Tuesday 11 November 2014

Estate Sale Finds

I was back home in Northern Ireland last week and one of my tasks during my visit was to collect 3 large boxes of linens which had been part of an estate sale in Ballymoney, Co Antrim.

Wealthy farming country surrounds this part of the province and I was thrilled to find the boxes contained some really lovely quality Irish Linens from days past.

Teacloths, tea cosy covers, napkins and tray cloths galore. So it has been a busy laundry time and such a joy to see the rather limp and tired looking pieces come back to life.





These 2 tea cosy covers were looking a bit tired and the pink one had a few light tea stains, but now both are fresh and bright again, ready for a tea party!


Dainty afternoon tea napkins with appliqué motifs and a real County Antrim classic, an embroidered tea cloth from the Old Bleach Linen company of Randalstown, with its distinctive twin needle embroidery work.



There were quite a number of mats and runners all embellished with beautiful whitework embroidery. The houses in this part of the world were certainly graced with some wonderful examples of fine Irish Linen at its best.


A gorgeous oval dressing table mat with magnificent embroidery work. The petals and leaves are filled with the tiniest of seed stitches - it would have taken many hours to complete this intricate work.


A rare and unusual runner with 2 matching coasters, this was probably a runner for a dressing table or chest of drawers. Exceptionally fine linen which had obviously been well cared for as there wasn't a mark or blemish in sight.


And another oval shaped mat with such intricate stitching; these are really special heirloom pieces and I am delighted to have been able to rescue them and add them to the website.

It is time for them to find a new home and I am just so fortunate to have the opportunity to appreciate the workmanship and quality for the short time that they are in the shop.







2 comments:

  1. Marvellous - just in time from Christmas. I thoroughly enjoy your articles. All of my relatives from my grandparents' generation and before worked in the mills at Mallusk and Donaghcloney.
    Nick

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