Just Linen

The weekend is always a great time for junking! And I always have my radar out for pretty linen. Since I also sell from my collections, what I select to buy has to be in good condition. A lot gets passed up for that reason.

I never buy in lots because the chances are that many of the pieces will have problems. You have to open up and examine every seam and surface of a vintage piece you are considering. Even then I sometimes miss things. That's just the way with linen. It's meant to be used, and use takes its toll.

I recently found this set of vintage pillowcases separated from each other in a jumble of linens in a box at a fleamarket. There was maybe one other suitable item in the whole box. Everything, including the pillow slips, was yellowed and wrinkled as it frequently is. But I'm thrilled beyond reason when I find pairs of things, and the price made them worth the risk! Often just a typical wash will make the fabric white again.

It takes some perseverence, but am completely hooked on the hunt and the result. (These are the softest cotton pillowcases that I have ever felt!)

A small hand towel like this one is the most ubiquitous item to find in good condition and also at a good price. I never pass one up if it has a crocheted trim.

I am often asked about restoring and caring for linen. But I am no expert. I know little more than the average person. And I do next to no restoration. My experience has taught me to tell the difference between what will simply wash out, and what you will likely have to live with.

I have a great talent for loving linen, however! And that is the driving force in my search. It is a texture of life that I never want to live without.

Smooth cotton to lie my head down on at night. The soft look of a freshly laid table. The prettiness of a bit of lace peeking out over the furniture, or a lovely weave to address the mundane tasks of every day.

Linens are a part of life. We may as well have some lovely ones!

We had an exciting thunderstorm and refreshing rain last evening after the weather report predicted no chance of rain. (We aways need it here in the desert.) Don't you just love beating the odds? And it's a perfect morning for the farmer's market.

Have a fantastic weekend no matter what you're up to!

Thanks so much for coming by!

Jacqueline