Saturday, March 26, 2011

A Stitch in Time...

I am quite often brought in items to the shop by the public who wish to sell pieces to me. Sometimes it can be difficult when put on the spot, to say 'no' where necessary...Buying too much can impinge on cash-flow and if its not quite the right item for me, saying 'no' without offending can be tricky.

But I am learning to be stronger and now I know my market a lot more, I hopefully know what are the right and wrong things to invest in. When this 50's lemonade set was offered to me, I must admit that it was border-line. The colour is cheerful, and the set is in very good condition, so hopefully it will turn out to be a wise-buy.

Something that I was very pleased to buy though, was a box of mixed vintage sewing items. Included in the mixture was this little booklet, probably dating from around the 30's.

Every woman that could afford to have a one, would have wanted to invest in a sewing machine of their own. Making clothes and items for the home was vital, as far less was available to buy in the shops, compared to today.

I love this image at the back of the book showing the factory and all its workers leaving after a days work - Just goes to show how many people 'Singer' used to employ! WOW! There can't be any companies that have staff numbers at this level these days.

The other illustrations are just as interesting and show the various models available in the range.

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I love how the more industrial models are shown being operated by men! ;-))

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I've been busy with my sewing machine this week. Yesterday I made a collection of four brooch pillows with Mothering Sunday in mind.

Two of them have 'mother' costume brooches attached. (I love it when I find these, as they add just the right note to some of my pieces.)

I made another two pillows with gentle old fashioned charm...
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I used some lovely old fabrics and antique lace.
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I also made some more greetings cards. The other items that I made this week will be put aside for the Dairy House Fair, which is coming up next month - Dolls, bags and lavender sachets so far...with more items in the pipeline...
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Niki x
PS: Just to say that the shop will be closed on Tuesday 29th March - Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause (Open as usual after that date - Thursday onwards.)

11 comments:

  1. I actually still have my mother's Singer sewing machine purchased in the 1930s.it is the hand model and when my children were small it was used to make most of their clothes.I love the things you have made for Mothers Day.

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  2. Niki your cards and pillows are simply gorgeous, you have such a talent! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Jem xXx

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  3. I also love your cards and pillows.I have 2 Mother brooches myself.
    I want to buy a treadle singer eventullay I saw a lovely one at an oppy recent;y they wanted $350 for it (I couldnt afford that).I am not sure what they sell for usually.

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  4. Pillows and cards are very beautiful :)

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  5. The pictures in the Singer Sewing Machine brochure were just amazing - I loved seeing all the different models. They were certainly built to last in those days, as is evidenced by the fact that so many are still around - and working - these days (a little bit harder to come by perhaps, but I think everyone knows at least someone who has one still working!). My Dad still uses my Mum's one for doing all kinds of repairs as they seem to stitch through even the thickest canvas! Loved your beautiful brooch pillows and cards too - just lovely! God bless, Brenda

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  6. The Singer booklet brings back memories!
    Mum had one like the first one in a table with funny shaped drawers, it had belonged I think to my Great Aunt Laura, who my mum was named after.

    Your brooch pillows are charming and lovely. Do you have an endless stash of lace and fabric? LOL!
    I know it is a fair size, 'cos you showed us!

    I do have some items that I think you might like but, it's getting them to you without incurring too much cost in the way of postage!

    Oh well, I might just come into money and be able to visit one day!

    Sandie xx

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  7. The Singer booklet brings back memories!
    Mum had one like the first one in a table with funny shaped drawers, it had belonged I think to my Great Aunt Laura, who my mum was named after.

    Your brooch pillows are charming and lovely. Do you have an endless stash of lace and fabric? LOL!
    I know it is a fair size, 'cos you showed us!

    I do have some items that I think you might like but, it's getting them to you without incurring too much cost in the way of postage!

    Oh well, I might just come into money and be able to visit one day!

    Sandie xx

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  8. Love the little brooch pillows with the mother brooch pinned on. When I had my daughter many moons ago my youngest sister was only 8 and she brought me a little brooch with mother on, it's been hidden away for years thanks for reminding me, Lucey xx

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  9. I love old books and ephemera, it's fascinating to see how things were advertised and sometimes the wording can seem so funny compared to how we do things now. I have quite a collection of old patterns, books etc.
    Gillx

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  10. the brooch pillows are really gorgeous! I bet they are big sellers!

    I really like the lemonade set too!

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  11. Just popped in to say hi and say I love that little singer book...I actually have the first machine you have the illustration of in the book. I was given it by my sister in law (it was her mums) cause she knows how I love vintage sewing things.
    I hope you will drop into my blog sometime.
    Michelle

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx