Buried Treasures



Hanging out to air.

It seems like every week is just like another lately.  Mostly sorting through boxes of my mother's things and ironing aprons and linens.  We are planning a garage sale in a couple weeks.  It was going to be this coming weekend, but since both brothers are unavailable to help, we're pushing it back a week.  That's okay with me as long as the weather holds.  Elsie and I still have about a row and a half of boxes to go through - maybe 35-40.  So much of what is in there is just linens and fabric, much of which will probably go to the Goodwill eventually if it doesn't sell at the garage sale, but once in a while a treasure surfaces.  Here are this week's finds.

These are a few antique garments scattered throughout all the other table linens and old embroidered towels.  There is what I think is a nightgown, brand new, never washed - with a train no less; a beautiful net dress with a satin cumberbund; a melting silk dress; and various bodices removed from their skirts.  Most are not in very good condition, but I can just see my mother not being able to pass them by.  I don't have the heart to get rid of them either.  Also, there were a couple of petticoats, and one sweet little pink silk child's dress.  It is torn in the front but should be fixable.  If I ever get a grandaughter!  :) There was also a little sleeveless nightgown, again I don't think it was ever used.

This is the fragile net dress.  I've read on other boards about the dangers of old clothing, since they can contain a lot of dust and dust mites.  Most things I wash right away, but these were too fragile unless I wanted to spend a lot of time soaking gently.  For now I thought a good airing with a gentle breeze in the sun would help.

~Jane