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Sunday, January 17, 2010

Embroidered Southern Belles

Southern Belles are one of my favorite embroidered item to collect. Especially when they are done on pillowcases and runners. I've also heard them called crinoline ladies because of their beautiful full dresses.
These pillowcases are beautifully embroidered with gorgeous Southern Belles holding delicate parasols. My favorite feature is the hand crocheted skirts have have been inserted in a cut out section of the pillowcase opening. SO BEAUTIFUL!

This is a close up of the crocheted work. I've tried crocheting before...it was not a pretty picture. It's SO much easier to just find them already done for me. m And when I find them in my favorite colors, Oh yeah! Gotta love that!


This is such a sweet pattern which is done on a pillowcase. Two lovely Southern Belles seem to be dancing around a basket of flowers. They're so cute! I love how the dresses are decorated with pretty flowers at the hem with their tiny slippered feet showing.






The Southern Belle below is definitely one of my best in my collection. She's done on a runner and the work is expertly done with tiny little stitches. Just look at the details on the butterfly, her hat, blond curly locks, and even her eyelashes seen from profile.


I can sum it all up in one word; GORGEOUS!


I also love anything made from old linens. This cute little make-up bag was made from an old embroidered runner. I'm sure the runner was too damaged for display, so a crafty lady on eBay turned it into this sweet little bag. She even added a tiny pink, baby button on the top of the parasol.



Gosh! Just look at the embroidery on this sweet Belle! The artists (whoever can embroider like this is always referred to as an artist by me) used thin floss and tiny stitches to create an image that seems to pop off the fabric.

This cute accent pillow was made from a vintage runner. The great thing about runners is that you have two images so you can usually make two of something. What a great way to recycle old linens! The pillow was very simply made by sewing along two edges (on the outside) tucking in a little stuffing or small pillow and stitching along the third side. Easy-Peezy!


FYI, I didn't make this pillow. As simple as it is, it's simpler to buy it already done. I found this at a little flea market and had to have it.
TIP for storing linens: As you may have noticed, the linens in the photos look a little wrinkled. The reason is that linens, old or new, should not be ironed and/or starched before storing. Ironing in creases or folding linens when they're still hot can cause breakage of the fibers which will cause weak areas and eventually holes. Also, starch is often looked upon as food by tiny little critters (ie, it may attract bugs). Tuck in sachets of lavender, cedar balls or even an opened pack of cigarettes to keep bugs away. I prefer lavender because it's the yummiest scent. :o)
Blessings,
Patricia :o)










17 comments:

Rose said...

I am fascinated by pictures of needle painting on your blog. It looks amazing. Enjoyed it very much.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Patricia....I am starting to drool looking at all your beautiful vintage linens! I have one table runner of the ladies but done in blue and pink. I can't resist looking at them when I am out antiquing! I love the cut out pillow cases with the crocheted skirts....beautiful!~Patti

Eggs In My Pocket said...

What a beautiful collection you have! I have always loved the Southern Belles with the crocheted dresses.....they hold so much charm! blessings,Kathleen

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling these are sooooo adorable, I want them all... enjoy them luv and use them in good health.

Love & Hugs
Duchess

Bernideen said...

Scarlett would certainly love these!

Famille Gerdel said...

So nice!!!

Anonymous said...

Looking at stuff like this makes my heart ache for days gone by...where everything was handmade, detailed, pretty and well used! What a precious collection you have!
My mother taught me how to embroider...and crochet...come and have a look at what I make..you just might like it...it's buried a past blog post somewhere....happy hunting!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I need not tell you that I love your things! I think you already know. *smile* Interesting facts about linens. I keep mine starched and ironed but I used them too. Some I give as gifts and when I do they are treasured!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

p.s. the little makeup bag stole my heart. I have never seen one like it.

Together We Save said...

These linens are beautiful. Thanks for the storing tip... I have someof my grandmothers things I want to last.

GardenOfDaisies said...

OH I absolutely LOVE your southern belle pillowscases and runners. So beautiful! I see them from time to time at antique stores. So pretty!!!!
I just posted pictures about my vintage linens the other day. I have several pieces my grandma made, plus several bluebird pillowcases I have found at vintage shops online.

parTea lady said...

I enjoyed seeing your beautiful collection of Southern Belle embroidery - gorgeous. My mom did embroidery on pillow cases when I was a little girl, but sadly I don't have any of her work.

Those are great tips for linen storgage too. Thanks for visiting me at Tea and Talk.

Gina E. said...

Oh these are just gorgeous!! I haven't looked at my crinoline ladies linen for a while - been too busy with other stuff last year. But seeing yours makes me want to get them all out and admire them all over again!

Warm Hugs Design said...

Patricia, you are my new best friend! I love seeing all of your embroidery collection. Am soooo jealous though.

Warm hugs,
Pam

www.WarmHugsDesign.etsy.com

Brenda said...

Hi Patricia! I've been looking for a special pattern all day online. The southern belle pillowcase are my favorite. Do you know where I can get a free pattern online? I'm a avid crocheter (can you say it like that?:)and I embroider also. I live in South America and don't have a Visa card or Paypal, so I can't order any patterns. Thanks, Brendasue

Anonymous said...

I fell in love with the cute accent pillow made from a vintage runner. Love all your collection. Please let me know where can I purchase the vintage/reproduction pattern/transfer for this beautiful southern belle. I recently found the pattern for the Southern Belles holding delicate parasols with crocheted skirts (same as the one you shown on the top).

Anonymous said...

After seeing your blog, couldn't resist and ordered a vintage runner with the southern belle from etsy. It has a small stain and I got it dry cleaned (dry cleaners said they cannot sterilize) and I still see the stain. May be I'll turn it into a the pillow as shown in your blog above. I also got the vintage reproduction patterns for parasol colonial girl and the garden girl. I made a sachet bag, one side with belle with the parasol and crocheted skirt and the other side with the garden girl, instead of embroidering the skirt, attached a fabric skirt.