Textile Treasure Seeker

A Tin of Treasures

2012-02-13T22:52:00.003Z

My friends and family all know that I love vintage sewing bits and bobs, so every now and again I'm presented with an offering with the words, "I found this and wondered whether you'd like it", to which I reply very quickly, "Ooooo, yes please!" These are the latest additions to my collection of treasure, given to me by my lovely friend Ann.

One of the most exciting things about a tin of treasure is that you never know what you're going to find inside.

I love this tin...it reminds me of my Grandma, who always seemed to have a tin of boiled sweets stashed away in her handbag!

Here are some of things I found in the bigger tin. I love vintage sewing things for their design, the fabulous packaging they come in and for the sheer range of helpful tools and gadgets that were made.

I was really drawn to this gauge as it was obvisously given away with Rinso...and I love things that are linked to advertising.

There were needles galore, all tucked away in their decorative packets and cases.

There really is a needle for everything!

I love the colours and the lovely plastic feel of these pieces.

I'm drawn to ephemera like a moth to a flame, so anything still with their paper packaging is always fabulous!

The tins are now safely tucked away on the shelf in my workroom waiting to be brought out when a project calls for a particular piece of haberdashery or useful tool...or when I just fancy getting the tins out for another rummage through!

In Print

2012-02-03T18:30:00.006Z

Ever since I was little I've harboured the thought that it would be rather lovely to write a book one day. As a matter of fact, the things I always said I wanted to be when I grew up were either an author or a sweet shop lady (I loved the idea of measuring out sweets and putting them into small paper bags)! Although the sweet shop thing didn't work out, I suppose by being a freelance writer I'm sort of an author?! Oh, and there's also the small matter of writing this blog...which leads me nicely into something I'd like to share with you...

I've always loved creating journals and in a way this blog has become a bit like a journal - documenting places I visit, treasure-seeking adventures I go on, people I meet and things that inspire me. This made me think...wouldn't it be nice to be able to look back on the blog posts I've written and somehow preserve them offline? So, with this in mind I made my first year of blog posts into a book using Blurb... and was so pleased with the result, that I'm now doing it for every year of blogging I do.

It's really easy. Just download the Blurb software on to your computer and use the templates to create your masterpiece. It takes me a long time to finish each book (mainly because my computer's a little over the hill), but it's fabulous when the finished article arrives.

There are lots of different layout templates to use. Just drag and drop the images on to the page and insert the text (I copy and paste it from my blog into each book).

You don't have to put text on every page... sometimes it's nice just to have pictures.

You can even add a 'blurb' (publishing speak for the bit that tells everyone what the book's about!) on to the back cover, just like a real book you'd buy in a bookshop!

There's something rather exciting about publishing your own book (even if you know that only you and your family will probably ever see it!)

I must just add a word of warning though... creating your own books can become really addictive! You could make a book about your summer holiday, things you've made, or even put together favourite sewing projects or stories for your children. I've got far too many ideas buzzing around my head now... where to start?!

A Time to Collect Thoughts...and Inspiration

2012-01-16T12:17:00.014Z

There's something about a new year that always gets me thinking about all sorts, from the new adventures I'd like to go on, to the books I'd like to read and the things I'd like to make. It's the same every year (and not just for me I'm sure!) I suppose it's the first chance we all get to stop and collect our thoughts after the excitement and busy-ness of the festive season. I'm engrossed in the books I had for Christmas (amongst them Kirstie Allsop's Craft and Cath Kidston's Stitch) as well as the magazine's that have been piled up until I have a spare moment to flick through them. I'm also enjoying walks in the park, watching Little Treasure grow and change before my eyes and the joy of feeding ducks. There's so much to be inspired by!

I thought I'd share some of my ramblings, thoughts and things to inspire here...illustrated with photos I took at the last two Vintage and Handmade Fairs in Chipping Sodbury.

I'm currently having a love affair with patchwork. My first ever textile creation at school was an English pieced patchwork cushion that was made from Laura Ashley ready-cut patchwork pieces (does anyone else remember those?!) and took me a whole term to make. I can remember feeling so proud when it was finished...wobbly stitches and all! I think this is where the seed was sewn (sorry, no pun intended) for what has now become my favourite sewing pastime.

I'm now making a patchwork quilt (all sewn by hand, eek!) out of Mr Treasure's old shirts. It seemed like such a waste to throw them away when it was only the collarts and cuffs that had gone threadbare, so I'm putting my best 'make do and mend' foot forward and creating something new from them for posterity. It's nowhere near as fancy as this gorgeous quilt here, but I'm hoping it'll turn out alright once it's finished (keeping everything crossed!)

Treutmade

Suffolks Puffs are so joyous! They can be made into all sorts, or merely kept safely in a pretty box, to be taken out and admired every now and again.

HenHouse

Donna Flower

Donna's stall is always a feast for the eyes. Over the years I've bought all sorts of fabric treasures from Donna and I think this year I need to be brave enough to just get on and enjoy using some of the bigger pieces I've been stashing away in my fabric drawer.

Donna Flower

Lovely, lovely, lovely! So many gorgeous colours and patterns. I should really have a good sort of my own fabric stash, find something I fancy making and then crack on with it. I will...I really will!

Donna Flower

I just love buttons! There's something fabulous about getting lost in the simple pleasure of sorting through a button jar. I think having a bit of time for what could be categorised as 'frivolous' is important. It's all about taking time out for the small things.

Canvas and Cloth

I love vintage reels of thread, especially Sylko ones, which come in such a wonderful array of colours with fabulously evocative names. I think the threads in this photo look great together. My friend Kathleen is an absolute whizz at putting together the most wonderful combinations of colours in her work. I think this year I will try being bolder in my colour choices in all aspects of life!

Hen's Teeth

If there was a 'Bestest Designer in the Whole Wide World and Bringer of Great Joy' award, it would absolutely have to go to Viv. Her creations make me smile from ear to ear whenever I see them. I've got a little collection of Viv's brooches and purses, as well as one of her birdy needlecases and I just love them all! Viv's just announced that she's going to start running workshops - hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!

Sallie and James Ead

The Devil Makes Work

Hoorah for tweed! I think Woo's owls are rather fabulous.

There's something wonderful about rummaging for treasure. It's all about the thrill of the chase and the thought that in the next box, drawer or corner could be lurking something fabulous just waiting to be discovered. Treasure seeking is certainly high on my 2012 'to do' list!

Cowboys and Custard

Catching up with old friends and making news ones...definitely good for the soul.

