Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How can I wash my heirloom item?
See my laundry tips in the link at the left or visit my linenmaven blog.
Sorry, there is no longer a place that you can visit. I became entirely web-based in 2004 when the antique shop building that I was in was sold. More than 99% of my sales came from the web at that point because few people can travel to a small antique shop in a tiny town in the middle of Connecticut. On the web, however, you can browse and buy from my selections from anywhere in the world at any time of the day or night. And, then they show up at your door!
What if something that I'd like is marked "reserved"?
In the past, items could be reserved without finalizing the the sale. The reserver may have ordered several things in order to choose one or two and returns the others or someone forgets to pay, changes his or her mind, etc. and these items may become available. You should email me to ask. My new shopping cart system will make reserving items unnecessary.
Why are some items offered as "Imperfect" or in shreds?
Each of my customers are different. Some use antique linens exactly as they were originally intended and some recycle them as raw materials for their projects, crafts, fine arts, doll-making, costumes and decorating. An old piece of lace that is falling off of a damaged pillowcase may become a theatrical costume... or a doll dress flounce or decorate a teddy bear in a competition.
Why are some items offered as "as discovered?"
There are different reasons for different items. Sometimes, they were put away clean and need no laundering before their next use. Others are too fragile or are a fabric that I can not launder such as most silks and woolens. Some arrive at the very end of the month and there may be no time to launder them before I photograph them.
Some arrive with original tags or labels still intact or have never been used and the old sizing is still present. Since I can't look into the future to see who will be purchasing these, I keep them in their original state. Many collectors prefer to acquire the items untouched; most people who want to use them prefer them to be laundered. I am happy to launder almost any unlaundered item at no extra charge before I mail it. The exceptions are items in fabrics, usually wool, silk or brocades that I can not launder or items that are so rare or so fragile that laundering would destroy them.
If two items are similar, is the more expensive one better?
Generally, yes. You do get what you pay for; a $22 towel will be nicer than an $8 towel. Sometimes, I may have paid far more, or far less, for one and I adjust the retail price accordingly. Sometimes you can not tell from a photo that the quality of damask is amazing or not. I try to describe it to distinguish "normal," perfectly lovely damask from phenomenal damask.
What else affects the value?
quality. rarity. beauty.
Like anything else, value depends on many factors... size and condition, quality, rarity and the elusive subjective "beauty". Bigger is better (except when it's not, such as in embroidery stitches); perfect is better; rare is better; gorgeous is better; unused condition is better; high quality is better and, usually, older is better.
The country of origin also counts... as French, Czech, Madeira, Italian and English always are better to have than Chinese. But old Chinese (pre-1930) is better than later Chinese and so it goes. The designs also matter. Figural items command more than flowers. With damask tablecloths, pieces that were woven as a specific size and the design turns the corners, opposed to pieces that were yard goods and the pattern just runs on and on, are more desirable, too.
Will my items smell, either good or bad?
Your items will arrive completely odor-free. I use no fragrances while laundering. We are smoke-free and mammal-free. Even items that are offered "as discovered," have been aired and are usually free of smells.
Can I have my items monogrammed or repaired?
Regretfully, I do not offer these services. As far as I know there is no commercial monogram embroiderer who will embroider old linens. Even when an item has never been used or laundered, it is still old and reacts differently than a new item.
Why did my grandmother own a dozen or two identical little 36" tablecloths?
You have a dozen antique napkins! They are very large and desirable.
How often do you add new items to your website?
They are added monthly. I typically add between 150 to 300 items each month.
When I check the Linen Site at the very beginning of each month, why are so many items already marked "SOLD?
Anyone who is on my email list gets a "Sneak Preview" a few days before the end of each month. You do not have to purchase to receive the Preview email, you simply must email me to "opt in!"
How are orders filled?
Order requests are taken in the order in which emails are received.
Can you explain your "condition descriptions?"
To start, I strive to describe each item as accurately as possible but I do sometimes miss things. If an item has been used, it will generally have subtle signs of wear. It is unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a vintage piece to behave exactly the same as a new one. Aficionados of antique and vintage textiles are often tolerate of minor flaws in order to have the qualities that are lacking in modern, mass-produced goods, qualities such as exquisite hand work and fabrics that would be too expensive to produce today.
What Types of PAYMENT do you accept?
You can choose whichever payment method is easiet for you. Use your Visa, Mastercard and American Express (AMEX) to pay securely and instantly as well as Paypal (you need to sign up for a paypal account at PayPal.com). I accept money orders and personal checks. Payment by check must arrive within five days. Your merchandise will be held until check clears. Also, please let me know that you plan to pay by check as I do not get to the Post Office very often.
International buyers must pay in US dollars by international money orders, paypal or credit cards. I can not accept in international wire transfer as our banking system makes this especially time-consuming and expensive.
How do you ship my order?
I ship by priority mail (or by first class mail, which is fastest, if the item is under 12 ounces) through the US Postal Service. I do try to find the least expensive method possible. I can also ship via FedEx or UPS. You must request these methods ahead of time. FedEx requires more planning on my part. UPS takes longer because I must drive the parcels to the UPS store.
You will be notified by email when your item has shipped and I will send you a US Postal Service tracking number (sorry, not available on international shipments.)
When will you ship my order?
Shipment time depends on how many orders are in front of yours. I will usually ship within days after the order is received. It usually takes a few days time to find and pack your items and the parcel is mailed the following day. If you need things sooner, be sure to tell me; I will try to move you higher in the queue. At particularly busy times orders take longer, and if I am out sourcing linens or if I have scheduled a day just for ironing, I am not packing. And, sometimes, unhappily, we misplace or mis-file an item in my storeroom and it can take even longer to locate and ship. If this happens, I would be sure to let you know! Happily, it does not happen often. (but, it does happen.)
Please allow a little extra time if you would like something to be laundered. (It's usually, just a few days)
What is your return policy?
Please see link at left called Layaways and Returns.
Did I miss anything?
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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