Back near the beginning of the year, I was given a box of very old linens- mostly single sheets made from fine linen and cotton, each embroidered with a family monogram and inset with crochet panels. They were quite stained with age and mildew, mostly along the lines where they'd been folded and kept in a cardboard box. Even the white linen-covered buttons were folded amongst the sheets. The Norwegian woman who so kindly gave them to me said they belonged to her family's estate and were made by her grandmother sometime in the early 1900's.
So gradually, whenever we had a sunny day, I soaked, washed and sun-bleached the bedding several times until it was white again. I gave a few sets of the linen away to friends, because it was so lovely, all fresh and white. And then when I saw the 'Linnanneitomekko' dress in Juju, I knew I had to use some of the antique linen and the buttons to make one for Keira.
I hope she'll like it - I've wrapped it up and placed it under the tree.
So gradually, whenever we had a sunny day, I soaked, washed and sun-bleached the bedding several times until it was white again. I gave a few sets of the linen away to friends, because it was so lovely, all fresh and white. And then when I saw the 'Linnanneitomekko' dress in Juju, I knew I had to use some of the antique linen and the buttons to make one for Keira.
I hope she'll like it - I've wrapped it up and placed it under the tree.
