VINTAGE 101

[Barbara Parmelee]

Hello, I'm a newbie! Just getting started on a love I have for vintage linens. How can I educate myself on types, materials, do's & don't s??

[Diane Fashinpaur]

Since you posted your question 5 years ago, am sure you are well on your way.  I developed a love for vintage textiles about 25 years ago.  I mainly used books on the subject that were pretty helpful in learning about what was what and how to care for.  Some have ideas about how to use vintage linens and laces.  You may already have found these, but just in case.....

Anything by Elizabeth Kurella.  I found her books most helpful being very detailed and informative:

Normandy Lace Patchworks

A Pocket Guide to Valuable Old Lace and Lacy Linens

Anybody Can Mend Lace and Linens

The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles

Reigate, Emily:  An Illustrated Guide to Lace

Scofield and Zalamea:  20th Century Linens and Lace

Warnick/Nilsson:  Legacy of Lace

Niles:  Living with Lace

Johnson, Frances:  Collecting More Household Linens

Hope you are still collecting!

Diane Fashinpaur