Please start a collection of books on linens and textiles; they are invaluable references, you will learn a lot! and you will really, really enjoy reading them.
You can find these books on half.com, amazon.com or closeouts.com for very good prices.
My very favorite book is one of the most beautiful books ever published: Francoise de Bonneville's beautiful tome,
and if you are going to buy just one book, start with this one. It is a well-researched, absorbong book on the history of linens and the photographs and graphic design are spectacular. The Book of Fine Linen.
Indispensable Books for Linen and Lace Identifcation:
Vintage Linens A to Z by Marsha Manchester
20th Century Linens and Lace, a Guide to Identification, Care and Prices of Household Linens: A Guide to Identification, Care, and Prices of Household Linens, a Book for Collectors With Value Guide
by Elizabeth Scofield, Peggy Zalamea
The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles by Elizabeth Kurella
I keep this one at my side at all times. She covers everything!
Elizabeth Kurella has written other very useful and informative books:
Guide to Lace and Linens
A Pocket Guide to Valuable Old Lace and Lacy Linens
The Secrets of Old Lace
Guide to Lace and Linens
Miller's Guide, Collecting Textiles by Patricia Frost
An Illustrated Guide to Lace by Emily Reigate
Perfection, Never Less (The Vera Way Marghab Story) by DJ Cline
Old Handmade Lace with a dictionary of Lace by Mrs F. Neville Jackson
The Illustrated dictionary of Lace by Judyth Gwynne
Hours of enjoyment will be yours.
