Perhaps you remember all the different ways your mom would use oilcloth around the house. Seems like that stuff could survive just about anything kids would present it with. Yet, there were very few people who ever thought of oilcloth as a fashion statement, of fashion piece.

But, I recently learned that this cloth has been majorly upgraded. Apparently, back in the day housewives would apply many layers of thick, foul smelling linseed oil to heavy everyday cotton fabrics, this made them water resistant and sturdy. In addition, the fabric had to be streched over a wooden frame so it was no day in the park.

Nowadays you can find plenty of premade samples, which cover the range of Traditional, Funky, Vintage, Spring, Summer, Provencial, Fun, Tropical and Special Order. More impressive are the multitude of things people have been able to use this cloth for. Raincoats, sandbox canopies, archery target covers, just to name a few of the more inventive uses.

They are still a great way to introduce a pop of colour on an outdoor table. The ease of wiping them clean just cannot be beaten.