Welcome to the 903rd Metamorphosis Monday. See these two rascals—they are chaos in fur suits. Ha! It’s been at least 40 years since I’ve had miniature tigers roaming the house. The last time I adopted a cat, he was 3 years old, so fully grown. Kittens are a delight, and part of that delight is their boundless energy, energy combined with multiple sharp knives on the end of each paw, over which they sometimes seem to have little control. This photo was taken at the Dollhouse a few months back. This was a nightly occurrence for months. Apparently, turning off my bedside lamp at night was seen as the starting pistol for 30 minutes of nighttime antics. The minute the light went out, the sounds I heard were indescribable, something akin to wrestlers in the ring, body-slamming each other. Getting out of bed once the light was off could be dangerous because you never knew where your slippers were going to be and in what new arrangement you might find your bedside rug.
Beatrice and Agatha are almost 9 months old now, and they are still very much kittens. That means that every now and then, there are going to be accidents. Take a look at this previous photo of the bed in my guest room.
Notice anything different about the bed in the photo above and this photo taken just a few days ago? Do you see a change, other than the bunny I previously had on the bed?
A gazillion years ago, I purchased a beautiful Ralph Lauren comforter for my guest room bed. Here’s a close-up of its design/pattern. This RL bedding features exotic Koi fish. If you had asked me over the years for the name of the design, the only part of the name that I could remember was the word “Porcelain,” which always made me think that it was named after the blue and white chinoiserie designs that we so often see in dinnerware and decorative pieces.
I walk into my guest room almost every day since it’s directly across the hall from my home office. Around two weeks ago, I noticed the matelasse coverlet on the bed was askew. As I straightened it, I noticed this. My heart sank. Beatrice and/or Agatha must have been playing on the bed, maybe wrestling as they so often love to do. Or, they may have been chasing one of their plastic springs or another kitty toy that they had dropped onto the bed. They like hiding toys under things, including blankets, then attacking the covers to find them. They love it when something is hidden inside a basket or a box, forcing them to work at getting it back out. Not sure how or when this happened, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy to repair since it’s smack in the middle of the fabric and not near a seam.
I had absolutely no hope of finding a replacement comforter in the same pattern this many years later. I purchased this Ralph Lauren bedding (comforter, shams, and bedskirt) 25-30 years ago. It was still in pristine condition since it had rarely been used. When family visits, they almost always choose to sleep on the queen-size sleeper sofa in the upstairs living room since it’s a larger bed and is quite comfortable.
I turned to eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark and was surprised to find a lot of these Ralph Lauren comforters in what I was still remembering as the “Porcelain” pattern. None were in new, unused condition, but there were a few that were listed in excellent condition. One set that included the comforter, bedskirt, shams, and sheets was over $1,200!
In searching for my RL comforter, I learned that vintage Ralph Lauren bedding is very popular. People seek it out. I had no idea. This particular pattern must have been popular back in the day because I remember seeing it available off and on in stores online for years after I had purchased my set. Sometimes the color/pattern in the new sets, when I would come across them in department stores, looked faded, like it had been copied so many times that the toner/ink was running low. I’ve seen that happen with so many products over the years— where the original was great, but when it was brought back, the quality was no longer the same. Have you seen that, too? It made me thankful I had purchased my set back when it first became available.
After reading a ton of ad descriptions on eBay, I finally chose a comforter. In the process, I learned something I had never realized, or if I had known it, I had long since forgotten. I was surprised to discover that the pattern in my comforter did not exactly match the pattern of my shams or bedskirt. What?! How did that happen?
I no longer remember in which department store I purchased this set—I think it was either Dillard’s or Macy’s. Those are the two stores I frequented back in the day when I needed home goods. The more I think about it, I think it was Macy’s. Anyway, apparently, the comforter was sold separately from the shams and the bedskirt, and I either picked up the wrong comforter, or perhaps Ralph Lauren had released it that way, where the comforter was similar but different from the shams and the bedskirt. The design in my previous bedding that features Koi fish is referred to online as Nanking, while my bedskirt and shams are in an RL design called Tamarind. Either I never noticed that the shams and bedskirt were different (how could I miss that‽) or perhaps I thought they were supposed to be that way and not an exact match. Umm.
