This area of collecting contains a vast range of possibilities, as one can imagine all the areas of living in which "the fabric of our lives" is necessary: the bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the dining area, the windows, the clothes we wear, the ceremonies that mark the important passages from the beginning to the end of life. Because of its importance in living, textiles and linens are everywhere and still available at prices ranging from a dollar or two to several hundred depending upon the size, condition, use, and method of construc- tion of the item. Because quilts have run their course and are getting difficult to find, the new collector should probably consider some of the areas other than quilts. And what are they?

For actual bed covers, blankets, nice wool blankets that have been cared for, is a new area. Although not everyone's choice in sleeping cover, nothing is toastier on a cold winter night to help spread body warmth. If one's taste runs more to the growing popular Southwestern look, the purchase of older Native American made blankets might be the area to begin collecting. (Throw in some cowboy curtains from the 60's, and a real trend in collecting starts). Marseilles spreads, white cotton spreads with designs woven into them, is another type to consider. Who in the 50's did not own a "Martha Washington" spread? They make a wonderful cool summer dress for the bed today, especially in the Southeast where hot is the operative word for summer. And a well-made bed can be dressed up with cotton sheets from the 50's and 60's, and according to Shabby Chic, by Rachel Ashwell, neither sheets, napkins, nor table cloths necessarily have to be ironed, as in the past.

For the bedroom, living room, any room, the collection of hand made or decorated doilies, towels, runners, pillow covers, etc. can provide a lovely softening and homey touch, as well as a piece of history, especially women's history. Preservationists would consider museum quality any antique lace work which could be made only by hand at perhaps an inch a day, and made by women two or three hundred years ago. But after the development of machinery to make laces and linens, women, according to Tricia Foley in her book Linens and Laces, were not satisfied with allowing their homes to go unembellished by their own hands. Women, particularly in the South who had gone through the hard times of Reconstruction or the Depression and who still wanted beauty in the home, picked up needles, tatting shuttles, embroidery threads, crochet threads, scissors and yarn and began to imprint items with their own personal marks as late as the 60's. Doilies, pillow cases, table runners, towels, napkins, tablecloths, and curtains allow the new collector to purchase items for around $2.00 for a small doily and on up depending on the item. Now machine made linens of the 30's, 40's, and 50's also make collectibles, such as bridge cloths and napkins, warmly printed kitchen table cloths and towels, especially tea towels. Also, look for nicely done baby items to grow as a collectible area in the future as the baby boom generation begins to retire and grow older.

What should one look for when selecting linens and textiles? Martha Stewart suggests several steps in selecting and cleaning vintage linens and textiles. First, test the piece by tugging on several places to reveal any weak areas; if weakness is there, do not buy it. Second, do not allow yellow stains to prevent purchase, for they can be removed. Initially try soaking the item in a solution of hot water and a nonchlorine bleach for about 30 minutes. If this does not work, try using a thick paste of baking soda and water directly on the stain. For the third step of real washing, avoid the washing machine, but rather use 1/2 cup of mild detergent in a tub of hot water and gently swish the object; never rub, wring, or twist. Rinse by running water to the side of the item, never directly on the item. Fourth, for drying, lay the item flat on a towel or on a rack and sun dry if possible. Ms. Stewart suggests that linens should be ironed while slightly damp, (remember the old sprinkling bottle?) on a plain terrycloth towel, wrong side first. Note, she suggests avoiding the steam iron which might leave spots, and strongly suggests NO STARCH as it contains additives that attract insects and rodents. She concludes with directions to fold the linens and store them in acid free boxes or tissue paper.

So, go on out there to your local antique shop, or get in the car and begin your journey to shops in the Southeast and start your collection of vintage linens and textiles.