keeping my cool

 


One of the many things I've always complained about over the years is how having no insulation in this house has been a challenge in the cold and heat.  Well hopefully I will complain no more (not likely) thanks to these drapes I stumbled upon at a flea market not long ago.  


 


A dear reader in the comments once suggested I tell you more about my finds so consider your suggestion taken dear.  Here's the story...

I was at a small flea market looking for things for Mary's house when off in the distance I saw a pile of what appeared to be toile fabric.  So naturally I proceeded directly to it.  As I picked up the heavy fabric I could see they were drapery panels.  The woman selling them said they were Ethan Allen and she was selling them because she had recently moved.  I counted them quickly and there were 9 in total.  I asked her what she was selling them for and she said five.  I thought $500 is not bad for 9 double lined/insulated Ethan Allen in perfect condition drapery panels.  I told her I'd have to zip to the bank to get more cash.  I looked around at the rest of her items for sale and before leaving double checked the price.  She said yes $5 per panel. Oh my goodness...she did not!  But yes that was the price, $45 for all 9 panels.  Guys these drapes are gorgeous. They block out the cold and heat in my home.  I put them in my bedroom, in the little study room and use one as a blanket.  I used a pair at Mary's house too.  Anyway that is the story of the Ethan Allen toile drapes. x

37 comments

  1. Wow! What a find!

    PS: I loved seeing your beautiful, cool-feeling interior--it was just what I needed today!

    I'm in a 1920's cottage in Portland, and our insulation is trapping the 115 degree heat IN our house this week. (Insulation is great, but the previous owners didn't add ventilation when they added insulation. Sigh.)

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  2. What a wonderful score- and great story- they look lovely in your home.

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  3. I rarely comment, but I have never ever missed a single one of your blog posts. Since the very first one. It is always a joy to see you in my in box :)
    I love the insulated drapes. Very lovely.
    Sincerely,
    Gwendolyn Miranda St John Valiente

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  4. Seeing a post from you is like receiving a Christmas present!

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  5. A great find! When you know your style, you can take advantage of opportunities like this one.

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  6. What a wonderful treasure! It was meant to be. I am moving next week from my sweet 1920’s bungalow to an industrial apartment in a converted furniture factory. Flooding has driven us out. Decorating will be a real challenge. But I am up for it. I will, as always, cherish your posts as a reminder of the cottage life.

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  7. Who doesn't love toile? What a find. Enjoy them

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  8. I love a bargain when it's something I love. Great find for you! They look beautiful.

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  9. Those are fabulous. What a great find. We used to live in a home without insulation and it was like living in a tent. Cold in the winter, hot in the summer. I can see where heavy drapes would help with this. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Happy upcoming 4th of July.
    xo,
    Karen

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  10. Such a beautiful find. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing with us. I love hearing about where some of your favourite pieces have come from, and would appreciate hearing more.

    Nancy

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  11. You were so lucky to find them! and at that price!

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  12. The Universe had you at the right place - right time! Won't it be fun to have flea markets back? Be well.

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  13. I always love hearing about great finds, and the price was so wonderful! I also loved seeing a new perspective photo of your kitchen thru the hall to your bedroom. Fun to see how your cottage fits together! Thanks for a lovely post.

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  14. Beautiful! Hope your well, happy summer!

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  15. I'm overjoyed to see you here in my inbox this morning. I love the story and the toile pattern AND the idea of insulation. I'm living your "summer of love" from your last post. Thank you so much, Janet, for being who you are and sharing with us. xo karen

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  16. Thank you! And thank your dear reader for encouraging you to share your finds. Love that!🤗

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  17. What a fabulous find!! I love hearing about your treasures!!

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  18. How wonderful. I never have much luck finding such great deals.

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  19. Wow! It would have been quite the find at even more than $5 a panel - but lined too!! Good eye!

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  20. You have a great eye for beauty and bargains. xo

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  21. Lovely, lovely, I am on the hunt. So great to see your posts.

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  22. Karma! What goes around, comes around : ) .

    PS Loving the idea of sharing your finds. Thanks to that reader for the great suggestion!

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  23. Great find and perfect for your house!

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  24. Dang, do I love a deal ... or hearing about someone else's deal! Wonderful story. They look really lovely. I agree with person above that it's so nice to see the angle down the hall from the kitchen. Somehow I feel like it's a new angle.

    Thank you for sharing this. Always so exciting to see a post from you ...

    Shelley

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  25. Lovely, perfect for your home. Especially since it such an environmentally friendly solution. I must confess I am resorting to my air conditioner today.
    Darby

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  26. I want to go to a flea market with you as you always find beautiful things at a bargain. Love toile and love that you are using one as a blanket- would never think to do that but it is perfect! Janet, words cannot express how much I learn from you. You are truly my inspiration.

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  27. Love the story; my favorite kind of serendipity. Your home is always the picture of serenity.

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  28. Such a cool and creative idea to block the sun and heat this summer, beautiful

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  29. Those drapes were obviously waiting just for you! Excellent, what a lovely home you have made.

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  30. Cool, indeed! Love your reader's idea for this blog post topic. Please keep sharing the stories behind your finds!

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  31. They are such beautiful curtains! they work well in your house and you got them for such a bargain! I always enjoy hearing about the finds others make, thank you for sharing!

    Hope you are having a nice week! :)

    Away From The Blue

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  32. Beautiful drapes, and what an amazing steal! I just found your sweet blog and I'm LOVING it! You are so talented! I've been going back and reading everything you've ever posted. Your personal style is just perfect. It's so inspiring to see your daily routine, how well you budget, how you eat so healthy (even your food looks lovely!), how you dress, and inside your beautiful home and garden. Thanks for sharing your life with your readers. I'm a wife and mother in my late forties just trying to live this life half as well as you. Looking forward to your next post!

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  33. What a deal! Beautiful too! ❤

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kindness is never out of style.

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