Let's Talk Stains!

You know when you find that piece of clothing that fits you perfectly and you think “I love this! It looks so good – I need two” - just so when the hard-to-come-by "oh so perfectly fitted" garment wears out, turns that dingy yellow color or is ruined because of a mishap and leaves a stain right in the most obvious spot.

Nothing can ruin a favorite piece of clothing like a stain, be it make-up, blood,  perspiration, wine or even just the “ring around the collar.” Your furniture takes a beating as well from things such as coffee, grease, crayons or food. 

So, here’s the Thing…..

I have a fetish for the color white when it comes to my summer wardrobe.  White blouses and white jeans top my go-to attire – don’t know why, just do. Throw on a colorful top with the white jeans or a white blouse with the blue jeans and I’m good to go. Pretty plain Jane.

Why white, of all colors? Not exactly the smartest choice for a woman who up until a year ago would not leave the cottage without two 90 lb. bull mastiff boxers in tow. Drooling, shedding and dirty paws from two who thought they were the size of a Chihuahua and required received constant hugs, kisses and lap time. I’d always have some sort of mark or stain (or many) by the end of the day.

Then, there’s my line of work - I am constantly digging around searching for furniture.  On a “day off” I’ll throw on my go-to wardrobe to visit a friend and we’ll end up digging through the attic, barn or basement looking for that perfect piece to refinish! Or, I’m off to run errands and do a road side stop for that discarded chair…..another marked up article of clothing. Needless to say I had to find a product to keep my whites white.

(Disclaimer) Let me start by saying that I have no attachment to this company, no relationship with them what-so-ever, no paybacks, no perks no free products.  This is just a favorite stain remover I found and want to share it with you. End of story.

I was at Atlantic Fabrics in Bridgewater a few months back checking out – well, pretty much anything in a fabric store!  On one shelf I spotted a product called eaze-OUT. Said on the label it is a “super concentrated STAIN REMOVER that gently penetrates to dissolve and lift the most difficult set-in stains without harming the fabric, even silk.”  Well, I read the back label and, like many products, it boosted itself as being the miracle, fix all solution to keeping your whites white and your colors bright – but I bought it anyway!

Fast forward to a few weeks later and I pulled out a pair of white jeans and prepared for an outing. This particular day I was carrying a cross strap weaved bag and did not notice until later in the day that a pen in my bag had poked its point through the weave and had left at least a dozen ink marks all over my white jeans….not pretty!

When I got home I hauled out the bottle of eaze-out, figuring now was as good a time as any, and followed the instructions. I soaked the jeans and liberally applied the product.  I have an old fingernail brush that I used to gently rub over the marks and – no word a lie – like magic the ink marks disappeared – even on the double stitched side seam! I then threw them in a wash and added a cap full of eaze-out per the instructions and my jeans came out brighter and whiter all over! Seriously, they look like I had just purchased them!

You know, it’s the little things in life that give me the greatest thrills. I was so excited about eaze-out I went to my closet and pulled out pieces to experiment on.  From ink and blood to make up and coffee – I spent the afternoon testing to see just how I could prove this product wrong. Sorry - can't. It is amazing! Those once destined for the garbage items have now regained their rightful spot amongst my wardrobe of whites.  Next up - my brights!

After reading a few reviews online I realized I am not alone!  Great reviews. And, I discovered it is available at both Atlantic Fabrics and Fabricland.

Who knew?  Have you tried this product? Do you have a favorite go-to you’d like to share?  Post a comment and/or a photo - I'd love to hear from you!  

"It's the little things in life that give me the greatest thrills!"   

- Mary Elizabeth

Until next time - live simply!

Mary Elizabeth

From Drab to Gorgeous with Caribbean Blue FAT Chalk Paint

Can I get a hallelujah for the arrival of spring? Not that our winter was any different from previous years – I just love moving on for a few seasons from the whiteness of it all. This time of year, like most, I head to the gardens and window boxes as early as possible just to be able to enjoy the array of color that will be a source of joy for the next few months.  Color engulfs my life and makes me happy. 

The window boxes are jam packed full of every color imaginable. The perennial gardens showing signs of rebirth and sending up shoots of irises, peonies and daylilies. At the same time, inside my cottage, the warm and cozy earth tones from fall and winter décor are replaced with beautiful, bright, cheery fabrics and accessories to add that splash of happiness – color makes my soul complete.

So, here’s the thing….

I had posted “What Up With Color?” a few days ago and thought while that was fresh in my mind I would share with  you a little project I recently completed.

