October 1, 2022
If you made it to the store recently, perhaps during the Bluemont Fair, you may have seen the set of six chairs with caned seats shown below. These have all recently been re-caned, so if properly maintained, should last 20-60 years. In case you’re wondering how to care for cane seats, it’s important to remember that cane is a natural material that should be protected from things like direct sunlight and heater ducts that could cause it to dry out and become brittle. To keep the can supple and fresh, brush lemon oil (not lemon juice) on the underside of the seat once or twice per year. (As a side benefit, the scent of lemon oil may reduce stress and anxiety and has been shown to reduce morning sickness in pregnant women.)
When chairs with cane seats start to sag, there is a hot water treatment you can use to tighten the cane to prevent it from wearing and breaking. This involves turning the chair upside down over a bathtub, then using a saucepan or teapot to pour hot water through the center or the seat four or five times in succession to get the cane soaking wet. (Try not to get water on the wood.) Turn the chair upright and put in a location where it won’t be used for at least 48 hours. While the water will initially loosen the cane, when the cane dries, it shrinks. The rule of thumb is the hotter the water and the longer the drying time, the more the cane will shrink. Pretty cool, huh?
It’s that time of year when Purcellville has their annual town-wide tag sale; this year’s event is on October 8th from 8 AM to 6 PM. You may want to come early and bring cash. Another opportunity to look for bargains is at the 83rd Ladies Board Rummage Sale to benefit Inova Loudoun Hospital. The rummage sale will be held at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds on October 15th and 16th from 10 AM to 4 PM; admission is free, but there are a limited number of VIP tickets available at ladiesboard.org that for $50 allow early access from noon until 3 PM on the 14th.
Please note that we plan to be closed on Columbus Day, October 10th. Have a great month!
Bob & Lynne McCann