Officially back (for now)!

Hey everyone! I made it! I got relieved of my 2020 Census duties on Oct 22nd! I am, consequently, in the process of being hired for another Current Survey position with the Bureau for a 5 month operation next year. This new gig will be home based and I will be contacting households in my county that are in the Survey program collecting their data. These Surveys are awesome tools for businesses and the country at large and I am happy to be a part of it. While I understand how it will go down, I also know that things are a bit different in the ‘real’ Census Bureau vs what I was doing with the Decennial Census but I am expecting to have more availability as the field jobs are typically not 40 hours a week gigs and that should work out just fine! Plus it gives me an income which encourages me to spend more money on inventory. I don’t take money out of my business except to pay for my car and other business related expenses. This is how I can continue to grow but at the same time, it does not help my household. I have determined that ‘doing it all’ may be the only way to succeed and I am OK with that. :).

So, where we left off: My couch! She’s home! Not totally complete as I have work to finish but really only just got here and have been making up for lost time as everyone seems to want me for something. My husband made me some temporary legs so as I wait for the final legs to be made from one of my former coworkers, we can still use the couch. I also need to start working on the walnut skirt trim and I did purchase my finish for that so just need to do a little sanding and finish them up. My husband also has some things to do on the hanging cabinet. BUT….we are using it and am thrilled!!!! Of special note is that lovely leather ottoman! I just purchased that from Joybird, where I have a trade account. It is very good quality (although not made in the US….boo) and I am so happy as it makes an additional sprawling space which we were used to with our former sectional. If anyone wants to purchase from Joybird, I can be your middleman, however, you would have to pay in full for the item and could not use the payment plans they offer. Just a note on that. I have purchased fabrics from them and for clients which works out great for remote restorations.

Since that photo was taken, we have added a few more blocks to the ‘legs’ so it is closer to the height it will be with the new legs and casters.  <3. *Pillows made by me, blue is vintage 80s KNOLL TEXTILES, brown pattern is TRINA TURK for F SCHU…

Since that photo was taken, we have added a few more blocks to the ‘legs’ so it is closer to the height it will be with the new legs and casters. <3. *Pillows made by me, blue is vintage 80s KNOLL TEXTILES, brown pattern is TRINA TURK for F SCHUMACHER.

You are spying a Jim Eldon for Knoll oak and leather top coffee table in that shot. It is beautiful! I just bought it and had to try it out at my sofa, however, I had already purchased the ottoman and they will not work together. That coffee table is in excellent condition minus a few small leather scuffs which I think I can repair. I will work on that before I list it. It is one AMAZING and utilitarian table. I really do love it. The story there——-I went shopping at a retired VP of Finance for Knoll’s home. He moved in with his son who is know caring for him and they are downsizing some of his collection. I got to hear some fun stories of life growing up with a house full of designer furniture and about his dad’s days in the corporation. I also was able to purchase some very sweet items. Here is a better shot of the Jim Eldon table.

Beautiful oak, impeccable condition.  The flaws are in the far right corner but I am pretty certain with some toothpicks, glue and a youtube vid, I can get them cleaned up.  All of the fibers are intact, they just need to be put back in place.

Beautiful oak, impeccable condition. The flaws are in the far right corner but I am pretty certain with some toothpicks, glue and a youtube vid, I can get them cleaned up. All of the fibers are intact, they just need to be put back in place.

The piece de la resistance (in my best FAUX FRENCH accent—channelling my Grandmama who was raised in Quebec) is the beautiful 72” Florence Knoll bench. This ICONIC piece is in immaculate condition. Brown leatherette tufted upholstery is flawless and the chrome is very clean. I will be polishing it before it leaves here. The label, which is in PERFECT condition, I might add, dates it to the 1960s- POST 1961. This piece is perfect in a commercial setting as that is what it was made for. If you see clients and need a lovely piece to show off in your space, this is perfect. In a home, it would be impressive in a hall of entry or even at the foot of your bed! OOOHHH LA LA! Add some fur or a cream throw and it will look so cozy. You can do a lot with it. This rare piece is also in perfect structural condition (you know how I am with upholstery) and the foam is soft and she was probably in a climate controlled environment most of her life. BONUS. Without further adieu, meet this lovely example of fine mid century design:

Seats 4.  This version is the longest version they made and is not currently being produced by Knoll.

Seats 4. This version is the longest version they made and is not currently being produced by Knoll.

This piece belongs in a museum.  Serious shoppers can find her already in my etsy shop, coming soon to my chairish shop.  This is a true collectors piece!

This piece belongs in a museum. Serious shoppers can find her already in my etsy shop, coming soon to my chairish shop. This is a true collectors piece!

Knoll’s office was at 320 Park Ave from 1961-1970.

Knoll’s office was at 320 Park Ave from 1961-1970.

