Once in a Blue Moon

I have people all the time that come into the Shoppe

that are wanting to barter. 

You know, trade items for the things they want

instead of actually buying them.

Not that it's a bad idea or concept, however,

I have found my mortgage company just doesn't

appreciate it when I offer them a chest of drawers

instead of money :)

This time I made an exception.

There were bags and bags of vintage French laces....

well over 150 yards.

Some are insert type, some simply for edging, but

all beautiful.

I made the deal.

It's not until the lady left that I took each piece from

their individual bags.....

only to find they smelled reeked of cigarette smoke.

I was crushed.

 The smell was so intense that even airing

the lace out would not do the trick.....

It would have to be hand washed to remove the odor.

And this is what I ended up with......

A mound of tangled lace, even though I tried so hard to be

extremely careful in the process.

It has taken over a week in my "down" time

(is there really such a thing in this busy world anymore?)

 to rewind each piece onto cardboard,

untangling as I went along.

But it is absolutely gorgeous,

and I am still happy about the exchange.

 The tatted lace below is absolutely gorgeous as well.

The auction is just about to end on Ebay and

I will be sad to see it go.

Good stuff, for sure.

I've had my "smeller" checked and this shouldn't happen to me again....

or until some incredible lace comes along that dulls my senses.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I am linking to White Wednesday this week....