Tuesday's Treasures

Confession: I have an obsession. Yes, I admit it. Every time I go to a thrift store I check the linens to see what treasures have been turned in, abandoned by the unappreciative. I find the prettiest things!

26" square either napkin or towel

Lily of the Valley motif on each corner

Linen kitchen towel with liquid embroidery
In all of my study of domestic history, Monday is consistently washday. One historian believes that is so that the best linens, used on Sunday would be washed before any stains could set. Makes sense to me.

This gorgeous peacock is embroidered on a piece of polyester linen-like fabric.
I'd like to make a sofa pillow out of it. (17"x 13")

Peacock tail feather detail

Lovely natural linen hand towel

Detail of daisys in dark and light orange with grey stem and leaves

Bleached linen hand towel

Detail of pulled thread embroidery and yellow and grey flowers

Linen is soft and absorbent; it feels so nice against skin whether it's a towel or handkerchief or napkin. There is just nothing like it. I pay anywhere from 25 cents to $5 for the things I chose. Low end for small items like a hanky or napkin, up to large tablecloths at the high end. With new linen costing anywhere from $10 to $100 per yard, I think I pick up absolute bargains, especially with all the handwork included! Can you see why I'm obsessed?

Do you have an obsession? What do you collect? What can you just not resist? What attracts you at thrift (or antique) stores?