Catching Up...

Firstly, THANK YOU, to everyone who entered my giveaway below - I was totally overwhelmed by the response it generated and was unaware that so many knew of my little ol' blogs existence! I've discovered so many more blogs through doing this too that I didn't know where out there. I am only sorry that I couldn't provide more prizes to share out, but sadly there has to be just one winner, which I have selected randomly from the hat. And she is...

Tina of 'Sweetina', well done to you! The above group of nostalgic lovelies will be on its way to you very soon.
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A long awaited treat last week was disrupted somewhat when poor hubby came down with the bug that is doing the rounds...Sadly he was too unwell to venture out to the theatre that he had booked tickets for several weeks ago, for us and our girls. So the girlies and I headed for the bright lights on our own for an evening of sing-song! - The Bristol Hippodrome was showing 'Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat'.

The lead was played by Craig Chalmers, who did a fantastic job - in fact, the whole cast had been very well selected and all fitted their roles perfectly, each putting their heart and soul into their performances. It really was a feel-good musical with memorable songs telling the story from beginning to end.

Cameras weren't allowed in the theatre, so I've added this official photo from Google showing Joseph in that amazingly colourful coat!

Unintentionally I think, the patchwork coat design inspired the outfit for my latest rag doll that I am working on. It's in a somewhat more subdued colour scheme (!), but I've fashioned the mohair jacket from strips of vintage woollen scarves, as well as a patchwork skirt in toning colours from vintage cottons.

I had considered keeping her when she's finished for the V&H fair in May, so that I'm not rushed nearer the time. But its such a good feeling to finish a doll, as they take a long time to complete, that I just want to have them added to my shop as soon as I can...

I have managed to make some small pieces for the fair already, but I'll show those a lot nearer the time.

Over the last couple of weeks I have received two emails from different ladies asking if I have 'help' at home. (Sorry, I couldn't help but giggle a little.....if only!) I do hope that my blog posts don't come across as if I have a simple and perfect little life, with me sat at my sewing machine making frivolous things all day, with someone else doing all the unpleasant stuff in the background!

There are five of us living at the Stone House and I have to put my family and our home first. Hubby works from home too, so there are always cups of tea to brew throughout the day. And just like everyone else, I do all the cooking, cleaning, vacuuming, ironing, polishing, dusting, laundry, ironing, gardening, shopping etc...etc...during the week. I just choose not to mention all of that tedious malarkey on my blog! My sewing time has to fit around the household chores and bringing up the family.

Anyway, moving on...
I must admit that I also succumbed to the bug by last weekend, but wasn't going to let it stop me visiting an antiques fair on the Saturday! Talk about commitment!

I am glad that I did make the effort to go though and was pleased with the pretty things that I discovered...

The old French pink and cream lace skirt hem has already been used for the rag doll costume above.

And I can't wait to use the fine white cotton nightgown for a similar rag doll too.

These deliciously floppy millinery roses reminded me of the old painterly postcards that I love to collect. I've displayed them for now amongst my antique shoe collection.

Lots more sparkles found themselves snapped up!

I particularly liked this floral brooch, with its crystallised buds and hand tied posies.

This little china treasure is a tiny 4cm across - I'm amazed that the forget-me-not flowers have survived the years intact.

I was also on the lookout for some more 'special' vintage buttons for some handmade ideas I have that I want to try soon - thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.

I bought some beautiful silvered glass ones and small fairy-like glittering buttons.

I always love the ephemera stalls and came away with these charming Victorian cards.

And talking of cards, hubby and I have been organising a Golden Wedding Anniversary party for March, in our spare moments, for my in-laws. I would have loved to have made my own invitation cards, but as usual, time does not allow. I did however find a brilliant website where you can customise your invites to suit the occasion.

Our cream card ones fasten with gold organza ribbon bows and are printed inside in brown. If you are looking for classic invitations, then I would recommend this website - we received ours within a day of finalising our order!

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I would finally just like to thank everyone for their kind feedback regarding my websites new look and to thank all of those who placed an order or two from the on-line catalogue...I spent three days wrapping, packing and driving parcels off to the post office, so purchases should all be with their new owners very soon.

Sorry this is a bit of a mishmash post, but I just wanted to catch-up with what's been going on here and to check-in after being away from my blog for a week - thanks for staying with me.

I now need to get back on my sewing machine again and get creating some more dolls and decorative adornments...and do the housework of course!! ;-))

Have a great day!

Niki x

PS: This is a message for Beverley in New Zealand in the hope that you will read this blog post! I have been replying to all of your emails, but I believe that you are not receiving them (have you checked your spam/junk files?)

Beverley is coming to stay in London soon and was asking about the best places for vintage shopping. I'm not sure that I can be of much help, as I haven't been to London since I moved away from Hertfordshire to the west country in 1985! Perhaps if anyone could help her, they could leave a message in my comments? Thanks so much! - Just hope that you read this Beverley, as I would not ignore emails!