These are larger motifs than I generally use on towels. Instead of putting them in the corner, I centered them on one side.
I didn't have any transfers in my stash that I thought were quite right, so I ordered this Aunt Martha collection from an ebay seller. They were not as detailed as the packets of designs for days of the week, etc, but I like the more contemporary feel.
They are uncomplicated designs. If I were more artistic with my stitches, I am sure there could be more "interest" or "texture", but I like how they turned out.
Towels are simple gifts, though that is part of their charm to me.
I have seen (and bought) lovely towels and other linens at estate sales that were still in the gift boxes that they were presented in decades earlier. I imagine because the recipient didn't want to "spoil" them by use, they were put away in a linen closet or perhaps a cedar chest. So the only enjoyment that they brought was looking at them occasionally.
I hope my embroidered gifts are useful and used. I would like to think that whenever one is pulled out of the drawer for drying dishes or wiping counters that it might bring a smile. I use sturdy fabric, (except for the unfortunate "tea pot towels" - which are still WIP...) and try to make all the knots tight and close so the designs will last through use and laundry. I don't want them to be saved for an eventual estate sale (or garage sale!)
If they don't last, or an unfortunate run in with a paint brush or dip stick ruins them, I will just have to make a replacement!
One thing that I have been puzzling over lately is whether they are "dish towels" or "tea towels". I have always referred to kitchen towels as tea towels, but it doesn't make much sense, when I think about it. Mother always called them tea towels, but never drank or served tea, as I recall... If she ever did have a tea, I am sure the she would have used something more formal on the table.
What do you think? Are they dish towels, or tea towels?
2 comments:
Tea or dish, the butterflies are lovely. Miss M will love them.
Perhaps they were referred to as tea towels because they were intended for drying teacups?
I am groping here, I know.
Wisegeek.com has a good description of a tea towel. Whatever you call them (I say tea towel), yours are very pretty -- love the butterflies.
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