French Antique Linen and Lace

Tipping over the card board box of vintage linen and lace the vendor gave me the thumbs up to dig through them, she went to the car bringing out another stack of linens.  I asked her if she had ever dyed them because I wanted to learn how if she did.  She slapped my back and said she barely had time to keep up with the demand let alone do something with them.

Linen and lace are easily found at the flea markets, though printed fabric such as lightweight romantic cottons, or printed linen, or the best- antique woven silks- are the true finds of the day. 

Ribbons, bows, tassels, silk flowers or sashes often used for first communion or weddings are another favorite to be found.  Better yet if found at an affordable price.  Pale blue is a common color, one that is soft and subtle as the morning sky.

I found this baptismal gown and cape at a flea market years ago for my brother's first baby. Looking for nearly nine months... sure I found many, each more beautiful than the next.  My goal was to find one that was rich in hand made white cotton lace, one within a certain price range, and that was in perfect condition. The cape and gown are different patterns, though from the same period of time.

Antique monogram bed linens.  Is it possible that they could be 2000 thread count or more?  Some are as heavy as a blanket. 

As looms were smaller a century ago the older bed linens have a seam that run down the center.  Hand stitched seams indicate age and are more sought after.  The pillow case in the photo has a ruffle added by a sewing machine.  Often old bed sheets were cut and made into pillows.  The top edging would be used to add a ruffle or trim to the case.  These type of pillow cases  are of lesser quality, and are often softer on the pocket book. 

A school girl's seam sampler.  The sampler pieces pressed to perfection are attached to pink paper and a small bow adorn the corners.  How sweet is that!

Over sized chimney runner, with fellow friends.

A sheet made into a pillowcase, though the crochet lace was added afterward.

Antique lace curtain panels.

Photos:  Of linens and lace from the flea markets in France.  Are you ready to come and find some?

Comments

[YVONNE SHARPE]

I restore linen and lace in South Africa
also bought from flea markets here - too
beautifull

[My Melange]

I was born ready for that Corey!!! I look forward to doing it with you. Linen sheets and shams with monograms are one of my passions...I hope to find "affordable' ones when I come ;)

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Corey, do you have linens from the Azores? I will have to show mine sometime. They are beautiful too.

[lana]

Oh how I would LOVE to come find some ~ my husband says he won't go anywhere that takes a ship or a plane to get there, so unless I go off on my own, I am here to stay (insert very sad face here). I think the ribbons and bows photo is my favorite... and maybe the antique lace curtain... and the printed floral fabrics...

[Jenny]

I just want to reach in the monitor and touch those linens and lace! My magnificent obsession. Your collection is so elegant. Something about them...they carry so much energy and the love of the erson who cared for them. My grandfather George had a huge cedar trunk in his bedroom and kept my great grandmother's Charlotte's lace things and linens and needlework and he was so proud of them. She was from Alsace! Your collection reminds me of hers. :)

[Frenchgardenhouse]

okay, apparently I lied in the silver post. Nothing can make my heart flutter like antique linens and laces....sigh.
Lidy

[tinker]

Now I know why there were some sheets from my grandmother's day that had that seam down the middle (I didn't like it then - but now it makes sense).
These photos are all beautiful - but the sweetest of them all, is that curled little baby hand - and I bet it is the softest to the touch, too.

[harmony]

What gorgeous lace. I want to shop at your flee market!

[susanna]

Beautiful! I always gravitate towards the linens and blankets at yard sales, fleamarkets and vintage shops. I can't believe it when people sell or give away something a great-relative has created by hand - of course, I'm glad that they do!

[Paula]

Oh my gosh, you must be in hog heaven. How can you ever resist anything??????? I would be so broke if I had such opportunities. This post is IRRESISTABLE !!!!

[Paris Parfait]

Linens and lace I find hard resisting at every flea market and brocante. Sometimes I hesitate, because of the sheer weight involved of carrying the item (i.e. a sheet) around with me, much less getting it home and finding a place for it. I have enough to last a lifetime, but I still look at the amazing craftsmanship and detail of the hand-stitching and embroidery. Truly magnificent bits of French history!

[Tina (travelingmama)]

Oh! What beautiful photos of all the lovely fabric and lace! Thank you so much for sharing!

[cd&m]

What a wonderful post for textile lovers everywhere.

[Marie-Noëlle]

This post shook my memory, Corey... and brought back pictures and impressions of the past ... instantly ....
I could see my great-grand-mothers fold or unfold piles of blouses, under-skirts, table cloths,... etc ... in a smell of lavender, old wood and warm iron...
I wonder where all those ended up ...
-----------------------------

How I wish I could say in my armoire!
What a neat memory to have:
"...a smell of lavender, old wood and warm iron..."

[Elaine L.]

When I was in Nice, five years, ago, I stumbled upon a flea market that was held one Sunday each month.

Oh my, talk about being overwhelmed!!!! I couldn't even think clearly enough to buy anything. LOL I felt like a zombie.

It, also, didn't help that I was with two other ladies who had little interest in shopping. I know, this is HARD to BELIEVE.
I was afraid to stay and shop alone, since we had walked quite a distance from the hotel and I have a terrible sense of direction and get lost easily.

I do hope to get back to another flea market someday. sigh . . .

~elaine~
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You must come back! The linens long to go home with you!

[Rosemary]

Corey,
Those linens and laces are beautiful. Much harder to find here. I never see too many at our flea markets.
Hope you had a nice weekend,
Rosemary

[Jann]

So many beautiful fabrics-enjoyed all the photos. I guess I need to meet up with you to find some of these wonderful materials!