I was out on an adventure one afternoon and ended up at one of my favorite second hand furniture stores, Mom’s Used Furniture and Dad’s Ice Cream in Lunenburg.  Pam has some really interesting pieces and this particular day I spied this little chair sitting in the corner.  Like I needed another chair to refinish – but this was unusual and it had great bones, so home it comes!

I call this "Red Velvet"

Once I got the “beautiful” red velvet off the frame I was thrilled to see that it had been originally caned.  I would imagine somewhere down the line of owners of this little gem, they did what most do when the cane breaks – grab a piece of fabric and recover it.  Well, I just had to have the cane replaced – proper thing!

But what was I going to do about the paint color…… I decided, as summer was approaching, this project would be painted it in this yummy “Caribbean Blue” FAT Chalk Paint and antiquing wax to bring out the imperfections – as only antiquing wax will do!

Painted, waxed and distressed

After the piece had cured for a few weeks I took it to my friends at the ARC in Bridgewater and had it caned, seat and back, just like the original.

Home from the caner

This little accent chair is now for sale in my shop. How great would this look in any home?  I think we all need a little color to liven up our day.  Why not bring those amazing colors we tenderly care for in our gardens into our homes?  If they bring so much happiness out of doors, why not try them inside? From the muted to the bold and beautiful - living with color is a good thing.

"Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second."

- Mattie Stepanek

Until next time - live simply!

Mary Elizabeth

This Vehicle Brakes for Spring and Fall Clean-Up!

You know that feeling you get when you stumble across something you didn’t know you were even on the hunt for - and then - there it is, right in front of you? Personally, I get this fire in my belly and my heart starts to race - giddy almost!  I love a good find at a bargain price – give-aways are even better! Yard sale –ing, flea market-ing, dumpster diving, digging through my family’s basements, barns and attics or strolling through a used furniture store to find the unusual – heaven. Heck, I need a bumper sticker that reads “This vehicle brakes for spring and fall clean-up”! I just get child-like with excitement.

So, here’s the Thing…….

I’m kind of a jack of all trades gal.  When I was considering a business I was having a difficult time narrowing down what I wanted to offer.  Focusing on one service is just not me – ask anyone who knows me, I prefer to have a number of irons in the fire. So I decided to diversify and cover all of the things that I love to do - things that don’t feel like “work” and makes my heart happy. I love to restore, paint and reupholster furniture.  I love interior design and decorating.  I love creating and sewing my own designs.  I love gardening. I love old pottery. I love nature. I love building from raw wood. I love making pies. I love rearranging furniture. I love to recycle, upcycle, restore and reuse. These are some of the services that fall under the umbrella of Mary Elizabeth Interiors.  "Interiors" - meaning everything home.

So today I am going to share one of those “oops, I have to pull over and grab those chairs” because you just know if you don’t grab them now – they will be gone. Been there, done that – so disappointing!  These chairs were actually being carried out to the roadside by the owner for fall clean up when I pulled to a screeching halt right up next to his driveway.  After a bit of cordial chitchat he was thrilled to help me load them on the back of my truck, probably thinking I am one crazy woman – and, happy to see them out of his yard.  A friendly wave and away I go, happy as a clam with my new found treasures in tow.  

Here are the three chairs rescued from that fall clean-up - painted, waxed and distressed.  I think they would look awesome in a farmhouse or cottage kitchen.  There are two green and one yellow and are for sale in my shop.

Just a heads up to my fellow Maritimers, when spring and fall clean up rolls round again and you are following behind me - be sure to keep your distance cause this vehicle pulls over for spring and fall clean up! 

"The future is trash.  Recycling it, re-arranging it. Making it beautiful again."     - Chris Campanioni

           Until Next Time - Live Simply!

    Mary Elizabeth

What’s Up With Color?

I love color – all colors of the rainbow, those created in nature and those brought to life by those brilliant minds in a laboratory.

If we are surrounded by literally a gazillion shades from one end of the color spectrum to the other, why do we gravitate to decorating our homes in neutrals, browns, navy blue and forest green?  Why is there so much anticipation of color at the first sign of spring - from the buds on the trees to the early blooming rhododendrons, tulips, hyacinths, columbine and primrose right through to the fall sunflowers, black eyed Susan’s, mums and our glorious changing of the leaves?

So, here’s the thing…..

We fill our days leafing through home decorating magazines and admiring the bold statement of a peacock blue or a lime green – but who dare bring that into their home?  We stroll through public gardens and art galleries - literally travelling the world to enjoy the beauty of nature and the kaleidoscope of colors it offers. Great in the outdoors, but would never consider a wall or a piece of furniture in the process.  Actually, we don’t have to look too far to see how color impacts our lives.  Next time you are out and about take time to notice the color of vehicles these days.  What about that new lipstick or nail polish – the choices are endless.  Although neutral colors will continue to top the charts in choosing that next vehicle, did you know that the future trend predictions are tending to suggest greens, pinks and hue shifting finishes?  What about fashion?  Trending this year are beautiful pink, crimson, coral and purple shades – will they eventually make it into our homes?