This was the comforter I purchased on eBay that exactly matches my bedskirt and pillow shams.
This design is called Tamarind and features beautiful, exotic birds.
One thing I really love about this Ralph Lauren Tamarind comforter is that the reverse side has a coordinating fabric. My previous one, the one the cats accidentally ripped, is the same design on both sides.
I like that when it’s folded across the foot of the bed, the contrasting striped side is just barely visible.
In the past, I’ve always kept the comforter folded facing the other way, where the different folds/layers, were not visible, but I like having that little sneak peek of the coordinating fabric showing across the foot of the bed.
I’m thankful this design was so popular over the years. Otherwise, I would never have been able to replace it. I like that the shams, bedskirt, and comforter all match now. I still wonder if both designs (Tamarind and Nanking) were released at the same time back in the day, and when I made my purchase, the Tamarind comforter was sold out, and I didn’t realize it, thus buying the one that I thought matched. Or, was this set produced with just the Koi comforter back in the day when I first purchased it? Did anyone else purchase this set way back in the day when it first came out?
So which way do you like the bed best: with the previous Nanking Koi fish design comforter that doesn’t exactly match the shams and bedskirt…
…or, with the new comforter in the Tamarind design that’s an exact match? (You’ll find this bedding available via eBay here: Ralph Lauren Vintage Bedding.)
I’ll leave you with this picture of a miniature tiger caught in the wild—recharging for another busy afternoon of antics. Looking forward to all the great Before and Afters linked below for this week’s Metamorphosis Monday!
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects, like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects, and even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “URL” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Oh those naughty kitties! This is my favorite post because not only is it about the little “tigers” but it’s about blue and white home decor, which is what I have!
Maybe you need to put an old quilt or bedspread over the beautiful new RL comforter so they can’t damage it again with their claws? It’s amazing how much they have grown!
Blue and white is such a beautiful, classic look, so I know your home is beautiful, Judy! I’ve been keeping the door shut to that room ever since that happened, but I like your idea since I may forget and leave it open at some point. I know, that first year goes by so quickly! Thanks, Judy!
I would be shutting all doors to keep them from maybe doing it again!
Hahaha! Sorry that happened but “kits will be kits”! I would have just folded it a different way so that the rip would be on the inside of the fold. I like both patterns. Matching or coordinating are both pleasing to the eye. When my grand dog comes to visit I put a sheet over our bedding because he likes to sleep with us. I’ve had enough dogs in my life to know that even when they’re clean, the lick, have dirty paws and shed some. I hope you are enjoying being back at home number one.
It is def a challenge living with pets and keeping our homes completely intact the way we want it. lol Thanks, Janet! I’m keeping the old comforter just in case I can fix it. Never hurts to have a backup.
Well, I am usually a very “matchy” person, but I love the Tamarind comforter mixed with the darker pattern. I hope you saved the damaged one and try to have it repaired. I think you might be able to use a fusible webbing slipped under the tear and bond it. The look will not be perfect and may not be noticeable when folded. It is such a beautiful blue/white pattern that is classic!
I did save it. I was thinking I would take it to a professional seamstress to see how to repair it. I like your idea! Even if it a little noticeable, that would be okay since mostly it stays in a folded position on the bed. I’m glad I have a backup now, just in case. Thanks, Sherry!
I think the new one looks better!
Thanks, Yolie! I think I do, too…but from a distance, I almost like the lightness of the other one. But then I really like the pattern of the one I just bought. Glad I have both, good to have a backup!
