Thursday, October 4, 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:

Anna {fields-of-sage} said...

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

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

This is just adorable!

Anonymous said...

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

Leonie said...

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

bron @ baby space said...

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.

Kylie said...

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

Jacinta said...

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

Anonymous said...

oh Steph ... DIVINE!
s xxx

sascedar said...

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

Catherine said...

it is so beautiful, Steph!

Creative Wishes said...

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.

Maxabella said...

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

Sarah said...

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

Wombat's Picnic said...

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

potts.family said...

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

Jackie @ Fred-and-Cissy said...

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!

Tania said...

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.

Amanda said...

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.

monkeemoomoo said...

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:)

Brenda @ 13 Acres said...

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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