Inspiration for Vintage Linens

One of the quilt guild ladies coordinated a class where we could learn about using our vintage linens in new ways. An instructor was invited from "the west side" who has created some beautiful patterns and made samples up to show. She also taught us how to select and choose vintage linens for projects. Here are some of her beautiful creations.

Do they inspire you? I hope so. I love her work and how she combines colors, textures, and fibers. The meld of old with new has such charm!

A Spirit of Celebration

 

"A home needs not only candles and confetti to make it joyful --- a home also needs connection.  Candles offer the spirit of warmth.  Confetti adds the spirit of celebration.  And connections tie warmth and celebration together with love."

~ Lindsey O'Connor ~

Table-setting:  Our family Thanksgiving meal using the vintage '70's wedding china, individual herbal bouquets at each place-setting, candles for warmth, and hot cups of tea for celebration.

White Linens

Do you sometimes find yourself doing things that are productive, but not absolutely necessary, simply because they bring you joy? Washing and hanging white linens is something that does that for me. Crisp, white, clean, and fresh; table clothes, pillow cases, and guest towels blow in the breeze, absorbing the fragrance of the late spring day. Handwork done by others, embroidery, crochet, or applique embellish each piece. They represent hours of love meant to bless those whom these will pieces serve. Whites are my favorites. Years ago I gave away all the colored, printed sets of sheets and now use plain-white, crisp cotton instead. It's a perfect way to use sets of embroidered pillow cases --- and now they always match the sheets!

Have a refreshing, joyful 'white linen' day!

Firefly Farm Dish Clothes

This week I received a parcel in the mail with this beautifully wrapped package inside. It was soft and squishy. The new dish clothes I ordered had arrived! Thank you, Debra from Firefly Farm. I love the fibers, textures, designs, and colors. And I'm really happy to have cotton knitted dish clothes again, as they work so nicely for kitchen clean-up and dish washing.

Debbie ~ Firefly Farm
www.fireflyfarm.freeservers.com

Lavender Bottles

Lavender bottles are a beautiful and fragrant way to embellish your lingerie drawers or armour shelf. They are quite simple and quick to create. Whereas the lavender bud cannot be seen when stems and flower stalks are woven into lavender wands, the lavender bottle allows for the bud to be seen and enjoyed. Pink, white, lavender, and purple lavenders can all be crafted into bottles for variety in color and even in fragrance. Once made, a lavender bottle is hidden among lingerie to add fragrance --- and as the stem and bud dries, little bits of bud fall into the garments, adding a Victorian effect and allowing the fragrance to meld with fine and delicate fabrics. Pure delight! After a time, the lavender fragrance may seem minimal. When this happens, just squeeze the bottle gently in your hands, crushing the dried bud and activating the sweet fragrance.

Lavender Tableclothes

This is the season of lavender --- and I couldn't resist posting a picture of these beautiful, handmade table clothes. In lovely floral prints, the color purple is featured with elements of neutrals that creates a shabby chic feel. I love the broad, striped borders. Have I inspired you to get your sewing machine out and try making one? It's on my 'to do' list --- which is very long, of course!

Enjoy a lovely day!

Photo: a lavender shop in Sequim

Vintage Tablecloth

For quite some time I have been casually looking for a vintage tablecloth. I enjoy the vibrant colors printed on natural threads. There is an emotional response, I'm sure, as they remind me of table clothes my mother had in our home when I was a child. The search has been fraught with high prices for pristine pieces or with tiny holes and yellow stains for the affordable ones. My search has been casual --- simply checking when near a thrift store or antique mall without making any special trips to these places. Recently I found exactly the right one! I fell in love with the garden theme and vibrant colors on this tablecloth! The price was spendy, I though, but the 20% discount added to it's appeal.

I was surprised to find my exact tablecloth (although in different colors) listed at an online source. My online search helped me discover that my 'new' tablecloth was made in the 1930's and is part of Broderie's "Gardening" series. It said that these charming designs are highly sought after by collectors and a table cloth such as the one I purchased is valued at $175.00 - $250.00. I was stunned! Believe me, I paid MUCH less than that price! As soon as I discovered the value I removed the tablecloth from my kitchen table and put it away. I know, I need to 'use my linens' and I promise, I will. But, until this all sinks in, it's in a safe place. I guess it's not a good choice for a daily use tablecloth.

Here are online sources that tell more about vintage table clothes:

http://www.gramasattic.net/broderie.htm

http://www.thevintagetable.net

Each individual represented on this table cloth is different and without except for the gentleman farmer's who are duplicated on each side. All the garden girls are unique. This collage of details gives some idea of the variety of character on this table cloth.