The latest auction purchases - Old Bleach to Paisley

Last week took me back to Yorkshire for the Vintage Costume, Textiles, Dolls and Teddy Bears sale.  I don't buy dolls - I hope the doll collectors out there forgive me if I say that I find old dolls a bit scarey.... I think it's the eyes that seem to follow you about and they often have a very self-satisfied smile on their faces. However, I was very glad that I am not a doll buyer as this sale had some very expensive ones....

This Jules Steiner doll  was estimated in the catalogue at £400 - £600 but actually sold for £4900.. when commission is added on that will be £5780!

These 19th Century Miniature Dolls were estimated at £120 - £180 but sold for £2100. 

This German wooden toy laundry set, including mangle, clothes stands, wooden buckets, in a pine box did appeal to me - I'm glad I have an automatic washing amchine to wash all my linens now however! I need it to wash all the white linens that I bought. Several unused linens with the original paper labels

I also bought a box with a number of Christening dresses and a beadwork and tapestry screen

And an antique paisley shawl and other shawls including the edging from a paisley shawl - perfect for crafts. 

And finally, two Durham quilts... one plain pink and the other a pink patchwork one

  

Old trends and new - shabby chic to antique linen.

I have neglected this blog for sometime! Just too busy with sourcing and selling linens and family life.  There are new trends to keep up with too.  "Shabby chic" style is still popular and I have had many requests for colourful embroidered tablecloths and napkins for cupcake parties. Apparently, cupcake parties are the new Hen Night! Alcohol is out and sugar rush is in! Vintage crochet lace doilies are also in high demand for dressing the tables at weddings. And I have had at least three requests for linens that would complement the theme of a Mad Hatters Tea Party.  Crinoline Lady embroidered cloths are very popular at the moment!

At the other end of the (linen) scale there is also an increased interest in antique linen damask - particularly those with unusual and interesting designs. I have bought two very large tablecloths recently which originate from a country house in Wales -  Gregynog. It is now part of the University of Wales.

 

The cloths are 20ft and 24ft long - huge!! And have designs of different exotic birds.

 Peacocks to each corner and other birds including long legged cranes along the border.

They have been snapped up by another "linen lover" (you know who you are, Nan!) but I thought that they were worthy of a mention and some pics in the blog.