My buried treasure
October 26, 2007
The closet in our mudroom is under a staircase and while it isn't huge, part of it is just hard to get at. While rooting around in there searching for soccer shin guards, I came across a big plastic garbage bag way in the back. I could not remember what was in it. I opened it and gasped.
About this time last year, I found this love seat slipcover and matching scraps at a local antique mall. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for it - about $20, I'd guess. I didn't buy it for a specific purpose - I just loved the fabric. I love everything about it - the color, the pattern, the images, the scale. I don't think I went through the bag thoroughly, either. I brought it home and threw it on the mudroom floor. It sat there for a few weeks and then I must have shoved it in the closet.
Fast forward eleven or so months and I am falling in love all over again. The slipcover itself is in bad shape - stained and really worn. I think I might try Retro Clean. What do you think Carrie? Anyone have any other ideas? The scraps are pristine. Some of them are large enough to make pillows. Yes, pillows! Some are much smaller - good for little items and maybe some patchwork. The possibilities are making me giddy.
Back on Monday with a completed project using this fabric. Yes, I already cut into it.
I can't wait to see what it is!!! PS Keep an eye out in your mailbox for something soon. :)PPS don't go to my website, E, cause it will ruin the surprise!!
Posted by: jennifer at pink ric rac | October 26, 2007 at 01:47 PM
what fun! that is my very favorite color. I'd be giddy over that fabric.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | October 26, 2007 at 01:53 PM
can't wait to see what you come up with!
Posted by: katie | October 26, 2007 at 02:06 PM
that is one fine buried treasure!
Posted by: amandajean | October 26, 2007 at 02:17 PM
ooooooooo what a find! that green pattern is amazing. you are right its perfect
Posted by: jeanetta | October 26, 2007 at 02:25 PM
that was fast! and bold! can't wait to see the outcome.
Posted by: emily | October 26, 2007 at 02:31 PM
love finding buried treasures!
can't wait to see what you will inspire us with........
Posted by: leslie | October 26, 2007 at 03:49 PM
What an awesome find, in your own home no less! Can't wait to see what you make!
Posted by: Rachel | October 26, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Oooooh! And you had that hidden in the back of the closet all these months? I can't wait to see what you make.
Posted by: Anina | October 26, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Is that it? The green toile-like? Beautiful! Yes - try Retro Clean! It works much better than Biz. You'll just need a big tub! Good luck and post 'after' pictures!
Posted by: Carrie S. | October 26, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Oh wow, how wonderful is that?
Posted by: beki | October 26, 2007 at 07:01 PM
I LOVE it! Can't wait to see what lovely creation you come up with...
Posted by: Louise | October 26, 2007 at 07:16 PM
Hi there! De-lurking 'cause I actually have some experience with the dirty vintage linens. At my local flea a guy sells old tablecloths, aprons, etc. by the pound and that's where I get most of my sewing fabric. Most of it is stained and sometimes v ery dirty. This is what I use since I need *alot* to get it all clean: equal parts tide with bleach, biz, oxyclean and cascade. Mix up a big tub and soak for as long as you can, changing the water as it gets really dirty. When you're ready to wash wring and throw it in the washing machine without any additional detergents. And for stubborn stains on white, clorox bleach pen, avoiding the colored part of the design. Hope that helps. I'm going to get some of that retro wash for smaller and more delicate items - thanks for the tip.
Posted by: big dust | October 26, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Oooh! It's your green--how wonderful! I can't wait so see your weekend project!
BioKleen detergent might be OK to use for cleaning the slipcover. I use it for all of our "everyday" laundry because it is so incredibly gentle.
Posted by: kathryn | October 26, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Remember the stains on Sara Evelyn's christening gown from where she spit up everywhere? I got them out after several years of sitting with something called Sarah's Solution - sounds a lot like Retro Clean. Worked like a charm! I will send it to you if I can find it....
Posted by: Shannon Hesse | October 27, 2007 at 09:29 AM
can't wait to see the finished project. Yummy fabric.
Posted by: Teresa Alber | October 27, 2007 at 11:37 AM
I am loving green lately, especially of the kelly variety. I am a big fan of the Oxo Brite, I recently soaked some mildewy stains out of an old piece of fabric.
Posted by: Sonya | October 27, 2007 at 07:29 PM
oh, erin. i love it.
and i love that you are in the process of creating something. already.
will be back. on monday.
Posted by: leslie | October 27, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Love! That green is SO very you!
Posted by: Stefani | October 27, 2007 at 09:19 PM
I bet it was like christmas coming upon that bag! Like all the others, I cannot wait to see what you make.
Posted by: meg | October 27, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Nice blog.All looks like beautiful.Have a good life
Posted by: Begüm | October 28, 2007 at 09:01 PM
wahoo! what an amazing find! and one that apparently keeps on giving! can't wait to see what you made!
Posted by: heidi | October 28, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Love the fabric... I'm excited to see what you come up with!
Posted by: julie | October 29, 2007 at 09:23 AM
I have a great recipe, it came from the Tightwad Gazette. HOT HOT water in a 5 gal bucket, 1 c powder biz w/colorsafe bleach, 1c powder dishwasher detergent. Soak items till water is cold. The nice thing is it's cheap.
Posted by: michelle | October 29, 2007 at 01:00 PM