The Story of Tablecloth brand was created as a fusion of nostalgia and creativity in which old tablecloths are given a new life. What started out as a personal journey turned into a business: the project was launched by Zuzana Štefanides who breathes new life into forgotten textiles with every stitch. The tablecloths used as materials for the dresses tell colourful stories, bridge the gap between generations and bring an aura of timelessness to every piece.
Where did you get the idea to make clothes out of tablecloths? What does this project mean to you?
I’ve always been drawn to old things, vintage clothes, and the beauty and functionality of how our great-grandmothers lived. It was last year when I first got to wear a dress made of tablecloth and then everything clicked: my passion for stories and clothes merged into one. This was the beginning of the Story of Tablecloth, a project that has my heart. I love flea markets and second-hand items, and I love to sew. Using old materials to create clothes is the perfect combination for me! Besides working on my skills, I also get to take time to focus on myself. After my son was born—he is three and a half now—I cherish time like porcelain.
Do you have any criteria for the materials you select and where do you actually get your tablecloths?
I must feel it. Easy, ha! I like vivid colours, Spanish patterns, natural materials and hand-embroidered pieces. Everything that I make has to be something I love and would gladly wear. I don’t know how practical that is from a business point-of-view, since everyone has a different style, but I wouldn’t be able to do this any other way. As for sourcing the materials, I get them from various places. Everyone around me knows what I do, so I have many secret sources. And then there are the flea markets at home or when I’m travelling, and of course, I’m also buying tablecloths and old textiles online.
Where did you acquire your sewing skills?
Just like every mother in the 90s, my mom also sew, so we had a sewing machine at home. When I was little, I made small things for myself, so I kind of always knew how to do it. Then, three years ago I bought a proper sewing machine for myself and I practised almost every day. At first, I made clothes for myself and for my son, then started sewing one shirt after the other and that resulted in launching my own brand.
All of your creations are unique, but is there a piece that’s especially close to your heart?
I love the patchwork dresses I made last summer. I had enough blue materials to make three dresses, but not more. I made them in my mother’s garden, this was my small, very limited collection. All three dresses were sold immediately, and when I think about them I get sad I didn’t keep at least one of them. I remember sitting beside my mother’s house and sewing all day. This is why I feel so strongly about them.
You embarked on a long journey not so long ago. Can you tell me about your experiences?
This year, I spent three months in the Southern part of Europe with my husband and my son. In the beginning, this was supposed to be a vacation, I didn’t plan on bringing my sewing machine. A sewing machine in a caravan… what kind of idea is that? But then I thought about all the flea markets (the Spanish love their markets), and I couldn’t help myself. We set off from Barcelona at the end of January, travelled through Spain, Portugal, and France and spent a bit of time in Germany. I created several prototypes during our travels. I have to admit, sewing in a caravan is not the most comfortable experience, and my clothes always have to be perfect, so I worked tirelessly. I also made a white dress for myself out of embroidered bedsheets. It became very popular on Instagram, so I bought some more sheets in Spain and made more dresses.
