Antiques

Lavender and old lace
Is there anything more evocative of the life of a Victorian lady than lavender and old lace. Elegance and stoicism, beauty and intolerance all wrapped up together.

I love vintage linens, crochet, tatting, embroidery and lace. In my line of work I wash, starch and iron a lot of it. It isn’t really a chore as it is so lovely to handle and so thought provoking, as I can’t help but consider the hours of careful work that went into each piece.

As beautiful as they are stashed in a drawer to admire, even 100 year old pieces can be found in good condition to be used today.

For special occasions a crisp white cutwork and embroidery tray cloth makes tea for two rather special. Sideboards, tables, and dressing tables can still be “dressed” with sets and runners decorated with colourful embroidery flowers, just as our Grandmothers did.

Damask cotton napkins at dinner add to any special celebration and picnics with a colourful 1950’s cotton table cloth create the perfect setting.

I sometimes sell linens to creative people making cushions, shirts, quilts or children’s clothes, I know they are going to be cut up and “re-purposed” and while half of me feels sad, the other half celebrates the fact that they will have a new life and be treasured for another generation.