Pyrex, End tables, dining chairs and fabric sample update.

First off I am heading down to Baltimore area this Saturday for the annual Mid Atlantic Pyrex Collectors Swapaganza!  I just uploaded a bunch of pics of what I am packing and everything is up for reserve.  If you are coming, please check my Facebook page album at Facebook.com/madformodmalissa and comment on anything you'd like reserved.  I am packing all reserves for travel. The event is closed so if you missed out this year, be sure to sure to join the Mid Atlantic Pyrex Collectors Facebook group!  I will share pics and stories in my next write up!  

Fresh Restores!  New Listings!

I have been banging out the projects in the last few weeks.  All are ready to ship and the final few chairish listings should be live in the next 24 hours. 

Meet the Heywood Wakefield tables! 

A total of 5 end tables have been totally restored to their former glory. Sanded and stripped if needed, new stain and layers of tinted top coat to replicate that awesome opaque finish us Hey Wake fans love.  Since I had 4 of the same step end tables, I did a pair in each of the popular finishes, champagne and wheat.  They look awesome!  

New to Heywood?  Here is a side by side comparison of the coveted finishes, champagne on the left with it's pink undertones and wheat on the right which has yellow undertones.  Both darken with age so if you find an unmarked piece, it may be hard to determine on sight.  When you look underneath you can usually find evidence of these hues. 

The wheat pair. 

The champagne pair. 

I also did a great corner table! This would be placed between 2 pieces of a sectional.  A real cool table if it fits your configuration. It is bigger that it appears. It is done in champagne.  

Here is a before pic and how cool it can look with the right couch! 

Next, I got the Italian ladderbacks finished.  They are beautiful!  The black chairs received all new seagrass seats and a new clear coat to protect that chippy finish that is the perfect age look if you like that style! These will be awesome in a farmhouse or traditional setting or those who like to mix up your Mod with more traditional looks.  They are very whimsical in design and just make me smile.  I like the look with the natural chairs at the ends!  All of these items can be Bus shipped to your nearest Greyhound station very reasonably! I do all the work! You show up when they call you to get them.  I will help you through, just reach out!

Last update! Frank Lloyd Wright samples will arrive Friday! I hope to do a big reveal!  Maybe I will go live on Facebook.  Stay tuned to my social media!  Important....i am shopping for things that will work for chair recovering and since this fabric is so expensive, I cannot get a big selection.  I will sell 1/4 and 1/2 yard cuts of what I get for myself but if you see something you want, speak up right away so I can work with you on ordering.  I will need to clarify minimums, etc.  There are limited quantities available so would like to submit my order asap. You can only purchase this fabric through an interior designer, architect or someone like me with a trade account! I will ship to your for free.  50% deposit due when my order is finalized, balance due after I receive and send pics but prior to shipping/delivery. These fabrics are $150-300/yard.  There are linen, velvet, sheers and trim.  Can't wait to inspect these fine fabrics!

i am off through a busy weekend of pyrex, band performances (2 gigs on Sunday) and sports!  have a great week everyone!

XO MALISSA

Dream Weaver.

Anytime you try something new there are many feelings shooting through your mind.  Can I do this? How do I do this? What if I screw up? You think you prepare by researching and reading but there comes a time when you just have to jump. After hoping to recreate the original weave on the Italian chiavari chair set then not finding any instructions for it, I decided to stop racking my brain trying to recreate the wheel and just do a weave I had instructions for.  Moving forward, I started the first chair.   

Step 1. Fill in the front corners as the chair is wider in the front than the back.  I counted the old seat fills and followed that lead. 

Each string is tacked on both sides in this step. 

Moving on, the next step weaves around the 4 corners.  It is pleasant going for the most part.  When you run out of cord, a square knot is used to attach the next piece.  

Continue going around until about 1/3rd left. 

At this point, triangular pieces of cut cardboard are inserted in the pockets to full out the seat and add additional support. 

Continue weaving until the sides are filled.  Then use a figure 8 stitch to finish off the seat.  

My first chair took about 14 hours.  I hope to gain some speed as I move through the next 3! 

I am happy overall but hope to get faster and better as I go! 

