Linen guest towels w/drawn thread hem

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Instructions

http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/drawnthread.htmlWhile I do not necessarily 'endorse' retail vendors, I have found that http://www.fabrics-store.com/ has a vast selection of 100% natural linen in various weights at very reasonable prices. They have always serviced me well, are very good about sending sample swatches, and their linen is wonderful for bed and bath linens. It is also good for reinactment costumes and just for wonderful linen clothing in general. I use a 3.5oz or 4.3oz bleached linen for my towels and bedding. http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/drawnthread.htmlWhile I do not necessarily 'endorse' retail vendors, I have found that http://www.fabrics-store.com/ has a vast selection of 100% natural linen in various weights at very reasonable prices. They have always serviced me well, are very good about sending sample swatches, and their linen is wonderful for bed and bath linens. It is ...
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Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Home Decor

For: Home

Style: Retro / Vintage, Classic, Traditional, Eco-Friendly, Romantic

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Materials

Linen fabric, assorted trims (many are vintage trims found at auctions and garage sales and 'repurposed' as trims for the towels.

What was your inspiration?

Over the years I have 'collected' various edgings and trim from worn out pillowcases and linens. I 'inherited' bags of vintage trims from my mother. I wanted to use these trims and give them new life in a new century. While not pictured, I also use the same techniques in making heirloom bedding (pillowcases, shams, sheets and 'summer bed covers'). A true personal luxury indeed.

What are you most proud of?

All the towels are made in pairs. They are all 100% linen. They are all completely hand stitched. The top and the sides are hand hemmed. The bottom edges are hemstitched with drawn thread work, and the vintage trims are applied on the edges. These towels are lovely. They make lovely bridal gifts, and bathroom linens for Bed and Breakfast nostalgia. Most are U.S. standard guest towel size (12 X 18"). The most recent ones 'in the works' are much larger and conform to the standard European standard for hand towel size (15 X 26").

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Perfect your handwork on plain muslin before attempting to dive into the linen. Get a book or check out the link above for the basics of 'pulled thread work". Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfecting heirloom needlework techniques. However, the practice and patience pays off with heirlooms for the next generation.