I am not sure when I started hunting for old linen pieces, sheets, kitchen textiles and so on. I just know that I love this fabric and I have always enjoyed wearing it, which is why I look permanently creased but I am told by my family to refer to my crumpled state as ‘Rich Wrinkles’.
I buy my clothes (in the sale!) from Sahara or sometimes, if I am feeling flush, even Oska for two reasons – the first is my blousey shape (ho hum…) and the second is they use such beautiful linens in production of the garments. To give you an example, one of my linen tops had actually gone into holes and not on any of the seams and I realised it was 12 years old and I had lived in it. I have cut it up really carefully and made really pretty face masks out of the good fabric. The reason I mention this is because I always talk about how long linen will last – remember there was embroidered linen in the tombs of the pharaohs.
One of my latest non-wearable finds was a wonderful French vintage linen. I made the little bags for the Silk Winders from this fabric as well as the Workbox Weights and the heart detail on the Treasured Workbooks, plus some lovely cushions for me! (I am going all Brocante in the barn!)
Talking of Brocante – I am not even sure what it means! – I went to a glorious Brocante fair in Hampshire last weekend and had simply the best time. Yet again I was found furtling through vintage sheets and old wire baskets…. I bought two beautiful sheets with drawn hems and monochrome initials, a gorgeous linen lampshade… and… and… I’m sure I will reveal more in future Jottings.
My new lampshade, far right 
Cushions to match, made from my sheet 
Little French linen bags for the Silk Winders
