On My Ironing Table Today

I went out junking again yesterday, so this morning finds me standing over the ironing table. I like to do an overnight soak of my linen gatherings to see with what I have actually ended up. I know what problems went into the sudsy water the night before, so right after coffee I'm curious to know what came out in the wash.

I can tell a lot from checking the linen wet, but the truth is only revealed with the test of a hot iron. Stains can re-emerge with a pressing. The first time it happened to me I thought I was imagining things. 

A beautiful cut work design on fine loose weave linen is nothing but pleasure to press at the right stage of damp/dry. The iron just glides. I can already see that the crochet trim is compromised in some areas on one of these matching pillowcases.

Can you see the beautiful slubby texture of the weave?

But it's not always a success story in this business of linen keeping! This small hole that I found in the ironing is a bit of a game changer. I will have to mend it and keep the piece for myself rather than offer it for sale.

After flipping to iron the other side, I can see that it doesn't really need it. Do you see its beautiful linen softness in the folds?

And even though the fabric has a heavier texture the design shows right through.

Wonderfully soft for sleeping, or gorgeous just for show. . . .

This white worked tea cloth is the big winner today, though. All the yellowing and faint stains are gone. Beautiful details, including a bit of applique.

All ready for tea time!

A cluster of small doilies has kept a few signs of age which is quite all right for the use I have planned for them as trim or bunting in which a very vintage look is just what is desired.

Loving the monograms!

Such a beautiful way to start the day!

Finally, there is one more exciting piece to check out. This vintage print tablecloth with a wonderful mint color and rose design. It had a serious stain that I wonder if the soak has lightened any.

Turns out there are still too many problems with it to sell. Aww, darn. Guess I'll have to keep this one too. . . . wink, wink.

See how big it is?

What a roller coaster ride it is living the life of a linen lady!

But it's just all in a day's work. And it's still early yet.

Now, this is the way I like to see the work pile up! All smooth and sweet smelling.

Now, how's it all going for you?

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Thanks so much for popping in!

Jacqueline

PS- the few tips I have for soaking linens are here, and here. 

Also, thanks to a suggestion from Patty from A Little Cape on the Cove, I have placed a "search" feature near the top of my sidebar where you may find other linen posts or find anything else on the blog that might interest you! Thank you Patty!

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Confessions of a Plate Addict~The Scoop

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Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday

A Little Pink Transferware & More

Do you know this Staffordshire pattern by Adams called English Scenic? I don't think I have ever noticed it before. I found this jumbo cup on my last junking foray and am completely charmed by the little cows on it. The cup is more the size of a latte bowl.

I have passed on a lot of my red and blue transferware, but this cottage scene is a new favorite. I can imagine having a large steamy cup of hot chocolate in it in the morning, especially at Christmas. I am also fascinated with how often a theme comes up in the purchases of the day. This time it was pink and blue!

I found this sweet little huck towel with delightful raspberry pink accents in some out of the way place I have never visited before. The mixed pastels and embroidered details just enchant me. And then there's that monogram! I like how the piece shows its wonderful texture all rumpled up like this.

The pale blue is picked up by this tiny vintage beaded coin purse that I found that one of my grandgirls would adore with its beautiful butterfly motif. It must have once been someone's special keepsake.

These days I try to collect only linen pieces that are in the best condition or that have qualities that really stand out. This one has them in spades, right down to the little pink crocheted edge. To me, vintage is all about the fine details that make up the story of an object.

In researching this transferware piece I found that it is sometimes referred to as "pink" transferware rather than "red", and I can see why. Here is a closer look at the narrative for you. . . .

It really is scenic!

Doesn't the pattern tell a wonderful story? Like a fairytale romance of cottage living. . . .

Even the new Country Home magazine I picked up same day has these colors! Don't you just love that cover? There's a Rachel Ashwell Prairie feature inside.

I hope something lovely crosses your path today!

 We have another overcast morning with a few light showers. So wonderful and so rare here in summer. We are getting the moisture that was predicted and so hoped for this year.

I'm so glad you took time out to visit today!

 Thanks for stopping by!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Shabby Art Boutique~ Shabbilicous Friday

The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home

How Sweet the Sound~Pink Saturday

Antique Wicker Before & After

You won't find a lot of before and after paint jobs on this blog. In the first place, painting is not my thing. And in the second, I prefer an original vintage paint finish with authentic patina over faux. We have Mr. Cottage to thank for this lovely transformation.

This antique settee came to auction from Pennsylvania, and dates from the early 20th century. I got it with a matching side chair and rocker in perfect condition a few years ago. I first offered it in my shop as a set, and then later priced each piece separately. A wicker loving patron of the shop was lucky enough to take home the rocker at a very good price.

You have to understand that wicker is not a New Mexico thing. We have verandas and patios rather than porches, and old wicker must be protected from the elements. It's also an odd style thing for these parts, so it was a bit of a hard sell. I valued the original paint finish on it even though it would not have been my ideal choice and was a challenge to sell. In umber and brown it was more suited to an Adirondack setting than, say, Cape Cod. We always imagined it would be perfect for a mountain cabin anywhere.

Long story short, we decided to keep the last two pieces, and they were put in storage when we closed up shop. We actually furnished a rented cabin with the side chair and a few other small things that we took up with us one summer.

Here are a few before photos of the original finish. . . .

I forgot to show the settee before we started, but it was the same as this chair, and with the same okay (but not really for me) fabric. (Not original.)

The chair is next to be painted.

I was very, very happy to find muslin beneath the cover in good condition. I'm going to keep it this way for now and only change up the seat cover with fur, lace, or a coverlet a la Jeanne d'Arc Living style.

There is a small impression in one cushion from an item stored on top of it for awhile. Storage is murder on furniture! Don't do it unless you just have to. 

I got this coverlet this summer in Santa Barbara at Antiques Center Mall on Hollister after seeing the identical pattern in JDL magazine. 

Paired with the Pinecone Hill shams I got at LaurieAnna's this spring.

We used Behr exterior semi-gloss enamel Ultra Pure White. We had an overcast afternoon threatening rain so I took some quick photos under the canopy to share with you.

SWEET!!! I'm just thrilled with the change.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope it's a great week for you!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

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My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

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