Oh, and did I mention there is no way to prevent the rats nest??! 😂 

I am not sure if I will attempt this for others, but I do have one person in line if I decide to rehab to order! 😂🤘🏼 

Heading out for a one nighter camping trip Saturday but will be available sporadically up until we leave.  Can't wait to sleep in the Vanagon! 🚐   

Have a great weekend! 

Malissa

Etsy shop ON SALE

Just an FYI that my entire etsy shop is ON sale for the month of February!  10% off every listing, even new stuff I am adding.  No coupon code required!  

My first month at Fleetwood Antique Mall has been great!  I am so glad I followed my dreams!  Stop by if you are in the area!  Select furnishings are available from my online inventory but I can have anything there for you to see if you reach out in advance.  It's not too late for Valentine's Day and I made some great little sets with the Fransiscan Starburst themed pillows and a matching wooden wine tag....all wrapped in a red ribbon!  $18 each set.  

Here's a view from my Instagram feed!  Are YOU following? 

I also added more Indian Kantha Quilts...there are 4 to choose from at the shop and 1 online in the etsy shop.  I can think of many uses including picnic and festivals, draped over a chair, camp bedding or throw.  The colors are gorgeous!  Here is a peek! 

I will gladly ship any of them if interested. I also picked up an array of placemats!  They are just as awesome!  Available in sets of 2 in the etsy shop and I left a few sets of 4 in the shop.  They are awesome and reversible just like the quilts. 

Placemats!  So cute for home or glamping! 

Afew other items I added this week include awesome VW camper wood wall plaques!  We love our 89 Vanagon and love VW kitsch!  Brought these back from my wholesaler to share the love! #westylife  

And HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE kitchen towels! 💗💗💗💗 

I would gladly ship any of these new items, but they are not eligible to list on etsy so please reach out if you can't get to the store and I can mail to you via PayPal invoice.   

I am meeting up in Cinnaminson, NJ this Saturday to deliver a few items.  If you are in the area and would like something reach out!!!!  

I guess that covers everything!  My  

Vibe Sunkissed fabric arrived today so will start taking apart the next Heywood Chair this week! Yea! 🎉. Hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day!  

Xo Malissa

The Eames chairs are in the shop.  The bases remove with a Phillips head screw driver for easy packing.  They have some issues but if you always wanted one or 2, you can score them $200 each or both for $350 at the shop! 

Don't forget the best pyrex selection in the mall!!! 

That tweed suitcase is new too!  Orange/Avocado tweed! 😍 

Adventures in Acquisition. Come along on a ROAD TRIP!

We stumbled across a shop a few years back on our way back from a VW campout in NY state.  I had a chance this spring to stop by again and realized I need to go back and save some more!  Everything needs some work and that is fine by me because I am starting to nest my winter projects!  Yesterday I embarked on a grand adventure.  Me, the kids and our 89 VW Vanagon.  My husband had a family emergency so he headed off to Pittsburgh and I was setting off alone.  I promised to not exceed 65 MPH and keep my eye on the temperature gauge.  This van can't really get to 65 MPH, by the way!  hahaBut I had many mountains to cross on this route and that can cause overheating and trouble if the van decides to malfunction. 

High on the hill overlooking the Susquehanna River on PA Rte 6.

Travelling via a 25 + year old vehicle does require avoiding the fastest way to get somewhere.  We avoid highway driving as much as possible.  So it only makes sense to take the most historically pleasing route across PA, ROUTE 6.  It runs East-West across the whole state just south of the NY border.  Meanders through small towns, up and down mountains and not only is quite scenic, there is much fun to be had shopping and eating!  We passed many antique shops, but I had one in mind to spend my money at, so did not bother stopping. 

My 2 trusty helpers were pretty decent travel buddies.  I only had to yell at them twice for beating each other in the back seat.  They have been raised in the van so it is like an extension of home to them.  They have been on some crazy long trips and camping adventures, so it was just like another day to them. 

