Looking Close

 

One day at an estate sale, I purchased a grouping of vintage linens bundled together for a decent price.  When I took them home, I was able to look at each item more closely and found this tea towel in my bundle.  The embroidery is really well done, and the red crochet was still in excellent condition.  This embroidery pattern is more than likely a "Days of the Week" pattern.  I've seen the seven day set pictured in a book about vintage kitchen linens.  The little canine housekeeper on my towel happens to be "Friday."  The maker chose for some reason to leave off the day of the week. 




I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I missed the real jewel in this piece.  I even tried to sell it for a brief while.  Now it's one of my favorite pieces that I keep in my own collection.  Let me tell you why.




Can you see the holes in the fabric?  The row of holes to the right of the red crochet is where the drawstring was removed from the feedsack.  This is my first feedsack embroidered tea towel, and I almost missed it.  I enjoy vintage items because of the story they share.  When an embroidered item has fabric that gives an additional story, I'm fascinated.

Thank you for letting me share.

Amy

"For the Lord seeth not as man seeth;  for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."  I Samuel 16:7

Salvaged Linen Sachet Tutorial

Thank you to Ruby for Women for publishing this tutorial in the May 2012 e-zine issue of Ruby For Women.

If you'd like to visit the Ruby for Women community, click here .



 


Several months ago, I happened across a beautifully embroidered tablecloth that was severely stained beyond all help.  I bought the vintage tablecloth for two or three dollars knowing I could salvage the embroidery that ran around the entire piece.  I thought I'd share with you what I made by taking a simple pyramid pattern I came across and adapting it a bit for vintage linen.



1.  Cut one 4" by 4" square of a vintage linen remnant.
     Cut one 4" by 4" square of cotton fabric.
     Cut two 4" by 4" squares of Pellon Fusible Featherweight Interfacing 911 FF.


2.  Iron one fusible interfacing square to the back of your vintage linen remnant.
     This will keep any loose threads from the cutting held secure in the back.
     Iron the other fusible interfacing square to your cotton fabric square.
     This makes your cotton fabric weight match the weight of the vintage remnant.
3.  With right sides facing, sew a 1/4" seam around 3 edges of your square.  If you have a side on the embroidered square that has no loose embroidery, leave that side as the fourth unfinished side.  This side will later be hand-sewn, and it will be easier if there is no embroidery.

4.  Trim the sides and the corners close to the seams.

5.  Turn the sachet right side out.

6.  Fill the sachet with equal parts dried lavender and uncooked white rice.  I like the feel of about 3 Tbsp. of

     each, but you may like the sachet to feel fuller.

7.  Finger press or carefully iron the open edge 1/4" to the inside.

8.  Pin matching seams together.  This will close the sachet and form the pyramid shape.

    
9.  Slip-stitch the opening closed removing the pins as you sew.


10.  Embellish with buttons, beads, and ribbons as desired.  Try different sizes by starting with 5" squares or 3.5" squares.

Let me know what you think!

Amy

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."  Ephesians 5:2

Shall We Have Tea?

I discovered this lovely pair of cameo rose napkins while visiting family up in Ohio over the holidays.  The napkins caught my eye right away because of the blue ribbon and yellow border around the edges.  I love blue and yellow.  Wouldn't you like one of these draped across your lap while we have tea?  How does Earl Grey sound?

Amy

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God."  Romans 11:33

One Blessed Nest

         I found this little blessing in my front yard a few days ago, probably blown out of one of my trees by a rough winter wind.  Who finds a nest in January?  I've placed it in the landscaping by my front door.  You can see it nestled into one of my still green perennials.  Although it's been abandoned now for several months by its bird family, I still consider it a little symbol of the new year and hopeful things to come. 

Thank you for joining me for my first blog post. 

Amy

"I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee."     III John 13