Antique French woman BRIDE star handkerchief LACE c1900

In France, for ages, young girls have prepared their wedding trousseau weaving, embroidering and sewing the fabric and clothes embroidered with their maiden name. The linen remain their only possession. Workers or peasants had only one set of work clothes. They had to repair holes and tears inherent in their hard work. Also their home had only one or two bed sheets. These beautiful hand embroideries or patch work allowed the fabric and the garment to exceed the life expectancy of people. Likewise patina is a sign that these gorgeous linens have lived and crossed the times by transforming, softening themselves.

The textiles I propose show signs of times, marks that are a moving, precious treasure which attests a bygone era. I will always try to describe them as accuratly as possible, giving many details, measurements and pictures to show the reality of the linen. Estimating the age of a fabric is not scientific but rather archeologic, many signs are useful, such as the stitches, the embroideries, the sewing, the colour, the texture, even the smell of the fabrics can help. Sometimes, the auctionneers or the owners give me precious information about the origin of the trousseau, monograms, name of the ancestors. Experience is also crucial to feel and judge the fiber content, the age, the origin or the use of the textile. I will strive to describe the textiles in the most complete way, using my honest judgement, having spent many years manipulating them.

Please note my textiles come from a smoke free house. When they are freshly laundered, the textiles have been washed with natural organic soap and sun dried on line . I recently started selling my treasures, new items will be on sale very often, so please keep your eyes peeled!

Items are sent carefully wrapped in silk paper. I am happy to ship worldwide and will mail your parcel with tracking within 2 business days after your purchase. I use the french international shipping service with insurance that takes around 5 days to fly to the United States or Japan with zero custom charges. I will send you information just after the parcel has been sent. I politely ask that all items should be paid within 5 days. I'm making every effort to provide you with high quality linens. However, in case of real problem with your purchase , I will refund you once you have returned the goods in their initial condition (your shipping needs to include tracking). Please note that your shipping fees will not be refunded.