Recently while at Indian Garden Farms in Bridgewater, I spoken with an employee about the amazing display of color in their prepared baskets, from the soft hues of pinks and greens to the vibrant reds, corals, yellows and purples - color everywhere.  I was happy. As I stood drooling over the arrangements I asked her why are we so afraid to bring fun, vibrant or soft colors into our homes.  She said her mother’s reasoning was that taupe was a neutral and would stand the test of time and mix with anything purchased for the home – it was safe. Maybe so…..

However, I applaud those who dare to step outside their comfort zone and introduce a splash of color to a wall, a chair, an area rug or accessories.  Fun, happy, inviting, warm and interesting – through color - fabrics, paints, wall paper or furniture, you can make your nest a delightful place to come home to – and smile. Take a look at these photos (courtesy of Google).  Be it through soft or bright tones, color is happy.

Ahhh, color.  I encourage you to introduce a little color in your homes. Choose a wall, add pillows, change the drapes, toss in a few accessories or punch it up with an area rug.  Let a little sunshine in and watch the reaction!

“Punches of color keeps a room feeling youthful and engaging."   

                                                                      – Christina Murphy

Until next time - Live Simply!

Mary Elizabeth

My "All Time Favorite"

Oh my – I love a good pillow!  I’ve been designing and making pillows for – EVER.  I have them everywhere – on the sofa, a chair, the bed, even the floor – anywhere.  They are all mismatched, some left over remnants from my stash, others are made from gorgeous fabrics trimmed with crystal beads.  It doesn’t matter to me – I just adore pillows.

So, here’s the thing….

My best friend has a sweater fetish.  Every sweater he owns is his "all time favorite.”

Years ago he purchased a cream Ralph Lauren knitted sweater with the American Flag on the chest.  He literally wore it to death.  A while back he brought this “all time favorite” to me and asked if I could get a stain out. After investigating the nature of the stain I realizing it had been sitting for some time weeksI  I turned to him and said “Sure – if you had brought it to me at the time.....but, now?” Whatever he had dripped on it was SET - just below the flag. There was no way that stain was coming out. I figured it was destined for the work clothes pile but not before I attempt to remove the stain, which ended up a fruitless exercise.

Tools for this project:

• a sewing machine
• trim
• pillow form
• needle and thread
• scissors or rotary cutter and tools

A great old sweater

 

The stain was below the flag so I thought I could do something with the best part of the sweater. The back was in great shape – it was just that stain on the front.  Off to the rescue.

At Atlantic Fabric I found a lumbar pillow form in a size I could work with and a coordinating cord trim.

CUTTING: Making sure the flag was in the middle of the pillow, I used my rotary cutter and trimmed the sweater (front and back) to fit the form, including a 1/2" seam allowance. You can use scissors to cut the sweater, I use a rotary cutter and tools as I find it quick and simple and leaves a clean edge.

TRIM and SEWING: The next step was to attach the cord trim to the right side of the back piece. Line  the edge of the cord binding with the edge of the back piece and pin in place (the cord is facing towards the center). Sew the trim in place all the way around the back of the pillow.

With right sides together, pin the front and back together leaving an open edge on the bottom. Be sure to sew around the corners on the bottom and leave the opening in the middle. Stitch around the pillow following the stitches where the trim was attached.

At this point clipping the corners of your pillow will assure a crisp edge. Three clips from the seam allowance to the stitch line corner seam will suffice (be careful not to clip the seam).Tidy up any threads or uneven edges and turn the pillow right sides out. 

FINISHING: Push the corners of the pillow out so they are nice and crisp.  Insert the pillow form and push the corners of the form into the corners so it is neat and snug. 

Neatly slipstitch the opening at the bottom of the pillow and TA-DA!  Easy!

Now a sweater is an "All Time Favorite" Pillow

Although disappointed I was not able to work my magic on his all time favorite sweater, he does have a reminder of the good ole days….and he appreciated my effort.

Do you have an old work shirt, sweater, blanket or article around your house that could be turned into something special?  Send me a picture and I will provide a quote for turning your “all time favorite” into a cherished keepsake.

Creativity is contagious – Pass it on!

                                             - Albert Einstein

Until next time – Live Simply!

Mary Elizabeth

     

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