Vintage Linens

Sometimes when I buy furniture at auction I find the drawers still stuffed with odds and ends. I once bought a sideboard that still had a tv remote  - I'm hoping the people who sold it aren't still looking in depths of the couch for it...

When I bought this dressing table...

 that I turned into this ladies writing desk....

...the drawers were filled to the brim, stuffed so tight I could barely get the drawers open, with vintage handkerchiefs. A lot of them were still in their boxes, brand new. I thought for a while about what I could do with them as it seemed too sad to throw away. Some old lady had obviously treasured them!

Then I remembered Ness from Marley & Lockyer.  Actually her blog was one of the first I followed and I was able to meet Ness at the Boutique Markets a few months ago. 

Among other gorgeous stuff, Ness uses vintage linens to make lovely cushion covers. 

Via Marley&Lockyer

I thought that for sure she could turn this pile of hankies into something special.  They have been soaked in Napisan and boiling water, then through a hot wash, line dried and then ironed and are now ready to be posted to Ness in Tasmania.

There are some unique pieces - such as this hand sewn lace from Brugge, Belgium. My mum went gaga over this beautiful Belgian lace one. 

  I think this one below is my favourite. 

Anyway Ness, I can't wait to see what you do with them!

What's the weirdest thing you've ever found in something you've bought second-hand?


cheers 
Fiona