I have a few sets of these oddly sized embroidered pieces. I couldn't figure out why anyone would want three doilies or dresser scarves in various sizes. I mean it is obvious they are a set but how would they be displayed? The bigger one in the middle with the two smaller on either side? Or was the bigger one for a dresser and the smaller for bedside tables?
Then when I was over at Kelly's she handed me the set above and I mentioned my confusion and she just looked at me patiently for a second and said they were for the arms and the back of a chair.
Oh.
I have had a couple people tell me that when you have a piece that is stained Biz is the way to go. I am becoming a spokesperson for Biz now. I love the stuff. It brightens, gets rid of really stubborn stains and doesn't fade colors.
This one took a bit of work, but patience pays off. First I soaked it over night in the sink with a cup of Biz, then the next morning, when the stains still hadn't quite lifted, I made a paste of water and Biz and rubbed it all over the stained area and let it dry for about an hour. Then I plopped the whole thing back in the sink with some hot water and let it soak for a couple more hours. That did the trick. The stain isn't 100% gone but it's is hard to see it.
After I rinsed the piece well I filled the sink with hot water again and about a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to remove any Biz residue. So soak, rinse with vinegar, rinse with plain water, air dry.
I cannot believe how well that spot came out! I have got to get some Biz!
I thought you could use the larger dresser doilie for under your perfume tray and the other smaller ones for under your little dresser lamps on each side.
Oh my gosh! That biz is amazing! I am going to have to try it with a few old pieces that I had given up on!
I love that tablecloth! Isn’t it wonderful that something so pretty and full of so much handwork can be saved!?
Where does one get Biz? Can you bring my sewing pad/iron/cuttign pad that mom dropped off yesterday, with you to the cottage today?
Thanks!
Thanks for the great tip! Save your post…I’ll have to refer to it. And those doilies are beautiful.
Thanks for the great tip! Save your post…I’ll have to refer to it. And those doilies are beautiful.
My grandmother had cutwork pieces for the back and arms of her sofa and chairs – they are called antimacassars.
Yours are very pretty!
Every couple of days… I click onto your blog …..
happy to find the ginger biscuits…. just love them …look very yummy…and also your tips and the doilies bring back memories…thanks
When I was young (back when rocks were soft and mist was in the air) I had a little vanity that had raised sides with drawers. The middle section was about 6 inches lower, with a tall narrow mirror at the back. I had a scarf set that was amazingly similar to your first picture, with the two small pieces on the sides and the bigger one in the middle. Well, till I spilled nail polish on it, that is. My mother had crocheted antimacassars (designed to keep men’s nasty hair cream off the upholstery) on the chairs and couch in the living room, too.
Anywho, your blog is a real joy – you and your sister (Nicole of Ozzie and Sophie fame) make me laugh out loud …… a lot.
I agree that trio of embroidered doiles could fit very nicely on the antique dressers they used to have way back when. They were shaped with two cabinet portions on either side of a lowered middle section. Also, usually had a big round mirror.
Love all your treasures.
LindaSonia
I’m so glad you were able to get that stain out so well-the tablecloth is beautiful!
Kathy has told me about Biz but I never remember until I see it mentioned again. I really should pick some up.
Well I would not have known that either. Clarice
Lovely post today……and I remember those dresser scarves on the vanity tops someone else mentioned in a comment. I love that you are preserving all this beautiful needlework. Go, girl! Pat
My parents had a dresser similar to the one LindaSonia described except I think the side parts had drawers. The only picture I could find online is of a dresser more like the one dianne described:
http://www.dominomag.com/daily/blogs/scrappy/2006/08/ (scroll down to August 25, 2006; third picture).
Ah, yes, the wonders of Biz! I don’t know what I did without it. I’ve soaked a few things up to several days, changing the water and solution every day. Now I keep it with my laundry supplies. I recently discovered how wonderful it works for my new million-count soft sheets that seem to want to look dingy fast. It’s the way to go! Gorgeous linens. I’m trying hard not to be jealous. It’s not like I need a few more old linens! ~Adrienne~
I’ll have to try Biz! I always soak mine overnight in the powdered OxyClean. I’ve been happy with it but maybe Biz is better?
I didn’t know those were for the chairs either. Maybe we just aren’t old enough to know these things! Ha!