Most of you know already that I'm a little nutty when it comes to old linens. It started with the large, 80 cm (30 inch) square "European" pillowcases with crochet inserts or various types of embroidery. I found them here and there at antique shows and shops. When we moved here, they were everywhere and so much more available than in the US. I got pretty picky and then bought them for others and then stopped buying them altogether. But I still look and occasionally buy something.
My favorite things have a history, a story or something family-related.
Before we left for our US visit, Werner visited Mutti and brought back some table linens. I said How nice, and put them away; at the time, there was no time to do more. So, finally, the other day, I got around to sorting them.
Here's one:
I recognized immediately its age and the handwork, so I called Mutti to ask about it. Oh, she said, I did that when I was 16 or 17, I'm not really sure. Yow. Hand woven linen with white work hem stitiching. To be honest, it isn't all that sophisticated - Mutti was a farm girl after all - but it is so special. 
The other two pieces are later, kitchen towel linen with crocheted inserts and edging so that it would cover the table. She appreciates that I appreciate them. Actually, I think they're priceless.
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