Canvas and Cloth

With this cold weather we're having at the moment, it's definitely a good excuse to curl up in the warm with books, Blogland and a mug of hot chocolate!

Stay warm everyone...and I hope you find much to be inspired by in 2012!

Hello 2012, Hello Blogland Once More!

2012-01-08T18:32:00.005Z

Happy new year everyone! I hope you've all had a fabulous festive season.

Oh, how I've missed blogging! Can it really have been so long since I last tapped out a post? Where on earth does the time go? In my case, it's been taken up with the fun and rather time-consuming business of looking after a little one (who has now learnt to crawl and is busily trying to pull herself up on to her feet)! Even though being a mum is the best job in the world I've missed being part of Blogland - not only writing my own posts but also reading about everyone else's adventures. With the dawning of 2012 came a promise to myself that I'd try to carve out a bit of regular time when I could indulge in a spot of blogging. So, here I am...back in Blogland and hoping that you'll pop by and say "hello" once more.

It was such a gloriously sunny morning on Friday that Little Treasure and I braved the slightly crisp January air and went to the park. It's a popular little haven in amongst suburbia and there were lots of other little folk there enjoying the sunshine too.

I love this 'bench'. It's made from a tree trunk and has all sorts of creatures carved into it.

New things often spring up in the park and the latest things we've spotted are some rather lovely sculptures (this being one of them). They fit in perfectly next to the nature pond. A bit of trivia for you - for those who remember the TV series 'Butterflies' (starring Wendy Craig), this pond is the one she used to sit by in the programme (as it was filmed in our neck of the woods)!

Little Treasure loves seeing the ducks and gets very excited whenever we get near the duck pond. I was always asking my parents if we could go and feed our local ducks when I was little and I have a funny feeling Little Treasure won't be any different!

I loved the way the light caught the leaves. Such a lovely rich colour.

Two of Little Treasure's beloved ducks happily soaking up the sun.

After all the excitement of the sun, leaves and duck pond, Little Treasure couldn't keep her eyes open and drifted off to the sounds of quacking ducks splashing about on their pond. Little folk are so peaceful when they're asleep, aren't they?!

Sew to Speak

2011-09-21T21:10:00.006+01:00

Things around here have been rather busy of late. Is it really a month since I last posted anything? Where does the time go?! Well, actually, I know where my evenings and weekends have gone recently... stitching pieces to go in The Wednesday Group's very first exhibition, which is on now until Sunday (25th).

The Wednesday Group are: Kathleen, Anni, Grace, Ann, Judy, Lindsay, Alison, Lois and yours truly.

It's been great fun planning it all over the last six months or so. The exhibition's a culmination of lots of hard work and bucket loads of laughter, discussions, get-togethers and, of course...cake! We even made it into one of our local newspapers on Monday.

Here's a sneaky peek at some of the pieces on show in our exhibition. The first three are some of my pieces...

'She Saw Life as an Adventure'

'Sewing was her Passion'

'She Liked to Keep the Little Things'

There are two rooms bursting with all of the things we've made. This is one of them, with 'Plaster Woman' (as we've come to call her) keeping an eye on things!

Alison always creates thought-provoking pieces. I find this one, all about military losses in recent overseas conflicts, particularly poignant.

For the first nine months of the group's existence, we set ourselves the challenge of creating postcard-sized pieces on particular themes. Here are all of our favourites, put together for all to see for the very first time.

Another group challenge was to create a piece based on vintage pianola rolls that Lois gave us all for Christmas. We've all come up with completely different ideas and it's been really exciting to see everyone's finished creations. This is Anni's. She had a pianola roll featuring a foxtrot to work with!

One of Kathleen's colourful and whimsical creations.

A vintage-inspired piece by Grace, based on an old postcard she found.

Judy's hand-stitching looks like a pen and ink drawing.

Lindsay's pianola roll was called 'Scarf Dance', which was just the ticket for her as she's also a bit of a whizz at belly-dancing!

This has been a mere taster of what's on show and there's oodles more to see! If you're intrigued and want to know more about The Wednesday Group, or our exhibition, pop over to the group's blog here. Oh, and do come and see us at the Weavers Gallery in Ledbury if you're in the area!

An Inspiring Day

2011-08-22T18:55:00.011+01:00

Little Treasure has been keeping me very busy lately and continues to grow and change before our eyes. Even though I've really had to cut back on the things I can do (like blogging and stitching!), I wouldn't change a thing. She's such a joy and makes me smile all day long! However, the weekend before last I did have a day of indulgence...having left Mr Treasure in charge all things baby-related, I headed off to the NEC with Mum to the Festival of Quilts. What an inspiring day it was..and so much to see!

I thought I'd share a few of my favourite quilts, so here they are (in no particular order!)...

Double Delight, Pauline Law (South Africa)

It's a knitted quilt! Brilliant! I was really drawn to the colours. Having looked through all the photos I took at the Festival, I've realised that I'm drawn to all things colourful, like a moth to a flame!

21st Century Victoria, Dana Leigh Brenan (London)

A modern interpretation of the crazy quilting technique that the Victorians were so fond of.

Becky's Dresses, Rosalind Gregory (Taunton)

Smocked dresses were hand appliqued on to this quilt. I thought this was a really clever and lovely idea. What a wonderful way of keeping treasured children's clothes.

Dorothy, Yvonne Fish (Southampton)

I'm a magpie when it comes to vintage ephemera, so this quilt really appealed. It was based on the life of one woman and featured all sorts of photos, tickets and concert posters.

Moeders Mooiste (Mothers Most Beautiful), Hanneke Kwakkenbos-Schilt (The Netherlands)

This quilt incorporated all sorts of design elements, including embroidered panels, which I thought was a really clever idea. However, it was the gorgeous fabrics used in the patchwork parts of the design that I was particularly drawn to.

Heat, Vibrance and Colour, Impressions of South Africa, Joan Squibb (Ipswich)

Another colourful quilt that caught my eye. I love the gorgeous Kaffe Fassett fabrics that have been used.

4 Seasons, Ineke Berlyn (Bromsgrove)

This is a detail from one of the panels that made up Ineke Berlyn's quilt based on the four seasons. I was rather taken with the little bird that was hiding in amongst the lines of stitching.

A Taste of Africa, Irene Sutterluti (Austria)

The colours and patterns in this quilt were absolutely stunning.

A Taste of Africa, Irene Sutterluti (Austria)

I was really drawn into this quilt and couldn't help getting up close so I could have a really good look at all of the hand-printed designs on it.

