New/Old Linens

Mary's Cottage Treasures - Vintage Linens

What is a new/old linen item?

It is a beautiful piece of handworked linen history 

which has been given a second chance. By a 'second

 chance' I mean it, in a sense, has been recycled.

Someone other than the original creator/owner

 now owns the piece and will either find another

 use for it, or use it as originally intended or,

 in the case of Linen Collectors, handle it with

love and care as they add it to their ever-growing

 collection of similar linen items.

Those who find another use for the piece often

 incorporate it into another item they are creating,

 such as using a section of an old embroidered

 dresser scarf in making a pillow.

Or maybe you have seen a new purse decorated

with vintage doilies or cut outs from a vintage

 tablecloth used as appliques on a new handtowel. 

This is, perhaps, the truest form of new/old linens.

Unfortunately, in our busy world today, new

handworked linens are not being made as frequently

 as they used to be. Nor are the various forms

 of needle working being taught. In generations past,

 young females were taught as early as

they could manage a needle and thread how to do

 various forms of needlework. Sewing, embroidery,

 cross stitch, crochet, knitting, crewel work, smocking,

 quilting, needlepoint, tatting, needle punch,

 needle felting, tassel making, needle lace, tapestry,

 and applique are just some of the many various

 types of needle work.

Are you a lover of new/old linens? How many of the

above types of needlework do YOU know how to do? 

I only can do or have done the first six methods. 

How about you? 

Have a great week!

 Blessings on your & yours,

Mary Patterson