I say “mostly” because this was an exercise in combining both new and old pieces into a single quilt. When I speak to groups one of the most common comments I hear is something like: Bu…

I love an old fashioned look in the washroom. One thing that helps me create an illusion of a more genteel time is the linen. I snapped a few photos just before my recent houseguests arrived. We use a combination of vintage cotton towels and terry. I love how there was once a time that ordinary daily objects had a bit of love and care put into them. First in their quality and construction, and secondly, in their decoration. A little lace edge elevates any ordinary life. And what better way to start or end a day than by appreciating a little homespun beauty? The terry towels underneath are vintage too! There are lots of ways to use purely practical items from the past in a bathroom. This antique chamber pot like the ones my Grandmother had is a case in point. I recently found a nice group of matching monogrammed hand towels from France at a good price to add to the linen collection. So beautifully made. . . . A beautiful old ironstone soap drain is an interesting pleasure to use in an old soap dish. The homespun towel underneath happens to show my husband's initials. A vintage snuff jar holds a toothbrush. A nice big apothecary jar for soap is now tinged with purple. The old lattice newspaper caddy is just for decoration on the wall now, and displays a few more vintage towels, and a vintage advertising calendar card. It adds a little old-time romance to the space. An ornate hand towel dresses up the wire locker basket for the TP. Everything here is very low maintainance. The hardest thing is getting folks to use the towels the way they were intended to be used! The photo below shows another of a pair of wonderfully large monogrammed towels from France with the loop sewn in on the side in the center. It's almost a big as a shawl and hangs on the bathroom door. That's all folks! So nice you stopped by! Jacqueline I'm joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday! My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

What is it about White in French living. Having raised a large family, I believe more in the power of white accents than an all out white look, here are some examples from my home

Snapped a few photos around the house today. Guess I'm trying to inspire myself to "pull it all together" and finish it all. I have a problem with getting a room 80% there and then abandoning it for a new decorating adventure. I really do have adult A.D.D....guess it's time for meds. : ) OK...I don't OWN this vintage milk sign but I want it really bad. It's over $800 on EBay!!! : ( Cones for more wreaths... Time to feed the troops. Thanks for stopping by! linking to:

A few months ago, I was browsing around on Etsy and found a simple linen dress that looked comfy, but stylish. I ordered two. They are now a wardrobe staple for me and I’ve added more linen dresses to the mix. I also started working with that Etsy shop, Linenbees as a blog sponsor. The […]

Laundry is one of my favorite subjects. . . When it's done like this. We're lucky enough to have fresh air and sunshine and a clothesline. Later in the season the air will be as hot as an automatic dryer. But on a mild day like this I can strip a bed at 8:30 and have it washed, hung, damp dry, and all ironed by 10:30 with plenty of time in-between to read a few blogs! The trick is to catch the linens damp for ironing so that the pressing is a breeze. It's a bit like cooking. You just have to stay with it (or at least have it in mind) until it's done. For those of you who hate ironing, all I can say is I feel that way about cooking! I have grandkiddos coming in a few days, so my guest room nursery, which is also my linen room, needs a bit of clearing out. That always gets me messing with some pretty linens and laces. All in all, not a bad way for me to spend a morning. I hope you're loving some Summer air! Ciao! for now! Jacqueline *P.S. I hope you'll follow me over to My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Faded Charm Savvy Southern Style A Beach Cottage My Romantic Home

