housekeeping ~ June 9

a few weeks ago I went fossicking in a favourite junk shop ~ two floors of stuff * no order * here and there and all over the place... I bought some vintage fabric and went home. Later that day I returned with my daughter to look for a vintage formal dress for her end of year school formal. While she was looking, I fossicked a bit more and found a gorgeous old cloth, big enough to fit my dining room table. It was made of linen which had been washed alot and loved for a long time ~ it was mended in many places with patches and stitches. Along one end there is a gorgeous red cross stitch pattern ~ in the shape of potted trees. I didnt have enough cash on me so I tucked it up behind boxes so that I could come back later. Last week I returned to buy it and to my horror the area had been somewhat tidied. I searched and eventually found it ~ thankfully, as it was something that I felt I just had to have. I went upstairs and to my embarrasment I noticed that the whole room was on video surveillance and the owners had seen all that I had done ! She was completely understanding ~ probably a kindred hoarder and collector and sold me the piece for $5. A bargain !!!!
so today, after I vacuumed and dusted my dining room ~ then polished my table with the lavender and linseed oil...the cloth is proudly displayed on the table.

When I use pieces like this, lovingly creating atmosphere... I am often left to wonder the history of the item...who owned it ? Was it made with love for a new bride to make a home for her husband and family? Some one must have loved this so much to have continued to repair and repair until eventually it was tossed out by a modern miss ~ straight into my life and loving care. so lucky