Some recent stock

I haven't shown any of my stock for a while - I am still selling on Ebay - and here are just a few little items that I've sold or are still in stock

lovely Boudoir cushion, from France, nice and soft and all handmade linen embroidery
now sold

This is such a stunning piece: a gorgeous, and quite rare,  little chest of drawers, behind two vignettes of Art Nouveau beauties.  You can see the original colour of the drawer fronts - bright fuschia pink floral fabric.  Just perfect for a collector of French fabric boxes.
now sold

This was an old sewing basket, now rather shabby, but once must have been quite splendid, with green silk interior and pockets, and a rich pink and blue embroidery on the outside.
now sold

A rather striking Pierre Cardin scarf, all in silk
now sold

And finally, a couple of trims: one a baby blue satin ribbon and original card, and the other a burgundy red passementerie trim for cushions, upholstery etc.
all sold

There!  Just to show you that I am still working at my little textile business - you can take a peek at my shop here if you like, or just send me a comment if you want any further details.

My name is Carol and I am an embroidery addict...

I'm so lucky to have found this old cross-stitch wall hanging - it has had a difficult life, cut in two or three and with pieces added, pieces cut away... what a history it must have.


It is made from rough hemp/jute, with the embroidery done in wool - here is an anchor, obviously important but why?


These are obviously the owners initials, but why has been cut in two?


This is true to the actual colour - the anchor photo is a little washed out due to the intense sunlight, but I had no-where big enough to spread it out (the table indoors is full of OH's computer bits and a few other little projects he is working on)


I think it is early 19th century, possibly earlier, and sadly this might only be the right-hand third of the original work.


Excuse the dead leaves by the well - it's been so dry, the magnolia is shedding and it is a daily task to sweep up the dead leaves...


Sorry this is sold
This is another piece from the same source - it was the top of an old cushion which was literally falling apart. I unpicked it to salvage the embroidery. I think it is ecclesiastical and dates from the same period as the hanging and is from a pew seat or kneeling stool


Lovely pastel flowers

Sorry, this cloth is sold
This is a small table cloth - trimmed in blue silk fringing


A small oval cloth - hand worked mother-bird and her nest - quite sweet.

Sorry, this bird cloth is sold
It would be great under glass on a vintage dressing table or tray.


Ever popular - fine cotton worked with pastel cross-stitch flowers and leaves, with a pink scalloped edge


Again, this would make a lovely tray cloth or under glass


I ADORE this bear - he looks so intense as he rows his friends in his boat. Stitched by a young girl perhaps - a lost art I think these days -how many girls (or boys!) are taught sewing at school?

Sorry, this bear is sold
This would be lovely framed for a nursery, or topping a pillow or cushion.

Sorry, this cloth is sold
Another small square table cloth - harvest table perhaps as there is an ear of corn on opposite corners.


Sorry, this torchon is sold
A nice embroidered torchon - or tea-towel, love the lemons! Blue hearts are nice too.


Here is that ear of corn again - stitched by hand

Sorry, but this is sold
And on the other two corners is this spray of flowers.


This table cloth is just perfect for summer - just look at those Van Gogh sunflowers... just right for a picnic cloth too...the yellow silk is virtually encrusted onto the cloth.


Sorry, this sunflower cloth is sold
Well, just a few embroidered pieces I have, all of them French, ranging in styles, colours and use. You can check out my listings for these and other pieces on my Ebay shop here or just email me for more info.

I'm going to be rather busy - I have just bought another 3 bags of linen - it must all be laundered and hung out to dry - and guess what? The drought has broken and it's raining!

Some old needlecraft work for sale

Sorry, but this trim is sold
I love this lace/crochet trim - it forms a square frame 2 feet by 2 feet, with sweet corners perfectly turned - just right for decorating a bedcover, curtain or tablecloth - my Ebay auction is here.



sorry, this doiley is sold
This French doiley is amazing - look at the work - it must have taken hours to make. Read more here.


Sorry, but this cushion is sold
A pair of doves, sitting on a sprig of blossom - this wool work cushion is from the 1950s and has a burgundy velour base - see more here



This waffle weave hand or guest towel is a little shabby, but we can forgive that because it has an enormous monogram in red cross stitch 'LR'. You could use it to make a fabulous cushion or bag - or, if you don't mind the slightly shabby fringe it would be perfect in a guest room or cloakroom.
The Ebay listing is here.



Sorry but this item is sold
The ever-popular basket of flowers - hand embroidered on this table runner. SO pretty - and useful - you can read more here.

I just love these items - they're just simple, household linen that have been lovingly worked by a past generation - they're not museum pieces nor rare works of art, just nice, comfortable things to have around the home.

All these skills used to be taught at school, and girls learned by watching their mothers and grannies - such a shame that there is no time nor room in schools these days for such crafts. Thank goodness for a revival in interest in all things vintage and retro - and for places like Etsy and Ebay where we can buy and sell these gorgeous items from the past.