After 1970, the office moved to Fifth Avenue.  If you look on the right you will see a lovely striped casement on display in the new showroom.

After 1970, the office moved to Fifth Avenue. If you look on the right you will see a lovely striped casement on display in the new showroom.

I was able to purchase two bolts of this fabulous sheer casement yardage in two color ways!  Circa 1970.  I believe it is cotton/linen but I am trying to determine that.  The book this pic was in did not have any deets on this line.  I have much mor…

I was able to purchase two bolts of this fabulous sheer casement yardage in two color ways! Circa 1970. I believe it is cotton/linen but I am trying to determine that. The book this pic was in did not have any deets on this line. I have much more of the yellow/orange but there is ample available here to do something fun with and share that fun with others. After I do some more research, I will be pricing it out by the yard. The edges are finished that all you need to do is hem the bottom and sew the top to accommodate your curtain rod or window treatment. They are sheer but not too sheer and will make a lovely colorful accent to your windows! Also a rare collectible in such quantities, I feel very privileged to be able to host them and hopefully use a bit in my own home.

Blond “Cesca” chair designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1920s during the Bauhaus movement.  I have a set of 4 black ones that I will be recaning, by hand, the one seat bottom.  This chair is a newer production than my black set, and I will definitely b…

Blond “Cesca” chair designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1920s during the Bauhaus movement. I have a set of 4 black ones that I will be recaning, by hand, the one seat bottom. This chair is a newer production than my black set, and I will definitely be researching to see if it was made in the Gavina plant in Italy or after Knoll started producing them here. The cane on this chair is sheet cane (much easier to replace) and I will be replacing the seat and the back. Otherwise, she’s in beautiful condition. I will definitely share more comparison shots of this chair and the earlier ones and maybe do a write up or video. :)

One last thing-  I bought a similar teak danish 2 piece unit from a friend who was moving.  It is not perfect but a real nice piece.  (this pic is not mine). I will get it set up and pics taken soon.  It can be used without the top to make a nice cr…

One last thing- I bought a similar teak danish 2 piece unit from a friend who was moving. It is not perfect but a real nice piece. (this pic is not mine). I will get it set up and pics taken soon. It can be used without the top to make a nice credenza. The top piece has some warping and there are some other minor issues but it will be a great starter piece if you love Danish and do not want to invest a fortune. Will be pricing this piece for local market and reach out if you are in the region and interested until I get that done.

I think the covers most of my latest additions. The dining set I was recovering on the last update sold within hours of me listing it and is waiting to get picked up to move to Wisconsin. Things have been really flying out the door this year and I will say, do not hesitate if you think you want something I have. I will hold things or even take a deposit but in this market, things are not here long. ALSO….ETSY is now offering a 4 installment payment plan with NO INTEREST! This may help you afford a big ticket item without putting it on a credit card. PLEASE read the terms! I think these plans work great IF you follow the rules and do not miss any payments. It truly is no interest until you screw up. I believe their plan is set up for 4 biweekly payments so you have about 2 months to pay it off. You will see this option and details on every listing you see on etsy. It was nothing I had to opt in to participate in. This is a fun and exciting product for holiday shopping! Keep that in mind and choose etsy to support small business just like mine all season long!

Thanks for checking in with me as I do appreciate those of you who take time out of your day to ready my blog! I will be hustling over the next 2 months to get some projects done and things listed. STAY TUNED!

xo Malissa

Eames love!

S IN CIRCLE SUMMIT PLASTICS MARKED SHELL WITH BLACK VINYL UPHOLSTERY

S IN CIRCLE SUMMIT PLASTICS MARKED SHELL WITH BLACK VINYL UPHOLSTERY

My base and supplies from Modern Conscience have arrived.  I am not sure if they make to order or not but this order took quite a while to reach me.  I do select the cheapest, slowest shipping option though!

Once again I am thrilled and this shell is shaping up to exceed my expectations!  She really is a beauty!  I did not think the vinyl upholstery was attractive but with the base added, it is glorious!  

I have work ahead of me.  First I will be removing all the old epoxy and the one remaining original shock mount.  Here is an interesting tidbit.  I ordered the 60s and later version (the threads changed) hoping they would match and I would just add 3 new ones.  Everything I read about Summit produced shells dated them mid 60s and later. I found a thread on Design Addict the other day which challenged this and said Summit came into the picture earlier, like late 50s.  The first thing I did was try the new screws and sadly, mine are the earlier thread style.  No worries I will swap it out.  So now I am suspecting this to be a late 50s/early 60s shell.  I also read that the best fiberglass texture was in the earlier shells which would make sense as this one has beautiful Snowy white flecks throughout the black and it is really stunning.  I am very pleased with the chrome base and natural birch runners I selected.  As hoped, it offsets the black on black nicely.  I will be working on this one and hope to have it ready in the next week or so.  

