A bit of 1948 gold!

"Johnny how did you get in here"  

This video from Simplicity in 1948 is full of great one liners and clever rhyming. Johnny's a bit insulting but it's of it's time as they say!  

Love that zippers were once called slide fasteners and that they did a running stitch down the centre front to see if the dress hangs straight! 

They did so many extra details like tacking, stay stitching and basting back then. Details that seem to be lost to the new generation

 of patterns and sewers! 

 I need to make myself a cute wrist pin 

cushion like Betty's!

I just picked up a chalk hem marker at the op shop last week! I can't wait to try it out!

laura x

Ironing never looked so good!

Ironing my vintage bolero jacket with a super cute vintage iron!

  

laura x

Canadian Vintage

We have taken a little break in our travels to spend time with my family in Canada. 

I have been enjoying getting reacquainted with my Canadian wardrobe and having a blast looking though old photos, my Mom's closets and jewellery boxes for vintage treasures! 

Family heirlooms I will hold dear forever.

How will I get all these goodies home with me???

I will pray to the packing goddesses for assistance
 of course!

Some of my finds...

My mother Jeannie's first beau was in the army and sent this fantastic compact (little comb, lipstick holder, power, puff and mirror) to her from overseas where he was stationed. She had kept his love letter folded up inside.

My grandmother Wilhelmina's wedding band. 

Inside is engraved "Stan to Billy  June 15 - 35"

My grandmother had quite a few nicknames besides Mina, Billy was another popular one.

My grandfather Jack's tie pin.

My grandmother Viola's beautiful turquoise pin.

And the vintage score of the century... 
a vintage Elsa Schiaparelli hat!

laura x

Kitty Love

They are lovely where ever you go!

Croatian kitties...

French kitty..

 Italian kitties...

 

laura x

Sew 'n' pressed!

Brilliant store name in Ireland!

laura x

Vintage Portraits

I couldn't go past these vintage portraits at a 
street market in a small Scottish town. 

I love the facial expressions, 
clothing and hair styles and poses. 

Andy the man I bought them from said they 
were all from the same album, 

but no names on the back. 

It looks like they were a well to do family!

laura x

Victoria and Albert

One of my favorite places to visit when in London. 

These pics are from the permanent collection as no photos allowed from the Bridal and Italian fashion exhibitions that were on. 

It was a big day of fashion with fitting in the three exhibitions on. I might have been, dare i say a bit fashioned out by the end of the day.

Disgraceful I know!

laura x

Oxford Vintage Fair

Found this little gem at the Oxford Vintage Fair!

 Celebrating my find in the famous 

The Eagle and Child pub.

laura x

Vintage at Portobello Market

This was my favorite stall at The Portobello Market.

How cute are those little mannequin heads!

laura x

1940's War Time Dress

I made this Retro Butterick 1946's (B5281) dress pattern for a 1940's war time murder mystery party! I just happened to have a lovely dark green fabric just like in the envelope pic. 

It was a time consuming dress. With cute little asymmetrical details, fully lined and lots of hand stitching. 

I found a perfect hat on e-bay to complete the outfit. It was a winning assemble as I guessed Agent Scott's secret identity!

laura x

Vintage Post Cards

I found these colorful 1920's hand painted photo post cards at Portabello Market in London.

I love the writing on the back,

 Winnie and Dolores what great names!

laura x

Japanese Doona Cover

This project has been completed for a while 

now but I still wanted to share it.

I came across a bag of beautifull Japanese kimono off  cuts all in shades of blue. I fell instantly in love and thought that I would create a patchwork style doona cover for my partner since the colours were more masculine compared to my usual bright style.

I was inspired by the delicate hand Sashiko stitching I found on parts of the fabric and decided to do all the stitching of the fabric on to the base also by hand. Now I must say that there were times where I started to regret this decision but am certainly glad that I stuck with it as my partner loved the final result and so do I! 

laura x

Scarf Tying 101 with Hermes

Spending a year traveling around the world with just a backpack, light packing is top priority. 

After seeing Hermes scarf knotting cards I'm convinced the scarf is one versatile must have accessory.

Unfortunately a Hermes scarf is a bit too pricy but I will have a great time searching the Paris markets for a lovely vintage one!

There are 21 cards but here are some of 

my favourite looks!

laura x