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Thursday, August 7, 2014

Today's Linen & A Bit Of New Ironstone


It's been some time since I found this luscious all linen towel at a thrift store. It remains one of my all time favorites. I love all the different weaves and textures going on with it. And it has a lovely heft.




White on white embroidery is so beautiful to me, and there is a section of this towel that has a different weave inserted where the embroidery is done. A little scalloped hem finishes it all off. The main body is a huck weave which is very absorbent and lint free. Excellent for drying glasses. But I think this one was for use on a wash stand because of its large size.





I am always amazed at the difference in the character of a piece of linen after pressing. It is the greatest kind of therapy to restore a beautiful fabric this way and to see and feel the smooth result. Honestly! It's a terrific way to start a day!













All ready for the next lovely task.









Another recent find is this unusual square platter with a moss rose design. It will look so pretty sitting on a shelf! 








And here's a sweet lidded tureen with a bit of pink detail. I just love finding things on the same day that can be displayed well together. And any day that I find a piece of ironstone is a good day!
















The tureen carries a very old maker's mark. Do you know it?






Looks right at home on my dining room table, don't you think?

( I hate to be thinking this way, but stew weather is not all that far off!)






A few nice finds can just make my day!

 How about you? Found anything good lately?

Hope you're enjoying your Thursday!

(I don't know how it got here so fast!)

Jacqueline






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18 comments:

  1. Lovely linens - the last piece you showed is gorgeous.

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  2. how are you 'pressing' exactly to get that kind of neatness? I iron - but my linens never turn out like that. any tips. And they are lovely! (if you don't mind - hit 'reply' to respond so I see it cause it will come to my email. Otherwise I have to remember to go back into your post - and I know I'll forget.) Thanks!!!

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    1. Hi Joyce! So nice that you stopped by for a look at my linens. I get asked about my ironing all the time. Besides making sure you are pressing while the fabric is damp, either fresh from a launder or by spritzing, I go over the piece with a very hot iron and spray a mist of water over areas that aren't quite as smooth as I want it and iron over it again until it is. Sometimes it does take a bit of "pressing" down on the piece. Especially if it is hefty. But I'm a bit picky! And I like the process. For embroidered pieces I often start from the reverse side to highlight the work and to keep from flattening it too much. Ironing is just my thing! Haha!

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  3. I am always amazed when I see a beautiful piece of hand work like that. The hours that went into the design portion, but then the hours it took to join the 3 pieces together, and all by hand!!! A lot of time and talent in that piece, and so glad someone like you will lovingly care for it!!! Thank you for honoring that workmanship.....

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    1. Thanks so much, Cleo! I do see these pieces as works of art. I have done a lot of handwork myself and know what goes into it, but I also find the finished work so very beautiful!

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  4. I can't even believe that the linen is the same piece after ironing. I wouldn't want to use it. So pretty.

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  5. Awesome finds, I love your llinen dish towel, I've just got beautiful pillowcases that I bought from Etsy:) I can't wait to use them, need to wash and press first:) I press all of my linen and most of the clothes, it is a big job , but I love how everything looks and feels:) Greetings from NJ:)

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  6. Beautiful treasures you found, Jacqueline!

    And you really DO have such a wonderful way with linens, my dear. ♥

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  7. Your new tureen is sweetly perfect - love the touch of pink. Lovely linens, too. Don't you just love bringing them back to life? I can feel your joy. xo Karen

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  8. The new tureen is really pretty. Oh my how ironing the linens makes all the difference. You are the linen whisper. You know how to make linens be at their best. Very pretty.
    Kris

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  9. OH that is a lovely platter...and I am a sucker for white on white embroidery, too...beautiful!

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  10. OMgoodness! What pretty finds! I love all the white and the pink on the ironstone adds more pretty! Love!

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  11. Anyone who can convince me ironing is a good thing must be super woman. I loved the rough texture of the towel, but after ironing it was gorgeous. Great find with the pink tureen.

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  12. you find the sweetest linens, jaqueline! and the square rose dish is very special:) happy weekend!

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  13. Good morning Jacqueline! Just beautiful finds with lovely details. I stumbled upon a thrift sale on the way to my office Thursday...found some unique items including a cut glass compote and a zinc lined humidore. No keepers, all will eventually travel to the antique mall. Have a wonderful weekend!
    Kari

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  14. I love old white linens too. They seemed to have such love and attention worked into them. Thanks for sharing.
    Karee

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  15. That towel is just gorgeous! Can you just see it hanging on the washstand? So romantic!
    Sherry

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