March is my favorite month here in Arizona. The mornings are warming up but not yet hot and in my neighborhood the orange blossoms are just coming out and perfuming the morning and evening air. On Friday mornings my friend Kathy and I go walking, not too far, just 3 or 4 miles. But Kathy called and said there was a garage sale we shouldn't miss that morning. Now, Kathy is the queen of garage sales so when she says don't miss it, I listen. Boy, was she right! There were lots and lots of vintage items but what I loved most were the linens.
There were dozens of charming retro tablecloths in bright, happy patterns,
old embroidered and hand crocheted napkins, dishtowels and table runners.
It was so hard to choose, but I brought several pieces home with me.
Look at the dainty stitching on these linen hand towels!
And I love the natural color of these table runners.
Linen has been used since ancient times for garments and for fabrics in the home. It comes from the flax plant and has a lovely natural sheen to it. The fibers have a slight nub distinguishing it from cotton. It is very strong and light weight and has excellent wicking properties which is why it is so comfortable in the summertime. Linen irons beautifully however it does wrinkle easily. It is perfect for drying china and glassware because it is so absorbent and has little lint.
Notice the griffin and shield woven into the lace.
This gorgeous pillow was meant for my wing chair!
I paid only $2-4 for each of my treasures. Don't be afraid to purchase vintage linens from flea markets and estate sales. They are a small but affordable luxury.
I'll be joining
