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Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Linen Lovelies


I suppose I am feeling apologetic for showing two linen posts in a row, but it's where I am these days. Spending a lot of time at home, and gearing up for a larger shop space opening next month.




But I did pop into a market this week to find a handful of pillowslips waiting for me. They were all in singles, and in new condition, as though they had been saved in a cabinet or drawer for many years. 




I am not at all deterred by their not being in matching pairs. I love the charm of a mix and match much more anyway. And such gorgeous hand crochet trim!








I gave them what I am sure was their first laundering, and am very happy to put them to their first use. Most often beautiful hand-worked linens show a lot of wear and can't last a long time with regular use, but these will be around for a quite a while.




Even the fine muslin casing itself was hand-sewn in this example above, and it is only folded in half lengthwise here, and quite narrow like a bolster cover.





I found a jar of the vintage wooden spools too. The eyelet trim is also vintage, and was quite yellowed with age when I first found it some while back.




One of the pillowcases (underneath) has a tatted lace edge. A much rarer find.








Very simple and quite beautiful. I can imagine lolling in bed late some summer Sunday and appreciating its details and wondering at the hands that could fashion such beauty. . . .




Well maybe you can imagine my delight at finding such a pristine little pile of loveliness like this all together in the same spot! (The wide machine lace border underneath is a valance that I found in the same place.)




Each of these was six to eight dollars each. Now I ask you, why on earth would I buy brand new white linens at the mall when I could have these instead?








Doesn't that pale pink make your heart skip a beat? Even Mr. Cottage stopped to admire it! Cheery as a bouquet of flowers!

I know a lot of you are in the deep freeze. Take care, bundle up, and think good cottage thoughts!

Thanks so much for your kind comments and visits!
I hope you're having a great week!

Jacqueline






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38 comments:

  1. You could post linens everyday and I would love it! I enjoy all your posts. Such lovely thoughts and pieces.

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  2. I love to visit to see what linens you have found. You have exquisite taste and obviously a good eye.

    Yes mix and match is lovely and why would you go with new when you find such loveliness?

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  3. I sure can imagine the excitement of finding all these fine linens! How do you ever bring yourself to put any of your great finds in your booth to sell? I had a booth in an antique store for several years many years ago and I still wish I had back some of the things I sold!

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  4. I am doing cartwheels of joy for you to have found such treasures, Jacqueline. Just wow, awesome!!!

    LOVE the intricate and beautiful handwork, amazing finds. Hugs.

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  5. Oh my, what scrumptious linens! My friend gifted me with some vintage linens for my birthday. She had laundered them and they smell like fresh lemon; quite intoxicating! I love pretty linens and yes, they do take me back to simpler times. Thank you for your visit and I would love to have you join me for tea any time. {Love the pretty cup in your previous post.}

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  6. They are so beautiful and the pink is so cute.

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  7. I can just imagine sleeping on one of those....♥️

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  8. What lovely linens, so beautiful, each one in it's own right.
    My great Grandmother did tatting,
    and I have tatted baby shoes she made for me when I was a baby.
    I think that is like a lost art in
    our society today, which is too bad cause it is really unique and beautiful...........
    Lovely photos as always hon,
    Blessings, Nellie

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  9. Lovely, lovely, lovely!! My grandmother made lovely crocheted edgings on pillow cases like that. I still have, use and treasure them as well as two beautiful crocheted table cloths she made. All becoming a lost art I'm afraid.

    !

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  10. You do have a talent for finding sweet treasures! These linens are delightful. I agree! Who would want to buy new linens when one could sleep on these. Thanks for sharing the beauty!
    PS
    It's even cold here in TX. Predicting snow.

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  11. I love these pillowcases and I loved the post prior to this. I remember well the fragrance that you spoke about. It was such a delightful memory from my childhood. I line dry all of my linens and iron them with scented linen water like my Grandmother. My children are familiar with this soul satisfying ritual but sadly it is passing away with time. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  12. Piles and piles of vintage linens - what an amazing sight. Love them.

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  15. What precious finds Jacqueline. Absolutely beautiful. You are one very lucky lady to have such a gorgeous array of lovely linens at your disposal.
    Cindy

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  16. I crochet a lot of edgings and I know how much work went into these...so lovely.

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  17. I crochet a lot of edgings and I know how much work went into these...so lovely.

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  18. Love all those linens! Whenever,I see pretty linens I always think of you.

    Carolyn

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  19. Jackie,
    I love the linens they are gorgeous. Linens are one of my favorite things.
    Diane@babiesbridesandlavender

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  20. Hi J,
    Oh never apologize for linen posts, you could post non stop linen and I know I wouldn't be the only one swooning! The pink is delicious, the way it has the top piece hanging over is a fine detail!! All the beautiful white, what a find... and finding tatting is always a WOW / happy dance moment!
    You'll be dreaming sweet tonight for sure :-)
    Hugs,
    B

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  21. You can post about linens everyday!!! These are so gorgeous. the one with the tatted edge has stolen my heart. ~~Sweet Dreams~~

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  22. I love all of them.
    Several years ago I found single pillowcases (vintage) at an antique sale for 50cents each. They hadn't been stitched closed at the one end. I only bought two and have kicked myself since for now buying the all. How easy it was to close the ends and never having been used they have lasted quite well with use. Love seeing the tatting too, just beautiful.

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  23. I have often bought vintage pillow cases and I use them. They are lovely as yours are. Wonderful finds. They are getting harder to find here.

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  24. Hello Sweet!
    I love this linnen they makes me happy!
    Whish you a nice weekend
    Kathrine

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  25. hello
    comme tout cela est beau
    j'aime énormément
    bon weekend
    tendresse
    edith

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  26. What a lovely find, Jacqueline!! These pillow cases are exquisite. I have a set of pillow cases and sheets with a beautiful tatted edge that my grandmother made. I can still remember her tatting away whenever she sat down, creating so much beauty. Definitely a lost art.
    Mary Alice

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  27. All of them, so very beautiful. I imagine the hours it took to make each one. True treasures.
    xo,
    Lin

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  28. These remind me of things my grandmother used to tat. I wish I'd learned that skill from her.

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  29. Gorgeous! I love the pink and white lacy edge. I have a few with the wider lace edge and the lace is coming apart from the pillowslip. Have you every repaired ones like that? What do you suggest? Enjoy the weekend. Pamela

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  30. Very pretty, and not at all Albuquerque-ish.
    :0)

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  31. Those linens are just so lovely, Jacqueline. The edgings are just exquisite. I love finding old pillow slips like that... and I routinely mix and match them on my bed. They always look so pretty together, and yours do, too! Enjoy not only resting on them but taking care of them!

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  32. I love mixing and matching lines, especially ones as beautiful as these. Stay warm my friend. xo Laura

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  33. Jacqueline,
    I never tire of viewing your linens, dear friend!!!
    I agree, these would be delightful to rest ones weary head upon for a nice Winter's nap!!!
    Thanks for sharing your gorgeous finds!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  34. Your linens are so charming! I agree, much better than new :)
    Susan

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  35. Oh yes, I can see why you love these so...me too!

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  36. Hi there,
    These cases are absolutely beautiful! Please share your secret for cleaning old linens. I have a pair of pillow cases that are much in need of your magic.
    Many thanks, and blessings to you,
    J

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  37. Beautiful finds! I have an Aunt that tats. She makes the most lovely things.
    Sherry

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