I had the same damage to a Croscil comforter in Colonial. I still have it in storage and have purchased yardage on Ebay for drapes. The cut in my comforter was at right angles as is yours. I stabilized the cut by inserting iron-on interfacing under the cut and pressing according to instructions. The damaged area must be ironed flat before the interfacing is inserted. It can then be pinned to keep everything straight, and the pins removed when you lift the iron. I purchased mine in the mid-1990’s from Linen n’ Things which was put out of business by BB&B. I believe the cotton fabric had dried a little over time, which contributed to the tear, so it may have not been entirely the kitties’ fault. Also, you have Maine Coon Mix kitties, which by breed are very smart. They are busy when the lights go off because they are “hunting” as they would in the wild. Good luck! My Maine Coon Mix could open closed doors that had pistol handles as soon as he could reach them. Had to change all the door knobs or I couldn’t sequester him if I needed to have the front door open. Extremely smart and I have had many cats over the years, many smart, but none as smart as he is. He just turned 7 and has calmed down a bit.
Thanks for that great info, Catherine! I was thinking that there must be some way to stabilize it and semi-fix it where it’s not that noticeable. Thanks for those tips on how to do it!
Oh, that makes sense about why they were so wild after the light was turned off. Now, they come into my office and try to herd me off to bed if I’m staying up past their idea of when bedtime should be, which is apparently around 9:00. lol Your kitty sounds so smart! I love Maine Coons, they are such beautiful cats!
Oh that’s too bad! Glad you found a comforter you like though. I actually love both versions – can’t go wrong either way! Thanks so much for hosting, and take care with those little bundles of energy!
Thanks, Barbara! I agree, I like both, although they are a slightly different look for that room.
We tell our 12 year old dog that somedays only her cuteness keeps her alive! Pets are rascals, but we love them so much. Keep your other comforter and shams just in case you need them for “patch jobs”! RL makes such beautiful textiles 🙂
Hahaha! They definitely keep it interesting! I don’t know what I’d do with the screen porch; they practically live out there during the day, watching the birds and squirrels, so they don’t have time to get into too much trouble.
Vintage RL bedding is crazy expensive. I bought a set in Marseille piece by piece a few years ago on Ebay. I remember when TJ Maxx used to sell the great RL floral patterns back in the late 80’s maybe early 90’s for a very reasonable price. Wish I had stocked up! Your fur babies are adorable. Mine is 15 and he still gets the zoomies.
I know, I was so surprised to see how much RL bedding is on eBay and other places. Me, too! We had no idea the prices would be what they are today. It’s great quality though, my bedding looks pretty much the way it did when it was brand new. That’s too cute about your furbaby, Mary Ellen! I hope these two girls are still zooming around at that age, too. I would love that! 🙂
We have one cat, not two, and he is a rascal. Those claws they will rip into anything. He is 8 years old. I would suggest covering the bedding with something as they may go back..lol…
Yeah, right now I’m keeping that door shut, but I should probably put a throw over it, as well…just in case I accidentally leave it open. Hopefully, that was a one time incident.
Others have left comments detailing how a repair could be made to the Nanking comforter so I won’t add anything to their suggestions other than to say I hope you repair it. The design is beautiful. It’s a very airy and open design…feels very summery.
I agree, it does have an open, airy feel that is perfect for summer. It’s tucked away in a closet right now, but I will repair and hold onto it just in case it’s needed in the future. Thanks, Kim!
I don’t recall you ever showing the pattern of the bedding before so never realized it was a fish pattern and not flowers! Cats can be so naughty with their claws. Doesn’t take much to snag cloth or even leather. I can’t give our dog a towel in his kennel..he chews holes. Will you try to repair the tear? Will you close off that room until the cats calm down (which may be never!)? Interesting what is available on EBay and glad you found a replacement.
Thanks, Kathleen! When we had a Golden Retriever, he chewed on everything that we gave him, despite having a million chew toys. He even ate all the large dog beds we bought for him. lol I know, thankful eBay exists for replacing things like this.
