Weaving progress, research and Broyhill Brasilia.

Greetings!  Wanted to send a few updates.  The weaving project is coming along.  I have 2 chairs ready, 2 more to go!  

I purchased an early 70s catalog from importer Otto Gerdau of NY.  Success!  My chairs are in there!  

Of course, no reference to manufacturer/design connection but I am convinced there is no correlation to Gio Ponti.  They are made in Italy, hand woven, of course.  There are many furniture pieces in this catalog and I already found a few on the web attributed to folks who probably had nothing to do with them.  I am happy to add this great reference to my library! 

New acquisitions!  I just picked up a pretty set of T back style Broyhill Brasilia dining chairs.  They are currently being rehabbed by my friend, who is out of work and looking for side jobs.  I will be recovering the seats shortly, thinking a cobalt blue tweed but I have options.  Reach out if you are looking for a set of 4 and I can custom cover for you.   

Picked up some plaid coolers too!  I have lots of camping items to list! 

Hope everyone has a good week!  Hopefully I will finish the 3rd chair this week!  I have been binge watching Netflix series as I weave. Ha. 

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

Hoppy Easter, Berks County Area Thrifting and Shopping Guide.

Have a great holiday to those celebrating!  I had a busy week! The McCobb bench is on it's way to Chicago and the lucite and brass table is packed and being picked up next Wednesday.  That said, we did not ship the 52" glass top and my buyer is replacing with a larger one.  If you are regional to me and need a round glass top and this 1/2" thick beauty will do, $100 and it is yours.  Let me know!  

​Spring shopping here in Berks County and into Lancaster county is picking up and in a few weeks there is a big Extravaganza weekend.  ​You will want to come by Renninger's Kutztown renningers.net for Thurs, Friday, Saturday shopping the weekend of April 27, 28 and 29th, then head to Adamstown Sunday 30th.  I don't find tons of mcm furniture at these events but there are great finds to be had.  Here's some lists of area thrifts in case you can make it to our area. 

FROM 222 heading south

KUTZTOWN:

Once Again Thrift store in shopping center where Weis Market is. 15260 Kutztown Rd Kutztown Pa 19530

Further south on 222: Fleetwood Antique Mall (this is where I have a space) 14129 Kutztown Rd Fleetwood, PA 19522

The Shoppes at Kirbyville who also has outdoor Flea Market on weekends

READING

GOODWILL

3045 N 5th St Highway

reading PA 19605

Opp Shop for Opportunity House

In Strip mall by Checkers, same side of highway as Goodwill

GOODWILL BY THE POUND OUTLET

3001 St Lawrence Ave Reading Pa 19606

GOODWILL

602 E Lancaster Ave Shillington PA 19607

HOPE OUTLET

645 N 6th St Reading, PA 19601

ADAMSTOWN

just south of Reading is Antique Mecca in ADAMSTOWN. Prices are high here but it is worth picking around. I have found deals! Definitely check out Mad Hatter Antiques as there is the most kick ass MCM booth in the back with the most CatherineHolm you will ever see! You can pick up a map there for all area stores. I have never done more that 2 in a day and you could seriously spend days there. In the summer, nearby Shrupps Grove has become my favorite flea market. I think they are closed for the season now.

​You could say I just shared my shopping secrets with you, but I assure you, these days I am shopping estate sales and people are connecting me to others selling so no worries, they are no secret! 😜✌️ 

i will be headed to Maryland once again for the MidAtlantic Pyrex Swap near Baltimore.  Had a blast last year and looking forward to seeing folks I know, fellow dealers and make new friends.  It is a fun trip and hope to find a few more snowflakes I need for my collection, make some trades and come home with some fun stuff.  ​

Our Saturday space at Columbus Flea in NJ last weekend. 

A friend and I just sold some stuff at the Columbus Flea Market in Columbus, NJ near Trenton.  It was a huge market, Sunday being the better day.  If you are in the region it is a great day trip.  ​

i have tons to do today so off I go.  Reach out if I can help you with anything! ​

XO Malissa​