[Helen]

Corey...So, so, beautiful. I wish you would do a book of your beautiful photo's. You have a rare talent and eye. I look forward to every morning to read your blog site and start the day off with beautiful readings and photo's. Blessings to you and your family.
~Helen~

[Arlene]

Oh my! I am so very ready! I would give anything to be able to come and shop....what eye candy! Thank you for showing us!

[beachy]

I am soooo there, Corey!!! heehee

[Cindy]

One can always dream . . .

[Cre8Tiva]

love the linen and lace...have a zillion ideas for them...happy fall...blessings, rebecca

[Dee]

I am so ready...I'm already on the plane! Beautiful...beautiful lace!

[marita]

here she goes again... making me all dizzy with these fabulous fabrics all over again!! why oh why corey are you doing this to me??

[Leanne]

I just want to wrap those laces around me. Beautiful

[Sandy]

I'm catching the next plane to find myself oodles of French laces & linens!

[Donna O.]

Ah...those photos are to die for. You know, I don't have anything like these and I don't know why as I love them. So yes, I will be on my way to shop. I hear there is a spare bedroom at your home(and a vase of special flowers).
: )
D.

[Colette]

Ma foi!

I'll be right over!! I need ribbons, tassles, flowers and sashes...

xoxo

[robyn pope]

Thanks for all of your expertice on linens, I have always loved nice linens and have several crocheted things from my grandmother aunt.
loved the photos too :)

[Lorie]

Lordy, first the stacks of French provance fabrics, now the amazing linens and lace, pure wonderful! I know I'm going to be loving your post, when I LOVE every word of your title. (I sat up taller when I read it!) Utterly charming.

[Ulla]

You do know how to tempt us! - in the worst kind of way!!! Hugs!

[Sheila]

I own a few pieces of vintage linen, and holding them takes me back to a gentler time.
When delicate things were lovingly made and laundered by hand, and scented with lavender. Sleeping between linen and lace must surely be more restful.
What a cherub that babe looks, dressed in the christening robe..xx

[cruststation]

So very beautiful (you are full of information and know your antiques with precision). Lace and textiles make such an important part of French home decor and culture. Can I ask what you do with all the amazing finds?

[Beverly]

Oh my Corey, the knowledge that you have! It's amazing.

The pictures are inviting...you may have 100s of people taking you up on your offer!

[rochambeau]

Beautiful collection! Also liked the dress you wore last summer with your Fairy God Mother.

[mgm]

those are fantastic finds and I learn so much about stuff from reading here* it's me berriehead waving hello c! xo

[delphine]

I starting to collect linen and would love to go 'hunting' with you.
delphine

[ParisBreakfasts]

Dressed in linen and lace,
Veil across your face.
Decked out in ribbons and bows,
I can't see your nose.

[Jeanne]

How very special and beautiful are all the fine treasure troves you share with us all.
I love everything.
I love you!~

[pinar]

we call it.. kalp kalbe karsi.. it means ''hearts are turned to each other''..
I was reading your posts..
the pink..laughing at the pink sheets/xl panties photo
the school girl's sampler..asking myself if mine have become already vintage or not :)
the monograms...
remembrering the monogramed linen of my mother.
and also.. the flea market shopping philosophy..
to all the questions you asked I answered.. this is a complete ''coup de foudre'' that I live.. there is no appearent reason or reasonning.. this is how I choose and buy things..
but didn't write any comment..
because I would go on reading further in the archives.. that I have felt an urge to check at my blog..
and there you were.. :)

loves and hugs.. from here..

[Britt-Arnhild]

My finger iches to feel your old textiles.

I collect old linens and lace too. This summer I went with my 84 year old father in law to a thrift store (is that a correct English name?) where the money earned are given to the mission organisation which he support. I came out with three old glasses with butterflies on, and a small, gorgeous tablerunner handmade in a technique I don't know ther English name of (I have a photo in my blog somewhere). When we came back to my father in laws house he found some pieces of art made by my mother in law who died last year. He wanted to give the pieces to me. He saw my love for this old, forgotten art. The pieces are to me a wonderful memory of a mother in law who spent so many years of her life fighting the Parkinson dicease.

Thanks for all these photos. (I am going to Venice in a week and will extend my own collection of linen and lace)

[martina]

So beautiful and so delicate. Thank you for sharing your collection. I think they used to use strong tea water to dye lace in the past.

[Pinkie Denise]

Do you even need to ask? Fabric, ribbons and lace, how could I resist. I don't know when but someday soon..............................
I am going!

[Nicol Sayre]

Oh Corey , my girl, you tempt me, you tempt me...just you wait until I show up on your doorstep... all in good time, my pretty !! xoxo N

[Leigh]

So beautiful! Can't wait to go to a flea market here in San Francisco this weekend although I'm doubtful I'll find anything as beautiful as these.

[Amanda]

Im ready to go! What beautiful finds.

[Bethany]

Wow wow wow!! Such beauty and gorgeous details...and those little baby lips and tiny hand!! Oh precious :)

[Lea]

Just exquisite... I am so ready!!!!

[Hasmin]

I am soooo ready to "flea" in your neck of the woods!!! I am drooling over everything! the lace, vintage bows, crochet trimmed linens and the beautifully sweet light cotton fabrics...Corey, what is that cluster of grapes made of? and the seam samplers would make cute cards! :-)
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Crochet grapes made out of cotton thread.

[annieelfa]

The stuff of dreams dear Corey.