During these hot summer days, when nights hardly cool down, there is nothing more pleasing than to sleep under beautiful old linen. Linen sheets breathe, and are as comfortable as they are beautiful. A light weight cool feeling to awaken refreshed! French Linen.... ...add a touch of luxury to your beds Lavishly embroidered with lovely, and often quite large and elaborate, monograms Antique French Linen Drap's of high quality are mainly in two types: fil de lin, which is a fine linen made of high thread-count, and lin, a regular weight of linen. The normal size is approx. from 90" wide by 130" long - plus/minus, suitable for a Queen size or even a King size bed. The linens in fine fil de lin are lighter in weight than the ones of pure linen and, the higher the thread count, the finer the linen, the lighter the weight. The pure linen ones the weight is always a sign of good quality; the heavier the higher the quality. An over- or top-sheet is called in French a Drap The word Drap comes from "a draper" which means draping. fil de lin - lin - different weaves - different texture - different colors - different weight * image Cote Sud 2005 * * Monogrammed Linen: The marking, or monogramming, of linen is rooted in the patterns and culture of everyday life over several centuries. Alphabet published in La mode Illustrée No50, 15 December 1867 Monogrammed pieces initially represented only the bride's name as the groom may not have been known. As that information became apparent the monogram might have taken many forms, including a combination of the Groom's and Bride's names. An exceptional embroidery of high finesse, finely conceived and executed, untold hours of painstaking embroidery work. 130" long by 96,5" wide, embroidery: 17" by 9" Ca. 1880-1900 sold * Heavy but fine pure linen in a beautiful natural light stone gray tone color, in the exceptional size of 142" long by 90,5" wide, weight: 2,5 Kg. With a large monogram of the size of 10" by 11", around 1900 sold ...and superb embroidery in pure white silk * * This diamond-shaped design is typical for the "Belle epoque" - around 1900 fil de lin, monogram and embroidery size: 8,5" by 7,5" * light oatmeal color Around 1900, size of embroidery 10,5" by 9,5" sold Various conventions were accepted at different times and were often supported by etiquette books and embroidery tutorials found in every form of written material from catalogs to newspapers. Alphabet for monogram in plumetis for lingerie, 1930 fil de lin in pure withe "avec retour" Update: Sold * Monogram size 9" by 5,5" * ART DECO alphabet published in "Mon Ouvrage" in the 1930's An exceptional set of a Drap and two pillow shams, made of the finest and very high thread-count linen - fil de lin, a superb quality and in excellent, unused, condition. Art Deco - 1930's This Drap comes in a very large size of 142" long by 94,5" wide, in a light weight of 1200 grams, and with a triple monogram. Triple monograms: The European tradition is that the central letter is the husband's initial, the side letters are the first name initials of husband and wife. But there are exceptions: A wife could monogram her personal things using a triple monogram, with the initials of her first name, maiden name and husband's name. "avec retour"..... .....and in its original ivory color One of the most finest and elegant linens you could think about! All of genuine linen Draps, as well as pillow shams, are embroidered with Anglais, de bourdon (satin stitch dots or squares), de plumetis - "point de bourdon", or other interesting hand stitches, and most also have rows of jour, jour de venise, or drawn work, and/or cutwork. Some of it "avec retour", which means that the embroidery travels up the sides of the sheet for approx. 30"-40" * My linens come from family linen Armoires, and are reminiscent of a life filled with fine things, and young girls 'embroidering their trousseaus'. From the youngest age the bride-to-be prepared and often herself created her trousseau without yet knowing to whom she would one day be married. The word "trousseau"comes from the ancient French word "trouser", to wrap as in a package. In German: "Aussteuer" (consisting mainly of household linen) The trousseau was, in effect, the package of linens that the young bride brought with her upon leaving her family home. She embroidered her initials on her bedclothes, and on her finest linens she always left a space for those of her future husband as she would not yet have known what initials these would be. (1) 'Drap de marriage' in fil de lin with a superb scalloped border, each scallop decorated with floral motifs. Pure white and from the 19th cent!!ury, 'avec retour', a return of 36" on each side... SOLD - Thank you! .....and a large monogram in the size of 11" x 6", weight 1,6 Kg The trousseau was often comprised of numerous sheets (twelve was common for a wealthy family), numerous dish and hand towels, napkins and tablecloths patiently and meticulously embroidered. Image VERANDA * This 'Queen size' Drap in linen still retains its original natural color which means that it was never bleached. 88" wide by 122" long, 'avec retour' of 33", weight: 2,3 Kg, around 1900 a wonderful and very pleasing oatmeal color * 19th century fil de lin with center seam and a large monogram embroidered in the early 20th century see also here: Old Linen and Lavender * Searching for an exact monogram can be a fun (or even frustrating!) adventure. But as you can see - or as you have noticed during reading this post or looking at the images, the letter combinations were quite varied, so try not to limit yourself to a rigid pattern. You will fall in love with pieces just because of their beauty. Alphabet Monogram published "La Mode Illustrée", Paris 1865 * Related beautiful posts by Trish from Trouvais: here 'Linen to dye for'... here and here my own and here and here * Linen is a remarkably versatile fabric which comes in a great variety of textures. It is a beautiful, highly absorbent and also durable fabric, having at least two to three times the strength of cotton. Linen is much smoother and more lustrous than cotton and, presenting a less "woolly" surface, it does not soil so readily, nor absorb and retain moisture so freely, as the more spongy cotton. People who have tried linen sheets claim that they have a much more peaceful and sound sleep in linen than in cotton. French Fine Linen Draps elegant - fresh - crisp and soft - cool just simply a dream! Should you see anything you like, please send me an email for further information. contact Best wishes for a wonderful summer with sunny days, cool and restful nights!

Als erstes möchte ich mich bei Euch allen ganz lieb für Eure lieben Kommentare zu meinem letzten Post bedanken. Ich freue mich sehr, dass Eu...

