like material (a.k.a. polyester) and in the corner I put a celestial sun design (machine embroidered). With a bag to match, with the same sun & my monogram on the bag. I thought maybe a lightly quilted, reversible cloth would be nice, too, and you could embroider the spread positions on it on one side. I have lots of ideas, not much time! If you're going to make them, and try to sell them, maybe you could have a sample of what you offer and take orders so you could customize. Drawn thread and hardanger are very time-consuming, I would get a deposit first! Best of luck with this, maybe you could post a picture?

catlin	04 Dec 2001
As I am hopless with needlework I bought a ready cloth I use for spreads. It is blue with a Celtic knot motive in black in the middle and black Celtic borders. I like it very much because it does not hurt with the decks I usually use (I use different ones for different readings). Besides, the cloth appeals much to me as I am a lover of Celtic design.

faunabay	04 Dec 2001
I think I'm one of the weird ones!! (as usual LOL) I like my spread cloth to be plain (as opposited to celestial or patterned). The material with patterns on it fights with the cards IMO. I do realize I'm the exception though because I can't find many plain ones listed anywhere. I end up making my own. I like the silk or velvet material, but don't like patterns. But numbrel, I think your idea sound great!! You'd have the border done fancy with your needle work and the middle part plain for the actual spread. Sounds really interesting.

tarotbear	05 Dec 2001
I used a square of 44" or 45" fabric that had a wonderful celestial pattern and hemmed the edges toward the printed side, then sewed it with silver thread. The cloth is decorative enough without any other added decoration. Once I had considered making a spread cloth with the card layouts done in fabric paint; maybe use an embroidery machine to fill the square in with the description of the location. I thought about this a while - then thought it would be too much work, unless I wanted to open a business and hang them on the walls or something! Also included are altar cloths. I made a bunch of them in various solid colors about 18 inches wide. I hand embroidered small pentacles in each corner, and used machine embroidery to make a large pentacle in the center of each, but used flat stitches so the cloths would be less 'bumpy'.

Freddie	05 Dec 2001
Tarotbear you are awesome. I thought about making my own spread, but then remembered I'm a guy. Who cares??? right.... It's encouragement for me. I have a tartan or an old time type of pattern in mind, something to complement my "Tarot Classic" deck. I currently use a cranberry colored towel. LOL.... It even works/looks good with my trusty beloved Swiss 1JJ deck. LOL..... Freddie

Jeanette	06 Dec 2001
Freddie, my grandfather taught my grandmother how to embroider! He was a boxing champ, definitely someone typically described as "a man's man." My grandmother told me about this when I was a little girl and she was teaching me needlework. My father-in-law sews things for himself all the time and weaves nets by hand, too. Granted, the things he sews are usually hunting, boating, or fishing related (duffel bags, boat seat covers, hunting seats), but he has mastered the techniques quite nicely. So, my advice to you is GO FOR IT!!! Sew yourself simple, embroider to your heart's content, do whatever it is that makes you happy!

Freddie	10 Dec 2001
I found a couple of male sewers in my family past. My great great grandfather used to sew/make things and we had a guy in our family that could make clothes/coats/suits for anyone just by looking at them, never needed a pattern. I'm hunting for fabric now. I found some nice masculine looking tapestry stuff that I like. With T. Classic and Swiss I'm going for a faded antique/medieval color pattern. I think I'm going to like the results we'll see.... Thanks to Tarotbear!!! Thanks Jeanette, your right on!!! Freddie

synchronicity	11 Dec 2001
Numbrel wrote: "Would anyone else be interested in a cloth like this?" Wow Numbrel! Would you really go to all that work and then be able to part with it? I have done hardanger work and it is not just time consuming....it is EXTREMELY time consuming. I can't imagine letting it go after all those endless hours. IF I EVER finish my hardanger cloth (which would be the right size for a spread cloth) it is going in a FRAME to be preserved for all time and eternity! Synchronicity

numbrel	11 Dec 2001
Synchronicity: I find hardanger relaxing after working Theresa Wenzler x-stitch designs. Right now I have a 32-count cloth I am trying to get started on, but my eyes aren't what they used to be! If I do cloths for other people, I will definately use 24 or 28 count fabric, it will go faster. numbrel

purplelady	18 Dec 2001
I make all my own tarot bags, but have never used a spread cloth! However , all this talk about spreadcloths on this thread and others has made me put "make spread cloths" on my long "to do " list! They Would come in handy and add a nice touch . Especially since I sometimes do readings on the floor and maybe the carpet hasn't been vaccuumed recently or something! I agree that celestial themes are great. But I find enough of them in the local fabric stores. However I have seen celtic-theme bags and spreadcloths online. But when I go to the fabric stores there is nothing like it. I would love bags/spreadcloths with for instance, wizards, castles, mermaids, dragons would be Great! King Arthur type motifs. I agree with one thing. Solids may be best for spread cloths. It seems like the cards are colorful and busy enough . I don't know how that would look on a patterned fabric? I could see something pastel or soft. For instance light pale green with the outline of a castle, but not real bright or flashy. I would probubly pick black or maybe blue velvet for a spread cloth. As for the bag fabrics, I agree , whatever works for you! I have used 100% cotton, cotton blends, velvet , and satin. The velvet was easy to sew , surprisingly(and the bag looks great!). The satin is the most difficult! It is so very slippery. One bag is satin outer and satin lined. Looks and feels nice , but I doubt I will ever bother again!

goldie	18 Dec 2001
HI, I HAVE BOUGHT THIS SILK CLOTHS WITH PENTEGRAMS IN THEM, AND ALSO THE CRESENT MOON , IT WAS AN CATALOG CALLED HAMILTON, I WILL TRY TO SEE IF I HAVE AN OLD COPY , AND GIVE YOU GUYS MORE INFO, THEY HAD THE SPREAD CLOTHS IN BEAUTIFUL COLORS AND WERE REASONABLY PRICED. STAYING INTOUCH !

Jewel	19 Dec 2001
All I have to say is ... What a talented group of people! ... I don't sew, do not use spread cloths but do like bags and am quite picky *LOL*. If any of you EVER find mermaid cloth (and not the Disney Little Mermaid, but more serious ones) please let me know!!!! I would LOVE a tarot bag with Mermaid cloth, and for this special bag I would probably love a spread cloth that had solid color (black preferably) silk or velvet in the center with a border in the Mermaid material. Since so many of you make bags, I was wondering if any of you make the bags that snap on the front vs. draw strings. Okies I know I went off the subject but with all your talent I could not resist ;) Love & Light,

The Spread Cloths thread was originally posted on 02 Dec 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.