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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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

Grand finale! Wave Lounge Restoration Complete!

After weeks of coordination, some work on my part and some at the upholsterer, this beautiful piece is now complete and waiting delivery next weekend.  I was beyond thrilled when I showed up to pick up at the upholsterer.  He did an amazing job!  Here are some pics.

I arrived at the time we arranged and just in time to watch him close it up.  I think he may want me to be there so I could see his work that would shortly be sealed up.  You can see his strapping which is all brand new as well as all the foam and stuffing.  It is a very firm seat but very comfy and will last another lifetime!  I particularly enjoyed his double stitch technique on the seams that create almost a faux piped edge.  Super classy without all the piping work!

The Upholsterer works to add the dust cover, the final finishing touch!  You can see in the background he does some amazing pieces and I have seen him working on more than one Victorian piece.  They always look fabulous!

Meanwhile, I was at home working on the legs.  They were pretty nicked up, had a bad repair on one of them and were in need of a fresh start.  I sanded them down, did some repair work on the bad repair and then gave them stain and poly top coat.  The final detail was all new floor glides. 

The final result is a stunning piece with all new guts and a total fresh start.  My client is looking forward to relaxing with a good book and I would be lying to say that doesn't make me a bit jealous!  

Sorry about my living room as the background.....it was so rainy this weekend I just could not get any decent pics in natural lighting outdoors, which is my favorite place to photograph. 

The color is stunning as well!!! Such a fabulous accent piece that will steal the show!

The tufting adds so much to this larger piece. It really needs some details to break up the piece visually.  If you search for this piece on an image search, you will see them done in many ways.  I enjoy the tufted pieces best and ones with thicker foam like this one. 

Overall, the finished price of this piece is well under retail in my markets.  Had I taken this on myself and invested my own money into the restoration, I would have priced it accordingly.  However, I was able to save my client money and she was able to call the shots on the important things like fabric selection and stain color.  I guess with any restoration you have to have a bit of flexibility on the final product, but generally, that's my job to pull the details together and present a gorgeous finished product you can enjoy for hopefully the rest of your life!  The pieces I select for restorations are always something with significant design or collectability status but in reality, the sky is the limit if you are willing to invest in the piece. 

I will be looking to pick up some more Pearsall items shortly that will all need complete restorations and I would love to coordinate restoration on them.  Please keep me in mind when you are looking for something for your home!  I would gladly source something for you that needs a makeover and follow through the process with you, advising you along the way.   All custom restorations will require 50% deposit to start the work.  If you have me purchase your fabrics for you, I will offer you my wholesale rates as well.  Fabric is a tricky thing but I do have some sources for discounted close outs as well.  It can be overwhelming!  Definitely order a current JOYBIRD swatch kit before you start your search!  This week I found a sale at Norwalk Furniture at $8/9 a yard for closeout fabrics they had available.  I bought 15 yards of an orange I have earmarked for my Pearsall couch coming!  $100 for 15 yards is INSANE!  Even if I have to have the strapping and structure redone by the upholsterer, I will still be well under retail on the piece.  And since it will be going in my own living room, this excites me a lot!  hahaha  You can see my current sectional in the pics above and I am so over it!!!!  My husband loves it and has fought me about replacing it.  I finally found a large 9' couch that I think will be great and we will even have room for a chair!  <3  Here is the link to the NORWALK FABRIC SALE. Norwalk, by the way, had some great Mid Century offerings back in the day!  They are still manufacturing furniture today!

These cuties will be available to customize shortly!  

I also have a quote for the X benches that are going to be redone.  I need to disassemble the second one which is extremely labor intensive.  Once I get that done (shooting for spring) they will be ready to head to the upholsterer.  I loved the fabric on the wave lounger so much I am thinking of staying with it.....possibly blush...but there is a great moss green too.  If you are interested in having me customize them for you, please reach out before I get started.  Final pricing on them will be in the $700-800 range depending on if bought direct or through one of my online markets.  They will be amazing at the foot of a bed.  I am thinking they need some tufting up top as well, so will be running with that! 

Other quick notes:  The gold tufted couch/chair set is off the hook.  It is currently in 6 shopper's carts on etsy.  I have quoted shipping to California (from PA) and checked my plycon rates in the chairish shop.  This set is going to cost $500-1000 to ship.  Seriously.  I need a regional buyer for this set unless you have a fat shipping budget.  I will drive far to find it the right home, but you would need to reach out so we can talk about it.  I prefer NOT to split the set.  The chair by itself to me is not really worth selling on it's own and honestly, I priced the set LOW on purpose.....like throwing the chair in for free anyway and factoring in the wear on the arms.  If you are considering the set, reach out!  It is a beautiful set and very current with what is trending.  I do think you can match the velvet you could have some arm covers made up to cover the wear. A quick check on etsy confirms that there are MANY options for useful and decorative arm covers!  Plus I found someone selling velvet that may match.   That is really the worst of the issues.  I can help you with that if you would like. 

