Sunday, September 9, 2012

Moo, GenerationQ, and Old is New

Squishy mail is best, right?  Last month I was the lucky winner in Nancy, Near Philadelphia's 1500th post giveaway.  She offered a mug rug and I requested a bovine theme, since on occasion I have adopted her C.O.W. ranting (Crabby Old Woman).  

Love my generously sized Cow mug rug with its cow border print.  Thanks, Nancy!  I had completely forgotten a magazine was also part of the prize. Generation Q magazine is a new publication and our local paper had a writeup on it recently since it is written and the product reviews tested right here in Ventura County!  Jake Finch is the publisher--she teaches classes at Cotton and Chocolate Quilt Company in Thousand Oaks.  My favorite article of the debut issue was on a stash and UFO resale shop called Fabric Recycles in Overland Park, Kansas.


They are "clamoring " for submissions to the magazine:  go to generationqmagazine.com if you have a design or article for consideration.  Love their motto of Quilt. Sew. Live. Breathe, and they have some impressive sponsors already.     
I have been searching for a lap desk that can also be used bed or podium style and came upon this vintage/antique folding table at a garage sale yesterday.  Truth be told, we stopped at the sale because Grant saw a Fender bass amp for sale, but I was the one who came home with something.

This is a solid mahogany table that is probably about 90 years old.  I had recently ordered a laptop desk that folded, had a cupholder and a mouse tray, but when it arrived from Amazon on Friday it already had a plastic piece broken off and floating around the box.  It was flimsy and cheap but cost $35 with shipping and handling.  I'm sending it back. 

The table is very scratched up and a piece of the veneer is missing, but I'll sand and fill and revarnish.  It is HEAVY.

The label says "If it folds, ask...Howe".  An Internet search indicates the Howe company is still in business and was the original inventor of the folding banquet table.  They sell quite high end products these days for offices, hotels, etc.  I paid $10 for this relic from the early 20th century.  Do you think it sacrilegious that I plan to cut the legs down to make it bed tray height?   I promise not to cut a cupholder hole in the top...

11 comments:

Darlene said...

I love your new table. Do whatever you feel you need to do so the table suits your needs. I can't wait to see how you use it. Great buy!

Lori said...

I think you'll be putting to use something that may have ended up in the trash. It's going to be great!!

Anonymous said...

One man's trash is another man's treasure and I say you do with it what you will! :-) I'm shocked by the people who paint over gorgeous oak wood furniture because they want black or something they feel is up-to-date...but then it is theirs and they can do as they feel right? Someday somebody will strip the black and say OMG...I've got oak! LOL

Shay said...

I think hacking the legs off is a great idea. That'll give this table a second life as another great functional piece. Crazy bargain too! 10 bucks. I'll take me some of that action if I can find it!

Barb said...

Love your little desk!

Kate said...

Love your antique find and your fun cow mug rug.

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

I follow Nancy's blog too and often feel like a C.O.W. That table is a fierce deal and will be awesome when you are done. Every old thing is not a priceless antique to held in amber, some things are just old and well made and deserve a new life.

Ellen in Oregon said...

Sure- Hack those skinny legs off. It's yours now and damaged beyond having any real value except to you. You are the one who had the vision to see the table's potential to become useful & functional for you. You should congradulate yourself for trading the Amazon one for a wood product that is being repurposed & recycled. Sort of a 2 for 1 triumph in garage sale bargins. If you want to do other changes to the table that will personalize it , then you should not hesitate. If I were that sorry table I would be eternally grateful for improving my looks and making a home for me. Can't wait to see the transformation!

Janet O. said...

Very cool table--to do with as you see fit! : )

Browndirtcottage said...

What a FABULOUS little table!!! I've never seen anything like it! And even better the underneath label is still on it!!
Ok, I'm on the fence about you cutting the legs down.....???

Yes, squishy mail is wonderful to get!!! The mug rug is too cute!

Lee said...

Pretty piece, even moreso if refinished/restored. My thought on the legs - and only because I hate to see "antiques" messed with; can the existing legs be removed without damage, and replaced with inexpensive 'legs' of the right height made from whatever material, storing the originals? Just a thought should you ever decide to resell as an old/antique piece. Overall, being able to use it is key, whether in it's original form or not and, as others have said, it is YOURS to do with as suits you. Enjoy!!

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