vintage linen

i love the rolls of linen that you find at kempton market – not sure what they were used for, maybe industrial towel machines,  you can also pick up some of the hopsack lengths that are usually sacks that have been unpicked and sold as runners.  they make great table runners, or you can do like i did, sew them into cushions or put 2 or 3 together for a sofa throw.   i  recently bought a lovely french white linen top – i love the way the initials have been sewn delicately at the front of the shirt and the delicate darning to patch up a tear. this company Streett Marburg has beautiful vintage fabrics, but they are a high price.

I have started to do mini repairs to some of my vintage dresses, which seem to tear each time I wear them – its a dilemma, do you keep them perfect in your wardrobe, or do you get the pleasure of wearing them out and risk the damage?  the latter has been my choice and thus my having to learn how to patch and repair. here I have patched in a piece of lace edging into the cotton fabric, and used a contrast cotton.   I love the Japanese sashiko repair that I first picked up from the lovely Esthea Evans.