Vinage Tablecloth Curtains - Catch 22

 There's a little town North East of San Antonio called Geronimo.  It's tiny, and basically feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. It has one street through it, and that street is lined with antique stores.

Hubby and I go every few months just to check things out, and after shopping we go to the one and only place to eat (see address at bottom of page). A little family owned and operated hamburger place.  Everyone in the family has a job, and Grandma's job was to make the curtains.

 She took vintage tablecloths, cut them in half and added tabs to the tops.

 Each tablecloth curtain panel is lined with a white fabric for support and protection.

 And each tablecloth is different, except for the tabs which all have the same fabric.

 I was embarrassed to ask if I could post a blog about the curtains. All the pictures were taken on the sly so they're not as good or as detailed as I would have wanted them to be.  Rest assured that before I walked out of the restaurant, I did ask for permission to post the pictures I had taken. They said yes, but by that time the place was filling up, and I was embarrassed to take photos in front of everyone.  SILLY!!! I know. LOL

Catch 22 about using tablecloths as curtains:  Because tablecloths become semi translucent when held up against the light, they have to be perfect. Any stains, tears, holes or imperfections will show, even if lined with a backing (unless it's light blocking). So basically you have to use a perfect vintage tablecloth. But I can't bring myself to cut a perfect tablecloth if it's perfect…Catch 22.

Blessings,
Patricia :o)

Grain Bin Cafe & Store 

121 Dennis Road, Seguin, TX 78155-0402(830) 379-2233 

Shabby to French

 I think I am slowly growing out of my "shabby" phase.  Although I'm still very much attracted to white fixtures dripping with shining crystals. But my current house doesn't seem to support that kind of thing.

 When I first found these two scones (many years ago) they were an ugly silver mat or aluminum color. I spray painted them white, but it was too white so I dry brushed and smeared brown paint into them. Added two very inexpensive shades and called them shabby.

 But they didn't work in my new house. So I found even cheaper light shades and painted them an oil bronzed brown and added  the new shades.

 At first I added the crystals back on them, but I didn't like it (Gasp!! ME not liking crystals? Weird.)

I think I should probably pain the candle sleeve an antique white, but I don't have that color in my house and never remember to get it while I'm out. So, They'll probably stay white.

They were in my bedroom on either side of my mirror. I've moved them to the window bench in my breakfast nook, but I'm not sure if they'll stay there.

Happy Birthday, America!

 American women have long shown their pride in our country through their needlework. The needlepoint tapestry above is probably 30 to 40 years old. The workman ship is beautiful! I believe it was used as wall art.

 This gorgeous counted cross-stitch needlepoint was done much more recently, but with as much love and pride. It shows a beautiful bald eagle with the American flag behind it. The colors are bold and bright, and the detail is amazing.

Happy 4th of July, everybody!

The Story of Mr. Bingles

 Once or twice a year, I go to California on a linen shopping trip. My sister-friend Colleen, above, and I always shop at a wonderful antique store (can't remember the name of it since we just walk in without looking at the sign LOL).

 These gorgeous curtain panels ($198.00/each) are made of white, off white or taupe linen. They're stunning!

 The same dealer uses linen and canvas to upholster old benches, make pillows, etc.

 This amazing white linen tablecloth is beyond words beautiful in person. Unfortunately, it's way out of my budget ($200.00). However, inspiration is priceless, and this definitely inspired me to create my own linen items.

 Anyway, back to Mr. Bingles.  While looking and digging for treasures, I found an adorable vintage cement cat tucked away under a dresser. He's a Siamese cat and even has blue eyes. He was marked at $88.00 in the antique store, but I was able to talk them down to $50.00.  Sounds like a pretty good deal...

 However, I was visiting CA, but live in TX. He weighs 16 pounds and I had to ship him home.

 Here's Colleen calming him down before putting him in the $23.00 box and peanuts for shipping. Plus I had to pay postage at $22.00. It cost me $45.00 to ship him!! LOL
But I HAD to have him to watch my pond.

Isn't he too cute! Mr. Bingles, you're worth all $95.00 to me.

Easter Linens - Part 2

As promised, here are more Easter linen eye-candy. Of course, all these linens can be used any time of year, but I think they're extra special during Easter.

The tablecloth above has a floral Easter basket on each corner.

The iris on the runner above is a design I haven't seen before. It just shouts Easter, to me.

Maybe orchids aren't necessarily Easter, but this color purple sure is!

The praying hands on the pillowcase below are definitely a symbol of Christ. Perfect for any time of year!

I just love this pillowcase with it's simple tulip design and fancy crocheted medallions. Love it!

The Holy Bible pillowcases are perfect for Easter, but they're also perfect for any one who needs a little "Up Lifting."  

All of the linens listed are already sold, except for the Holy Bible pair of pillowcases.
(Click here if you'd like to know more about them).

Of course there have been and endless array of embroidered linens that have passed through my hands that could be used for Easter. But it would get a little boring to list them all here.

Better yet, check out your own vintage linen collection and take out anything that has baskets, pastel florals, sweet animals, or anything that says "I'm special enough for this occasion"  and use them.  Don't let them sit in your closet. They were meant to be enjoyed!!

Patricia :o)

Easter Linens

Here's some eye candy for Easter inspired embroidery. They are the sweetest little animals that are perfect for spring and Easter. I'll post flowers and religious embroidery later. There's just too much for one post!!

The photo of the bunny and daffodil (above) are from a vintage table runner. The "Gentle as a lamb" is from an old dish towel.

 The adorable lamb and flowers are from a pillowcase. There are actually two lambs and lots of little daisies on the garland.

The pink lamb below is just too sweet. It, too, is on a pillowcase.

 The bunnies above and below are all on table runners.  So cute for Easter!

The bunny rabbit below is embroidered on a baby coverlet. This is cute enough to leave out all year.

 The mommy and baby ducks above are machine embroidered/appliqued. It's not that old, but adorable just the same on the baby flat sheet they're on.

 The chic above is part of a whole family of chickens on a tablecloth. Great for all year, especially if you like chickens ( I do!!)

There's no doubt that the little chicks and eggs above are for Easter. This is part of an elaborate hand embroidered tablecloth. This is one of those that the photos just do show how amazing it is.

(Sorry, all the items in this post are sold)

Hope you enjoyed the amazing and creative hand embroidered linens.
Patricia :o)

Goodbye, Mom Nadine

Three weeks ago, we went to visit my husband's mother, Nadine, in Oregon. We had planned on going in June, but for some reason, we decided to go in March.

Two weeks ago, we got the terrible news that she had passed away. We were in shock. We had just seen her!

This week, we had to fly out to Oregon again for her funeral. My poor husband. It was so hard on us all, but mostly him. Thank God we decided to go visit in March! Thank you, Lord!

She was an amazing woman who lived through the depression, World War II, raised 5 children and loved the Lord.  She was a gardener, crafter, sewer, and a righteous, loving woman.

Thank you to the ladies who've noticed that I haven't been on my blog lately. What a blessing to have such sweet friends.

Patricia