Tuesday, April 2, 2013

I found a vintage embroidered linen that I have never seen before.................

(click on photos for a better view)
Once again, in a basket, underneath a pile of crochet and embroidered pieces, this wonderful tablecloth was waiting. It has never been used and in wonderful condition. What intrigued me the most,

is that it has an embroidered cloth napkin, tucked into an insert on each corner.
Do any of you remember the days of going to visit friends for a luncheon or a game of Bridge?
Have you ever seen a piece like this before?

The embroidery is beautifully worked.

and the cut work to hold the napkins has been stitched in an expert fashion.

The napkins also are in wonderful condition.

On the back the writing on the corner of the table cloth says:
Kemp & Beatley, 1926
5 piece refreshment set.
Embroider with Mayflower cotton.
I researched both companies.........
Kemp & Beatley of New York is still in the linen business and
Mayflower..........I am not yet sure of.
There is not much history on either...................
are you familiar with these companies..........or their designs and kits?
I would love to hear!

19 comments:

  1. omg!what a beautiful embroidery and that napkin..I have never seen this type of embroidery..

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  2. Really wonderful linen cloth!
    No, I have never heard of this company, but seeing that set is dated 1926, I can appreciate its uniqueness!

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  3. That is so sweet, and so representative of its time. I have many tray cloths with matching napkins tucked in specially made spots like your cloth, but no table cloths. I do have matching napkins for some of my cloths, but none of the cloths have inserts for the napkins.
    I don't know anything about those companies, but most of my linens originated in Australia, so that brand name would not come up in my collection.

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  4. That cloth is beautiful and so different! I have never heard of either of those companies. Good luck on your research.

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  5. I have never seen a design like that but it does give one an idea of a new embroidered project using an old idea.
    Judy

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  6. Kathleen, such a pretty find! I've never seen anything like that before where you can insert the napkins in the corners...how clever!!

    Thank you for visiting me. And I always love to see what you're finding or working on.

    Blessings for more pretty finds,
    Marianne xo

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  7. I've never seen a tablecloth made like that before. It is lovely! And how nice to find that writing to let you know a bit of its history. Best wishes, Tammy

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  8. WOW that is wonderful!! Love it...and the work put into it!!

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  9. I have not heard about the companies. The linen is beautifully embroidered and I liked the idea of keeping the table napkin in this innovative way!!:)

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  10. very pretty and unique. I've never really seen anything like that either. my grandmother embroidered and made many little cloths like this for her card parties back in the 30s -50s.

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  11. This is incredible. I have never seen this sort of tablecloth with napkins presented this way. Much time and effort went into creatimg such a beauty even if the company did it by machine or someone in the company worked it by hand. 1926 is the year my mother was born, so that got my attention too.
    I am so glad this wonderful piece is with you who can appreciate it and give it a good home.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs, CM

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  12. What a unique piece. Very sweet.

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  13. Wonderful! Lovely embroidery pieces. You have a new follower- please visit me when you have a moment.
    ~T

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  14. Such a beautiful treasure! I've never seen this type of thing before where the napkins are kept in the corners, but what a smart idea! The embroidery is very nicely done, as well!

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  15. A very interesting design I have never seen in my days..and I have gotten much linens that were my Great Aunts and collected off the Dad's truck but never see this in my travels to second hand stores either and I'm huge on linens..very nice piece Happy weekend my dear with love Janice

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  16. Road show??? for a real vintage pricing maybe?

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  17. You find such beautiful linen. That tablecloth is neat!

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