TEA TOWELS

Some months back, a bowl of tea towels became a permanent installation on my kitchen table. We use them as napkins for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and just about every moment in between.

I found one in the car yesterday that had served as an impromptu placemat for one of my daughter, Maggie’s fruit pops. I also used them as burp cloths and bibs when she was younger.

Purchase a set here or make some yourself using the simple instructions from Alabama Stitch Book. There are colors and styles to match any kitchen. If you are like me, you will find endless uses for them.

xoNatalie

From Alabama Stitch Book:

“Tea towels were originally handmade lined cloths specifically designed for English ladies to use to dry their teapots and cups after washing them. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and textile manufacturing, machine-made versions of these towels became readily available, and consequently they became a more “disposable” item. However, women like my grandmothers still chose to make their own. I have inherited some of their tea towels, which they made from flour sacks they cut into rectangles, embroidered, and beautifully finished on the edges. My grandmothers used these towels in bread baskets, as tray linters, and as little gifts for friends and neighbors. One of my grandfathers used one of these towels as his napkin at just about every meal of his married life.”

 

4 comments on “TEA TOWELS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Click to read 4 comments
  1. Lauren Kelley

    Tea Towels were my first Alabama Chanin Project. We use them at every meal. I make them for presents for my friends (which they all love). They can be simple or intricate depending on how much time you have. In a time when conservation is always on our minds this project saves from wasting those informal paper napkins and puts a touch of thoughtfulness to your gatherings. Thanks for the great idea!
    Lauren

    Reply