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)