Towels and Napkins of Vintage Toweling Fabric

Until sometime in the 1970's in the US, fabric could be purchased designed and intended to be fabricated into towels.  In Europe, if you turn back the clock to the early 20th century and before, homemakers spun the linen and wove fabric for use as towels.  Tres Trop offers for sale napkins, towels and table runners handmade (by yours truly) from the unused toweling fabric.  

Our grandmothers and great grandmothers looked at this fabric and said, "This will do for the kitchen or bath."  I look at it and see not only towels but a charming addition to the table.  The fabrics, with a few exceptions, are linen and the graphic designs are wonderful.  

How to maintain these fabrics?  Treat spots before washing and use cold water to protect the dyes.  NEVER put these into the dryer.  Smooth them out when wet and line dry.  I iron but that is a preference.   I subscribe to a wonderful magazine from Denmark - "Jeanne D'arc Living" - and the table linens and towels are not ironed.  It's a different look, soft and puffy, and most attractive.