The Kitchen Linens Book

Gather 'round! The endearing follow-up to The Apron Book is now served. EllynAnne Geisel graces us with her new treasure, The Kitchen Linens Book. It's a lovely treat. Family kitchens are where our days begin and end. And one constant is threaded among the people, the stories, and the moments: America's kitchen linens. If only these prized pieces could talk. The Kitchen Linens Book invites women of all ages to visit with the past. In this book, Geisel gives us an up-close look at tablecloths, dishtowels, and napkins with details and histories as fine as the stories themselves. Embroidered or hemstitched, linens or oilcloths--these are the fabrics and the memories of our mothers and grandmothers. And each one has an endearing story and a vivid history. *The book features over 20 projects and 8 recipes. * The book includes a classic Butterick transfer pattern for a vintage kitchen towel motif, circa 1945. * Rich photography highlighting every detail accompanies stories passed from generation to generation. * EllynAnne's passion for finding and saving linens from flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores will inspire you to dig through your own closets and cupboards.

An up-close look at tablecloths, dishtowels, and napkins offers details, histories, and stories for oilcloths and embroidered and hemstitched linens, including instructions for twenty projects and eight recipes.

"Photography by David De Hoyos; assisted by Yvonne Barineau."

From the sweet simplicity of household linens to lacy confections of European origin, this essential reference will answer many questions about heirloom linens that may be tucked away in closets and attics. Whether you are a long-time collector or have recently inherited linens and simply want to know more about them, this guide will help you better understand their function and value. Organized alphabetically by type of linen, the book features over 300 beautiful photographs of tablecloths, towels, napkins, pot holders, placemats, curtains, doilies, runners, bed covers, boudoir cases, bureau scarves, pillowcases, lingerie envelopes, and many more. The items date primarily from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and include linens from Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, France, and America. Captions provide dimensions, values, and variations in size, color, or style. Many close-up photographs illustrate the intricate workmanship of fine appliqu*/e work, embroidery, and laces from around the world. This book will delight all connoisseurs of fine vintage linen.

Bright colors, cheerful patterns, storybook rhymes, art of every style has been printed on vintage kitchen towels. Today's collectors use these wonderful linens to add a decorative touch, whether displayed as a runner on a bedside bureau, used as a valance over a sunny window, draped over a bed post, sewn into kitchen curtains, or made into cheerful pillows. This informative reference contains over 350 beautiful photographs of printed kitchen towels and bathroom sets from the 1930s to the 1960s. The towel decorations are wide in scope, illustrating designs related to food, the outdoors, people, and childhood as captured by towel manufacturers Martex, West Point-Stevens, Vera, Cannon, and more. Vintage catalog advertisements provide both original prices and descriptions, and current market values are included. The glossary, bibliography, and index are useful references. This is an excellent resource for textile and kitchen collectors and dealers, and an enjoyable browse for everyone who appreciates the beauty of collectible linens.

The Apron Book showcases full-color photos of new and vintage aprons from Geisel's vast collection, patterns for four basic apron styles and myriad variations, recipes, tips on collecting and preserving vintage aprons, and heart-tugging stories from the traveling apron exhibit. The book also explores the history and heyday of aprons and looks at the various roles aprons still play when worn in the kitchen, around the house, by the backyard grill, on the job, or for a special occasion.

Crochet patterns for unique kitchen accessories.

Master weaver Tom Knisely presents patterns and ideas to spruce up your table with new weaves Tom Knisely, author of bestseller Rag Rug Weaving and Handwoven Baby Blankets, has now turned his attention to one of the most popular categories of weaving: table linens. Placemats, runners, tablecloths, and napkins play a central role in creating the look of a dining room or kitchen table, and this book gives you the tools needed to realize your vision for these special items. Tom has found inspiration from things as varied as china patterns, a classic Spode Christmas tree, and traditional weaving patterns such as Shadow Weave, Wheel of Fortune, and Star of Bethlehem. For each pattern, he outlines the materials you need, how to set up your loom, and the pattern to weave. Add your own dash of inspiration if you choose different colors, and make each piece your own. The 27 patterns include simple weaves worked on 2- and 4-harness looms, as well as more complex weaves requiring more harnesses. Because Tom is at heart a teacher, he also chose each project with the thought that it should add to your weaving repertoire in some way. The techniques you learn as you work on the projects in this book are things that you can adapt and use down the road in future weaving.