Thursday, July 15, 2010

At the top of my list

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One of the items at the top of my thrifty list is yardage of vintage red and white table check. Over the years I haven’t found too much... a cloth napkin here and there or moth holed pieces that can’t ever be returned to their crisp and clean lined splendor. It has always seemed odd to me there isn’t more good stuff as it seems it was part of everyday life for many. My source for this info is of course the Walton’s—do you know John and Olivia? They are good folks, those Walton’s and brought me through many a rainy day. I have only one season left to watch and I ration each episode, watching one only when I am at my down and out and need to see their weekly apron stash as they do chores up on the mountain. Yes, I like the story lines and John Boy is a writer and Mary Ellen a nurse, blah blah blah. I really just like looking at their furniture and dishes and how they built their chicken coop fence. They wear little cardigans over tiny flowery printed dresses, I just love that.

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I found a decent piece of this fabric at an estate sale…the one that I mentioned as awesome, dude. I saw it from afar and though there was no one else in the room with me I took giant leaping steps and like a magnet to metal it was firmly tucked into the crook of my arm.

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After washing it and hanging it out It was ironed and sprayed with Egyptian Cotton Linen spray, I heavily dilute this as the scent is a bit strong. I like it to be just a hint of scent otherwise it reminds me of that Freshman English teacher that smells like scented maxi pads. I know you know this lady. She always wears her hair in tight short curls and has skinny lips with lipstick that has trouble staying in the lines.

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Can you imagine what kind of grade she would give this post? Indenting paragraphs is so yesterday.

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I love the faggoting edge. I really want to learn how to do this. Such a tiny delicate stitch and it adds so much.

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Is seven pictures of Gingham table check enough? I capitalize the G because it should be a proper noun. Don’t you agree?

Gingham…… I love theeeeeeee

13 comments:

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh, I'm so happy for you! I'm always on the lookout for the same things! lol I would love to find some tea towels or tablecloths that have images of Florida on them...or a pillow! But red and whites always catch my eye, too! Let's see...you could have it for holidays and the summer...or we could do a 6 months TX...6 months here! heeheehee! Can't blame a gal for trying! ENJOY! ♥

Emily said...

Ah, we are kindred spirits. Your photos make me sigh, each one. Where does one find Egyptian Cotton Linen Spray?

I had to laugh at your Freshman English teacher joke....my DAD was mine :)

Leslie said...

great post!! I love that tablecloth!!

Ashley said...

I love love love the Waltons! Oh how I wish I had the complete DVD collection. I remember watching re-runs of the series with my mama. There aren't any shows these days near as wonderful as the Walton's and their rich characters. Something about this show is so uplifting and almost magical. Well I do believe I am either going to need to obtain some "recipe" from the sisters or rent the dvd's from the library!

Juniper said...

And it is a nice little stitch (all photos were needed). Well done on finding such a nice piece of gingham!!! I wish they had estate sales here, its one of the things I really miss.. that sort of treasure hunting... all kinds of stories tied to objects just waiting to be appreciated again.

Unknown said...

Dearest Gingham Lady, your checked table spread makes my heart sing!
So much happiness can be found in a checker board pattern...only few understand and who cares about the thin lip lined lady...as Mary Engelbriet says...Who cares how they do it in New York. Waltons rule!

Unknown said...

Hello - I am J.T.'s mother. I had lunch with him today and we were discussing my new blog site for my photo business. He mentioned that you had a blog so I looked you up. It was fun reading. I feel guilty, as we should really get to know each other a little better. (My son seems to be over there quite a bit. Feel free to give him the boot if he overstays his welcome.) Reading your blog it seems that you have adjusted to the Texas life pretty or as we say "purty" well. The country seems to suit you. I truly enjoy being around your wonderful daughter she is a very talented girl. I think J.T. has good taste in the company he keeps. Anyway, just wanted to send you a quick "Howdy" and hopefully we can get together sometime. Talk to you soon. OH and we have enjoyed the peaches and eggs.

Anonymous said...

I love that tablecloth. I have one but I'd buy more. Until this very moment it didn't occur to me to watch The Waltons for the costumes and set, but now that you mention it....

Unknown said...

Yay! I love it--I think my sewing machine does that stitch. Your freshman English teacher description was too funny but as an educator, it scares me to think how I am described by students..... :)

LB's Sewing Sanity said...

Loved this post. Love the thoughts of estate sales. While here in N.E., I keep thinking I'll look up a few and drag the kids to a few. But, you can imagine me driving 800 miles, pulling into the driveway, with my treasures strapped to the roof of my van...M would send me back for sure! Sunshine & Fireflies ~ I blogged about Harkness...do you remember walking the grounds there??

Anonymous said...

Vintage linens, the Waltons, and especially red gingham...these are also a few of my favorite things! Thanks for the fun blog to visit.
Take extra good care,
Jen

Anonymous said...

Vintage linens, the Waltons, and especially red gingham...these are also a few of my favorite things! Thanks for the fun blog to visit.
Take extra good care,
Jen

Leila said...

I'm just getting back from vacation myself...mad at you for not stopping here though, cause I was here then I'm pretty sure!

Anyways, I have to tell you that according to my aunt, my family (on my mother's side) is related to the Waltons -- who are a real family from Tennessee, where my grandfather's family was from!

And I love your tablecloth, it's very Walton-y! And you still sound a little giddy in this post -- I think the heat and spiders are getting to you ;)