When antiquing, I keep my eye peeled for vintage linens like the ones I found today at Blue Moon Antiques and Vintage Junktion (both stores in Warner Robins, GA). I’m always hoping to rescue a treasure from the trash bin. I look for linen or cotton, and pass up any that have a polyester feel to them. I want hand embroidery or appliqué, but don’t turn up my nose at some older pieces that were machine made.
Sometimes, if the price is right, I buy a tattered piece for the lace or tatting on the edge. And, yes, I do buy the occasional doily. One antique dealer commented to me last week that “doily” was the most creatively spelled word he saw on dealer’s tags.
I know which booths often have nice linens in the antique markets we frequent regularly. I know those which often have pieces that aren’t marked and have learned to make a fair offer–it’s usually accepted. I don’t plan to pay top dollar for my treasures because I do intend to eventually cut them up and sew them to something else. But I often use tablecloths, tea towels, and napkins for their intended purpose first, giving the pieces a personal memory to attach to the art being created later.
Today’s outing found me bringing home some lovely treasures at bargain prices (and a couple that weren’t really bargains, but were just too lovely to leave behind). I bought dresser scarves, napkins, tea towels, doilies, a couple of linen bridge table cloths, a baby’s dress with delicate blue embroidery, some vintage handkerchiefs, buttons, and ribbon.
As I’m looking and touching and plundering, I’m dreaming. I’m planning and scheming projects galore! I love it when a vendor asks, “what are you going to do with these?” Today I pulled out my phone, shared a few photos of recent pieces, and gave them some ideas to ponder. I could see their wheels turning as well as mine. After all, they love the vintage cloth, too. That’s why they have so much on hand.
Photos:
At the top, some of the treasures that came home with me. Yes, the Longaberger basket was a bargain buy, too. These double pie baskets make great sewing baskets.
Lower photo: a booth in one of the stores showing just a small portion of the treasures I viewed today.