Today brings another day of sorting. I have a mountain of linens that have needed my attention for sometime now. I'll sit down to thin out my collection then fall in love with this piece or that one all over again! I get so excited when I come across things I had totally forgotten about! Case in point- I found not one, but THREE Schiaparelli bags in a box of antique white handkerchiefs!
I also found two fantastic white & pink sheer matching monogramed bed covers which allegedly came from the Chase family of New York as in Chase Bank. Then of course I had to pull out my prized possesion- a pair of matching antique net lace bed covers. Once upon a Saturday, I came across this terrible plywood sign that I thought said 'Yard Sale'. As I approached any neighbor's nightmare of a yard, I realized this was not looking good. Dirty tupperware and stained children's clothes were offered for $2-$6. Ever the optimist, I figured I should take a peek just-in-case.... rummaging through some old bath towels (eewww!) I spotted a huge ziploc bag. Crumpled into that bag and damp with condensation from the afternoon sun was this amazing net lace. The bag was priced $2! I did not dare react like I should have for fear the seller would catch on. I could barely contain my smile as I found a few more trinkets. Paying $4 for my goodies, I was walking back to my car when I spotted something- a matching cover! This time rolled up with some old sheets. I practically ran to grab it. Believe me, my lady-like manners would have disappeared if anyone else had reached for it. I went back and paid a whole $1 for it. As soon as I was in the safety of my locked car, I opened both covers and amazingly they were in perfect condition (well, aside from the smell)! I promptly drove home and soaked them in sodium perborate- a wonderful, heirloom-safe, non-toxic mineral from Italy which restores old fabrics. Now they hold the position of honor in my antique seamstress cupboard I use to store and display all of my linens. If only every yard sale ended that way!
xo-B