ALBUM SALE on my facebook page is still going on!  Grab some goodies from my wholesaler, Primitives by Kathy AT COST!  That's right!  I am selling a bunch of cute gift items at my wholesale price!  Sure, they aren't everyone's style, but they make great gifts for mother's day, easter and more!  Please stop by and check them out at facebook.com/madformodmalissa.  The album is pinned to the top of my wall.  I will send you a paypal invoice with shipping added.  Fill a box!  Click the link above to visit!

Thanks for popping in!  I have noticed an issue with my mailchimp list and it appears that some email followers MAY have been added without their consent.  This seems nuts to me as not only do you need to complete the form on my website, you then need to follow through and respond to the email they send you to confirm you really want to be there.  I do not randomly add anyone to this list!  Not my friends, not my family, not even people who follow me on facebook.  SO, with that said, if you got on my list without your consent, please contact me via email!  Mailchimp seems to be spamming people and it makes me mad.  So I apologize if anyone is getting my updates that did not sign up for them! 

xo Malissa

Booth Space Ramped up for fall!

Stop by the space at the Fleetwood Antique Mall (Hours WED-SUN 10am-6pm) featuring the newly paired chrome dining set!  It is super adorable!  I spent a few hours yesterday at the mall swapping things out and adding a bunch of new and delicious items!  2 gorgeous ceramic Christmas trees that have been restored and a ready for a holiday display to call their own, retro kitchen items like a chrome cake plate and fun stacking aluminum canister set plus some linen items....the perfect holiday table cloth for that table and a great red and white gingham apron which fits my plus size!  You know and I know that plus size vintage is always a treat to find!  I also added 2 great pieces of vintage luggage!  Whether you repurpose them, display or use them as intended, I only buy this stuff if it does not stink like grandma so rest assured, their condition is usable.  If you are interested in the table set, please reach out as I would gladly deliver or meet up if you are in the region.  It is one service I offer that many others do not!  Scroll through the gallery below for a sneak peek!

I am at this point in time finding myself with a little breathing room as I just found home for MANY larger inventory items over the last few weeks.  Yea!  Organizing my garage and inventory areas so that going into the holidays and winter I am in a good place.  I have fabric on order from Joybird and will be starting to work on getting the Brasilia chair set I have ready to sell.  If you are in the market for a chair set with gorgeous turquoise seats....let me know!  I ordered PURE WATER, which will look fabulous with the deep walnut finish.  I have lots of restoration work to do on the chairs so will be getting started on that before the fabric shows up.  Do not forget that I have a trade relationship with Joybird!  I am able to buy things at a discount but would gladly be your liason if you plan to place an order with them.  The more items that I sell, the deeper discounts I can earn and I was told they can still work out the 12 months no interest financing for you if you go through me!  They just revamped their trade deal and I am doing very well on the fabric now!  They do require 5 yards minimum, so if you find yourself in need, maybe I can help you out there by buying and selling you off what you need.  Definitely keep me in mind for that.  I use lots of fabrics to recover seats so I would definitely be willing to do this. 

Looking FORWARD........I have purchased some small gifts to do a BLACK FRIDAY PROMO!  Look for an announcement via social media and blog closer to the big day.  I am excited to be able to score some goodies from my wholesaler, Primitives By Kathy, to make this happen.  I enjoy their offerings although many do not fit my business scope or price points but these gave me a great idea!  If you ever poke around on their page and see something you can't live without, please let me know as I am only an hour from their warehouse and visit every few months to buy.  I can buy anything in their catalog!  With that said, DO NOT forget I am also listing some of these items in the ebay shop!  I am having a steady stream of sales there and plan on listing more but still trying to get off new account restrictions.  I think I have 6 sales left to reach that goal.  If you are out of the area, please pop over and check out some of these great NEW WITH TAGS items that make great gifts! 

We are about a week out from the fall Antique Extravaganza that comes to Kutztown and Adamstown 3 times a year.  If you come shopping, please remember my mall is just south of Kutztown on route 222 (1/2 hour north from Adamstown and generally priced lower)!  Reach out if you need any tips on the area!  I will be glad to share my shopping spots with you.  And you can PICK UP ANY ITEM in my online inventory at the mall, please reach out a few days before you are in the area and I will make sure it is there for you.  Ideally, I would love to meet up with you if my schedule allows.  Please reach out!  I love working with my customers face to face and the mall space has really allowed me to do that!  NEW ITEMS ARE BEING LISTED ON ETSY ALMOST DAILY as I try to get through my backlog of inventory I have been collecting all summer and ramping up for the holiday season!  CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY and follow my social media!

Thanks as always, for caring about what I do and following me on this journey!  xo Malissa

Some items in the ebay shop right now.....