Textiles collector EllynAnne Geisel, author of "The Apron Book," has a wonderful new book out, "The Kitchen Linens Book," that was just a joy to read. I know many of us are fans of vintage linens, and I have to say this lovely book is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. (I'll tell you about the "and more" shortly.) The cover alone was a good indicator that I would like what's inside.
Geisel says a lot of her towels from the thirties and forties (like the ones in this great tea-themed spread) are towels she uses for drying dishes, with the towels made of linen or a linen and cotton blend. "Drying towels like this were once called 'tea towels,' not because they were used for tea, but because the mistress of the house used them to dry her fine bone china tea service," she says. You'll also find great tips like this one: "If you must use fabric softener on your bath towels, leave your kitchen towels out of that load. Linen fibers coated with softener will wind up leaving smears on your glassware." She also writes about enjoying afternoon tea and tells how to brew a proper pot, accompanied by a photo of a teapot I've never seen before, a yellow one with the word "BREW" and three cups embossed on it. Guess what I'll be looking for now?
With kitchen linens so often relegated to the junk heap in antique malls and thrift stores, it's gratifying to see Geisel giving these vintage treasures the respect they deserve. And if you finish this book itching for more kitchen linens of your own, never fear. Geisel concludes with a gift for her readers tucked right inside the back cover, a reproduction of a 1945 Butterick transfer pattern featuring teacups and teapots!
That's awesome! Embroidered tea towels make me think of my great grandma. She made them for EVERYONE!
ReplyDeleteI have her Apron Book and have thoroughly enjoyed it, but I've never seen the Kitchen Linens Book. This sounds delightful and the cover photo is so cute. Good luck finding the yellow "BREW" teapot.
ReplyDeleteHey! Thank you for the loving review of my new beauty, The Kitchen Linens Book. The design aesthetics alone are glorious, but it's the stories shared that bring the fabric and stitchery to life. At the beginning of my apron journey, I'd hoped there were others out there who tied on an apron as a recollection and celebration of the women of earlier generations, and look look! I've found you, who recognizes that household cloth with its handwork is recognition and celebration of the artistry and industry of women. Oh, and one more thing - the BREW teapot. Visit my website apronmemories.com and you'll see how to contact me so we can make arrangements for it to be yours.
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4 weeks to still enter the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEWAY! at www.apronmemories.com
I'd seen this announced elsewhere, and was very interested. Now that you've given it the thumbs up, I'll definitely look for it.
ReplyDeleteOh THANK YOU for sharing this with us! You know I'll be looking for this one!
ReplyDeletePS I HAVE A GIVE AWAY THIS WEEK.
Y'all, the FABGIVEAWAY! is a promotion in conjunction with my new book's publication, so it's safe to enter! xxea
ReplyDeleteI just saw this book last night and was looking for the link to send to you! Of course, we are thinking "alike" once again!
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Kitchen Linens Book yesterday and read it right through last night. It is so beautifully presented and it makes me feel so nostalgic seeing all the lovely fabrics. I will get out my mothers embroidered tablecloths and teatowels and use them again. Thank you EllynAnne for a delightful book from an Australian fan.
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