Handmade Christmas Gifts Frugally Victorian and Mid Century

 The Victorians appreciated personal handmade gifts of monogrammed and embroidered linens at Christmas and considered them wonderful expressions of friendship and family.  Contrary to the practice of spending far too much money for gifts today, the time invested in even the simplest piece of linen was valued greatly. Here are some beautiful ideas for gifts you can invest a little time is creating that will surely be appreciated for years and generations to come. 

Good, wonderfully woven fabrics are readily available in vintage linen shops locally and online.   Hand towels, tea towels, kitchen towels, pillowcases and small table cloths and linen runners are perfect for the simple embroidered monogram or a center cartouche embellishment.  Vintage damask fabric have beautiful field patterns in many motifs which feature a center frame called a cartouche.  That is the traditional area for the single or entwined monogram or symbol.  A flower or geometric choice, even a white on white running stitch outlining some of the detail in the damask pattern highlights the quality of the piece.  Bold colors or pastels, in cross stitch, whip stitch and outlined with a contrasting color make a stunning piece.


Alphabet transfers can be found at any craft or fabric shop.  Online vintage shops on etsy have an lovely assortment of old embroidery transfer patterns that will make a lovely presentation as a gift as well.  Silk, cotton and wool yarn or floss is available in a huge assortment or colors and sheen these days at the local craft or fabric store.  You can find simple stitch instructions online and demonstrations on youtube.com if you have trouble following the directions from pictures in an embroidery book.  Again, the work doesn't have to be complicated and in fact, the simpler, the better.

Another great idea is working a simple monogram in the corner of a good quality linen vintage kitchen or tea towel.  The rage these days is old German or French linen toweling and you may see samples of this kind of work with just a tiny initial in the corner, usually in black or red.  You can choose any color you like, and scale the initials to the the size of the stripes or pattern of the towel. 

Choosing the right textile is important.  Good, thick, tightly woven fabric holds the stitches properly and wears well with use.  Good fabric doesn't have to be ironed at all if pulled from the dryer when still slightly damp and laid flat to finish drying.  The cottage chic look of the natural weave of the fabric is charming. 

Kitchen towels can be embroidered with the words, Glass, China, Silver or days of the week as well.  Even vintage calender towels can be outline embroidered for a special look around the year or embellished on particular birthdays and anniversary dates.

You can find calender towels going back decades that are in fabulous condition on etsy or other retro textile shops and ebay.  Read the descriptions carefully and inquire as to the specific condition and quality.  Kay-Dee is an excellent brand, Startex, Martex, Stevens, Cannon and Wilendur are quality brands as well.  I would avoid the reproduction Moda brands sometimes marketed as Aunt Martha because the fabric is thin and while it's vintage-like, it's not good vintage quality. The fabric doesn't have the heft to embroider on the front surface. Quality work, even the most simple work doesn't have to go through the fabric.  Thick, hefty vintage linen has the required hand so the majority of the work never has to go through to the back.

 Small Linen or cotton table toppers are an excellent field for your embellishments.  Usually 32 to 34 inches square, these old cloths were traditionally used for card tables.  Ladies played bridge as a regular club activity back in the day and the hostess usually had to set 3 to 4 tables. They weren't used much and sometimes the embroidered work on these cloths is perfect as a gift the way they are.  Or the old work is easily picked out to start again with your design. Today, these cloths work beautifully for small side tables and as a cover cloth atop another on a dinner table.  So search around for some great vintage linens that will make wonderful gifts and add your special touch.  Your effort will be cherished and appreciated. 

www.teaworkscottage.etsy.com