Love Old Lace
I love fabrics both new and old but when it comes to old fabrics, I am really in love with antique linens. I have had this thing for old linens for as long as I can remember.
There is something romantic and indulgent about being surrounded by old lace. Even in college, I had doilies and embroidered pillowcases while my roommates had tie-dye and macramé. Over the years, I have accumulated a decent collection. I lovingly store them and every once and awhile I take them out to look them over and just admire the craftsmanship. I never, you read that correctly, never, ever use them. Not for any reason ever! I guess it is sort of like a coin collection – just there to admire – it’s not as if you would actually spend the money from the coin collection to pay for your Starbucks Latte. No matter how bad you were jonsing for some caffeine.
Anyway the point of all this is to tell you about two websites that are both reputable and have a great selection of antique and vintage linens. I have dealt with both of them and have never been disappointed.
Even if you don’t collect antique linens thay make wonderful gifts. I have found many a tea towel or set of pillow cases embroidered with a friend’s initals. Never my own oddly enough. they make a wonderful and persona
l gift.
Monogrammed Towels
Also the antique handkerchiefs are fabulous gifts for a bride or baby gift for a new little girl.
Em’s Heart Em has some fantastic pieces but I would recommend you check her site frequently as her stock is ever changing. The best linens go very quickly. I have been disappointed more than once to see a linen and then check back a few days later, after thinking on it, only to find that it was sold.
Cynthia’s Linen Room Is the other site that you will enjoy. Cynthias has some of the most exquisite and incredible heirloom antique linens. She aslo has this very cool magnifying feature that you can see every little thread on the linen as you move the cursor block over the fabric. It is worth checking it out just to see it work. Try this page.
Cynthia will often go into detail about her special linens such as this wonderful piece.
As you know, antiques linens are old. It is wonderful to find flawless pieces but it is just as important to have an honest vendor show you any and all defects up front. Both ladies are very meticulus about detailing any defects. Both are very knowledgable and friendly.
As for caring and laundering, Cynthia has a wonderful step-by-step guide that I couldn’t have said better myself. And so I won’t . I will be the perfect faux farm girl and let her show you the way while I go get my nails done!
Restoration Fabric detergent.
This is made in Lancaster County – how great is that!
Both women suggest Whink Rust Stain Remover for rust stains so I might just have to buy it and check it out.
They also both tell you to use and enjoy your linens. They don’t know my family! I would sit at that dinner table and watch the red wine and gravy hit that fabric and I would just lose my mind. It would be way too stressful for me to watch that. But please, go ahead and use your linens. Maybe you aren’t as emotionally attached to fabric as I am.
Enjoy!
Faux Farm Girl
Annie