A Taste of Africa, Irene Sutterluti (Austria)

More gorgeous patterns and colours from Irene Sutterluti's quilt.

Spoon Fed Love, Maria Thomas (Kenilworth)

This was one of my favourite quilts. I loved all of the different textures and techniques that were used. It had a lovely vintagey feel too.

Spoon Fed Love, Maria Thomas (Kenilworth)

According to the show catalogue, recycled fabric and paper ephemera were used to create this quilt, which is all about the maker's task of feeding her family being a token of her love.

Spoon Fed Love, Maria Thomas (Kenilworth)

Printing, buttons, applique and stitching - brilliant!

Botticelli Quilt, Nikki Parmenter (Poynton)
This quilt was exquisite. It was based on Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera' and even had 3D elements to it.

Stash Findings, Jenny Hubbard (Newark)

Vintage heaven! I loved all the bits and pieces that made up this quilt and spent ages looking at it.

Stash Findings, Jenny Hubbard (Newark)

The Suffolk Puff flowers were really eye-catching.

In amongst the competition quilts were exhibition galleries featuring the work of various textile artists and groups. My favourite was Jennifer Hollingdale's collection - 'Re-make, Re-use'. She uses all sorts of old materials in her work including labels, packaging, household linens and wallpaper. I could have easily brought all of her pieces home with me...unfortunately, the budget wouldn't stretch to one of her big pieces of work so I treated myself to one of her small printed pictures instead!

Brunswick Street (on the theme of 'Community'), Kirsten Duncan (Australia)

I really enjoyed looking at the creations of the Twelve by Twelve group. They're an internet-based quilt art collaboration group who set themselves the challenge of creating 12 x 12 inch-sized quilts on chosen themes. The results were really diverse and it was interesting to see how everyone had interpreted the same theme in completely different ways.

The Indulgent Delights of Spring (unfiortunately, I can't find the listing for this one in the show catalogue, so I'm not sure who the maker is)

Oh what glorious colours!

Endurance 1 - The Ship and the James Card and Endurance 2 - Shackleton and His Men, Cathy Corbishley-Michel (London)

I thought this was a really striking quilt. According to the show catalogue the images have been cyanotype printed on to fabric and then machine quilted. Such a great effect!

Hexagons and Stars, Lucie Summers and Jenny Spencer (Worlington)

I really liked the colours and the different screen-printed fabrics that were used in this quilt, as well as the fact that it was made by a mother and daughter team.

Festival, Susie Corke (Kettering)

Gorgeous vintage fabrics.

Retrospective, Louisa Lawson (London)

This quilt was hand sewn and hand quilted...what a task! The fabrics that have been used represent a cross-section of the fabrics in the maker's stash since she started quilting in the early 1990s. What a great way to keep lots of pieces of fabrics that are (no doubt) steeped in memories.

There were so many fabulous quilts at this year's Festival, it's been a job choosing just a few to show here. After so much inspiration in one day, my fingers are itching to raid my fabric stash and get creating something myself!

Chocs Away and Pip Pip!

2011-08-03T11:25:00.008+01:00

A few weekends ago, the Treasure Family paid a visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford...and what a fabulous day out we had! Mr Treasure likes all the modern aircraft, whereas I harbour a love of old aeroplanes, in particular those from the Second World War. The air displays throughout the day were really impressive...and really loud! The highlights for me were the Battle of Britain flights and the Red Arrows (above).

Hoorah for the red, white and blue! The Red Arrows' display was really breathtaking...they twisted and turned to what looked to be within a few inches of each other.

Little Treasure made a new friend!

There was so much to look at, we nearly missed the bit that ended up being the highlight of my day...the 1940s village. It was like stepping back in time!

Stepping through the air raid shelter lead to the refreshments tent...

...complete with all sorts of props to add to the atmosphere.

I always think there's something rather lovely about bunting and there was certainly a good show of it in here!

All this talk of the 1940s reminds me that I've just watched the last in the series of Tenko. It's been showing on the 'Yesterday' channel on TV and having been too little to watch it the first time around, I've really enjoying seeing it over the last few weeks! What a brilliant drama series it was...has anyone else seen it?

Three Have Fun in St Ives

2011-07-12T16:53:00.006+01:00

The Treasure family recently relocated to the glorious St Ives for a week's holiday. The weather was mixed but it didn't dampen our spirits! Mr Treasure and I have been going to St Ives for a number of years and it's become our favourite place to escape to, so it was the perfect choice for our very first family holiday. Little Treasure seemed to enjoy herself and had a number of 'firsts' during the week, including feeling sand beneath her feet and rolling from her back on to her front. It was Mr Treasure's very first Father's Day whilst we were there too!

We love St Ives so much, we miss it when we're not there! There's such a lovely atmosphere to the town, the sea's the most amazing shades of blues and greens and the light's wonderful (probably why so many artists are drawn there). I love watching all the boats bob about in the harbour when the tide's in and then wandering amongst them when it's out.

There are certain things that I think are synonymous with St Ives: the sea, boats, Barbara Hepworth and cats (just the boats missing from this photo)!

No trip to St Ives would be complete without a visit to the Seafood Cafe on Fore Street. Mr Treasure and I always book a table there as soon as we get to St Ives so we don't miss out! We always go for the option of choosing fish from the counter, accompanied by a sauce and mash (or pasta). I thoroughly recommend the seabass with mango. chilli and kaffir lime sauce and parmesan mash...my mouth's watering just thinking about it!

This is such a fabulous shop! Vintage-inspired fabric, stationery and homewares aplenty.

There are lots of great shops to explore in St Ives, from galleries, gift shops and the odd vintage boutique to rummage in, to all sorts of places to buy yummy food when you're feeling a bit weary. We didn't sample the delights of this bakery but I loved the almost vintage look of the shop itself.

We went to Falmouth one day (it rained!) and stumbled across Willow and Stone. There are two shops - one selling all sorts of paper goods and another selling vintage ironmongery.

I had a good mooch around the Willow and Stone shop selling all things paper-related and came away with a hand-printed notebook which has 'Tickety Boo!' on the cover in jolly blue and red lettering.

I absolutely love going to Marazion and St Michael's Mount. I have such fond memories of going there with my parents when I was little and it was really special to be able to take Little Treasure there this year. I had to carry her over to the Mount and back as the causeway cobbles are very bumpy and she was getting bounced around rather a lot in her buggy!

We discovered this vintage shop tucked away in Marazion...

...it was decorated with the most fabulous wallpaper (Cath Kidston, I think)!

