Collecting Southern Belle Embroidered Linens
Cottage Chic Embroideries from the Early and Mid 20th Century
Aug 24, 2009
Vintage embroidered linens created from the '20s to the '50s aren't just kitchy handcrafts. Some of those old linens, like the southern belle pillow cases and dresser scarves are being collected and adored. They are filling up linen cupboards and proudly layered for use in cottage chic decor. Collectors are drawn the nostalgia, femininity of the scenes and the need to honor the women who stitched them.
The Embroidery Transfer
An embroidery transfer is an inked design on tissue. When it is pressed with a hot iron over a piece of linen, the inked design transfers to the cloth. The first transfer papers were not inked, but had tiny holes to show the designs. The paper was laid onto the cloth and a powder was sprinkled over the it and then rubbed in to create the transfer.
Women have been using embroidery transfers for more than a century and there was no shortage of companies that offered them. The most successful and well-known were Vogart which began production in the 1940s and Aunt Martha which began in the 1930s, both had their products on display in most five and dime stores. And both had the popular Southern Belle or Colonial Lady motif in their catalog of embroidery transfers.
The Southern Belle Embroidery
In the 1920s the southern belle motif began to show up in embroidered dresser scarves and pillow cases. Over the years, she has been known as colonial lady, umbrella girl and crinoline lady. Variations of the motif appeared throughout the 20th century and they are still being reproduced today.
Collectors have seen her surrounded by colorful flowers, holding a sun umbrella, or standing beneath a floral arbor. And they've also seen her standing beside a southern gentleman. With so many variations on the theme and with each individual embroiderer creating her southern belle embroideries with colors of her choosing, as well as her own stitchery methods, the selection for collectors is staggering.
The Southern Belle Embroidered Pillow Case
Many of the southern belle embroidery patterns and transfers were specifically created to edge a pillowcase and included instructions on crocheting the ruffle of her skirt as well as edging all the way across. These are especially sought after today.
Alice Brooks was among the companies that produced southern belle embroideries during this period. The Brooks pillow case patterns were especially elaborate.
Where to Find Southern Belle Embroideries
Vintage Embroideries of all kinds can be found in thrift shops, yard sales and auctions linen lots and a collector may find a southern belle embroidery from time to time with a little digging. The best way to build a collection quickly is through online purchases. Ebay usually has pages of listings for southern belle embroidered linens. For those, expect to pay from $5 to $100 depending on rarity.
Collectors have learned through experience which designs came from which company and when. Price depends on these factors, as well as the condition of the piece. Look for pieces with strong fabric and few if any age spots.
Original unused transfers for southern belle embroideries can still be found and are generally priced at $30 on average, depending on rarity.
Readers may also be interested in Primitive and Collectible Antique Samplers. All vintage embroidered linens have history and value, as well as charm.
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