Something Old and Something New

I love plants. A few weeks ago I got two little Angel Vine plants and I decided last week to repot one of them with a topiary form.  I love topiaries.  Here's how my new plant is looking this week. 

We haven't had many sunny days in January or February, so I've been frustrated when trying to take better pictures.  But, since it's been so rainy and overcast, I've used my inside time to clean and tidy areas that are often over-looked on sunny days.  One area that has received a lot of attention is linen.  I have a lot of napkins that needed to be soaked, washed and sprinkled and ironed.  I did this for three days straight and was quite content with the job.  My mom was inspired by my accomplishments and she began to do some extra cleaning herself. 

Now on the day that I bought my little Angel Vine plants, I was in a store that always has the neatest and most current home decor.  I love all the new ideas I see there, but I have a very traditionally decorated home and many of the current trends wouldn't look right in my home.  I try to slip in new ideas in some of the details....like napkins, glassware, and small accessories.  The store had some lovely table runners.  I'd seen them there before and then I began to see them everywhere in blog land so I thought I would try that look at home.  I looked at several and I realized that I didn't know how long my table was, so I hesitated to make a purchase (I was shopping in another town), but I kept the table runner idea close by in my head.  

A few days later,  my mom called to tell me she was inspired and cleaning out a linen closet.  I decided to go over and see what she'd found.  It was worth the five-minute trip, as there were a number of items she was willing to let me have.  There were several treasures that needed attention, so it was back to soaking, washing and ironing again. 

Here is my new favorite (bad lighting and all). 

It is a table runner that I'm so proud to have on my kitchen table. 

 It is linen and the perfect color for my home.

There are five hand-tatted lace medallions on each end.  They are in perfect shape.

You can see the lovely details in this picture. 

 Each circle of lace is the exact same size as the next. 

My paternal grandmother made the lace and the table runner. 

Can you imagine making all that lace by hand? 

I had a friend show me how to tat one time and it isn't a very easy skill to acquire!

Can you imagine that I almost purchased a plain

 table runner just a week before I got this lovely piece?

What do you think of this new beauty?

JOINING THE PARTY at:

Table Top Tuesday