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The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing, and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives
Gather 'round! The endearing follow-up to The Apron Book is now served. EllynAnne Geisel graces us with her new treasure, The Kitchen Linens Book . It's a lovely treat.
Family kitchens are where our days begin and end. And one constant is threaded among the people, the stories, and the America's kitchen linens. If only these prized pieces could talk.
The Kitchen Linens Book invites women of all ages to visit with the past. In this book, Geisel gives us an up-close look at tablecloths, dishtowels, and napkins with details and histories as fine as the stories themselves. Embroidered or hemstitched, linens or oilcloths--these are the fabrics and the memories of our mothers and grandmothers. And each one has an endearing story and a vivid history.
*The book features over 20 projects and 8 recipes.
* The book includes a classic Butterick transfer pattern for a vintage kitchen towel motif, circa 1945.
* Rich photography highlighting every detail accompanies stories passed from generation to generation.
* EllynAnne's passion for finding and saving linens from flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores will inspire you to dig through your own closets and cupboards.
Family kitchens are where our days begin and end. And one constant is threaded among the people, the stories, and the America's kitchen linens. If only these prized pieces could talk.
The Kitchen Linens Book invites women of all ages to visit with the past. In this book, Geisel gives us an up-close look at tablecloths, dishtowels, and napkins with details and histories as fine as the stories themselves. Embroidered or hemstitched, linens or oilcloths--these are the fabrics and the memories of our mothers and grandmothers. And each one has an endearing story and a vivid history.
*The book features over 20 projects and 8 recipes.
* The book includes a classic Butterick transfer pattern for a vintage kitchen towel motif, circa 1945.
* Rich photography highlighting every detail accompanies stories passed from generation to generation.
* EllynAnne's passion for finding and saving linens from flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores will inspire you to dig through your own closets and cupboards.
- GenresNonfictionSewingCrafts
152 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 30, 2009
I received this book through Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program. I didn't know what to expect, but it sounded kind of interesting (despite the fact that I'm not a sewer), and besides, there's a an adorable embroidered teacup lady on the cover.
What it turned out to be is an wonderfully readable appreciation of antique and vintage kitchen linens: tablecloths, napkins, placemats, aprons, and teatowels. Geisel is an expert on the subject, and has also written The Apron Book and Apronisms.
Chapter topics include discussions of the various fabrics used to make the items, different techniques for making them, and a plethora of uses, both mundane and unexpected during the past century or so. Interspersed throughout the narrative are short essays from other vintage linen aficionados describing their personal memories associated with kitchen linens. There are also some gorgeous colour photographs that made me want to run out to the nearest thrift or antique shop to see what I could find.
The book was a delight, and I recommend it to lovers of all things vintage and culinary, and also fiber lovers, including knitters (like me), crocheters, and sewers.
What it turned out to be is an wonderfully readable appreciation of antique and vintage kitchen linens: tablecloths, napkins, placemats, aprons, and teatowels. Geisel is an expert on the subject, and has also written The Apron Book and Apronisms.
Chapter topics include discussions of the various fabrics used to make the items, different techniques for making them, and a plethora of uses, both mundane and unexpected during the past century or so. Interspersed throughout the narrative are short essays from other vintage linen aficionados describing their personal memories associated with kitchen linens. There are also some gorgeous colour photographs that made me want to run out to the nearest thrift or antique shop to see what I could find.
The book was a delight, and I recommend it to lovers of all things vintage and culinary, and also fiber lovers, including knitters (like me), crocheters, and sewers.
January 26, 2012
Another winner from the author of The Apron Book. If anything, I enjoyed this book even more, as the author explored the other linens once so common in domestic life - the tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, and handkerchiefs designed and decorated with such care and skill that they became objects of use and beauty. Seeing the tables laid out with such care definitely brought back 4-H memories!
