4 Oct 2012

A New Lease on Life






Hand stitched linens; doilies and what nots. Bits and bobs of another time. I am ever inspired by their beauty, their intricacies, the firework bursts of colour.

I tuck them away in secret places only to pull them out on occasion to fold and refold, stack and sort...and generally drink in their deliciousness. I while away time pondering their former homes and how it was that they came to be part of mine.

Some are used for their intended purpose. The damask napkins mop my babes' chins, the sunny yellow pillowslip brightens my bed.

Some however, are re-invented into something new. A hand embroidered supper cloth has a new lease on life as a delicate singlet for a cherished friend's smallest. A slightly more A-line version of this one with the addition of a whimsical ruffle.

In many years will it too be found in a secret place and loved all over again. I hope so.

Inspired as always by these lovelies.

Steph x

20 comments:

  1. Oh my, Steph! This is truly beautiful! New additions, such as this, to the store perhaps? xx

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  2. Oh Steph, that is truly adorable!
    I too have linens that I have collected over time, I often wonder of the journey they took to reach me, of the hands that wove their magic creating them and what I in time will create with them. Definitely pieces to be cherished.
    x

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  3. Oh that is beautiful! I picked up a similar piece of linen from the local op shop this week!

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  4. oh my, it's delightful!I am always collecting handstitched beauties but then don't know what to do with them. such a great idea.

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  5. It looks lovely. Something to be handed down or past on to continue life yet again.

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  6. Lovely! You've totally inspired me to attempt something like this... just in time for KCWC too perhaps! xo

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  7. oh Steph ... DIVINE!
    s xxx

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  8. gosh steph, that's just so lovely! my mother in law just gave me a bag full of embroidered bits from her mum, so love them...you've given me some beautiful inspiration here ;)sarah

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  9. Oh, I amsure it will be cherished and will look ismply adorable on. It is the type of thing that will be kept and handed down.

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  10. What a fab update, Steph. This is really special. x

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  11. golly this is gorj !! I am lovin' your repurposing here, the PERFECT way to enjoy a lil handstitchin' GO YOU STEPH!

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  12. Absolutely gorgeous! I am sure it will be cherished and loved may times over:) Cyndy

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  13. Steph, I promise you we will treasure this top forever. Lucy has received so many compliments when she wears it (especially from the oldies). It is absolutely beautiful and it will certainly be passed on to her children. Such a thoughtful gift for our very special little girl. X

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  14. Wow, this is so lovely! I'm pretty sure that I gave a tablecloth just like this to the op shop a few years back :(. I'm off to look for other opportunities in my linen closet!

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  15. Absolutely beautiful. I have a small basketful of similar embroidered pieces with the intention of integrating them into pretty dresses and things someday. I love the addition of the ruffle.

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  16. That top is gorgeous! I too hunt for embroidered bits and bobs in my travels so I can re-use them some way another day. My latest was an old teatowel made into a cute pillow for my big girl.

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  17. What a beautiful little top. I have just been given three things with similar embroidery this week. From my mum, a table runner and doily and from my aunt, a large rectangle tablecloth. For now they will be staying as is, but a few others have recently made their way into pillows or bunting. Hopefully treasures of the future:)

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  18. adorable top...and even better that you used a divine supper cloth and gave it a new lease of life...and no doubt will be enjoyed over and over and over! wishing you blissful end to your week gorgeous girl xx

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x