TJ Maxx for the “way it was in the 70s!!” Fortunately I bought comforters, sheets, etc then to furnish our log cabin getaway! “Think” I have a ‘sheets fettish’…hubs says, “buy one, one goes”…pulled an RL gray blue w/little roses” set…*sigh* can’t do it…it’s hiding…shhhh…franki
I have really become enamored with bedding lately. I guess I always have been to an extent. It’s one of the little ways we can spoil ourselves… especially since we spend a lot of our lives sleeping. The RL gray blue with roses sounds beautiful, Franki!
Hi Susan. You must really LOVE those cats to keep them after such an accident.Of course, they didn’t do it on purpose. I have always had cats until about a year ago. And I suffered through some bad “accidents”. But I would gladly take both of them back.Keeping their claws clipped may help some. Such is the love for our companions. I also hope you get the comforter repaired because it is beautiful. I have repaired plenty of things and I would use the iron-on interfacing. Then I would do tiny stitches around the tear. I love both patterns. And I love how you have decorated this house. I have admired it for years. Interestingly, I am just now changing my decor to the Ralph Lauren look and am in love with the blue and white theme.
lol I do, you can’t help but love them, they are so sweet and loving right back. I trimmed their claws on the front about a week or so ago, but I didn’t do the back. I need to do them all.
Thanks, Phyllisa! I will keep it and either get it professionally repaired or attempt it myself with all the great suggestions that have been left. Thanks for that tip about the iron-on interfacing! I was just thinking, I bet there are some videos on YouTube that I could watch to see just how to do that.
I think blue and white is so beautiful! I love it in kitchens, too! You’ll never regret going with an RL look because it’s so classic and will never be out of style.
Hi Susan – Our sheets all have scratch out marks in them! I cried the first time it happened many years ago on my new Egyptian cotton sheets! I bought iron on patches and use them to make repairs. You cut them just a little larger than the hole created, tuck them in with the glossy side up, lay the torn fabric on top and gently heat with an iron. The glossy side will stick to the torn fabric and since you cut the patch a little larger, should also stick to the underside of comforter. With pattern prints, you won’t notice it that much unless you know exactly where it is because the patch is hidden underneath. I know you have a beautiful new comforter but you may still want to use that comforter elsewhere; maybe in the dollhouse. Those sweet babies love to do their scratch outs like teenage boys love to burn rubber! Hope this helps. Clara❤️
Were they kittens when that happened, Clara? I’ve had adult cats accidentally pick my coverlet on my bed, but I’ve not had them actually tear them, which is probably a miracle since my bed is so high up.
Thanks for that tip on how to repair tears! I think once I repair this one, it won’t be very noticeable since it such a patterned piece. I agree, I’m def going to hold onto it just in case I need it in the future.
Ha! That is the perfect description! They really do like to scratch out…and drift! They can be so dramatic! lol
Susan, I buy my patches off of Amazon and you should be able to find them in Navy blue and white as well.
That is great to know, I will look for those when I try to repair it.
I think it looks great both ways…and I hope you can patch it, too!
Thanks, Ann! ♥
Pretty sure you are watching all the dish sales–but sending this link to WAYFAIR and their Christmas selections, etc. just in case . . .
Love your fur babies!
https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdp/certified-international-holly-and-ivy-16pc-dinnerware-set-w008327676.html?_emr=001b1df6-ee3e-47e8-b4b3-227c247e7a93&wfcs=cs1&_eml=86526555-6351-450f-95a9-93c12a6bfc65&source=batch&batchid=4&varid=10&csnid=7b66b8be-f89f-46ff-a73e-da1ed5d6b760&mplid=DFHC2642&brcid=1&skurectxid=92935862-08fa-4ac8-8680-4589597c5edb&event_rec_txid=599bf94c-b9d9-4280-93e1-c6a4b63389ae&sm=1&refid=MKTEML_134609&sku=DFHC2642&emlid=101&maiid=15377
Sooo pretty! Thanks for sharing that link, Shelia!