I've been a fan of Poppy Treffry's work for a few years now, so imagine my delight when I found she's opened a shop in St Ives! Needless to say I had to pay it a visit!

We stayed in a lovely apartment just out of the main part of town. We even had our own outdoor space, complete with these brightly coloured mosaics.

One of my favourite St Ives pastimes is to search on the beaches for sea glass and china that's been rolled by the waves. It has a lovely worn quality to it. I noticed the maker of one of the mosaics in the apartment's courtyard had used china that had been washed and weathered by the sea.

I think we'll have to book our next jaunt to St Ives soon...I'm missing it too much already!

Artists in Residence

2011-07-03T18:56:00.012+01:00

There's been great excitement amongst The Wednesday Group recently. Last week we were the 'Summer House Artists' at Blue-Ginger Gallery in Stiffords Bridge, Worcestershire. From last Wednesday until today, various members of the group have been ensconced in the summer house next to the Kune Kune pigs and just a stone's throw away from the gallery itself.

Thursday was 'group day', when six of us spent the day working on a group challenge. It was a gloriously sunny start to the day so we decided to start things off in true Wednesday Group style...

...with a cuppa...

...and cake! Lois (our resident foodie and baker of fabulous treats) unveiled a batch of carrot cake muffins and with great whoops of delight we all tucked in!

Cake is a very important element of The Wednesday Group! Here are Anni, Lindsay and Ann enjoying tea and cake in the sunshine.

We started the day at a leisurely pace. It's definitely a good idea to start a group challenge refreshed, fed and watered!

The gallery's resident robin came to see us throughout the day and enjoyed sharing our cake and lunch with us.

The challenge for the day was to create creatures in a textile version of the game 'consequnces'. Here's Kathleen (organiser extraordinaire and mastermind behind the challenege) explaining what we were going to do.

We each started out with a stuffed calico shape and were given an hour to create a face before passing it on to the next person, who had to add on the limbs. Finally, the emerging creatures were passed on to someone else who had the job of adding the final embellishments.

Whilst I was panicking about how to start (!), I turned to Julie Arkell's book for some inspiration.

Julie creates such wonderfully quirky creatures. I love the way she incorporates stitched wording and vintage fabrics into her work.

Here are Lois and Ann busily at work. It went surprisingly quiet at times, as we all worked frantically to get things finished in the time we had!

Here's Anni hard at work. She used felt and hand stitching to create the face on her creature (which you can see below, back row on the left).

Stage one complete! Mine's the one on right of the back row. I envisaged it being a rabbit, but I couldn't add the ears as we could only work on the face and ears weren't allowed at this stage!

To ensure complete randomness, we put all the creatures in a bag and picked one out to work on for stage two. Who knew IKEA bags could be so versatile?!

Lindsay was very pleased to pick out the creature that Lois had started with!

Creature number two for me...and more head scratching on my part as I pondered what on earth I could do! We had an hour and a half to complete the final two stages of the challenge, which I must admit I thought would be plenty of time. How wrong I was, the time just flew by!

Here's what I managed to do in the alloted time. I had thought about turning this creature into a squirrel, but completely ran out of time before I could add the tail!

Here are the creatures at the end of stage two. It was great fun to see them emerging and really interesting to see how we each worked with what the previous person had done.

And finally...here are the end results. What a motley crew they are! The challenge was so much fun. It stretched our creativity, took us out of our comfort boxes, tested our powers of working to a strict timescale and caused many a fit of the giggles.

Here we all are...six happy Wednesday Groupers and our 'Consequentials' (as they've become known).

If you fancy reading more about The Wednesday Group's fun at Blue-Ginger Gallery, pop over to our group blog.

Vintage Loveliness

2011-06-06T22:21:00.007+01:00

Saturday saw Mr Treasure, Little Treasure and I heading to Chipping Sodbury for a day of vintage loveliness at the ever brilliant Vintage and Handmade Textiles and Fashion Fair.

Here's my stall, complete with my new 'wine boxes covered with vintage adverts' shelves. I was up until 1am one day last week getting them finished!

I took all sorts of vintage treasures to sell, from clothes and cushions, to fabric and hats. Mr Treasure has even started to join in the treasure seeking having found a gorgeous Brexton picnic set. He was very pleased that it found a new home on Saturday!

I love having a stall at the Vintage and Handmade Fairs...there's always a lovely atmosphere and it's a fabulous opportunity to catch up with familiar faces as well as meet new ones! I do find I get itchy feet when I'm behind my stall, not because I'd rather be somewhere else, but because I can see so many other stalls bursting with vintage treasures that I want to go and investigate! Luckily, I did manage to leave Mr Treasure in charge and sneak off for a look around the fair. Here's a peek at just some of the vintage lovelies I found... (I'm afraid I can't remember the names of some of the stalls, so apologies for missing out a few names here and there).

Hen's Teeth

Viv is so talented and I absolutely love her work. I've got a few of Viv's brooches - I call them my little rays of sunshine because they make me smile every time I wear them. I couldn't resist adding a couple more to my collection on Saturday!

Hen's Teeth

Betty and Violet

Sal's Snippets

Sal always has the most amazing array of vintage feedsack fabrics. I think it would be lovely to use them all and make a quilt.

Country Cottage Chic

I loved this jacket. The fabric's so pretty.

Suzie Johnson

I met Suzie at last year's Vintage and Handmade Textiles and Fashion Fair. I would happily give any of her knitted designs a home (as long as I didn't have to make them myself...I'm not known for my knitting skills!)

Suzie Johnson

You might recognise the little knitted house from 'Kirstie's Homemade Home'...it was Suzie who created them and was featured in the first series too!

My mum made me all sorts of Clothkits clothes and toys when I was little and I loved them. I'm really thrilled that Clothkits is back on the scene... now I'll be able to make things for Little Treasure too!

Hesta Nesta

Donna Flower

A mouth-watering display, as always!

Donna Flower

What divine bags!

I do love a touch of glitz and sparkle. I'm a big fan of brooches - you can change a whole outfit in a matter of seconds just by picking out different brooches to wear.

Such pretty accessories...perfect for any summer occasion. I love the vintage hues, especially the dusty pink and powdery blue.

It really was a fabulous day. A huge thank you and three cheers to Jayne and Michele for organising another glorious day of vintage loveliness!

A Colourful Day

2011-05-12T15:52:00.000+01:00

I really want to start this post with a long overdue thank you...for all the lovely comments and best wishes that have been left since Little Treasure arrived. I don't always have time to read blogs or reply to the words that people leave for me, but I really do appreciate each and every one of them, so a huge thank you to everyone who visits me here in my little corner of blogland!

