The origins of handmade household linens and the tools used to create them are discussed in their relations to afghans, later altar cloths, curtains, shade pulls, and bedspreads. Centerpieces and doilies are the best known of these, and here the author points out differences to make it easier to identify the many varieties. Decorator pillows, napkins and napkin rings also appear, along with helpful information on caring for old linens and creative ideas for salvaging damaged linens.