5.13.2009

tea towels

Yesterday afternoon I drove to a couple of my favorite nearby antique malls. I always look for cute and unusual examples of embroidery and I wasn't disappointed—three tea towels, each with a different look and feel.

The first is a really nice idea. A section of red linen is sandwiched between two of white linen. Over the sewn seam is white feather stitch embroidery and at the bottom of the red panel is a mostly satin stitch bunch of holly leaves and berries. All very nicely done.

holly

The second is a cute cross stitch parrot on a perch and I love the pink and white striped border. This one isn't in perfect condition—kind of faded and with a few holes along the edge, but I think I'll be able to use it for something.

parrot

parrot

Third, and last, is a pretty blue-bordered towel with hollyhocks (I think) done in applique and embroidery. I love the use of the little circles in various shades of blue—simple in themselves but combined together to form the flower. I think this is probably from the 1950s but looks modern enough that it could have been made today.

hollyhocks

The embroidery is just straight stitch radiating out from the center to form a circle.

hollyhocks

The rest of my purchases weren't all that noteworthy—a few hankies, aprons, and buttons. Both malls aren't quite as good as they used to be and I hope this isn't a trend as I start my summer shopping.

8 comments:

Home Deconomics said...

Funny you should post this today. I spent all yesterday afternoon taking pictures of my vintage embroidery finds. I am astounded by the time and care that has gone into these pieces.

I hope to post them sometime this week if you care to take a peek. I will have oodles more on Flickr too. I love admiring vintage embroidery!

A Thrifty Mrs said...

They are beautiful. Great finds, thanks for sharing.

Debbie said...

Oh I love vintage embroidered pieces! All three are lovely and very different. I learned a lot reading this and viewing the photos...thanks!

JZ in VA said...

I just love these. Thank you so much for the chance to see the treasures you found. They are just amazing.

Home Deconomics said...

I got my pictures up on Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_hbic/

manila realty said...

my mom love embroidery too :)

mi young Lee said...

Is this vintages??

janet said...

Yes, all three towels are vintage. Not sure how much so since I don't know who made them or when, but I can tell they're old.