Yesterday I had my first day of unashamed selfish indulgence since Little Treasure arrived...a get together with the other girls in The Wednesday Group (the textiles group we formed after studying City and Guilds Embroidery together). We all made our way to Lois's house for a day of chatter, cake, laughter and fun with colour.

Our get togethers always start off in the same way...with a good natter, a cuppa and cake.

Lois is a master in the kitchen and the brownies and cookies she'd made soon disappeared!

We all work on our own projects between catch ups, be it the textile postcards we set ourselves to do each month or things we're experimenting with ourselves. There's always a great deal of "oooo-ing" and "ahhhh-ing"! Here are Ann, Anni and Kathleen admiring some free machine stitching that Grace has been working on.

To our joy, Lois has been having a sort out of her studio and let us loose on all the fabric she's parting company with. We all went home with black bin bags full to the brim with all the pieces we found and claimed for our own!

Here's Lindsay having a good rummage. The 'snip snip' of her scissors, carefully cutting scraps from fabrics she discovered, could just be heard amongst our whoops of delight and the rustle of fabrics being turned out of bags and boxes!

Kathleen loves using woollen fabrics in her work, so was particularly pleased when she found the sleeve of an old Aran jumper.

Unfortunately, it was a bit small to use as a hat, so she'll have to find something else to turn it into!

When we could drag ourselves away from Lois's exciting stash of fabric, we de-camped to her studio in the garden to try our hand at printing, dyeing, painting and daubing fabric with all sorts of colours and designs.

Kathleen looks on as Grace uses one of Lois's gorgeous indian print blocks to create a tea towel.

Grace's hand printed tea towel...a closer look at the work in progress.

Ann prints some fabric with an indian print block too. The gorgeous colours she chose even matched her apron!

Here's Kathleen, working on her tea towel design.

Lois treated us all to a truly mouth-watering homemade lunch...

...with chocolate and raspberry tart for pudding. Yummmmm!

After lunch we all tried our hand at using silk paints. We rolled, tied and pegged our fabric before painting, daubing and splattering it to create all sorts of patterns and effects.

The finished results looked really pretty drying on the olive tree outside Lois's studio.

Here I am working on my silk scarf creation.

I tied up parts of the scarf with string before daubing various colours on to it whilst it was in a plastic container.

Here's how it turned out...before I tried out some more techniques and added other colours to the design.

Everyone's designs were so different. Ann created colourful spots, Alison's design was made using pegs and Anni and Lindsay created fish scale-inspired patterns.

A group work of art, worthy of any gallery I think!

We even managed to fit in some fabric dyeing using a sachet of Dylon colour - Rosewood Red.

Kathleen was very valiant in her role of 'Chief Fabric Fisher Outer' from the bucket of dye...and ended up going home with hands that were a slightly different shade to what they had been at the start of the day. Let's hope she's managed to wash it all off by the time we all get together again next month!

Lovely Day For A Kickabout

2011-04-20T16:57:00.005+01:00

There are lots of things in a day that Little Treasures enjoys...food, sleeping, cuddles, looking at lights and 'chatting', to name just a handful. However, one of her very favourite pastimes is kicking about on her quilt.

Her arms and legs move at an astonishing rate, accompanied by her happy gurgles and coos.

I found the quilt in a charity on my travels just before Little Treasure arrived. I was drawn to the lovely pink vintage fabrics, especially because I knew I was expecting a girl!

What made me think "I have to buy this quilt" was when I noticed the pink and white squares of this Laura Ashley fabric. Laura Ashley was the decor of my childhood years - my parents had the fabrics and wallpapers in just about every room in our house! They bring back such happy memories.

I hope Little Treasure will grow up to love the fabrics she's surrounded by and forge her own happy memories of her childhood...

...as well as discover all sorts of interests and passions of her own.

Vintage Fun

2011-04-11T16:33:00.008+01:00

What a gloriously sunny weekend we've had! There's nothing like good weather to lift the spirits. As if the sunshine wasn't enough, we also had the Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury to get excited about on Saturday. It really was fabulous to catch up with so many V&H friends...and also introduce them to Little Treasure (who I'm hoping will be a fan of vintage herself one day).

Here's a look at just some of the gorgeous stalls at the fair...

Hen's Teeth

I absolutely love Viv's work, it's so unique and always makes me smile. I already have one brooch by Viv and have worn it so much, I couldn't resist adding two more to my collection!

More of Viv's fabulous creations.

Treutmade (Gertie Strahl)

There's always a lovely atmosphere at the Vintage and Handmade fairs. I've met and made friends with some fabulous people from visiting and selling at the fairs. It's like being part of a happy vintage-loving family!

Jane Winton

Cowboys & Custard

Emma Boyne

Donna Flower

The next Vintage and Handmade Fair is the Fashion and Textiles Fair on 4th June, so be sure to put it in your diaries now!

A New Arrival

2011-03-14T18:28:00.003Z

It's been rather a while since I last posted anything, but rest assured, I haven't disappeared from Blogland. Life has been turned on its head somewhat over the last few weeks, but all for a very exciting reason...

Mr Treasure and I are delighted to announce the arrival of Little Treasure, who made her grand entrance into the world earlier this month. We're the proudest parents in the world! We're all doing well and loving all aspects of family life...except maybe the lack of sleep, but that goes with the territory and we wouldn't have it any other way.

I'll be back with regular posts again soon, I promise!

The Art of Domesticity

2011-02-15T09:29:00.004Z

When Mr Treasure and I first moved in together we lived in a little apartment with not much storage. Luckily, we were able to squirrel boxes of things away in our families' attics for safe keeping. Although most of the boxes resurfaced when we moved into our house, we did discover one or two more this weekend! Look what was inside...lots of brightly coloured 1970s Tupperware...very useful!

In need of cake last week, I found my Rachel Allen 'Bake' cookbook off the shelf and tried out the recipe for cherry crumble cake. I'm not too handy in the kitchen, so I'm very relieved to report that it turned out alright and is definitely one for the 'must make again' list!

At the very first meeting of The Wednesday Group we decided it would be fun to have a small project to work on each month so we wouldn't completely forget how to stitch! We now make a postcard-sized piece based on a different theme each month and have a 'show and tell' at our get togethers. January's theme was 'resolutions', so I thought mine could be 'making time for creativity'.

Since seeing it, I'd fancied having a go at the technique Lou Gardiner taught Kirstie Allsopp in the last series of Kirstie's Home made Home...so, I set about drawing everyday objects without looking at them, with the intention of then free machine embroidering my favourite on to fabric.

