Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Buying and Soaking and Washing and Drying...

I've loved reading your comments about the collection of match box covers I found - thanks so much for all your suggestions and memories! I've now finished the washing, drying and ironing of my Vide Greniers linens, and have scheduled this post for my travelling day tomorrow (or today, or Wednesday, anyway...). So, what did I find? Two of those French stencilled rose plates you ladies were suggesting I collect... OK, I've started! A lovely enamel bowl (Chinese again) to balance the other one - same link as before...
This charming, although destoyed box, dating from 1876.
And a tangled heap of linens, including grubby collars sold 'as seen' by the descendant of their wearer.
Some are for adults and others for children.
It all came up very well after a 12-hour soak in Vanish!
But oh, still a tangled, cleaner mess once they came off the line...
But the iron did the trick!
This is a square cloth.
This is a long, oval-ended one.
I took the opportunity of soaking the doilies I'd condemned as no more than 'curious' the other day, and they came up brilliantly, too! Well done those who spotted their potential.
This Irish crochet came up sparkling white. It irons like cotton, but I'm not sure it is... could it be viscose, perhaps?
This one is marked and damaged (white paint, somehow!) but it's only chemical lace anyway, even though it's so pretty. So less valuable, in that it wasn't hand made like the rest.
And to cap it all, the last piece of ironing (one of my lovely big tablecloths) was straight back into the Vanish when the cut on my finger from a broken bowl re-opened. Is this how I'm repaid for being so very, very good about the laundry? Well, so it seems!
j
So, ash cloud allowing (and I think it will), I am leaving Ben and the boys behind in advance of a Bank Holiday weekend, and flying off to Edinburgh. My mum is not at all well, but we are very much looking forward to having some family time together. I don't know how much I'll post whilst there, but I hope to point my camera in the direction of her vintage sewing boxes at some point...

16 comments:

Sherri B. said...

Oh Floss, I am sorry your mum isn't doing well. You will all be in my prayers.
Your linens turned out just lovely. I haven't heard the word Vanish in years, not sure it even is around here anymore..I will check next time I shop. Have a safe, ash free trip.

Carol said...

Hi Floss, sorry to hear your Mum isn't well, I am sure seeing you will lift her spirits.
Your linens look fantastic, especially the pretty collars.
Carol xx

Lola Nova said...

Oh my, your linens are are a treat! I spied a few that had me swoon. :) It is an awful lot of work but, the results are so very satisfying.

My thoughts and prayers to your mum and family. Safe travel.

Michela said...

Hi Floss, make the most of your time with your mum, sending you both a big hug xxx

Floss said...

I've got here! I'll pass on your kind thoughts to my mum...

sharie said...

Sorry to hear about your mum - I used to hate living so far away when my own mum was ill so I can understand you wanting to get away to her as quickly as possible.

My Dad swears by Vanish! he's brought some 'ruined' linens up beautifully with it in the past.
Love those lace collars of yours.

Serenata said...

Warm wishes for your Mum. Glad to hear you have arrived safely and I'm sure she will treasure your company.

Gorgeous linens - they have come up beautifully. I must remember Vanish, should I find some lovely linens.

Princess and the Pea said...

I'm sorry to hear about your Mum, glad the ash cloud didn't keep you from her. Hope she picks up now you're home.

re my previous comment, my Grandad is called Bill, he's nearly 80 but to look at him you'd say he was in his 50's and to know him you'd think he was in his 30's - he's got such a lust for life! He's a scouser so if he does go to your church you will definitely know him!

Kat.

Jen Walshaw said...

What wonderful linens Floss, you have a real eye

The Curious Cat said...

Beautiful pieces...oh your poor mum...I do hope she'll be okay...you're so good visiting her so regularly. Thinking of you and sorry I have been away xxx

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

OOh those linens are to die for ... what a beautiful collection!!

Maisey's Attic said...

Hi Floss

Keeping you and your mum in my prayers -

xxx

Andi's English Attic said...

What beautiful pieces. A good soak in Vanish, eh? Seems to do the trick. Must try it with a curry-stained tablecloth. xx

VintageVicki said...

Sorry to hear your Mum isn't too good.

You found some great things - I must start saving for a French holiday :)

Julia said...

Praying travel mercies for you, and holding your Mum up before the throne of Grace.

Lovely pieces.

Purrfect Haven said...

firstly, I hope your Mum improves, and that you have a positive time in whatever way you can. Loved the post with the lace; noted the soak in vanish for 12 hrs tip, will try to avoid the dracular blood bit this end. Love Helen
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