Wednesday 9 March 2011

✴ unfinished embroidery

Quite a while ago I bought a mixed lot of vintage linens and doilies. In amongst them was this embroidered cloth, unfinished by the stitcher and now a faded brown colour from many years of storage. Even several dips in biotex couldn't revive it's former pallor. It was doubtful I was ever going to finish the embroidery, and really, would it even be that pretty if I did? What to do. 
After much deliberation, constant digging it out from my vintage linen stash...and then putting it back again, I eventually decided to take the plunge and just do something, anything with it.
Those with a nervous disposition should turn away now because I went at it brazenly with a pair of scissors and cut it into many tiny circles for covered buttons. There, done, breathe.
I hope the stitcher doesn't mind. I thought it should start a new life as some pretty brooches and finally get to see the light of day and possibly enjoy some small adoration for its embroidered beauty. 
Most people would probably refer to this as a musty bit of old tat, this antique linen, once a treasured pastime and which for some reason was abandoned in its stitchery completeness. 
Maybe now at last, it can be moved to the pile of finished projects.
Erm...when I get round to finishing the brooches.....which I will, I will, I promise.........
{...coughs sheepishly...}
More finished and unfinished loveliness can be seen over at Kootoyoo.

13 comments:

  1. A wonderful new lease of life! I think re-purposing damaged linens and doilies is fantastic. :)

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  2. oh my, they look beautiful already!
    xo

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  3. What a fantastic idea, they look gorgeous.

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  4. Oh my goodness. They are divine. I love them. If you decide to sell one or two, let me know. I'd love one!

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  5. What a great use for the linen. They are lovely and the work will now be appreciated rather than lying in a cupboard. Do you ever wonder who started out with great intention and then got fed up or sidetracked along the way?

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  6. The stitches are lovely and your brazen way with scissors really paid off, those buttons are gorgeous, really love them!
    x
    p.s you must give madeleines a go, so easy and quick and a joy to eat ever so delicately like a lady! The recipe I used is available on the Good Food website.

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  7. how funny we're doing the same thing. i love the faded brown colour. and i totally love your blog. pleased to meet you:)

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  8. Tat? TAT?! Never. And if I was the original non-finishing stitcher, I would be as happy as Larry (whoever he is) at your (almost finished) reincarnations.

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  9. hey there lovely stitching!! PS your a winner in my blog!!! please message me with address.

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  10. How lovely ... they are beautiful! I think it's wonderful that you've given that cloth a brand new life! :)

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  11. Your buttons look so beautiful! Love them!

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  12. wow, what a god idea, I love it!

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