Archive for the ‘Collecting Vintage Linens’ Category

Sep

Tips and Tricks for Doilies

Posted by: admin in Collecting Vintage Linens

Doilies are some of the most cherished collectibles and memorabilia from decades long past. The elaborately crocheted doilies can provide a look into the past, and doilies passed to you from a long ago ancestor can tell stories of what that person was like, what intricate patterns spoke to them. With proper use and care, these treasures can continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

You can incorporate many intricate patterns into doilies, ranging from angels and butterflies, to lighthouses and motifs for special occasions, such as for Christmas and Halloween. Flower images are very popular ranging from rose patterns, to jasmine, and lily of the valley petals and shapes. You can incorporate pine cones and sea shells, and practically anything your imagination can dream and an expert mind and nimble fingers can weave into a doily.

What can you do with these magical creations? You can display them for decorative purposes or use for them functional reasons. In the early decades of the 20th Century, doilies were very popular as coverings for fine furniture. Uses included covering the arms of chairs and couches, as well as the tops of tables and dressers. Doilies covering the tops of fine furniture protect the surface of the furniture, while serving to enhance whatever collectible you may wish to set on the doily. For example, a fine piece of porcelain, a figurine, or a special glass bowl set atop a doily can make a lovely addition to your room. The doily adds an element of grace and elegance to the ornamentation.

While some doilies are designed to serve a functional purpose, others are so picturesque and unique that you really don’t have a choice except to frame them and hang them on a wall to serve as decoration. Such trimmings can add a touch of elegance and romance to your home. Another idea would be to add a favorite photo on top of a doily and frame them both.

For a different look in floral displays, you can wrap a vase with a doily that will complement the size of the vase and tie the doily and vase together with an accentuating ribbon. This would be a unique way to display your fresh-cut flowers or even those of the artificial variety.

You can also use doilies to enhance gift-giving. For something different, instead of using wrapping paper, let the recipient of your gift “open” the gift by merely unwrapping the encasing doily. You will have two gifts in one: the gift and the doily it is wrapped with. It’s great for the environment, too, because you will not be adding more paper refuse to the local landfill. You could also use a basket, line it with a doily, wrap the gift in another doily, and voila! It’s a gift assortment of the best kind.

Doilies can be used in craft items, to shape and stiffen into Christmas ornaments or other small decorative treasures. You can use special fabric stiffener to permanently shape a doily into a hat or bowl. You can starch lightly for a temporary hardening effect that you can wash out. If you decide to use permanent fabric stiffener, which you can typically purchase anywhere craft materials are sold, you should be aware that this kind of stiffener will not wash out. It may also not come off any surfaces you happen to get it on, so be sure to cover all work surfaces carefully.

Doilies come in a variety of shapes and colors. Doilies can be round, oblong, square, or rectangular. Doilies can be coordinated so that different types of the same pattern can be used to accentuate each room of your home or, if you prefer an eclectic mix, you can mix and match to create the ambience you desire.

If used in a functional purpose, you can care for your doilies by gently washing them with soap and water. If you get a particularly stubborn stain on the doily, try using a toothbrush and gently brushing the affected area. Do not rub or scrub as the doily is much too delicate for that.

Doilies come in handy for a variety of uses. They can be used as protection, decoration, or as a novelty. They are exquisite items produced with much loving care and it shows in their stylish designs and patterns that are so pleasing to the eye.

Alana Morgaine
Our Vintage Doilies

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Jul

Why Do People Collect Old Linens?

Posted by: admin in Collecting Vintage Linens

People collect old linens for a variety of reasons. Do you remember curiously touching the scalloped edge of your grandmother’s doilies? Maybe it was your great uncle’s monogrammed handkerchief that really fascinated you. Often, the quiet voice that whispers, “Buy it,” is nostalgia. They really don’t make things like they used to, especially when it comes to linens; all that time, all that care, all those tiny stitches.