September 3, 2021
If you are into linens, doilies, and anything vintage kitchens then this book is a must-have book. Has tidbits of history here and there along with reflections on how, when, and where the woman showcased in the book added pieces to her collection. Also has recipes sprinkled in throughout the book. Gives notes on fabric care, reinventing kitchen linens, and much more.
June 24, 2020
An outstanding book for anyone who loves vintage linens and the memories attached to them.
February 6, 2021
Lots of cute things and helpful care tips for vintage linen.
February 16, 2022
A bit of joy here in this book, such lovely appreciation of others lives and living, very calming to read it. And of course... the natty linen!
March 17, 2009
The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing, and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives , by EllynAnne Geisel
This book could be appreciated solely for the beautiful photographs of embroidered, embellished, and lovingly preserved linens, but it is so much more. I adored this book. Every page brought a new memory of my own family—my mother, my grandmothers, my aunts—and how seemingly mundane items like dishtowels and tablecloths can have such a large impact on our lives.
The book includes a collection of essays and photos from various women, not just one, but one thing that struck me was how similar the essays were. Not in actual content, but in the way they spoke so lovingly of the women who had gone before them in their family. As I read this book and looked at the photographs, almost every story allowed me to relive memories from my childhood. I grew up in the 50s and 60s, and many of the items pictured in this book were familiar to me. I remember embroidering pillowcases and dishtowels over iron-on transfers, and I remember piling out of the family station wagon and helping my mother cover a picnic table with a red checked tablecloth.
I recognized the “grape cluster” hot pad made up of bottle caps covered with crochet—one of my grandmothers had made that exact pattern and I saw it on her dinner table at every family dinner. My other grandmother made tatted lace edgings for pillowcases, and crocheted doll clothes for me.
Many of the women in the book collect vintage linens, and scour thrift shops for them, something I’ve also done. I have recently been thinking about the ways that “women’s work” enhances the home, and the way that women through the ages have found that needlework both improves the ambience of their homes and gives them something to focus on, enabling them to deal with adversity in a productive way. You may worry, but if you have needlework to occupy your mind and your hands, at least you can produce something beautiful.
The handwork that these women did not only made something useful and beautiful for their homes, it enhanced their families’ lives and gave them memories to last a lifetime.
This is a beautiful book, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
~ Willa Cline
This book could be appreciated solely for the beautiful photographs of embroidered, embellished, and lovingly preserved linens, but it is so much more. I adored this book. Every page brought a new memory of my own family—my mother, my grandmothers, my aunts—and how seemingly mundane items like dishtowels and tablecloths can have such a large impact on our lives.
The book includes a collection of essays and photos from various women, not just one, but one thing that struck me was how similar the essays were. Not in actual content, but in the way they spoke so lovingly of the women who had gone before them in their family. As I read this book and looked at the photographs, almost every story allowed me to relive memories from my childhood. I grew up in the 50s and 60s, and many of the items pictured in this book were familiar to me. I remember embroidering pillowcases and dishtowels over iron-on transfers, and I remember piling out of the family station wagon and helping my mother cover a picnic table with a red checked tablecloth.
I recognized the “grape cluster” hot pad made up of bottle caps covered with crochet—one of my grandmothers had made that exact pattern and I saw it on her dinner table at every family dinner. My other grandmother made tatted lace edgings for pillowcases, and crocheted doll clothes for me.
Many of the women in the book collect vintage linens, and scour thrift shops for them, something I’ve also done. I have recently been thinking about the ways that “women’s work” enhances the home, and the way that women through the ages have found that needlework both improves the ambience of their homes and gives them something to focus on, enabling them to deal with adversity in a productive way. You may worry, but if you have needlework to occupy your mind and your hands, at least you can produce something beautiful.
The handwork that these women did not only made something useful and beautiful for their homes, it enhanced their families’ lives and gave them memories to last a lifetime.
