Confused.com

Having received a few concerned emails and messages via Facebook, I just wanted to write a quick post to clear up any confusion caused by my previous one! 

My little shop has always only ever been just one part of my small business, which was the main reason why I chose to only open three days a week. I fully intend to keep going, but just in a different way...I think it's inevitable in the current climate that businesses change and evolve in order to stick around. 

I feel sewing and making things keep me happy, deep within my soul and I cannot imagine a time when I don't create. A day does not go by when I don't sew, glue, or look for inspiration. I need an outlet for this and so plan to keep attending the fairs and markets, offering my handmade wares for sale!

Today we had to take our house off the market - for reasons beyond our control - It's been a terribly stressful time and we need to take a step back...

We're determined to start a new chapter, so will return to the process again in the New Year.

 Some things are worth waiting for...

With no knowing what the future holds just now, I'm not totally clear about all aspects of my business yet...I'd love to have a shop again, but right now cannot be tied into a lease for 5 years, which could interfere with our plans to relocate. 

I have a lot to do next month, winding down the shop, putting some items into storage and handing back the property to my landlord. With all of this behind me I will then be able to focus more clearly on what's next...I already feel a change of business name is on the cards and I also plan on hand-making a lot more - Pieces, that at the moment, are all in my head, waiting to come to fruition when time allows. 

Thank you for your concern and for your continued interest in the things I create - It means a great deal to me - Selling something that I've made is hugely rewarding and it's a joy to know that each piece brings pleasure to it's owner. 

Wishing you a Happy Halloween for tomorrow, if you chose to celebrate!
Pumpkin carved by our youngest daughter who has been home this week from uni :)

Love Niki x

Closing Down

Niki x

A Sprinkling of Fairy Dust...

Source

As a fairy-maker myself (and maker of lots of other things besides!), I find it easy to appreciate the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople, knowing the time and energy that goes into producing the end result. When I can, its always nice to buy a treat for myself, knowing that I'm supporting a talented person, as well as becoming the owner of a special one-off piece.   

Last week a present to me arrived from Lynn Barron of Sea Angels.

Wrapped in a sheet of printed sugar paper was a hand decorated A4 box... 

A sprinkling of fairy dust on the lid gives a clue as to what's hidden inside...

Lift the lid and another lovely layer...

Black chiffon ribbon tied in a bow around polka dotted tissue, with a special handmade paper rosette with vintage trims.

Lift the tissue and all is revealed... 

Lynn's words: vintage style fabric/card fairy with sparkly butterfly wings and a vintage layered dress.

Her beautiful dress is layers of vintage French softest old turquoise, vintage gold raggedy crushed , and silver twinkly tulle and a tiny diamante head dress....that will bring her magical sparkle to the dark Winter months. 
Her wings are twinkly with glass glitter that will vintage and tarnish naturally.

Here's my winter fairy in our home, hanging from an old French mirror. 

Lynn tells me "she's all twinkly and has been bathing under the last full moon, she loves chocolate and is a little shy but will be most happy living in your beautiful home.."

What more can I say?!

Except it's wonderful to own something handmade when it reflects its creator's passion and love for their work and materials.  

Niki x

A Saturday Story

My thanks to those who made a purchase from my stall at The Textile Market, North Cadbury today. 

I had to snap a photo of this novel fabric for sale on organiser Lizzie's stall, next to mine - Kitsch 50's curtain fabric printed with tobacco jars and smoker's pipes! 

I mostly went ferreting for fairy finds and came home with this bundle of beauties to use in my next creations.

I also bought some old wooden bobbins from Lizzie, to make some Christmas decorations with, and a couple of little gifts for a friend, which I can't show right now, as she may be looking! 

The fair ended at 2pm. After a very early start and being busy inside the village hall for most of the day, hubby and I couldn't resist a short walk to clear our heads, once we were back at home...

Such a lovely late afternoon...and the perfect way to enjoy the last day of British summer time hours. 

If I'd been working at the shop today, I wouldn't have been home in time to take the walk...that's something I will be looking forward to when I close it at the end of next month...Saturdays spent with Hubby again.  

:)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Love

Niki x

The West Country Vintage Textile Market

Nostalgia at No.1 will be closed on Saturday whilst I attend the Vintage Textile Market at North Cadbury. 

The market is open from 9am to 2pm and costs £1 admission. 

I shall be taking all the vintage fabrics, haberdashery and related items from my shop and offering them for sale at half the usual ticket price. 

Hope you'll enjoy picking up some bargains! 

Also, another plug ;-))

...A date for the diary is the Vintage Christmas Bazaar at Devises next month. 

Full details here.

Thanks for checking-in at my blog,

Niki x

Thank you!

Thanks to Lizzie and Clare for organising another brilliant Vintage Bazaar at Frome yesterday. 

I had one of my best ever - So HUGE thanks to all who stopped-by my stall and made a purchase. It means so much that you appreciate my work and I hope you are happy with your purchases. 

I took a lot of stock with me, which took me to the final minutes until opening time to set up. This meant there was no time left to photograph other stalls, or to buy! There are some photos on the VB FB page here though. (Having said that, I did make a couple of sneaky purchases later on, which I'll try and photograph and add to the end of this post.)

A quick turnaround this week and I'll be back on the road next Saturday to attend the Vintage Bazaar's Textile Fair at North Cadbury. I shall be stripping my shop of all vintage fabrics, haberdashery and related items, offering everything at half the marked price. Hope to see you there - the perfect event for makers and designers!

Have a lovely Sunday - I'm entertaining my in-laws for a few days...
Enjoy your week,
Niki x
Update: As promised, my purchases from this special fair.

Real crystal candlesticks with individually made leaves, wired together - Perfect for our Christmas dinner table. From Belinda - Ginger Rose

Also from Bee was this beautiful worn velvet antique frame. I may use it for one of my framed fairy artworks...but may just keep it for myself ;-))

Two vintage vintage hat decorations which will become fairy wings, from Lizzie. 

ADORABLE wooden flapper girl, which we think is a darning mushroom! 

From Fi who always has a stunning stall. 

My thanks to Jo for the kitschy plastic dolls...these will become Christmas decorations dressed in vintage lace and trims. 

Niki x