Having decided I like the cup and saucer and teapot best, I transferred them on to a piece of calico (using a magic fabric pen) and free machine embroidered to my heart's content!

On Kirstie's Homemade Home, Lou and Kirstie coloured their finished embroideries with acrylic paint. A great idea, but I tend to make a mess whenever paint gets involved, so I decided to applique some pieces of fabric on instead.

I love this 1930s fabric, it's so cheery! There's something so liberating about free machine embroidery...but I really enjoy the control you can get with hand stitching too (a great combination).

Here's my finished 'postcard'. I often find it's tricky to know when to stop adding to a piece, but I suppose that's all part of the fun of trying out new techniques and finding your own creative style. Perhaps another of my new year's resolutions should be to push my own creative boundaries and not be too afraid of experimenting with new ideas...

Meeting Sarah Nicol

2011-01-31T14:34:00.006Z

Last Friday saw me heading off into the countryside to meet renowned textile artist Sarah Nicol, who I'm writing a feature on for a future issue of Sewing World magazine. Meeting interesting people is certainly a great perk of being a freelance writer and I spent a very happy morning chatting away to Sarah and seeing lots of her fabulous work.

As soon as I arrived, Sarah popped the kettle on! As well as working in textiles, Sarah also creates the most gorgeous range of ceramics, with her partner, Peter O'Neil. In fact, Peter was in the middle of glazing the inside of some large bowls on their kitchen floor, so I got to watch the creative process in action! It felt somewhat apt that I should drink tea out of this mug from Sarah and Peter's collection.

A whole wall in Sarah's studio is given over to boxes that are crammed with just about every fabric imaginable.

Sarah creates all sorts from her collection of fabrics, from framed pictures and book covers, to little houses and doorstops. The piles of ticking are waiting to be made into her little 'herb houses', which she fills with lavender.

Sarah's currently working on her new collection for this year, inspired by the colours of the Bayeux Tapestry. Sarah and Peter were off to France this weekend after a moment of glorious spontaneity that Sarah had had earlier in the week, after deciding on Wednesday lunchtime that she just had to go and see the Tapestry again!

Here's Sarah in action, giving me a demonstration of how she creates her book covers.

Sarah's current style of work came about after what can only be described as a bit of an 'epiphany moment'. Whilst on the Amtrak Coast Starlight train from Los Angeles to Seattle a few years ago, Sarah started to draw the scenery that was going past the window. One long roll of paper and a box of pastels later and "hey presto", it was the beginnings of what can now be described as her signature style. At the top of this photo is part of the long drawing Sarah did on the train...and on the bottom, is her interpretation of it in fabric.

Part of Sarah's Los Angeles to Seattle drawings.

I first saw (and fell in love with) Sarah's ceramics in a gallery in Marazion, Cornwall. Having assumed Sarah was based in Cornwall, imagine my surprise when I found out that she lives only a few miles down the road from us in rural Worcestershire! It was great to see the pottery (in Sarah and Peter's garden) where all the ceramics all made. It's a real team effort...once Peter has thrown the bowls, mugs etc, Sarah adds the painted decoration.

Here's a small selection of finished ceramics. These designs all feature the Cornish fishing boats that Sarah sketches on their frequent visits down south.

On the way to the pottery, I was introduced to Sarah's Bantams, including Baby the cockerel. I'd love to keep chickens and was very taken with the idea of bantams after seeing these beauties!

A huge thank you to Sarah for sharing her creative world with me...and don't forget to look out for the May issue of Sewing World when you'll be able to read my interview with Sarah and discover more about her work.

Tea, Cake and Textiles

2011-01-20T17:11:00.004Z

One of the greatest things about doing the City and Guilds Embroidery course I went on was the friends I made. After two years of working, laughing and drinking endless cups of tea together, we couldn't bear the thought of all going our separate ways when the course ended. So a few of us did what lots of people in a similar situation do...we formed our own group! Calling ourselves 'The Wednesday Group' (because that was the day we went to college on), we now meet at each others' houses once a month to talk about all things stitch-related...and laugh alot, drink endless cups of tea and eat cake! Yesterday's get together was no exception...

The girls were adamant that they didn't want any 'off guard' photos, so they struck their best 'we're very engrossed in talking about textiles' poses!

Everyone always has something to share and we talk about everything from books and stitch techniques, to exhibitions and what we've been up to over the last month. It's really great to be with friends who all get excited about the same things...although he tries very hard, Mr Treasure doesn't truly understand the joys of a new piece of fabric or starting a new sketchbook!

There's always a great deal of jollity!

Tea and cake has become a very important element of group get togethers! We like to think it aids creativity!

We decided recently that it would be nice to all learn from one another. So yesterday some of us taught those who struggled with french knots the art of this rather addictive little stitch.

There were whoops of delight from around the table as french knots successfully appeared!

Being part of a group really is fabulous...not only do we all get to meet up with a bunch of great friends on a regular basis, it's also really inspiring. We set ourselves little projects and challenges each month and it's always fun to see how 8 people interpret the same theme in such different ways.

We're planning an exhibition of our work later this year, so I'll be sure to keep you posted!

A Belated Welcome to 2011

2011-01-12T17:15:00.006Z

Happy new year to you, lovely bloggers, one and all!

It's somewhat belatedly that I begin writing in 2011 as I'm afraid the dreaded flu virus has been lurking in the Treasure household since the new year. First it was Mr Treasure's turn to be poorly and then, just when I thought I'd got away with it, I came down with a bug too and so my life up until now has been dominated by warm honey and lemon drinks and rather a lot of sleep. Still, I'm happy to report that that I think the bugs and germs are finally on their way out...hoorah!

In amongst the festive season and fighting off flu, I've been writing about all sorts of things for various magazines. In my line of work I get to write about a whole plethora of fascinating subjects, so I thought I'd tell you all about a museum collection and exhibition that I've just finished writing about for Sew Hip magazine...

‘Flowered all over with cards’. Cotton or linen printed with a playing card pattern. A boy admitted 24 December 1759. Named Joseph Floyd by the Foundling Hospital. Apprenticed 26 July 1769 to John Bedsforth, whitster of Staines, Middlesex. © Coram

The Foundling Museum in London has the largest surviving collection of everyday eighteenth-century textiles. It's rather poignant why they have such a collection, but really interesting none the less. In the eighteenth-century, if mothers found themselves in the desperate position of not being able to look after their children, they took them to The London Foundling Hospital in the hope of giving them a new start. In the case of over 4000 babies left at the Hospital between 1741 and 1760, a small token, usually a piece of fabric, was kept with the child's records by way of an identifier, should a mother ever return to reclaim her child. The Museum's current exhibition, Threads of Feeling, showcases a selection of these textile tokens.

