linen hutch
The Hutch…
The page in “Welcome Home” where I talk about the hutch…
some of the (but not all of the) linens…
and some of the vintage fabrics…
and vintage reproduction fabrics…
and a selection of the vintage pillowcases (this is about 1/4 of them)
I LOVE vintage sheets and pillowcases…especially ones with hand embroidery on them!
and lace? let’s talk about lace.
This is a sampling of my stash…
more to come…
the lace collars I wore when I worked at “The Bee”…
I have a collection of these pretties too…stay tuned 😉
the lace cuffs I wore to many of my book signings…
This is just a portion of my collection. I didn’t want to bore you with 2000 pictures in one sitting. I am PASSIONATE about vintage linens, laces and fabric. Between this and my teacups I don’t know if I can choose a favorite. I’ve been collecting for over 20 years and I literally have boxes piled with these treasures.
I was so inspired when a friend (and fan) wrote to me concerning the linen hutch. Hi Heidi! She’s starting a collection of her own and mentioned the page in my book “Welcome Home.” I love the residual effects of inspiration and how the people who have read my books get inspired and then just inspire me right back.
Much love,
~Melissa
AH! Guru Melissa I love you! 😀 I am SO happy to see your linens “in the lace” so-to-speak. Love love love love…and lace cuffs? Where could I find some of those- love love love, haha! I just adore embroidery and lace- the dedication, patience, perseverance and care- not to mention artistic talent. I have so many ‘started’ projects that need to be completed so that I can put them all in a beautiful folded display. Do you embroider a lot? I know some of them come from the thrift days… There is so much comfort in this to me, so much warmth and pure love in the whole process of maintaining such a collection.
Thank you so much for posting one of my VERY favorite things 😀
PS When is your new book coming out, has a date been established?
XOXO
Heidi
Hi Heidi! Love you back! 🙂 I knew you’d enjoy this post.
I bought the lace cuffs from The Victorian Trading Company. (You can either order from their catalog or online.) I purchased them right around the time Chin Deep was published, so I can’t say for sure if they offer them any more…but they have so many beautiful things, I’m sure you’ll find something you love! I’ve treated myself to a treat from their catalog a couple times a year since I discovered them. The items can get kind of expensive, but sometimes that’s what treats are all about.
I do embroider quite a bit. I am in love with red work (red floss on white/cream linen.) I use to really get into doing cross stitch, but I haven’t done that in years.
The new book is being created alongside a novel and another (secret) project…so, it could still be awhile. I have spoken to a couple (lovely, wonderful and very reputable) publishing houses about the project and they’re waiting to review it. So, that’s very encouraging. It’s going to be a beautiful book! Can’t wait to share it!
XOXOXO,
~Melissa
HUGS 🙂
Oh Melissa, they are so beautiful and deserve to be part of such a magnificent collection. All those stitches and intricately planned designs… hour and hours of creativity and heart put into each and every one. What an inspiring treasure.
Thanks so much Melissa 🙂 What a sweet compliment. The collection is a labor of love that started when I inherited my great great Aunt’s collection. She was an embroidery and crochet queen. I love that she passed her passion to me and that part of her is very much alive in my heart when I care for and admire these pieces. XO
HI Melissa,
I do have a question for you: what is the best way to launder peices that have embroidery or other delicate features…? Is a washing machine safe, hand then hang dry…what do you suggest? I thinking particulary of embroidered napkins and pillowcases…
I hand wash in cold water with Woolite or Whink Wash Away. 🙂
Love, love, love vintage linens. I have so many boxed up and would love to find a way to display them. I like your hutch idea. One of my favorite ones was a small square table cloth that I cut (hated to do it) in such a way that I could spread it across a fireplace mantle as a runner. The lace edge has flowers worked into the design and I just love it.
I love them too. The hutch idea came to me when I was offered a china hutch in return for a favor I did for someone. I thought, “I don’t really need a china hutch…I already have a built-in” and then I thought…”old house! no linen cupboard! voila!” the idea was born. 😉 I love your mantle scarf idea! I know what you mean about cutting them apart, but if that’s the only way you’ll use them, then why not? I’ve cut stained, vintage tablecloths into squares for quilt pieces. The possibilities are endless! Thanks so much for commenting.
One of my most treasured possessions is a burp cloth from the 40’s that has a bunny with his mouth open to an “0” embriodered in pink…just reminds me of how much care was put into household objects vs. our disposable society now.
I completely agree, Julie 🙂 I love some of those old items. Even baby bibs. So sweet. xo and thanks so much for commenting!
Oh Melissa!
This just tugged at my heart so deeply! You’ve got to be related to me somewhere in time. I used to have a fabulous collection of fabrics, laces and quilts and lost it all in a house fire in 2003. I got that love of fine things from my Mother. She had a favorite saying, “She who dies with the most fabric, wins!” And she did, too! This made me miss her oh so much. Thank you for those memories of beautiful things and beautiful people.
Hello Susan!
I am so sorry you lost your collection. 🙁 Your mother’s saying is so cute! Have you started rebuilding your collection? I’ve found most of my pieces at estate sales, thrift stores, antique stores and garage sales. The pieces that were my great great aunt’s are very special to me. There’s just something about fabric and lace that makes me feel connected to her. I’m happy that this post touched your heart!
xoxo,
Melissa