A change of scene always makes me appreciate more of what awaits me at home. Getting back to the domestic life can bring everything here into sharper focus, and for a moment or two of time I can remember what it is that I am always meaning to do with my life. Dailiness has a way of crowding out the big picture, but just a pause in routine brings such freshness. And I like to allow an extra day or so at the end of a trip for finding my bearings again. I suppose it is the equivalent of a pet circling a spot before settling in for awhile. Just before leaving, Christina Strutt's (of Cabbages & Roses) new book came in the mail. I only had a chance to merely flip through it before leaving, and it was in my thoughts often while I was gone. There wasn't much time for fun shops, but I did manage to find this new pitcher for my collection in an antiques shop in Livermore, CA. A classic! It's the smaller version shown here. Just shy of five inches tall. A few of the larger ones have passed through my hands, but I have been on the lookout for a smaller one for awhile now. It was a silly thrill to find it! The book is fabulous of course. This beautiful photo is from Christina's playhouse if you can believe it! The next three photos are from the book as well. photo from Cabbages & Roses photo from Cabbages & Roses photo from Cabbages & Roses How can one not be inspired by such serene beauty? I love the gorgeous fabrics, and all the lovely simplicity. It made me want to work with my fresh towels and linens right away! (Doing laundry gets me back in the groove again.) I also thought you might like to see a little chippy table I came across recently, and a fab metal can that would be perfect for a potted tree, or under a desk somewhere. Great details with original paint. It's good to get back to my own playhouse again! Haha! It was so nice to have your lovely comments while I was gone! I'm looking forward to catching up with you. Thanks so much for stopping by. . . Have a wonderful weekend ahead! Jacqueline Join me at Timewashed~Blissful Whites Wednesday French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home My Romantic Home~Show & Tell Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

For en herlig og solfylt helg det har vært ! Og Mandagen startet perfekt den også. Det er fortsatt sommer og varmt så jeg benytter meg av a...

This is such a pretty photo of my little living room...taken by the super talented team of Victoria Pearson and Heather Bullard for Country Living Magazine those are some very old and creaky windows on the wall behind the pine bench, so I'm really glad they don't show ! We have some fun and interesting plans in the works for that wall ( a new space for dining and entertaining!) but that's another story So lets talk about the couch... the story with this couch (why does all of my furniture have a story? too weird) is that I basically got it for free, well almost free... When we bought this house I needed a small couch and I had tons of American Express Rewards points so I turned them into Pottery Barn gift cards and bought a couch...yep it was quite a few gift cards Here is the couch in the catalog: It is called the Greenwich Loveseat It has a tight back which makes it seem deeper for a small couch and the lines are clean and simple with plenty of room for pillows I also thought that it would look great slip covered without being too frilly Because the living room is rather long and narrow, there are only a few ways to place the furniture so the back of couch can be seen most of time. I know that doesn't sound like a big problem but how often do we really think about how the back of a couch looks? And what fabric to use for the slip covers?! Once again I called on my wonderful friend Wendy Lewis I purchased some wonderful faded floral fabric very similar to this my original plan was to slip cover the cushions in the floral and the rest of the couch in white or cream linen... but in the end the fabric seemed lightweight and bit too feminine and maybe not quite strong enough to hold up to dogs, muddy shoes and coffee stains So how about thick French Linen sheets? Perfection! I purchased 3 really big sheets. Two with red monograms like this one and one with a white monogram and ladder cut work like this one None of them match but the weight is very similar and they feel old and washed and very antique! Just what I was looking for... Next post... Part 2 getting creative and putting it all together

I suppose I am feeling apologetic for showing two linen posts in a row, but it's where I am these days. Spending a lot of time at home, and gearing up for a larger shop space opening next month. But I did pop into a market this week to find a handful of pillowslips waiting for me. They were all in singles, and in new condition, as though they had been saved in a cabinet or drawer for many years. I am not at all deterred by their not being in matching pairs. I love the charm of a mix and match much more anyway. And such gorgeous hand crochet trim! I gave them what I am sure was their first laundering, and am very happy to put them to their first use. Most often beautiful hand-worked linens show a lot of wear and can't last a long time with regular use, but these will be around for a quite a while. Even the fine muslin casing itself was hand-sewn in this example above, and it is only folded in half lengthwise here, and quite narrow like a bolster cover. I found a jar of the vintage wooden spools too. The eyelet trim is also vintage, and was quite yellowed with age when I first found it some while back. One of the pillowcases (underneath) has a tatted lace edge. A much rarer find. Very simple and quite beautiful. I can imagine lolling in bed late some summer Sunday and appreciating its details and wondering at the hands that could fashion such beauty. . . . Well maybe you can imagine my delight at finding such a pristine little pile of loveliness like this all together in the same spot! (The wide machine lace border underneath is a valance that I found in the same place.) Each of these was six to eight dollars each. Now I ask you, why on earth would I buy brand new white linens at the mall when I could have these instead? Doesn't that pale pink make your heart skip a beat? Even Mr. Cottage stopped to admire it! Cheery as a bouquet of flowers! I know a lot of you are in the deep freeze. Take care, bundle up, and think good cottage thoughts! Thanks so much for your kind comments and visits! I hope you're having a great week! Jacqueline Join me at TIMEWASHED~Blissful Whites Wednesday The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

(via | Pinterest)

good morning darling friends! i hope your morning is already off to a beautiful, brand new start. it’s pretty quiet around here. the day is still full of potential and nothing has turned it i…