Summer is here and I've got one big project on my to do list...organize the horrible mess in my basement. I realize this is no small task, so I'm going to go at it little by little. To help keep me focused, I'm adding a new category here. Recovered will highlight my findings as I slowly get through and organize every box and bag that has piled up. My hope is, by the end of summer, I will have my own space where I can create.
A little history on the origins of this chaos...
I bought my house fourteen years ago and over that time I've had quite a few different roommates. There was a time, though of about four years when I lived by myself. I easily filled every space and dedicated the second floor to all my art and craft supplies. Then, we were two. To make room for my sweetheart, I moved my things out of closets and packed others away. Years later we became three...then four. The second floor remained mine, but things were getting a little crowded in the main living space, so we decided on a redo of the upstairs. Thats when we got this amazing floor. We were given about 24 hours notice that our friends were coming to help install it...EVERYTHING had to go, and fast. So into bags and boxes and cabinets and trunks the contents of the entire second floor went and was moved to the basement. Where it has remained ever since. Until last month when I got a wake up call when the water heater burst. Yipes. Water saturated boxes and their contents had to go, yet I was quite lucky no major treasure was lost. But it's time. Time to liberate myself from the confusion it has become. (Maybe if I feel brave enough, I will post a before picture).
My first recovered treasure:
I came across this sweet dress that was buried in a disintegrating brown paper bag. My mom had packed up some of my baby clothes for me when I was soon to be a mom, which means I probably had not looked in the bag for over six years now.
It's really the sweetest dress, but terribly stained. It's a Polly Flinders and while they don't appear to be in production today, there's still plenty of interest in them.
I remember this dress very well. It was a gift from my god-parents and I recall wearing it ALOT. I even found a photo of myself in it at three.
I gave the dress a good soak in some Oxy clean and while not all the stains came out, it looks so much better. Here's a before/after shot.
Now I just need to find it a good home.
Also in that decrepit bag were lots of ballet slippers, baby socks, moccasins and baby shoes.
Don't you just love the bell? I guess this was a common thing to do back then.
I don't know much about these shoes but am guessing my sister, brother AND I all had a turn wearing them at some point.
Two pairs were in their original boxes.
Both have such sweet details.
So wish me luck on this summer challenge...if anyone has any brilliant ideas to share on organizing one great big mess, I'd sure love to hear it.
Happy Friday!