'Flowered lining'. Copperplate print on linen. © Coram

Sometimes a mother would choose what to leave with her baby, but when no token was left, the Hospital's administrators would simply cut a scrap of fabric from the clothes the child was wearing when it arrived.

‘Striped Calimanker.’ Calimanco (a worsted fabrics) woven in stripes and figures. Foundling number 12956. © Coram

Threads of Feeling runs until 6th March 2011, but fear not if you can't get to London in time to see it...there's a permanent online exhibition that you can see from the comfort of your own armchair.

'A bunch of 4 ribbons narrow - Yellow, Blue, Green and Pink'. © Coram

Ribbons were often left with children as they had great symbolic meaning...of separation and parting. Having been tucked away in the Hospital's billet books (where all the children's records were bound and kept together), it's no wonder that the colours of these ribbons are still so vibrant!

'Sleeves red and white speckl'd linen turn'd up red spotted with white'. A baby's sleeve made from linen. © Coram

Sometimes a piece of the child's clothing was kept as a token, just like this sleeve. There are also a number of caps in the Museum's collection that were saved as tokens for some children admitted to the Hospital.

Installation of falling ribbons, created by Annabel Lewis of VV Rouleaux, as part of the Museum's exhibition.

It's not always possible to include everything in a magazine article due to copy deadlines and publication timescales. This was the case with the Curator's Talk early next month, so I promised the Museum I'd mention it here instead!

My article will be published in issue 27 of Sew Hip, but in the meantime, do have a look at the Threads of Feeling exhibition (either in person or online!)

Peg Dolls, Snow and a Couple of Christmas Trees

2010-12-21T15:44:00.005Z

It's official - I'm now feeling 100% Christmassy! We've (finally) finished writing our Christmas cards, wrapped all the presents and decorated the house in time for the Big Day on Saturday.

It was my friend Fi's birthday last week. As she's a fellow vintage and craft lover, we decided to get together and spend the morning creating something for the Christmas tree. Here's what we made...we call them our 'Peg Molls'! Fi's fabulously festive fairy has sparkly pipe cleaner halo and wings and I love the way her skirt is at a jaunty Marilyn Monroe-esque angle. Mine isn't quite finished yet (I think she needs some arms), but with a bit of luck will be soon!

Mr Treasure and I excitedly put our Christmas trees up at the weekend...

...with a bit of help from one of our furry friends!

I love re-discovering all our tree decorations. There are always some I've forgotten about, as well as old favourites that I look forward to finding.

Every year my parents make the Christmas card that they send to us. Here's the one for 2010, featuring printing, sweet papers and a suffolk puff...isn't it fab?!

This was the scene in our back garden yesterday. We've had about six inches of snow so far.

Having been cooped up at home for days now (flu bug followed by snow), Mr Treasure decided it was about time I ventured back into the world! So, wrapped in as many layers as we could get into and armed with wellington boots, ski socks and ski gloves, we went for a walk through the snow to buy bread and milk. This was the scene that greeted us in our local park...so pretty!

Even the ducks were out playing in the snow! Luckily, not all of their pond was frozen over so at least they could have a bit of a swim.

Here's Mr Treasure underneath a particularly wintery-looking tree. I find it really enchanting how snow makes everything so peaceful. There was hardly a sound as we walked along, except for the excited whoops coming from all the children who were sledging down one of the park's hills and the occasional slush of melted snow as the odd car drove past.

We passed this snowy letterbox on our travels. It was full to the brim!

I hope that wherever you are, the snow isn't being too disruptive and you're enjoying the run up to Christmas. Stay warm!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-13T21:46:00.006Z

With the Christmas shopping and card writing well under way, it's beginning to feel just a little bit festive in the Treasure household. We're hoping to get the tree up in the next few days too, so then we'll have officially declared it to be the festive season!

A beautifully wrapped parcel arrived from Jayne (Country Cottage Chic) on Friday. I just had to take it's picture before I opened it! "What was inside?", I hear you cry...

...this rather cheeky little vintage doll! Isn't she cute?! I spotted her in some photos I took of Jayne's stall at the Christmas Vintage & Handmade Fair and couldn't believe I'd missed her on the day! Luckily, Jayne still had her after the fair, so I thought I'd give her a new home.

Mr Treasure and I decided we'd escape to Bath on Friday, so we booked into Brooks Guesthouse (which we found on the Sawdays website), packed our bags and headed south. This was our room, tucked away at the top of the guesthouse. It was such a lovely place to stay, we'd certainly go back there.

As the evening drew in on Friday, we strolled around Bath, taking in the Christmassy atmosphere (including the rather excellent Christmas market). Just look at this toy shop...I think this must be where Father Christmas does his shopping!

On Saturday we did some more exploring. How wonderful to have this as your front door. So grand!

There are quite a few vintage shops and boutiques in Bath. I really liked this one, it was full of all sorts of beautiful things made from vintage fabric.

These two cheeky kittens were having great fun in the window of one antiques shop we passed!

This is the most amazing shop. It's an Aladdin's cave of fabrics, trimmings, samplers, bags, clothes (the list is endless) from the 17th-early 20th century. We were greeted by a lovely and very passionate german lady, who started our visit with a tour of the shop, pointing out all sorts of treasures that I think I would have otherwise missed. "I'm 84 and just the Saturday girl, I love working here", she told us!

If you're ever in Bath, do make a beeline for this shop, it's well worth a visit and you never know what you might find.

Gorgeous vintage tins, jewellery and other bits and bobs in the window of 'Sassy and Boo'.

At the end of a busy day of shopping and exploring, the only thing for it was a cup of tea.

I thought I'd end this post with a photo of a little furry someone who decided they'd 'help' me with some photography I was doing today. No Tinker, it's not a new cat house for you, it's our photography light box. You turn your back for two minutes...!

Staying in the Warm

2010-12-08T17:06:00.005Z

Despite the weather forecast saying we weren't going to have any snow, everything outside is covered in the white, fluffy stuff! It's only a little dusting, but it's made everything look so pretty. Our little road looks like a scene from Narnia. Mr Treasure's particularly pleased because he absolutely loves snow!

Not really wanting to venture outside in the cold, I decided to sort out some of my fabric today and put a selection on eBay. I've been meaning to do it for a while, so I finally knuckled down and got on with it! Here's a peek at a few of the pieces I've put up for sale...

