Linens

If you were to ask me what my very favorite thing to collect is the answer would indisputably be vintage linens.  I always gravitate towards them at antique stores and flea markets.  

I think what I especially love about them is that someone took the time and effort to make something utilitarian pretty.  Need a pillowcase?  Add some crochet edging.  Need a tea towel?  Embroider it.  Nothing was so humble that it couldn't be elevated with lace or pin tucks.

My dream job would be to open a linen shop selling both vintage and new linens.  I picture quarterly buying trips to France and Belgium to restock my little shop.  The shop would always smell of lavender and there would be hot tea should you need some refreshment.  

I even like ironing linens and find it very soothing.  The smell of a good linen spray and the hiss of the steam.  It's a great way to de-stress.  

Speaking of the laundering aspect – my favorite product for cleaning linens is Biz.  I know I've mentioned it before and I'll keep saying it.  If you have anything with yellow aging a good long soak in Biz will almost always remove it.  Another product that I used to love but sadly is no longer made was Victoria's Secret dryer sheets.  They were stupidly expensive but they smelled so good.  My mother in law was dumbfounded that I would spend $12 on a box of dryer sheets and gently asked me if I knew that you could buy them for a few bucks at the grocery store.  I'm thinking of starting a letter writing campaign to Victoria's Secret to get them to bring them back.

I try to use my vintage linens as much as possible.  No point saving for best, is my motto.  I especially love lace trimmed pillowcases.  I can remember when I was a child that we had a few with crocheted edges that I always tried to snag from the wash so I could have one on my bed.  Maybe that was the catalyst for my obsession.

It's getting harder and harder to find pairs of pillow cases or even ones that are in nice condition.  I bought a beautiful set a few years back.  The seller assured me they were indeed vintage and from FRANCE – well say no more.  I bought them without really examining them.  When I got them home and unfolded them they were completely rotted along the fold lines.  Just came completely apart.   So tip number 1:  Check your item carefully before purchasing.  Tip number 2:  Repurpose.  

I ended up making a curtain for my sink with that pair.  Even if the material is stained or falling apart you can still salvage the lace.  I have a project in mind for seat cover for our piano bench that involves a stained matelassé coverlet and some crocheted lace I salvaged.

I have tray cloths that are just gorgeous but don't have much need for.  It's not like anyone is bringing me my afternoon tea on a lace covered tray (which I really need to speak to the staff about).   You better believe that when you come to my little linen shop I'll serve your tea on a tray with the prettiest tea cloth. 

I have used them to make a plain pillow rather spectacular.  I made a simple ruffled pillow cover and then tacked on a tea tray.  I can easily remove it to launder and then tack it back on.

I spent the morning tidying up my linen cupboard which is what prompted this post.  It's nice to take them out and pet them.  I do use them quite liberally throughout the house but I have so many that I don't want any to feel neglected.