Fair Days

I couldn't pass up these French boudoir lovelies on a recent trip to an antique fair, now could I?

There is a pair of little circular cushions covered in textured damask and silk. A sweet little half-doll pin cushion attached to a sewing case. One of my favourite items was the tiny patterned silk purse with celluloid clasp, containing loose powder with a combined powder-puff and mirror inside...

An incredibly intricate fabric covered box, stitched by hand and studded inside with beads on a pale blue ruched lining. The dainty dressing table mirror with scroll metal frame is just 7 inches tall.

I love the fabric case printed inside and out with art nouveau poppies. And just one sparkling costume brooch this time, to add to my collection that I mentioned in the post below.

I also bought some more rare French fabrics with my dolls in mind. As well as the lovely Scottish mohair scarf which will be recycled into a coat for one of them.

I'm sure I shall never tire of finding these gorgeous old floral fabrics....sigh....

This one is a pure silk mixed fabric and is printed with the prettiest pink rose garlands.

And a C19th cotton with a simple little rose motif - just lovely.

I also bought these pottery rose buds, French again, which I intend to thread up with lace to hang from our Christmas tree.

And lastly this little chubby chap pleaded with me to bring him home....or did I imagine that?! Anyway, he seems happy here amongst the tête-à-tête in my kitchen.

******************************

I also wanted to mention the 'Vintage & Handmade Fair' which is being held this Saturday. Sadly I'm unable to attend; something Sue knew I was a little miffed about! So she very kindly offered to take along one of my rag dolls to sit on her stand!

I have made this little lady especially for the fair. She is dressed in a c1930's rose printed French cotton dress, with a beautiful pale green background. A spriggy print petticoat with broderie Anglais hem and a pair of ankle length bloomers made from C19th French ticking.

But the piece de resistance of her festive outfit is her pure wool coat, which I have made from a large section from a Welsh plaid blanket. It's finished by hand and trimmed with c1930's hand painted wooden buttons.

Sue asked if I could name her Myfanwy, which I think is fitting, given the origin of the blanket!

So Myfanwy will be seated on Sue's stand at the fair, with the perfect vantage point for viewing all of Sue's beautiful wares and also all of the other stalls in the hall.

Wishing all who have booked a stand, a wonderful and prosperous day! See you at the next one!

*************************

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has placed an order on my website recently. I have been kept very busy wrapping, packing and despatching parcels for 3 or 4 days.

I have also had several emails from people asking if I intend to add some more handmade stock to the listings soon. I am hoping to later, and so may not be able to visit other blogs for a little while.

Running my website keeps me very busy, on a daily basis, which often limits me to the amount of time I can then spend on sewing. It can be very difficult to find a balance when there are emails to answer and orders to invoice for. Of course I am very grateful for the orders, but with no crafting time, I have no new stock -This is my only source of income, so please forgive me if I don't come to visit your blogs for a little while. Thanks!

Have a great week,

Niki x