la Brocanteuse

Nov 7, 2011

Dentelle - Lace - Kant



These lovely old handmade, lace and sheer cotton curtains,
 were found on a rainy day, at a French brocante of course, negotiated with heads under plastic table covers...
After the dealer and  me were both happy with me taking the lot,at the agreed price,  we emerged for fresh air. The dealer then bundled them up and I carried my trouvais back to the car in old plastic grocery bags... 

 
Today I was sorting through my armoire, rearranging stock and having one of those days where I feel I am in "lappe hemel" as a friend refers to it..meaning in heaven surrounded with  my linen, lace and vintage textiles...
 


Happy to find these special treasures once again and have the time to take proper care this time.After washing them no less than three times, by hand, rinsed them very carefully, they are now hanging out to dry in my "linen courtyard"  a narrow passage where I hang my linen  away from gusty winds, in not to strong sunlight, and safe from play full afghans. I learned the hard way.


So since today turned out to be "dentelle" day...




I rearranged more, put away what came home after the Kamers event, (is it only me that secretly clap hands when not all is sold?!) I am terrible. just love each and every find to absolute bits.






Some of the beautiful items I find, is not for sale, like the old bobbins, that I use to display the lace which is special each in it's own way. I remember where I found each and every card of lace, each bobbin,little scraps of lace in a plastic bag perhaps..all happy finds.


I love  it when mother and daughter, or two  friends carefully look at each piece of lace, unwinding a bobbin, discussing with heads together...and decide which will be good enough to take home for that wedding dress, the christening gown, or just because they love the fact that it is vintage and all the way from a brocante or armoire somewhere...

 

 
I enjoy sharing special finds, like these lace books and lace cushions used to make the lace with original bobbins attached..






When possible ,I use  old fabric boxes all so found at French brocantes, to display lace and buttons at my brocante events.




so back to la belle armoire...more sorting to be done.

 Colx

27 comments:

Acquired Objects said...

Lucky you Colette looks like you found some beautiful textiles. Now you know how I feel going into my studio eaach morning "heaven". Enjoy the rest of your week!

Veronica said...

Wow Col. Lappe Hemel indeed! The lace is quite amazing...makes me very nostalgic to see the lace bobbins, makes me think of my oumas kas full of lacy loveliness..sigh. Will be doing the post on your stall this week.
Hugs
Veronica
xx

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

Lovely pictures Colette, I adore those bobbins of lace. Only a blogger takes pictures of her washing on the line to dry!! :)
warmest wishes
Sharon
xx

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Oh My just gorgeous pictures
LoveLoveLove the romance of lace
xo
Pam

Divine Theatre said...

This post made me cry "happy-sad" tears as my daughter calls them! Just the very thought of women making the lace for special events in their lives...

xoxo
Andie

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Colette,

You are a true lace lover! What a lovely collection and even some small bits of tatted lace as well.
Oh, for those that love the pure romance of old lace they will find a purpose for some yardage of your lovely finds! Funny as I just today and yesterday posted about the ONLY Lace Museum in The Netherlands, in my birth town... Interesting. Today I show some antique lace 'Toers or Poffers' from my Great-Grandmothers. Unbelievable what women created an age ago...
Love to you,

Mariette

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

I have just seen Veronica's post on your stall at Kamers. I so badly wanted to get there but all sorts of things got in the way - I can't belive what I missed. It looks so beautiful!! Fantastic job pulling all that together. Your linen is so wonderful - I love seeing it hanging on the line. x Sharon

maría cecilia said...

Love all your happy finds and I´d be in heaven too!!!
hugs dear

French Basketeer.com said...

Amazing collection, Col! Love all the old lace, and especially the bobbins...so pretty on the line. Have a wonderful week~

Los Mundos de Nika Vintage said...

Verdaderamente maravilloso!! Una telas bellisimas!!
Saludos.
Veronica.

Burlap Luxe said...

Colette You are the queen of lace and what beauty you tell of it. There is nothing more romantic than lace hanging out to air or folded in a safe keeping place.

Your photo's tell there own story.
xoxo
Dore

ann said...

O you have the most amazing collection-i can imagine how you feel-just looking at the pictures makes my heart sing!!!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Oh wow! Veronica was right you have a beautiful blog.

Dee
Your new follower

Geneva said...

I'm visiting from Veronica's post and so happy to see this beautiful post. I loved each image that you posted as well as your tips on how to care for and use vintage lace. So glad I stopped by!

vintageandart said...

Gorgeous post....such awesome textiles.

fotolabida maria said...

ΠΟΛΥ ΟΜΟΡΦΕΣ ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΙΕΣ!!!!!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Colette, you have an beautiful collection of old lace and linens. And I adore the vintage bobbins with the lace. How very lovely your delicate curtains on the line.
Beautiful!

Kameel huise tussen spore said...

We just love the lace ... the lace. Need to come and pay a visit.

Dovecote Decor said...

Incredible! I forgot these beautiful linens existed and you have found the most stunning examples. Thank you for sharing.
Best,
liz

Curtains in My Tree said...

My heart is beating so fast and hard after looking at your pictures of the lace on the bobbins ,really all of it

I just love it all of course and want it all

Oh and the red & white initials

Los Mundos de Nika Vintage said...

En mi blog hay algo para ti!
Saludos.
Veronica.

red ticking said...

pure and simple... and lovely... xx

Anonymous said...

I adore your beautiful laces. I also keep my collection on old bobbins and love to just sit and stare at it. Problem is, I can hardly bare to use it as I'm so afraid I'll somehow ruin it. I have used some pieces on pillowcases and absolutely adore them. I grew up in a house where every pillow case was trimmed with lace, lovingly crocheted by my mother and grandmother - I finally have all of mine trimmed, unfortunately not with lace I have made myself, but beautiful just the same!

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Sorry I have been so absent. I hope that you are doing just wonderful. XO, Mona

desde my ventana said...

Hello Colette,
So beautiful finds, I love this wonderful lace.
I hope that you are well my firend and spending a lovely WE

Hugs

Cecilia

LuluD said...

What beautiful treasures!!

Lady of the Woods said...

These are gorgeous! I wonder how one can find things like this to actually wear? I'm your newest follower. blessings, Lady