Sunflowers

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Embroidered Tablecloths


I love embroidered tablecloths.
I use them when I invite a friend over for a cup of tea and a chat,
or any ol' time I want to add sweetness to an ordinary lunch in my kitchen.



Teapots, birds and flowers are among my favorite motifs.
These make me smile.

Please pardon the wrinkles.
All four were just washed this morning.




(I did not make these.  Somebody, somewhere, spent hours with a needle in their 
hand to create these beauties.  And I thank them for all their hard work.)

Is there something simple you do to make ordinary days special?




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35 comments:

  1. camp and cottage livingAugust 3, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    I love old linens and am trying to use them instead of leaving them stuck in a drawer.
    You have a sweet collection. I'm trying to think of ways to repurpose them so they'll get more use!

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  2. Beth in NEPAAugust 3, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I love, love, love the teapot linen. I sell a LOT of old linens in my antique shop but occasionally keep special ones for myself. The teapot is one I probably would have kept.

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  3. decorator to the starsAugust 3, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    LUV YOUR BLOG, STOP BY & SAY HI, WE HAVE A LOT IN COMMON :) GIO

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  4. JeniAugust 3, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    What pretty tea towels.... glad you are looking after them now enjoy

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  5. Cheryl @ TFDAugust 3, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    The linens are beautiful. I love to look for these when I'm flea marketing or go to estate sales. I once gave a friend the most beautiful set of embroidered placemats I bought at a sale. They had a little pocket attached with an embroidered napkin to match tucked in. I often wish I'd kept them! But I think I made her day special by giving them, she had made some valances for me so I thought it was the least I could do to thank her.

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  6. UnknownAugust 3, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    BEAUTIFUL Gayle -- I especially love that bluebird :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  7. Little PenpenAugust 3, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I love these tablecloths of yours. I found one at a thrift store this week that wasn't really embroidered, but it had a red hand stitched border going around the edges. I bought it, thinking I could add a little "fancy" to it ... one day! :o)

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  8. birdie blueAugust 3, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    i've a thing for vintage embroidered linens, too. yours are beautiful, gayle. it's wonderful you use them all the time.

    xo
    ~molly

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  9. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)August 3, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Oh how I love embroidered linens - those are all very sweet. My cousin has hand painted dishes that match the blue bid.

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  10. LynnAugust 3, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    They look great Gayle! Love the pretty flowers-enjoy:@)

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  11. Antiques And TeacupsAugust 3, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    I love them too. They are little loving works of art from someones dedication of love and time! Definitely to be treasured! Love the teapot design!
    Ruth

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  12. Warm Hugs DesignAugust 3, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Oh I love the Sunbonnet tea towels you posted! How sweet are they. Thanks for commenting on my blog - so glad you did as now I have another great blog to follow: yours! Can't wait to go off and check it out now. Have a great day!

    Warm hugs,
    Pam

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  13. PondsideAugust 3, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    So sweet! I have a number of similar tablecloths (and pillow cases) from my mother and I love them all. That little bluebird looks very familiar!

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  14. Ann@A Sentimental LifeAugust 3, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    i love the tea pot one! I am a sucker for old lines too!

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  15. My Vintage MendingAugust 3, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    It is a weakness for me. Knowing that someone so lovingly spent so much time on each piece makes it hard to pass these by. Beautiful collection. I don't think I have ever come across a tea pot. Smiles...Renee

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  16. acorn hollowAugust 3, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    love them and good for you for using them.
    Cathy

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  17. MelindaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Those are really cool!

    I keep a candy jar filled at the top of our stairs as you enter our living room. Family and frienda know they can help themselves as they leave or anytime they want!

    Melinda

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  18. ChristieAugust 3, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    These make me smile too...yours are so pretty, I have a weakness for pretty embroidered cloths too...I can hardly ever pass them by when one of them catches my eye... So much work goes in them....they are really like little works of art in themselves to me :)
    Big hugs,
    Queenie

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  19. Michele SmithAugust 4, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    I love embroidered linens! Yours are lovely.
    Thank you for visiting my blog (while I was on vacation)

    I am your newest follower!
    Michele

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  20. UnknownAugust 4, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    I am the queen of linens, LOL!!! They are my biggest weakness! You have a great collection!
    Chris :o)

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  21. magieAugust 4, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    Those tablecloths are so sweet. I adore the ones with the teapots, I have only ever seen the floral ones before ( I have bought a few at the boot sales). I also like the one with the cute birds :) You have a lovely collection..

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  22. Musings from Kim K.August 4, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    Your teapot linen is just charming. I never seen anything that delightful in my quests.

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  23. BarbAugust 4, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    I love the table cloths!!!

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  24. diane bAugust 4, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    They are a reminder of times gone by. I used to love making them when I was sick as a youngster. I love a checked tablecloth for lunch.

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  25. My Farmhouse KitchenAugust 4, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    i LOVE the old linens too...i have alot that look like yours...

    they just make a house feel so homey and cozy...

    happy to stop by today

    kary and teddy
    xx

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  26. Olga PoltavaAugust 4, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    They are so pretty! I especially like the first time with the teapot.

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  27. UnknownAugust 4, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    These are so sweet. I love them too! Gosh! What do I do to make everyday a little more special... hummmm...Flowers! AND Dishes! A pretty dish always makes my day. :)

    ~Liz

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  28. no spring chickenAugust 5, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    I have a stack of embroidered linens that have a small stain, or a hole (besides the pristine pillow cases that we use). I love to use them in my sewing projects. They're so beautiful and someone has put tremendous effort and time into the pieces. It gives me pleasure to continue their life... and I'm thankful that the hard part is already done for me. :)

    Blessings, Debbie

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  29. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 5, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I love old tablecloths and when they have hand embroidery ...they are even more special! Wish I was there to have tea with you...it might need to be iced tea today! ♥

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  30. RosemaryAugust 5, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    These are all so sweet! I have a few embroidered tablecloths with tea pots on them. I enjoyed embroidery for many years ~ made 4 samplers (one each for my mother and 3 sisters) over a number of years but, alas, have gotten away from that. Too much time on the computer now.

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  31. Little Birdie BlessingsAugust 5, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I love vintage linens and have quite a collection of them. After having them sit on a shelf and look pretty all folded up, I decided to start using them. Especially love to sleep on the old pillowcases. The cotton was different than it is today. Thanks for sharing your pretty tablecloths, I don't see any wrinkles. They look great. ~ Abby

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  32. K @ Aurora BlytheAugust 6, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    The teacup embroidery reminds me of the pattern my aunt used to hand embroider some lovely tea towels for my wedding. So pretty!

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  33. BeccaAugust 7, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Love your embroidered tea towels...makes me want to get out my needle and thread! I love to burn scented candles any time of day. Gives the room a warm ambience.

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  34. baukjeAugust 8, 2011 at 3:13 AM

    So wonderful!!!

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  35. GardenOfDaisiesMarch 13, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    Thanks!!

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THANK YOU for your thoughtful comments. Replies to your questions will be posted here, so be sure to check back soon. Have a wonderful day! - Gayle, Garden Of Daisies