stock up the shop: vintage fabric finds

Came across some vintage fabrics lately...certainly not an expert, but definitely a fan:

This one is HUGE, like 4 yards huge.The selvedge is marked "DeSoto Handprint" which from my research dates it to the 1960s when United DeSoto (fomerly United Wallpaper) launched lines of big, bold wallpaper patterns with intense colors...and also produced some coordinating home dec fabric. So psychedelic, so pop, so '60s!

Again with the '60s...This vintage 1960s Loomskill fabric has amazing design and colors. Swirly paisley and flowers in shades of olive, eggplant, rust, and gold. This is a large piece - 45" wide by 98" long (2.6 yards long.) It has a heavy, lineny, textured feel to it. There is a light sheen to it, so possibly a touch of acrylic within the cotton? Not "shiny" by any means, in fact at first touch I thought 100% cotton.

This flat Marimekko sheet is a "double" size, measuring 94" long by 79" wide. It has a cool 80s mesh design in red, yellow, blue and black, with a nice twill binding across the top edge. One tag is marked Marimekko 1987 (see photo) and the other, much more faded tag, says Marimekko by Dan River. It is a 50% cotton 50% polyester blend. Definitely has been washed and used, but is in great condition with no stains or tears. I have a set of about the same vintage Marimekko sheets from high school. Soooo tempted to dig them out.

Marked on the selvedge "creation GIVENCHY PARIS," this fabric is 102" long (just under 3 yards) and 52" wide. I have researched this fabric and have had difficulty finding any information. A trusted resource has suggested it could be an original from the 70s or 80s, or it could be reproduction of an original vintage Givenchy textile? Either way, how could I possibly pass it up?! Still looking for any info on this...

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: vintage pyrex

I go back and forth with my feelings about vintage Pyrex. I tell myself that I'm not going to buy any more, but then I see it here and there and can't resist it's cute, vintage nature and style. 

It harkens back (is harken a word?) to a simpler time, which seems to be a familiar theme around here.The blog Pyrex Love is a great resource for researching vintage Pyrex. I've at least gotten to the point where I'll only grab something if it's in nearly mint condition and super useful. Those divided casserole dishes - what in the world did people use them for? Here are some of my finds. Some are for sale, some are sold, and some are mine all mine.

More to come, I'm sure!

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: marushka

This caught my eye as I was treasure hunting the other day.

Something about that signature took me back to my childhood.

I'm sure we had something in our house by Marushka, but I have yet to chat with my mom about it. In the meantime, I've done some research on the subject. These Marushka prints were very popular in the 1970s. They are clearly inspired by Marimekko and Tampella and such, but many have this cool woodland vibe, featuring various birds and trees. Plus there are skiers, canoes, sailboats, etc. So Midwestern...which makes sense because they're based in Grand Island, Michigan.

Here are some links if you're interested in reading or seeing more:

Marushka blog has tons of information and images.

Marushka flickr pool where anyone can add shots of their finds.

Apartment Therapy article

And now for something super fun! The Marushka company still exists, but they now print only on clothes. Visiting the website, you can choose your style and your image. Here's what I chose today: 

Now I definitely need to go to the beach!

~ Jenny