Against the grain..............

Newly acquired linen and hemp grain sacks......and my adorable lavender sachet......a gift from dear friend Ulrike at Lingering Shade whom I met in person at the Asheville blogging get together last month.
 

It all started here for me just over two years ago.  At long last, my journey in search of a style of decoration for my own home was recognized.  Here at La Madone in Provence, at our apartment in the large old house in Apt, my head spun, my heart pounded, and I caught my breath as we opened the door. 

Simple but elegant.  Neutral, peaceful, simplified, but with plenty of unusual things to look at.  History, a story, time-worn, cherished before, parts of loved objects now resting in a tranquil place, thanks to a lovely couple who have put their hearts and souls into bringing beauty to this old building.

If you have a hankering for antique and vintage grain sacks, you'll know what these are all about!  These were my first and I actually bought the two wonderful antique pillow covers off the daybed in the apartment! Love the vintage cotton trim which makes them different. Purchased several lovely monogrammed antique linen dish towels also - these are French items easily transported home in a suitcase.

I've now moved the pillows from the guest room bed to chairs.............because the custom sized pillow inserts arrived for the wonderful sacks I found recently in Asheville while treasure hunting with Penny and the bloggers!

The peaceful guest room which I try hard to keep clutter-free!

Great linen and hemp texture, hand stitched, mixed with Rachel Ashwell's silky smooth embroidered sheets in French grey......also her natural color linen blend duvet cover and shams.

Lastly, another well-worn smooth sack from France, I used to upholster an odd chair where I sit almost daily while chatting with you.  This fabric apparently never shows wear, or wears out, so is a great investment!  Prices for genuine European sacks vary, I've found those offered online seem to start around $45, meanwhile the long bolster sack with the double red stripe I found in Asheville was only $33 - a huge bargain.  Domestic grain sacks are usually cotton, less textured and lighter weights - some have original writing or illustrations and make very interesting pillows.

I'll always be on the look out for grain sacks................a road trip is beckoning!