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Monday, 7 January 2013

The Linen Drawer...

Happy Monday my lovelies! Have you had a good weekend? I do hope so! In our household it's been both productive and restful. I spent most of Saturday chained to the ironing board...NOT my favourite pastime! But, with the kidlets returning to school this week, and life settling back into it's normal rhythm, I needed to make sure that we all had clean pants to face the world in! As for Sunday, well, that was more like it. A wonderful morning spent at church, followed by a little meander round an Antique and Collectors Fair. Even the children enjoyed it! I went with the intention of scouring the stalls for all things linen and lace, and I did not come away disappointed or empty handed! With new projects brewing, I wanted to look for some older  pieces to add to my fabric stash. And the best part of it all...I landed some great bargains that were very kind to my purse...My thrifty soul sings!

And here is my loot...
Beautiful hand embroidered lovelies...




 My tip to you is to dig, dig, dig! Sometimes you'll find a pile of old linens literally just well,  in a pile. Rifle through the muddle, and you are bound to find some beauties that speak to your crafty soul! If pieces are beautifully displayed by the stall holder, don't be afraid to pull them out and have a good look. After all, they want to sell their goods, don't they? And keep an open mind! If you spot a little stain, don't be put off! Just because something isn't in perfect condition, doesn't mean it isn't perfect for a little project. There are people who think that vintage linens should be kept as they are...I don't. If they can be cut, used and re-cycled into something new, why not give them a new lease of life?


Buying lace can be a pricey affair. I always look out for pieces which are edged with lace. Many of my sewing projects require only small amounts of lace, so if a tray cloth is covered in tea stains, but the lace is in good condition, I won't pass it by. Chances are you can pick it up for pennies, and you'll end up with some beautiful, intricate lace that will cheer up many a sewing project.


 Vintage handkerchiefs are also a good edition to any recycling fabric stash. The are often still in their original packaging, so unused! I think these are lovely for patchwork projects, bunting and book covers. I also think they're charming when used instead of wrapping paper when giving small gifts.


I am so excited about using all these beauties! And, I purchased them all for just £9! And, I do think that mother earth quietly thanks me for re-cycling and re-using too! 

If you have a few minutes spare with a warm cup of tea, pop over to Pinterest for some beautiful inspiration. I love all the gorgeous images shared by others, and wish my linen drawer looked like THIS!

Have a thrifty, happy Monday!
Tania

16 comments:

  1. Such gorgeous photographs - I just love old linen.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  2. Hello beautiful Tania! What a delightful post and so many good tips! I love your gorgeous photos and vintage linens! I am so happy for you sweetie! You will have so much fun creating with these and giving them new life! What a great price for all of those pretties!!! You inspire me so much! Have a beautiful and happy week! Love you, Paula xo

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    1. Hi Paula! Thank you for popping in, and so glad you liked the post! I hope all is well with you? Missing your blog...but, so delighted to see you elsewhere! Much love to you, Tania ♥

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  3. So pretty! I am inspired by the work of these vintage beauties and by the lovelies that you create with them. Hope you have a lovely week.

    xo Danielle

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    1. Hi Danielle! Thank you for the hello! So lovely to hear from you. I check into you beautiful blog regularly, and always come away feeling inspired! Blessings, Tania ♥

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  4. What beautiful finds.. Love them all..and isn't if fun, to find them in a bargain..Such a fun day..ENjoy.

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    1. Hi Judy! So lovely to hear from you! Glad you like it! All the very best for 2013! May your year be full of His richest blessings! Much love, Tania x

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  5. Your loot is beautiful - I love rummaging for Linens. I am a cutter too!
    Claire

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    1. Hi Claire! Ha, so glad to meet a fellow cutter! Thanks for popping in and saying hello! Tania ♥

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  6. What lovely finds! I do love a good rummage, especially in the linen box and more so for embroidered linens that someone long ago sat patiently and lovingly sewing away. Agree with your sentiments too that they should be reused and reswen instead of being hidden away in a drawer. Lovely blog.

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    1. Thank you so much for popping in and leaving lovely comments! I'm quite sentimental, and like you enjoy holding something that someone somewhere lovingly crafted at some point! Hope to see you again soon! Tania ♥

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  7. These are so, so wonderfully pretty! It used to be a lot easier to come by beautiful vintage and/or embroidered linens around these parts while thrifting or at yard sales, but I've noticed a sharp decline in recent years. That said, I did get a gorgeous vintage floral embroidered tablecloth this past year at a yard sale, as well as a bag of vintage hankies (some with stitchery) from the same sweet elderly lady, both for total songs, so there's still some such linen treasures to be had here and there.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Hi Jessica! Yip, I dread the day when vintage linens become hard to find around here. It's a privilege I tend to make the most of while I can! ;) How wonderful that you struck gold at the yard sale...I think that acquiring such lovelies from the elderly lady who would be able to fill you in on their history a bit, is so much more special!
      Tania ♥

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  8. Hi,Tania.Thank you for your comments about my little 'makeovers'.It's so lovely to discover your blog.You are a vintage linen soulmate .I have heaps of rescued linens that Ive boughtwith the intention of upcycling them but I can't bring myself to cut them up.lol.Anne x

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  9. Hi Tania, you've had a great find there - beautiful and a bargain! The hankerchief with the lillies on is really pretty and I think it would be great as a book cover too :) Have a great weekend. Elisabeth xx

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