I have a small collection of linen laces made by my grandmother. She did everything, including grow the linen!

Most of them are intended for use in pilowcases and bedsheets as inserts, but I'm just not up to that level of sewing.

I have kept them safe for long enough, and have now decided that I am going to buy some simple cushions that will show off the lace to good advantage, and stitch the lace to the cushions.

The teatowels are in constant use.

I am already using all the embroidered runners and doilies, circulating them throughout the house. Problem is, the cats love to nap on them, so I have to keep washing them to get the hair off.

I hate to iron, so I have cut back on where I use them. :-)

How about framing some of them -- and creating a gallery wall -- along with old back-and-white or sepia photos of family or just great old photos?

Perhaps gather a number of smaller items and display in a old large white ironstone bowl on a side table?

Perhaps over an old wood ladder?

Create a rotating display (with out-of-display items kept in acid-free paper etc) by folding and creating a couple of piles of items on bookshelves? Maybe add some of books on vintage linens?

Under a glass top on a old table (make sure that the table is out of direct sunlight AND that the linens are protected from touching a wood with an acid-free mat!) Add vintage postcars and photos.

homemaker-what beautiful pieces! I like the pillow idea!

teacats-I LOVE the gallery wall idea. I have two pictures of my great grandfather and his brother in the lace christening gown my great great grandmother made. I'm trying to find a small wood ladder, well not small but narrow. I might have one made as I can't seem to find one!

I framed numerous handkerchiefs that belonged to my maternal grandmother and several handmade by my paternal great grandmother. They are currently hanging in my sunroom:

{{!gwi}}

Last house, they were hanging in the stairwell to our MBR area:

I framed three dresses worn for 1 year old portraits; mine, DD2 and my sister's - which was made by my paternal grandmother:

{{!gwi}}

I have quite a few old tablecloths that my Granny made, of course the tables from her time are quite a bit smaller than my table. I had a duvet made out of wonderful white sheets & had one linen tablecloth sewn on the duvet.

You could also do the same with your lace on pillows.

Smiles:)

I was hoping that Allison and ScoobyRuby would jump in. Their use of linens is gorgeous.

I think having them displayed under protective glass on a table or tables in the livingroom would be really pretty too. I have always dreamed of doing that, just haven't gotten the right tables for it yet.

I also think they look good displayed on towel racks as in the kitchen and bathroom. Quests know not to use them.

Also, I like certain vintage linens to be used for pillows on the bed or sofa in the bedroom. If in fact, you don't mind cutting and sewing them. They are pretty reasonable unless they are sentamental.

Gosh my aunt gave my cousins all her antique bed linens that were from Italy. And she promised me some, darn.

Allison, lovely, as always.

I like the framing idea. Allison's choice of very simple frames is instructive. You want the linens to be the things to which you eye is drawn.
If they are very intricate cutwork, or very lacy, consider a pale blue or taupe backing board so that the pattern is easy to see...and be sure that all your framing materials are acid free museum board. Otherwise, over time, they will damage and discolor your linens.

If you decide to hang them over a wooden ladder, put a piece of acid-free tissue or felt behind them. The wood will also transfer acids and stains.
And wherever you can, USE them!

Homemaker, I actually love to iron, probably because I was taught very young how to iron linens so that it is easy and satisfying. I think I'll post about that...

Allison and Scooby -- love what you did!

Wow! Allison and Scooby those are GORGEOUS ideas. Especially the framed pieces--I have several that would look good in frames...hmmmm

Thanks for the compliments on the bedding. You can't really see all the intricate needle work that my Granny put on it. She was widowed at 40, never remarried and I so regret that I never learned her craft. She made all the baby clothes for the grandkids. I have my dress & my DS outfit in shadow boxes like Allison's.

I also put on this bed the pillow cases that my Mom took when she went off to college. Nice linens seems to be more of a thing of the past - my generation is more about Pottery Barn instead of handcrafted items. Very sad.

Smiles:)

Thanks, everyone. The handkerchiefs are framed in two different styles. Same width/depth, just didn't want them all the same. I love seeing them every day and never tire of them....even after 15 years!