Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vintage Linens

I blame it on a family addiction!  It's been going on at least 3 generations in my family...it's the addiction to vintage linens!!!  Really, I can' stop buying them and I almost have enough to set up a shop and my mom has more than I do!!! 
Some people collect art, but we are an old linen collecting family!  To us, they are "art".
I find them at flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales and eBay.  I think the most I've paid is $20 for a tablecloth but I know some of them are worth so much more. That's not why I buy them though...I just love to look at them!

I used to shy away from buying any linens with stains because they were so hard to get out but now I know the secret!
It's the combination of Dawn dish soap and OxiClean (the powder).  Almost all my linens are white so I use hot water and I soak them overnight if needed.  If the piece is really soiled I change the water a couple times.   I was told that for really delicate linens that Biz is more gentle but I haven't tried that yet.  You can find more tips for caring for your vintage linens here.
I like to iron my linens with a little lavender water, especially my vintage pillowcases!  I sleep on vintage pillowcases every night!  Ahhh...and they smell like lavender!

I use my linens regularly and even when I'm not using them I have them on display where I can see them!
This is my newest purchase!  What a great deal for $12!!!
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19 comments:

  1. Heidi AnnMarch 12, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    Absolutely beautiful - using vintage linens brings me a lot of pleasure, too.

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  2. English Cottage in GeorgiaMarch 12, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    I too love old linens...not quite as confident at buying stained linens, unless they are a steal.
    I agree, old linens especially with crochet, embroidery, or tatting are indeed a work of art.
    Lucy

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  3. Pink PrincessMarch 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM

    I too love vintage linen.
    I have my own baby sheets and pillow cases and 2 pretty linen sheet sets from my grandparents. I just "found" them again and LOVE them. I too will try to use them again.

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  4. WillnnabelMarch 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    One of my many weaknesses. Love them. I have picked a few things here and there but these are lovely. I especially love the thin and frail looking pieces. Beautiful pieces.

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  5. w00ts upMarch 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    Thanks so much for the tips! I'm slowly collecting, but wish I had lovely lace table linens like you do. They are so beautiful and romantic.

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  6. Jeanne OliverMarch 12, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    I also love vintage linens. It is so nice to see all the ways you use yours. I need to not be afraid to pull them out and enjoy them daily....I think they are art too. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  7. Patti Edmon ArtistMarch 12, 2009 at 3:01 PM

    I only have a few scraps of vintage lace and I can't believe how gorgeous your collection is... how I wish I had just a few...

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  8. CarolynMarch 12, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    These vintage linens are all so beautiful! I love how you display them too.

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  9. A Southern RoseMarch 12, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    I love vintage linens too. I love anything with lace. Vintage lace is the best! I love how you display yours.

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  10. desireeMarch 12, 2009 at 4:24 PM

    Very beautiful. I'm going to try the oxi/dawn solution. I was given an all white table cloth (from Ireland) and I use it all the time, but last time I thought it looked a little dingy. Thanks for the tip.

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  11. AnnabelleMarch 12, 2009 at 5:19 PM

    I have a few but never knew what to do in cleaning them.Thanks again,very much appreciated.
    Hugs Annabelle

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  12. Kim @ Forever WhereverMarch 12, 2009 at 9:07 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for the cleaning tip. I already have both ingredients! YAY!
    ~Kim

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  13. lynnMarch 13, 2009 at 5:14 AM

    Cindy,

    I loved this post, Cindy! My grandmother gave me vintage linens for a shower gift over 25 years ago, and at that time I just did not "get it." Now that shower gift has become my most cherished, especially since she has passed away.

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  14. FrenchGardenHouseMarch 13, 2009 at 9:51 AM

    Your linens are just beautiful. I love using all my old, old pieces, they add a touch of romance to every day.
    :) Lidy

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  15. DebbiMarch 15, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    Oh my gosh, I drooled over this posting! I LOVE vintage linens and what a treat to have you share!

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  16. {Bellamere Cottage}March 17, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    Ahhhhhhh..........a girl after my own heart........vintage linens AND chintz! I've collected them for years too, and can't pass them up. No one has time for that kind of thing anymore and if they did, can you imagine how much they would cost? I agree.....works of art. I have my daughter hooked too and always give her a big box every Christmas. I used to buy only perfect items, but now buy anything that is beautiful. I even enjoy the old mends. I think they just add character and prolong the life of a lovely old piece that may have been sent to the bin. I adore knitted linens....so much harder to find and a bit more delicate than crochet.

    I loved seeing your collection. You've inspired me. Mine are all in drawers. (Other than the ones that are being used). I'm thinking of getting them out!

    I've added your lovely blog to my list of favorite girlies!

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  17. The Tattered HouseMarch 25, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    I too love my vintage linens - whether they are seat covers, fillers for the bowls, improptu lamp shades, I cant have enough. Just got home from the Goodwill with my second one this week - one pretty runner on Monday and another beautiful runner today - $1.00 each!!!

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  18. passion4pinkApril 23, 2009 at 12:30 AM

    Hi Cindy
    love your linens I could look atthem for hours, I am starting to collect them again. I started to give some away to my girls as they left home especially the girl that liked the shabby chic look, BUT I managed to get it back soon after i realised she didn't appreciate these yet. She didn't mind give=ing them back either because she said she couldn't get the stains out either. Know I now the secret, i shall go searching again. Thankyou
    Vicki

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  19. Entertaining WomenSeptember 7, 2010 at 9:47 AM

    I enjoyed your piece on vintage linens. I have closets full of gorgeous old linen tablecloths and drawers full of beautiful vintage linen napkins, placemats, & runners....most of them inherited. I also pick up items at estate sales, even when stained. I use a wonderful product called "Vintage Soak". I buy it from an antique store here. www.antiquehouseokc.com phone: 405-495-2221. It does miracles on anything made from natural fibers. I highly recommend it! Thank you for sharing your magnificent linens! Cherry Kay

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