![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQBYG2TFIEBYHDusvdnWhr_3q4W5ZJ4KAjyIGOypGes0WFKVhsmJ2EFc-5B0GmCnyatlqNBAujgC6EHFkc3GFAbXNMJA61W2Dxm5NImNF55aF9AMazdz7nea_joGzKYb9K5VvPw/s320/illminster+003.jpg)
You certainly couldn't help but feel a little bit festive and fuzzy inside, walking down the high street of the old fashioned town of Illminster yesterday. The traditional shops that line the road all have a 'step-back-in-time' feel about them and had all gone to a lot of trouble to create a Christmassy atmosphere.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7tYGOrcwHeSqJcWD6A5oZs7TzsBMx3vLg-UBPhM_xgeaxIkW22C6yjAMFE6exXP5cS4LTknBHePQEyl9XRlTdG6vOPtrf7gN9Ml0RzZCfTnGMZYYqey8QLmAcU326JvLPojk-A/s320/illminster+005.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7tYGOrcwHeSqJcWD6A5oZs7TzsBMx3vLg-UBPhM_xgeaxIkW22C6yjAMFE6exXP5cS4LTknBHePQEyl9XRlTdG6vOPtrf7gN9Ml0RzZCfTnGMZYYqey8QLmAcU326JvLPojk-A/s320/illminster+005.jpg)
Lizzie mentioned the old drapers shop in one of her blog posts recently - I love the shop doorway with its etched glass and dark wood pediment.
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The florists had this spectacular display to draw people in - obviously some very talented ladies working here...
And I had to post this photo of the puffed-up pussy! Have you ever seen such chubby cheeks on a cat? This old boy was sat out side one of the shops, watching all the passers-by....![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnrr9bJHD0nEKg6-8w0ZQ8oalUSaj-bSB14shoLT9hYOnH4sqvs3gZOEUmLkvUVcG2wMQq4OwuMP6fJoutSBqrnbz92SDZ3jAUn3pfw7zEmjEQtfNJ-Fa-0zYwZ3XRx-XDQlakw/s320/illminster+001.jpg)
The florists had this spectacular display to draw people in - obviously some very talented ladies working here...
But, the main reason for being in Illminster yesterday was to attend another vintage textile fair. It's only a small venue, but the treasures inside are always spectacular.
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This stall holder had a lovely mix of French and American bits and pieces, as well as some lovely fabrics.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs0uyDsNaqGntmKd1FBGelkSSzU1FMXUipbcUv7yUg76I3JKi4Xb-MzxCE82Y78DSSw-nFbdYGKcAPctj_f7ZT2ByVCdCLXo0Lm51mSaJ1Mis9OTL0u9xBwSsJ-JLeIOXFNEoXA/s320/illminster+013.jpg)
And Lizzie's sublime arrangements; I was seriously tempted by the vintage and antique shoes that she had on offer...but had to be restrained with Christmas looming, like it is...
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My friend Debbie, who I had gone along with, and I, were able to spend a lovely hour or so chatting and having a delicious lunch with Donna and Sue, who were also enjoying the fair. Here we are with Lizzie, clutching some of our purchases. Lovely to see you again, ladies! x
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My finds included this very pretty spriggy printed cotton, in a cheerful colour scheme. Two beaded purses and the very unusual vintage brooches.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lOf0W_vQaoyq1elv3FrK8xVZE8OcpmX_mM0LGn67doFXPGOn3XnpMPbr1ctoKjXPBl9w9-sbgt42VdheDyEggRJBYyHX_qjmdC2FR39op5hlwQpoQEvm6M344DZ1NRtuwOqM8Q/s320/illminster+021.jpg)
They look good enough to eat, don't they?!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWjCRCWF4o-QzJ_B-kDHrmoywboFeFdoYb7w6a0O3LXh8kuAis_dwX69sVagOqXkvphKaS-2GXNzoPnBpKqcTwUX4shEvapeL3REra6EppR4UIssG6f_dxMOYl83etN4XWkISWA/s320/illminster+025.jpg)
Some panels of hand stitched American patchwork, with some very early fabrics.
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Lengths of antique lace, flapper feathers and this fabulous Fair Isle sweater, which I have an idea for...;-))
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaR2kTmFFDyNDu8ISsibY9XZD2roxQv9ZUzj9T6-KloFLF7ImWIRfV2h-Zt1PzRw8tDeX_C8LS63Ohmpaz8QbH26OJ74eNn67S0dXLU1og-KlrOzoLHox_KQs1ftmLUvJc2mkDg/s320/illminster+022.jpg)
My finds included this very pretty spriggy printed cotton, in a cheerful colour scheme. Two beaded purses and the very unusual vintage brooches.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lOf0W_vQaoyq1elv3FrK8xVZE8OcpmX_mM0LGn67doFXPGOn3XnpMPbr1ctoKjXPBl9w9-sbgt42VdheDyEggRJBYyHX_qjmdC2FR39op5hlwQpoQEvm6M344DZ1NRtuwOqM8Q/s320/illminster+021.jpg)
They look good enough to eat, don't they?!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWjCRCWF4o-QzJ_B-kDHrmoywboFeFdoYb7w6a0O3LXh8kuAis_dwX69sVagOqXkvphKaS-2GXNzoPnBpKqcTwUX4shEvapeL3REra6EppR4UIssG6f_dxMOYl83etN4XWkISWA/s320/illminster+025.jpg)
Some panels of hand stitched American patchwork, with some very early fabrics.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvbBlVNgz2dysAzHu3aifH5_pjxyTMHreMEavVzpL7kVfjxhDiwmMlCh6fB64-pa3yLiOEwj2z_UXvk-4fMN3x_idgOKnop3Ws9oiQ3ZnrR17aWk_R0cu7vr7l0yvuEiDZzCivw/s320/illminster+023.jpg)
Lengths of antique lace, flapper feathers and this fabulous Fair Isle sweater, which I have an idea for...;-))
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbcbhwc6Wr0KeOg2iEu4vMdobMN_mBbS9k7Dwr0uvYpj2ZEjttGGW5cZOKYPkszA5MynDULLD6Axy6mO9IRO8LAlqCT1nKvCPSGiXE_JvsfictGvXSVwkYCTODJ5_5kUjpPssVg/s320/illminster+016.jpg)
Before going home, Debbie and I called into a new little cafe which had recently opened - the young girl inside was extremely welcoming and she stoked the open fire for us whilst we supped our tea!
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A lovely day to punctuate a week of paperwork, emailing and sewing...
Hope you are all having a wonderful week,
Hope you are all having a wonderful week,
PS: I would also just like to thank everyone who ordered a copy of my 'Living with Nostalgia' 2009 calendar. I was completely overwhelmed by the response, and so shall order a larger batch next time. They were a big investment for me, so I didn’t know how many to chance having printed! I shall email my mailing list again when I have had some more printed and hopefully I shall have enough for everyone who would like one next time….should be in about 2 weeks, I would think…