Thursday, December 2, 2010

I'm nearly there...

Hello!
I'm just about done with all the stress of the day job. The school year ends next week.
It's been a tough year and I will be glad of the rest that's for sure!

To keep my sanity I wheedled the occasional op shop time into my day and found myself more lace, and more lace!

AND, (all things come to those who wait) a fold out sewing box (YaY! I finally scored one) and ....(what I consider holy grail) a real, authentic, never been used, real linen, probably from the 1930's - Mangle cloth! It's the fabric on the back of the seat.

Yeah... I know, I get exited about the weirdest things....

The mangle cloth for those not in the know was used to cover the clothes as they were put through a wringer to squeeze out the water way back in the early part of last century. Usually made of pure linen they were designed to have the cr*p washed out of them and would last for years!
But the most delightful part of it all was that I found it at one of the more expensive overpriced nicest Op shops I check out and it was $2.00. Wrapped in its plastic bag and securely taped up I wasn't sure if it was what it was...but it was!!!!
(I am now sleeping with it under my pillow
...no not really....)





I am a happy camper.....
(and I won't bore you with the dozen or so other pics I took of it)



I even managed some more bunting and they are now in my Made It store. I am having a Christmas bonus of Free Postage within Australia on any Bunting up until Christmas. Check it out if you are interested.

And do go over and visit with Tamarah at Shabby Vintage Junk who is having a stupendous give-away to celebrate her 100th blog post! It's one almighty give-away!
XX Irene

21 comments:

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

I really like the banners of lace , very cool.

Miss Rayne said...

I remember my Mum using a mangle cloth as late as the 70s, before she got a spin dryer (which she had to sit on when it was in action or it ran across the kitchen)

Monique said...

When I was growing up, we had a drying cabinet. It was a huge metal thing that took over the whole laundry... the wet clothes were hung on hangers and the sheets, tablecloths etc were folded and hung on a rod. When one side dried, they had to be refolded so the next side could dry. I hated that cabinet. My Grandmother had a roller on her manual washing machine. Ladies must have had some muscles in those days!

the old boathouse said...

Hi Irene, I love fold out sewing boxes too, there is something really special about them and I was chatting on another blog about lace/crochet bunting. It is on my to do list for my summer break, cheers Katherine

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Morning Irene.... :o) !

THANKS SO MUCH for helping Gina & I celebrate our 100th posts....It's a PLEASURE having you along for the party....!

I'm THRILLED you found a mangle cloth....FESS UP though....It's under your pillow right now isn't it....hahahahahaSNORT....!

Your bunting is GORGEOUS....Maybe you & I should get together for a sewing lesson....Mr SVJ is hinting that he won't be getting me anything for Christmas this year if I don't at LEAST THREAD the sewing macine he bought me THREE Christmases ago....!!!

I've popped ALL your entries in the tub & have my fingers crossed for you....!

Cheers for now Lovey,
Tamarah :o)

Alison Gibbs said...

Hi Irene that was a great find (the mangle cloth)
Thanks for the lovely comment re the arrival of sweet Holly.
Born on your special day.

Lucie Tales said...

Beautiful doilies banner!

Unknown said...

love the doily banner, might have to try that one day

Snooze said...

I love a hapy ending ... but I do not love a mangle. My Mum used one during the 1960s when I was a kid and they were hard work.
My Flea Market Find

zigsma said...

A mangle cloth - I had no idea! I do, however, remember my mother getting her hand caught in the mangle. Yes, it was pretty awful. Lovely sewing box.

spectacularfairywren said...

love the doily bunting!

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Irene
I'd never heard of a Mangle cloth, thanks for the info!
Good you finally found your sewing box
Love the lace buntings, wonderful idea

JeTaimeVintage said...

That lace is so pretty!

Rose Garden Romantic said...

I love your lace bunting!! So beautiful!
Michelle

Alyssa said...

What pretty finds! I really love the sewing box. Found one a few months ago myself, but passed it over because it was in terrible shape. And the mangle cloth - thanks for the explanation. Your 'sleeping with it under the pillow' comment made me grin.

Apron Thrift Girl said...

It's so fun to see a new twist on something. I've a million lace linens and I've never thought to put them on a banner. What a fabulous idea.

Anne Lorys said...

The bunting is just gorgeous!

I learned a new word(s) today...mangle cloth! ;-)

Hugs,
Anne

Irene said...

What is it with antique lace? I have been piling lace in 2010. Nostalgic or regressing? We shall be hosting crocher lessons at the shop and all profits from the items made and sold will go to our town's old people's house. Free meals have increased by 65% a lady who volunteers there has told me. So we thought we'd do something to fight the bl**dy crisis.
It will be on from January till Feb.14th. I hope to post about it in case anyone wants to help.
(Lovely finds, btw!)

Into Vintage said...

My mother had a mangle too and I'd forgotten about it until now. I don't recall that she was ever so excited about it that she put the cloth under her pillow! :-)

abby jenkins said...

oh you lucky, lucky girl, I bet your Dad hid that mangle cloth just for you!
I just found some beautiful pieces of handmade lace at the thrift shop and plan on making some ornaments with them, will post if I can get some done. Lot to do with Operation Santa taking over the house! This place looks like something out of Horders:The Christmas Special.

Iva Messy said...

I love lace!