Life Lesson #19: Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder
Just as there are some dishes I don’t like, there are linens that don’t tickle my fancy, too. But some of you will love them… Today, instead of doing the “expected” and showing you some of my favorite linens, I’m going to show you a few that I personally would have no problem passing by.
I once found these in an auction box lot–cleaned them up–and passed them along.
I could pass on these, as well–but I hope you won’t! Kerry has over 200 items in her shop. I’m sure you’ll find something you love…
Check out KerryCan on Etsy AND Kerry’s blog
I don’t ever want to forget, though… Someone once either made or selected every one of these. Their taste in linens might not be the same as mine (or perhaps yours), but when we keep vintage linens in circulation, we honor those who came before us–and we remember the styles (and quirks) of days gone by. 🙂
I wonder what people will think of my taste a generation or three from now…
If you love vintage linens, do you have a favorite style? Color? Do you prefer a particular time period? Do you keep an inventory of your linens? (How’s that for a random question?)
This is part of a 31-day series. All of the posts are available HERE.
I do love…and am in awe of…vintage linens! I love the colors and graphics from the 40s and 50s…and the flower power of the 60s. But I ADORE the old handmade linens…tiny crocheted borders, ladder work, drawn work, filet crochet…old applique with stitches so tiny! I’m learning about them as I find them and I actually turn to your blogs and Kerry’s Etsy shop to learn more. I have an Etsy shop that’s only a little over a month old :–)
Cindy, you have some wonderful linens in your new Etsy shop! I agree… It’s fun learning about new techniques as you come across them. I’m glad My Place to Yours is one of your resources!
Oh, thank you for introducing us to Kerry! I have just added her blog to my Feedly — what a great writer! And her Etsy goodies look amazing, too. I think I NEED those dark chocolate ginger caramels!
Kerry is a new friend–and I’m happy to introduce you to her!
I think it’s an important reminder that taste is always in the eye of the beholder. What I might think is gorgeous might make others turn up their nose. For me, it’s generally the feel of linens that is the decision maker. I don’t like them if they are made of something besides cotton or linen. I don’t like them to be very soft, either. I will starch them if they are too soft. I am crazy about tatting or battenburg-ish lace, but I’m not a huge fan of all laces. I love monograms or simple embroidery. but don’t always like full on embroidered ones unless I know the maker.
And what is this other blog and etsy? I need to check it out. If you introduced it while I was off the grid, I missed it.
I had the good fortune of “happening upon” Kerry’s blog and shop when starting to work on this series. She’s been very generous to allow me to supplement my linen pics with some of hers.
And in case I have forgotten to mention this, I think you need to make a book out of these linen lessons. I feel the same way about Deanna’s lessons from this month from Creekside Cottage. Both of you have been so succinct and instructive.
Susan, I too love vintage linens. While I love and respect all styles and types I favor table linens in white and solid colors. Fond of all kinds of lace and handmade.
I always enjoy visiting, xo Ginger
I love repurposing old linens that belonged to our grandmothers and mothers. I would never put a round crocheted doily on the arm of the chair, but I love having stacks of them to place between a charger plate and a slippery dinner plate. Cherry Kay
Standing with you — 100% in agreement!