I’ve repaired so many things over the years thanks to my dogs! And what is it about bedtime? All my dogs over the years get the zoomies right before bedtime. I suppose they are releasing the last bits of energy but then they still roam during the night.
lol I know! Someone mentioned that cats tend to do that because they go into hunting mode at night. I know I’ll miss all this kitten energy when they are older, so I need to soak it all up now. Beatrice brings here cat dancer/wand to me at least 20 times a day, wanting to play. So I’m getting my exercise running around the bonus room while she chases it. Ha!
I cant believe how you let those kitties run wild. I am so surprised you let them. Your house is gorgeous I probably would just let them run wild in a special room there jumping all over your stuff I would not like that
Thanks, Tamara! I’ve always let my kitties have full run of the house and I’ve never had a cat break anything or do any real damage. I think this is just kitten energy. Usually, cats are very good about not accidentally damaging things, or least the kitties I’ve had over the years were always good about that. Agatha and Beatrice are great about using their scratching posts, so I’m thankful for that.
Love the new look. Hope your little tigers go gently on the new RL “playground”.
lol I’m keeping the door closed to the guest room until they are a little older and less rambunctious. Thanks, Helen!
Thanks so much for hosting this charming party!!! I truly do appreciate it as I do know the time involved with it….I hope you and your family are well and enjoying your week!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thanks, Deb! Have an awesome week!
As a certain famous painter once said: “I like a happy little accident.” I think you lucked out and I am happy for you. Those little terrors better leave that room alone now. Once is enough. : – )
Ha! Love it! I’m keeping the door shut until they are a bit older. Then, of course, I’ll miss all this crazy kitten energy. They make me laugh so much every day! Thanks, Michele!
Susan, in my world, kitties especially and pets in general rank higher than stuff, so I accept that stuff might get damaged just like with children around. It’s not a biggie, we can fix it, just like you did. Since you mentioned it has the pattern on both sides, easy to repair it and put that side underneath when you use it and it will never come to mind again. I love blue and white, too -do you ever browse Mark Sikes work? He’s the master of blue and white in so many different ways. Love it. Your girls are getting so big and gorgeous!
100% agree! I was really surprised by how calm I was when I found the tear. It hurt to see it, but I know they didn’t do it on purpose. Of course, it did make me feel a bit better that I was able to find a replacement.
I will do that, either repair it myself after watching some YouTube videos showing how that’s done, or I may take it somewhere and pay a professional to do it. I def do want to save it in case I need it in the future, and as you said, I can just turn it over. So all in all, it’s not that big a deal. If anything, the occasional mishap like this is just confirmation that we are living full lives and surrounding ourselves with people we love and furbabies who make us happy.
Oh, I do love his work! I saw one of his books in HomeGoods the other day and was tempted to buy it. I almost bought “Beautiful” when it first came out. I see that he’s now released another one called Forever Beautiful. Thanks! They are the sweetest and sleep with me every night. Very loving!
I have “beautiful” and I’m tempted by the newest one, too! But then it makes me want to redecorate a room, which I need to do like I need a hole in my head. Thanks for the fun post.
Have the same set in my guest room, I believe it came from Macy’s. I though I also had some of the fabric that matched, I’ll try to find it.
I was thinking about that yesterday, and I think it was Macy’s where I found this set. In my mind’s eye, I can see myself standing in what used to be their linen department looking at all the pretty blue and white sets.
Everyone who has a cat willl find this very informative, please watch and listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdV9n_OWQd4
Meowtopia: Vets Are Begging Cat Owners to Stop These 9 Everyday Mistakes
Arck! You noticed the difference and didn’t mind. You liked that they co-ordinated, and that they weren’t exact. I have to believe that because it does my head in to think you didn’t ever notice the difference. It’s pretty substantial. Yes, that’s the story I’m sticking to. You noticed and liked the difference. And you just have a bad memory and forgot. There. I can live with that. 😀
lol That is most likely what happened. My memory isn’t the greatest for what I did last week, much less many years ago. Ha!