Gracious Lace

Nothing brings me more joy, and a connection to women so long ago, than hand made lace. Once, long ago, young girls learned how to embroider, sew by hand, and make lace, with precise tiny stitches. They were taught to make their own Trousseau (the personal possessions of a bride usually including clothes, accessories, and household linens and wares )

Fine linens lend a touch of elegance and soothing to your home. If you have ever felt the "hand" of these exquisite linens, you know what I mean. You can still find antique and vintage linens at antique shows, antique stores, and estate sales. I try to buy those that are not damaged, or stained, but a little seam that needs to be sewn closed is sometimes what makes a piece more afforable, so if you are handy with a needle, it's a good thing.

Don't be afraid to use your beautiful linens. I machine wash linen and damask tablecloths in cold or warm water, on the gentle cycle. It is usually not a good idea to put them in the dryer, that's what damages the old linens. But if it is a very sturdy damask tablecloth, I put them in the gentle cycle. Delicate linens such as the ones I have shown here, with Lace and Drawnwork, need to be hand washed. I iron these lovelies myself, using a little lavender water in a spray bottle.

Tips for antique and vintage Linens:

* Gently rub brown spots with Biz, and soak. Or use Oxy~clean to soak, I have been amazed at the results sometimes when soaking a spotted or "aged" cloth or napkin.

* Iron Embroidered Monogrammed pieces from the back. I put a clean white terrycloth towel underneath, for extra protection, and to keep the embroidery from becoming "flat". I gently mist each linen piece with my lavender water, then roll it up into a little "sausage" and place on the end of the ironing board, like my Grandmother used to do. By the time I unroll the piece for ironing, it is just slightly moist, making it much easier to iron the wrinkles out. (yes, it's a labor of love. I know some of you love to iron, I don't really, but I do love my linens!)

* I store large tablecloths on hangers, over a rolled up terrycloth towel. Once in a while, I roll delicate Lace pieces rather than folding, folds tend to weaken the fabric over time. Expensive or special pieces (your grandmother's lace tablecloth etc.) should be stored in acid~free paper.

* There are several great stain removal products on the market, or you can make your own. Always test on an inconspicuous place first.

Stain removal recipe: 1/2 cup peroxide

1 teaspoon household ammonia

Mix, and blot several times on the fabric. Use white vinegar to stop the process. When the spot is out, wash the piece carefully. Line dry.