This is a beautiful book, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
~ Willa Cline
Read
October 9, 2009"Perfect for the collector and enthusiast, this book is almost overly illustrated with examples of traditional American kitchen linens on every page.[return]The book contains the author's essays and thoughts on linens, some random recipes, some basic information on fiber choices, others' essays, and finally a set of transfers for making your own set of embroidered towels.[return]However, it is completely lacking any historic research or context, any detailed directions on historic or modern embroidery traditions and methods, and any real structure. It is unsuitable for use as a real reference, pattern book, or research tool. It would make a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who already likes making their own embroidered linens and is searching for copious inspiration, anyone who loves illustration of this sort, and anyone who simply enjoys this form of useful craft."
August 6, 2012
I bought the book 3 days ago began reading right away, I really enjoyed this book, I collect vintage linens and I also do lots of embroidery and the words on the page spoke to me, with me and at times almost as if I were saying them myself.
When I see old linens that have been embroidered the first thing that comes to mind was what was the person like, why did she pick this pattern?
It also brought back many old childhood memories and each memory let me once again be with lone gone loved ones that I can connect with through my own threaded needle.
This book along with the authors Apron book will live a long life on my shelf. I just went back to the store and bought 2 copies to send to friends that have just started to collect linens.
When I see old linens that have been embroidered the first thing that comes to mind was what was the person like, why did she pick this pattern?
It also brought back many old childhood memories and each memory let me once again be with lone gone loved ones that I can connect with through my own threaded needle.
This book along with the authors Apron book will live a long life on my shelf. I just went back to the store and bought 2 copies to send to friends that have just started to collect linens.
January 27, 2016
I really delighted in this book as I have a collection of my mother's and grandmother's kitchen and dining linens. Many are those described in this book as belonging to the women who "made" the homes of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. I promise to use them more and repurpose those that cannot be used again for the original purpose due to fraying or stains and yellowing. Good reference on the types of cloth used, proper care and history. If you love kitchen linens, you will enjoy reading this book.
December 23, 2009
This is by the same lady who wrote "The Apron Book." Charming.
This book made me so nostalgic for the old days that I went to the craft store and bought flour sack towels, and an envelope of Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers! And I am actually embroidering a kitchen towel! I love it! Who else has happy memories of their first embroidery project? Who else remembers stacks of beautifully embroidered and carefully laundered kitchen towels, dresser scarfs and pillowcases?
This book made me so nostalgic for the old days that I went to the craft store and bought flour sack towels, and an envelope of Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers! And I am actually embroidering a kitchen towel! I love it! Who else has happy memories of their first embroidery project? Who else remembers stacks of beautifully embroidered and carefully laundered kitchen towels, dresser scarfs and pillowcases?
July 7, 2010
I want to entertain soon! Even if my linens aren't perfect there are ways around that. I'm ready to thrift store and estate sale shop for "new" linens. Mom got me a great birthday present in this book! I'm inspired!
January 20, 2016
I was very disappointed with this book. It wasn't terrible, but I was expecting more concrete information - this book was 80% anecdotes and descriptions of how linens make the author feel, and 20% history. I prefer the other way around.
March 21, 2009
Love the photos in this book. It includes recipes - I am going to make the blueberry coconut muffins today!
Read
May 3, 2009For those who love kitchen decorating, this book will appeal. I found a great coconut cake recipe in this book!
March 23, 2010
I figured this was a crafty type book, but it's not. Still, it has some cute stories, recipes and a look at vintage or antique table linens.
February 13, 2013
Both good for nostalgia and also inspiration for current use of linens.
July 27, 2015
A fun book! It brought back lots of memories of my mom and grandmas and their beautiful handwork.
October 24, 2015
What a delightful book!!I love the linens I received from my mother, aunt and through my Mom my grandmothers, etc. It is wonderful to read something that celebrates these wonderful works of art!!
March 24, 2009
an absolute treasure! This book should be passed down as an heirloom to future generations!
June 29, 2010
Loved everything about this book! The coconut cake recipe is awesome! I've made it 4 times!
July 3, 2014
Enjoyed all the photos of the variety of mostly vintage linens.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews