Reading Cloths for the Season upon Us

[greatdane]

Ah yes Disa!

There is just something about a solid as a background to a deck. Mostly I love a rich velvet or even a black brocade, but even a heavy cotton black background just shows off the cards imo. If a cloth is really busy, I think it makes the cards POP less as they have to compete with the background. Although I have seen some lovely lovely patterned cloths, for reading, I love solids!

 

[MoonGypsy]

There is just something about a solid as a background to a deck. Mostly I love a rich velvet or even a black brocade, but even a heavy cotton black background just shows off the cards imo. If a cloth is really busy, I think it makes the cards POP less as they have to compete with the background. Although I have seen some lovely lovely patterned cloths, for reading, I love solids!

A great alternative [kind of a "having your cake and eating it, too, thing"] is to have a reversible reading cloth--One side a solid color and one side a very interesting cool print.

 

[greatdane]

True Moongypsy and who doesn't want to have

their cake and eat it too! For me, that's a black solid on one side, a pretty velvet color on the other, but I could SO see a lovely pattern on one side and a solid on the other. Two fers are great I love things that do double duty.

 

[Inconnu]

I have a bunch of old cowboy bandanas in various patterns. Paisley, plaid, solids, Indian patterns...

I just use whatever is on the top of the heap.

 

[raheli]

I've attached pics of a Halloween Reading Quilt I made on Sunday. The fabric pattern is called "Nevermore", and I used a fabric on the back that looks tea-dyed. The binding hasn't been applied yet -- I'm thinking of doing red.

Say, Greatdane, I'd be happy to try a burnt orange crushed velvet for you. I've never quilted a velvety fabric before, but I think it would be interesting to try.

(I'm not an experienced quilter, just a determined experimenter.)

Oh that is stunning!!!

 

[raheli]

I mainly read on a small rectangle of velveteen vintage upholstery fabric. It has a carpet bag feel to it.

I also have a gorgeous set of chakra cloths (1 for each chakra) that are hand dyed muslin which are lovely for readings.

When I'm setting up for a show I use deep red or teal sateen to give a little ambiance (pronounced OMbiONCe with a cheeky grin and a plum in your mouth)

 

[Morwenna]

When I'm setting up for a show I use deep red or teal sateen to give a little ambiance (pronounced OMbiONCe with a cheeky grin and a plum in your mouth)

When I was reading for the public, I tried a soft silk scarf (pastel solid) on top of a striped tablecloth, but the scarf was way too soft. So I just used the tablecloth after that; it's two shades of lavender, only, so it didn't distract from the cards (it's really a madras bedspread, but it serves well for long or round banquet tables for SCA feasts; it has to be folded for reading). I used to use a large brown wool shawl with a border of roses, but never try to use something brightly floral outdoors in the early autumn--too many bees!

It all means that when I want to read for the public again, I need a new cloth. I have a few ideas from the fabrics I see in the stores; outdoors, of course, I'd want a cotton or cotton blend.

 

[mah jong]

Black cloth with a thin white border on two sides. I like it's neutral vibe that focuses attention onto the cards. I don't know fabrics well but it has a thick satin texture.

 

[Calcifer]

I have a 36" square solid black silk aviator's scarf that I throw down for any kind of a larger readings and it rolls up nicely to fit in the box I keep with my two main decks. In addition, each of my decks has a smaller 17" solid dupioni silk square (of various colors to match the deck) that fit right in the silk bags that the decks live in - for 3 to 7 card readings. Pretty handy to have a small cloth right there all the time.

For YEARS though, I didn't use any kind of reading cloth at all - my cards went directly onto the sand, dirt, pavement, tabletop, or whatever was at hand (yes, I can hear the screams of anguish from many of you....).

Michael

 

[greatdane]

ok for those of you who use silky cloths

My question is how do you keep them from moving around at all? I guess if you're not outside and there isn't even a slight breeze, would be fine. I just like to be able to lay the cards on something that is a bit substantial so it doesn't move around at all or slide too easily. I LOVE the idea of just silk cloths though.