Both of my Eames rockers are beauties and iconic pieces of MCM design history.  Preserved for the next generation, they are truly a delight.  My source has no more rogue arm chair shells so unless I find them elsewhere, I do not expect to have any more in my future.  I have one side chair left in tan with a stackable base in SCHOLASTIC MOUNT that could be changed out to a dowel base easily or new shock mounts installed to make it a NARROW MOUNT which would allow any of the reproduction bases to work.  I might just get that listed in case anyone wants to enjoy it.  Here is a preview with the seat just sitting on top.

Gorgeous black fiberglass features lots of snowy white fiberglass flecks

Gorgeous black fiberglass features lots of snowy white fiberglass flecks

The reproduction base from Modern Conscience was made to exact specifications as the originals. &nbsp;They are top quality and feature tung oiled runners. &nbsp;They are recommended for parts and restorations by Herman Miller for vintage pieces.  I …

The reproduction base from Modern Conscience was made to exact specifications as the originals.  They are top quality and feature tung oiled runners.  They are recommended for parts and restorations by Herman Miller for vintage pieces.  I am thrilled with their quality!

We wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!  Please review my holiday updates in the previous blog post.   

XO Malissa

New Dining Set and Previews of upcoming restorations.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance here in PA!  I went from not wanting to hang out in my garage all day because I was freezing to death, to sweltering in the sun!  Progress is being made slowly and I will work through my projects.  My latest save is a gorgeous 1959 Drexel Counterpoint dining set by John Van Koert.  It is amazing!  Great lines feature a cherry top and mahogany ends and legs.  It has a very Danish look to it.  It is not mint, but cleaned up well.  I only have 3 chairs and not sure how easy it will be to add to them but any walnut or teak chair would look nice and currently trending are fun mismatched looks in the dining room.  I priced this set less than a recent sale for the table alone and am happy to be able to offer such a great set well under value.  I am also willing to recover the seats for you in black vinyl or any fabrics I have in stock.  You are welcome to do it yourself with fabric you have or buy as well.  My etsy listing is for pick up or regional delivery only in eastern pa, nj, ne md and de areas.  If you are in love and require shipping, my chairish listing should be live shortly and they will arrange your shipping.  

&nbsp;https://www.etsy.com/listing/385045644/drexel-counterpoint-1959-dining-table-3&nbsp;click here to view the etsy listing. &nbsp;This is for pick up or regional meets/delivery.only. This gorgeous kilim rug is also available!

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/385045644/drexel-counterpoint-1959-dining-table-3 click here to view the etsy listing.  This is for pick up or regional meets/delivery.only. This gorgeous kilim rug is also available!

Shop chairish for shipping. &nbsp;Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage The original linen seat covers are stained with some holes, but I will recover to order! &nbsp;Choose from black vinyl or some colorful fabrics I have in stock.

Shop chairish for shipping.  Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage The original linen seat covers are stained with some holes, but I will recover to order!  Choose from black vinyl or some colorful fabrics I have in stock.

The table is totally customizable!  40" wide by 60" in length, but add three 12" leaves to max out at 96" long!  Great for entertaining!  Also note there is a great locking feature to lock in the top when using no leaves.  No accidental separation!   

Profile with all 3 leaves inserted. 

Profile with all 3 leaves inserted. 

The locking device is easy to reach at one end of the table. &nbsp;Turn the handle to lock or unlock when you are not using any leaves.

The locking device is easy to reach at one end of the table.  Turn the handle to lock or unlock when you are not using any leaves.

View of top. 

View of top. 

Items in the queue. 

i am sitting on 2 awesome Heywood Wakefield end table sets that will be refinished.  4 total floating top step end tables, 1 large corner end table and 1 coffee table.  I will probably sell in sets of 3.  If this is something you are looking for, reach out!  I can use either wheat or champagne and will refinish to order.  I also have a cool Heywood magazine table in my booth space at Fleetwood Antique Mall that is priced 'as is' or with me refinishing it.  Reach out if it is something you are interested in.  

Recent acquisitions in the restoration queue. 

Recent acquisitions in the restoration queue. 

Keep your eyes on the etsy shop!  I can tell you my last few listings sold fast!  A pole lamp in under 24 hours!  I have another ready to list!  Here is a preview!

Kick ass atomic pole lamp listing soon! &nbsp; 

Kick ass atomic pole lamp listing soon!   

Consulting.   

You have some items you want to sell but have no idea what it is worth!  Fear not!  I will gladly do market research for you so you know what you can expect and what your selling options are.  I have been available for friends and family but would gladly spread the love to my clients and fans. Reach out if you would like assistance and we can come up with plan of attack at a reasonable fee.

 Thank you!  

Thank you to all who have purchased from me!  I enjoy working with you and the best compliment you can give is sharing my info with your friends!  Your referrals are welcome and appreciated!  Xo Malissa