Or maybe you just like the elegance and beauty of a delicately embroidered tablecloth, and you can picture that set of six intricately lace cocktail napkins laid out on top of it. You won’t find anything so rare and so distinctive in a department store, because all of those old pieces were made by hand.

Your collection may have started with a quilt handed down from your mother, or it may have started with a quilt you bought on eBay. Regardless of what type of collector you are, there are several ways to display your linen collection. Some collections stay carefully folded in trunks older than the linens, but with careful preparation you can display even the most fragile of pieces safely.

Frames are a popular way to display smaller pieces of linen. You might place a handkerchief in an equally lovely antique frame, or you might opt for a more economical but still elegant plaster model from Wal-Mart. Colored matting can be used to set off embroidery, or the frame can be decorated with matching buttons or bits of lace.

Take framing to the next level with a shadow box. Shadow boxes add dimension and variety. You might pair your grandmother’s ivory gloves with her black and white wedding photo, or you might choose to layer your linens for a unique textual effect.
Few quilt collectors are without a curtain rod which allows for quick, easy, and interchangeable wall hangings.

If you really love your linens, why not decorate the guest bedroom in them? The sunrise is lovely through lace curtains, handkerchiefs may be sewn onto pillows, and there’s no better place to display a quilt than a bed.
Long ago, someone put a lot of time and love into each piece of your linen collection; it deserves to be admired.

Alana Morgaine
Our Tablecloths
Our Dresser Scarfs
Our Doilies
Our Hankies
Our Aprons

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Jul

Beautiful Vintage Tablecloths For Special Occassions!

Posted by: admin in Collecting Vintage Linens

How many of us are willing to spread out those beautiful vintage tablecloths to use for special occasions?

Vintage tablecloths are beautiful accents to your holiday decor. How do we display these beautiful pieces and avoid damage to them? Is it worth the risk of using them, during a time when family and friends are celebrating together the joyous season of the holidays and other special occasions?
Here are a few tips for cleaning and maintaining the beauty of your vintage tablecloths.
First off, vintage tablecloths are going to probably require some extra care when using. Vintage tablecloths cleaning is not like cleaning new textiles. You may want to hand wash all your vintage tablecloths to avoid damages to the fibers. Too much cleaning of these delicate linens, can cause damage and wear on the material.

Oxygen Bleaches
These bleaches can be used for cleaning some tablecloths but not all. The rayon, and metallic threads and dyes can not be safely cleaned with oxygen bleaches. Be very careful when using oxygen bleaches as this can fade your cloth and cause color runs. If your tablecloth can not be cleaned with oxygen bleaches, you can try a mild Biz soak.
When you are cleaning your tablecloth, check frequently when soaking or during cleaning to ensure that the colors are not fading, the fabric hasn’t become damaged or disintegrate. To safely wash out stains, take a tip from Martha Stewart. She recommends lining a basin with a clean sheet before you fill it with soap. Put those pieces that are fragile into the basin in order to soak. It is best to lift the tablecloth from the basin by its corners to avoid stretching fragile linens when you are through. Never knead, push, or twist your vintage tablecloths. They may be fragile and rough handling is the quickest way to ruin them.

Make sure all the cleaning solutions are rinsed thoroughly to avoid breakdown from the chemicals of the cleaning agents. Once rinsed there are a number of ways to dry. One of the best drying solutions I have used is laying your tablecloth outside in the sun on the grass. The chlorophyll in the grass creates a natural oxygen bleach.

Letting your vintage tablecloths dry on a clothesline if it’s not too breezy is a great way to let nature assist you in the drying process. This will give them a fresh, clean scent too. Don’t stretch the tablecloth on the line; use several clothespins to hang your precious linens. If you don’t feel comfortable hanging it on a line, you can lay it on a sheet to dry in the sun. This a great way to lighten any yellow stains in the fabric.

Alana Morgaine

Our Vintage Tablecloths

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