After three soakings and gentle washing, the dark brown stains just disappeared like magic! While ironing the gown, all of a sudden this filthy, lifeless material seemed to take on energy. The embroidery brightened, the lace danced, and the fabric sang. I hung this gown in a prominent place in my home and invited some of my special clients for a closer look.
As an antique dealer specializing in fine antique linens and lace, I often hear, "Oh boy, that must be such a lot of work!" I reply with, "Yes, it certainly is, and I adore every minute of it." My dialogue continues with my love to soak, wash and especially iron. That's when I get looked at with, "this gal is nuts" look!
I'm able to pick up pieces of linen here and there and of course to have the intuitive ability to see the finished product. Very often, I begin with a badly stained and wrinkled piece of material. Sometimes what attracts me is the lacy trim, or the unique embroidery or even an unusual pattern.
When I arrive home, the soaking and the washing begins. It's almost like a sacred ceremony. Now the fun part, ironing. This is when the mystery unfolds, and the linen piece begins to speak to me. What goes through my mind at this moment is, "will it be as lovely as it was in its day?" More often then not, it turns out to be just as I imagined, but often, it's lovelier. The feel of a good piece of linen is like no other.
It often irks me when somebody tells me how they love antique linens, but hates to take care. In my opinion, part of the love affair with linens, is the undying pleasure of taking good care, observing, and most of all, using and enjoying them. The interaction I have with my linens, is the pleasure of their company and the continuing learning process.
As I lovingly packed up this christening gown in its acid free paper, along with a lavender twig tied with a lily white satin ribbon, I can't help saying out loud, "I remember when..."
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