France Post 7 - Some Fabricy Treasures

At long last, here is the promised linen, lace and lovelies post. Of course, as soon as I got everything out of the box yesterday, the weather turned nasty, grey and horrid, and it was almost impossible to take photos. I thoroughly dislike taking photos with flash, I really do prefer natural light. Of which there was very little, lol. I tried again this morning, frantically snapping away during the few minutes when it got a bit brighter, in between rain showers. So if the photos are somewhat dull, blame it on the rotten weather!

I'll start with my favourite find. This is a huge 19th C. bedspread, absolutely gobsmackingly gorgeous, as you can see from the close ups. The top itself is in fantastic condition, but sadly, the beautiful wide tasseled trim is in very poor condition in places. Do I care? No, of course not, because even without the trim, the top is just so stunning. Just think how much work has gone into producing just those beautiful whitework squares, let alone everything else -



Antique French linen towels, aren't they just fabulous? Natural linen can be quite dark when it is new. The more often it is washed, the lighter it gets. Most of these linen towels have not been used, they were part of a young woman's trousseau and probably kept in the linen press for decades. The stall holder I bought them from had, however, washed them to remove storage marks. Shame she didn't iron them as well, lol -


I don't think these have ever been used, the linen is a gorgeous cafe au lait colour. There was just one towel which had obviously been used and washed many times, see how much lighter the linen has become? -


Finding original damask ticking is getting very difficult, so when I spotted this piece, which the stall holder was using as a table cloth, I just had to have it. He looked at me rather strangely when I asked whether it was for sale, and had a good ole laugh with his wife, but was quite happy to move all the stuff off it and let me have it, once we had agreed a price. I just love this design, ears of wheat and cornflowers, all intertwined with a ribbon. And those elegant, subtle colours, perfect with white/off white furnishings.


Antique lace also is not that easy to find anymore. And when you do find it, it is expensive. Every now and then though, you do find a few bits and pieces -


This is a really gorgeous deep lace trim-

I love love love this rose trim -

Hand made broderie anglaise trim -

I have some more rather lovely laces, but my battery died on me, lol.

Victorian lampshade cover -

I managed to find a set of TWELVE of these gorgeous monogrammed damask napkins/serviettes, PLUS a matching tablecloth as well. I really do love a beautifully laid table, with a snow white tablecloth and proper fabric serviettes. I do use them all the time in France when we have people round for dinner or lunch -


Aaaahhh, petticoats! These are so beautifully trimmed with the most exquisite hand made broderie anglaise. There are a couple of tiny faults on the beautifully soft fabric, but to me that really doesn't matter, these petticoats make a lovely display in a French bedroom.

Petticoat 1 -

Petticoat 2 -

Petticoat 3 -

I will list quite a few of these things in my blog shop, Lululiz in Vintageland, tomorrow.

Alright now, don't you think this is quite enough for one day? There are more fabricy things to show you, but I think they are best left until tomorrow. This is a VERY long post already. So for now, have a lovely weekend! Toodlepip xxx

France Post 6 - A Little Stroll through a French Town

I know I promised to show the linens today, and I know a lot of you are waiting to see them, but I haven't had time to photograph them yet! But come hell or high water, I'll photograph them tomorrow and post tomorrow as well, lol, AND............ just to make up for the long wait I will list some of them in Vintageland! Gorgeous monogrammed antique linen towels with THAT RED STRIPE, exquisite monogrammed damask serviettes, gorgeous monogrammed antique linen sheets, oh and perhaps a few 19th C lace bundles as well.

But, that will just have to wait til tomorrow, today I am taking you on a womble through a small town close to where we live in France. I know I usually prattle on and on, so just for a change, this time, there will be lots of pictures, but few words -





One quite often sees religious statues with old houses. I found this tiny madonna and child in a little niche so beautiful -





French air conditioning, lol -

This corner of the house was part of the very old town wall-



Quirky garden statues -












These fabulous little figures hold back the old window shutters-


You'll find cafes in the smallest little villages -


A few pictures of the lovely old church -




It is a rather lovely little town with lots of history, and I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours wombling through the little streets. I hope you have enjoyed your visit as well.

Toodlepip xxx