We arrived at our destination and immediately got to talking shop with the adorable owners.  A father and son team who have many years of estate picking, sale going and show selling under their belts.  They only buy Mid Century Modern items and have a shop full of gems, if you know what you are looking at and can see past the non elegant presentation, full of dust, spider webs and issues that need to be tended to.  They always treat me fair and I can get some nice pieces for my shop.  They are in love with the history of the designers and pieces, just like me, so you can imagine how much I treasure the few hours I spend conversing with them both.  They also have the largest stash of Hey Wake I have seen and their shop is somewhat of a museum to those in the know.  Many folks came through while I was there, but I could see by the blank looks in their eyes that they were not MCM fans and had no clue what they were looking at. 

I had plenty of time to ponder items in my price range and go over a loose plan for restoration.  Talking myself up to the task perhaps, or mainly building my self esteem to know I could tackle the job, with dignity and integrity because no restoration job should be half assed.  :)  I came back around to a set of Gio Ponti Shaker Style chairs.  Gio Ponti was probably the most popular Italian modernist of the era....an architect, furniture designer and industrial designer.  His spin on the traditional ladder back chair is pretty neat.  It's exaggerated in a cartoon kind of way.  I just thrifted a smaller back Ponti chair the day before, so it quickly turned in to Ponti fest this weekend!  These chairs are dainty and light, another Shaker tradition.  They need restore work, but after my last cord restoration, I know I can do it.  :)  I got a set of 4 in chippy black lacquer....rustic and nice for those who like to mix MCM with more traditional pieces and a pair in a blond finish, which look great with the little HW cart I picked up for a friend.  He gets first dibs on them.   I have been wanting a full set of chairs in the shop because I have done well with them, so that made me happy.  These chairs definitely are not for everyone.  They are very dainty.  My almost 6' and plus size stature feels very large on them.  They would do best in a household with lighter folk and no kids or people who are rough on their furniture.  I love Danish modern, but I have Hey Wake in my dining room.....it can handle larger people just fine and it's more comfortable to me.  Just something to keep in mind when shopping.  Shipping my stuff does not allow my customers to try before they buy so I want to make it clear what thoughts I have on it, in case that helps someone make a decision!

Gio Ponti threw up in my driveway!  The chairs are very cute and the design is exaggerated and cartoony. 

So now you are wondering about those Eames chairs?  Yes, they are Herman Miller Eames shell chairs.  Structurally, they are great, on a swivel base.  They have upholstery issues so I am going to try to deal with that and bring them into a new life.  I have 3 options, try to clean up the fabric on it (I picked 2 of the cleanest) but the foam inside is degraded, paint the fabric if I can OR remove all of it and clean the glue residue and try to polish the fiberglass.  I found a blog with someone else's adventures in restoring one of these so plan to use it as a reference.  They are a great chair and actually comfy even in this degraded state.  They hug you or at least hug me because of my wide butt.  :)  The fiberglass is moss green.  I think they are pretty. 

Last but not least.  The coffee table.  Recognize it?  Yep, Paul McCobb planner group!  Such a simple design, yet oh so stunning!  The simple splayed legs scream sexy.  We discussed it in length and Tom is convinced it is an early model and that the 2 toned presentation is original.  He has found no examples of it to prove it, but he has a personal collection of McCobb and I trust his valuation.  The label residue is still on the underside over the black finish.  It has some chippy spots around the edge and some areas on the top are rubbed through the black. I have not decided how I will attack that or if I should leave it as original wear.  I do think it adds character to the piece.  I am smitten with McCobb and because he was America's designer, and massed produced, his stuff turns up.  Definitely consider adding one of his pieces to your MCM collection.   

And finally, no road trip is complete without some great eats!  There is a stretch on route 6 somewhere near Wyalusing boasting a few road side BBQ joints.  We try to hit Chris' Western Beef whenever we are travelling through.  It is a kitschy little joint and we just love it!  They close for the season sometime late September, and we have been there on their closing weekend, just barely getting through in time! 

I live for places like this!  Bring on the KITSCHY Roadside fun!

My partners had worked up an appetite!  This joint has a cool vibe, outdoor seating and decent food!  Ice cream too, but they had already had some while I was shopping so we passed on dessert.

We had a great trip!  The van behaved and I did not have to call AAA!  It was a good day.  Today I will repent and clean my garage, organize my hoard maybe work on my slat bench and keep on trucking!  CHEERS!  xo Malissa