Saturday, April 05, 2008

Stitching Up Tea Things

I had fun this week, going through pictures to look for examples of how tea themes are used in linens in our home. It seems like these 'gentle arts' --- tea and stitching, are amply expressed everywhere in our house!

I found the table runner pattern above at a quilt show and fell in love with it. A trip to a local quilt shop resulted in these beautiful prints. When I told my mother about my project, she offered to make it for me. I was delighted, as I am not an experience applique person and she was! There is a teacup in the center (under the candle holder). It was to be spilling out tea, but I thought that was messy for a proper centerpiece, so I asked mom to leave the tea-drops out.


For two years I belonged to a tea towel swap group. Each month I stitched at least one tea towel that I swapped with another person for one they stitched. It was such a nice way to make friends and to keep on track with embroidery projects! This tea towel went to Texas. . .as I believe I gave it to Patricia. I love the button at the top. It makes the top-knot on the teapot lid.


This is a simple quilt that was made by my mother. It's small and I use it as a tablecloth for a tea-for-two. The teapot and flowers blocks are printed on fabric that mom cut into squares. They are alternated with plain pink fabric that has been covered with lace.


This appliqued teapot is stitched onto a luncheon size tablecloth that is the perfect size for a small tea table. It was stitched by mom.



Soft, flour-sack tea towels are embroidered in tea themes. One is bordered in a tea print for added effect. Do you recognize it? It's a ME print.

This is a favorite doily that my mom made for me. It's starched nicely and makes a nice base for a candle holder. She made it by copying another doily that someone had given to me as a gift. Mom was very good at looking at a crocheted piece and copying it from the original without a pattern. Gardening and needlework were how she relaxed each day.



27 comments:

  1. Your things are beautiful! I especially love the tea pot and flower block quilt made by your mother. Have a wonderful week!
    Kathy

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  2. You have the most amazing collection of tea things! I would love to visit your home...it would be heavenly. Thank you for showcasing so many of them and inspiring me.

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  3. What gorgeous 'tea' linens. I love your table runner but everything else is on my favorites list, too. The crocheted doily is very cute and special because your mother made it for you. Thanks for sharing all your pretty things with us. ~Adrienne~

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  4. What a wonderful collection you have. I love it all. The doilie is amazing. The tablecloth and napkins that you have pictured for the mr. linky post is so sweet...
    What fun.

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  5. You have beautiful stitched tea items. I absolutely love that doily with the tea pots. That is brilliant! I haven't posted yet, but this category is difficult for me. I don't have much that is stitched! But I will try!

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  6. Anonymous7:50 AM

    So beautiful! It must feel like a special occasion every time you use them!

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  7. How darling all of your tea related linens are. The first table runner worked by your mother is simply wonderful...love the colors.

    I'm afraid that I must sit this week out as I have no tea related linens. Shoot! I've even asked my mother and she has zip, too. Double shoot! ;D

    I will, however, be sending folks along as always.

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  8. What beautiful table linens you have! So pretty - it reminds me that I want to embrodier some tea towels - LOL

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  9. This embroidery is wonderful!

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  10. What lovely tea linens. I especially like the doily with the blue teacups.

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  11. What BEAUTIFUL tea linens you have! I must agree with Karla ~ your crocheted doily with teapots around the edge is my favorite! Your embroidered tea towels and appliqued pieces are beautiful too. So very creative! And very inspiring as well. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy a lovely week!

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  12. Anonymous2:11 PM

    What a beautiful collection! How lucky you are to have such special handmade treasures from your mother. Thank you for sharing these photographs.

    And thank you once again for hosting this fun tea blog-a-thon. It's such a great way to meet others with similar interests. I'm very much enjoying everyone's weekly contributions.

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  13. Anonymous3:20 PM

    wow, the crocheted doily is just amazing! Your mom made such pretty things. Love the quilt too.

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  14. Moms are so special. Some of my most treasured things are from my mom.

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  15. Your tea linens are so pretty, and the ones made by your mother are so special, her memory lives on.

    I don't have many hand-stitched things, but will post tomorrow night, hopefully.

    Katherine

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  16. Anonymous8:10 PM

    All of your linen is just beautiful! Your mother is so talented. You are one lucky girl. Infortunately I have no hand made items but that's going to change soon. I am getting ready to try my hand at crafts.

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  17. Anonymous9:21 PM

    What lovely things. I'm sure they enrich your teatime experience. Alas I do not have a camera to show my things; but, I'm enjoying seeing the lovely things you ladies share.
    God bless!

    Laura of Harvest Lane
    Happy at Home

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  18. Such a beautiful collection. The doily with the teapot edge really takes my eye!

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  19. Your table runner and the quilt made by your mother are to die for!!! Your tea towels are so lovely! I guess I'll just visit this week as I have no special stitched tea linens to share. I only have one piece that is a manufactured lace table topper that features a tea pot and cups. I have to say that looking at all these lovelies I feel inspired to stitch myself something up!

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  20. absolutely lovely items. I do not have anything tea themed in the way of stitchery items..but do have many pretty table items.I'll still post an image though of a few things.hope that is o.k.

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  21. All of your tea linens are beautiful. I especially love the quilt and the doily with the teapots. I'm sure you treasure everything and enjoy using it for your tea parties.

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  22. These are just so so...PRETTY....I loved look at the pictures...how do you keep them in such great shape?
    The doilie is gorgeous.
    Deby

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  23. Oh, I just saw the quilt your mother made...how pretty it is! I love it and I can just imagine it being used for a tea party as the tablecloth! I love your flour sack linens too! Rhonda :)

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  24. Oh, I love the quilt... so pretty!
    Alisa

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  25. I can see you have your creativity with the needle from your mom. everything you post is very Beautiful!!

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  26. What gorgeous "tea things" you have especially LOVE the doily with the teappots that your mom made for you!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Sandy :)

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  27. Such beautiful handwork. I have a soft spot in my heart for linens such as those.
    Very nice! :)

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