A fabulous piece of Tibor Reich fabric from 1964. It's called 'Agincourt' and was commissioned by the Shakespeare Birth Trust for Shakespeare's quatercentenary. The colours are so vibrant, with a little hint of gold here and there.

There's something about selvedges that I've always really loved (and to be honest, I can't really put my finger on what it is!) 'Agincourt' has a great selvedge...it adds so much to the story of the fabric and I love the fact even a colour palette's been included.
A fabulously vibrant piece of 1970's fabric.

More fabric from the 1970's, this time in classic golden colours with a design that's so typical of this decade.

I really like the stylised design of this fabric, which is either from the 1960's or 70's. It would make great cushions!

Classic 1970's! I can remember my parents having wallpaper similar to this in our bathroom when I was little!

Do pop over to eBay if you're in need of some fabric for a project to keep you out of the cold!

A Whole Weekend of Vintage Loveliness

2010-11-29T13:51:00.006Z

The Vintage and Handmade Fairs in Chipping Sodbury are always a highlight in my calendar, with dates pencilled in months in advance so I won't miss them! As each one approaches I become like a child at Christmas, to the point where Mr Treasure is relieved when the fair days arrive so I can go wild in the vintage aisles and get it out of my system (until the next one!)

At about 7.30am yesterday morning, Mr Treasure and I headed to Chipping Sodbury, coats firmly done up and the car heating on full blast. Nope, I hadn't taken my Fair obsession to new heights and decided to huddle in a sleeping bag outside the hall to wait the fair to open...we were taking a car packed with Textile Treasure Seeker goodies and experiencing the Fair from a stallholder's point of view! Having always loved visiting the Fair, I was indeed very honoured when I was asked to be part of it!

There was a flurry of activity first thing as everyone unloaded their cars, brought in bags and boxes stuffed with vintage treasures and set up their stalls. One of the things I love most about the Vintage and Handmade Fairs (apart from all the gorgeous vintage goodies on offer) is the warm and friendly atmosphere. It's fabulous catching up with the friends I've made, as well as making new ones!

For the first time ever, I managed to set up my stall for a fair with time to spare before the doors opened! Big achievement...and also great because I could have a quick wander about to see all the other stalls (and make a few purchases along the way)! Here's a peek at some of the stalls in the main hall (unfortunately, I didn't manage to take any in the other rooms as I had to dash back to the Textile Treasure Seeker table of offerings as the fair opened).

treutmade

HenHouse

Hen makes the prettiest cushions from vintage fabric. I was particularly drawn to the bobble trim on these little gorgeous ones.

HenHouse

Lucy Bloom

There's always so much to see on Lucy's stall, I have to go back several times to see everything! I did another fair over the summer, which Lucy was also at...by the time I'd unpacked my first box, got in a complete pickle with what went where and tripped over several other boxes, Lucy and Jayne had calmly and swiftly set up their stall and were having a sit down, looking very serene. From that day on, I've always had 'unpacking stall envy' whenever I see them and dream of being as efficient and organised as them!

Charlotte Macey Textiles

There's something wonderful about vintage Christmas decorations, I just can't get enough of them. I think it's the combination of bright colours, great shapes and the feeling of nostalgia I get every time I see any. I'm definitely beginning to feel the Christmas spirit creeping up on me now!

Country Cottage Chic

Cowboys and Custard

Hen's Teeth

I could have happily bought everything on Viv's stall! She's so talented.

Nostalgia at the Stone House

Every time I see Niki's stall at a fair, I look longingly at the beautiful dolls she makes and vow that one day I'll give one a home. Imagine my joy yesterday when Mr Treasure said I could have one as a Christmas present! I'm supposed to be trying to forget about her so I can act all surprised on Christmas Day, but it's not working so far (only 26 days to go)!

It really was a fabulous day. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Michele and Jayne for organising yet another fabulous fair!

And there's more...

With all the excitement of yesterday, I mustn't forget to tell you about the Cotswold Vintage Fair that I was at on Saturday too. It really has been a weekend of vintage loveliness!

Here's my stall, complete with a bit of the outdoors brought in, in the form of the 'tree' that I hung my handmade decorations on (an idea I'd seen and admired in this month's Country Living magazine!)

Here are just some of my Textile Treasure Seeker originals that I took to sell at the fair. I took a few snaps of some of the other stalls and the goodies on offer at the fair too...

Kate and Lexy's Vintage

It was really lovely to meet Kate and Lexy. They've just started out selling vintage, as well as their own fabulous designs, and this was their first ever fair.

Rosablue

Hesta Nesta

Vicky Loves Vintage

Original handmade Textile Treasure Seeker goodies coming to Blogland...

For those who couldn't make it to the vintage fairs, or for anyone looking to do a spot of Christmas shopping from the comfort of their favourite chair, I'm going to be posting some of my designs here for sale over the next week. Watch this space..!

Love Vintage

2010-11-15T11:41:00.005Z

This weekend saw me heading to the village of Wenvoe, near Cardiff, to sell my wares at the 'Love Vintage' fair, organised by the lovely Samantha (Salway) and Maggie (Cooper).

There were three rooms jam packed with vintage treasures as well as tempting tea and cakes, vintage music playing and a merry hubbub of vintage enthusiasts.

Here's my stall...

...complete with new designs for my handmade hanging decorations and cards that I've been working on.

After we'd finished setting up the stall, Mr Treasure and I decided a cup of tea was in order...

...along with a rather yummy slice of Bara Brith (well, it had to be done, we were in Wales after all!)

Every now and again I managed to sneak away from my stall to see what treasures everyone else on offer! Here's a look at just some of the vintage loveliness that was on offer...

Maggie

Samantha

Lyn Lewis

Treasured Vintage

Hoorah for vintage!

Up Hill and Down Dale

2010-11-08T14:33:00.006Z

Mr Treasure and I have just spent a very relaxing weekend in the Peak District, staying with family in an idyllic spot surrounded by hills and dales.

We ventured into Manchester on Saturday (having never explored the city before) and to my sheer delight stumbled across this monthly vintage fair!

There were stalls aplenty bursting with vintage treasures. I was particularly drawn to the sparkly costume jewellery!

There were lots of boxes and cases to rummage in, like this one brimming with vintage scarves. I found my best buys on this stall and came away with a vintage knitting bag, Kangol hat and string of coral coloured glass beads (all of which will be making an appearance on the Textile Treasure Seeker stall at upcoming fairs).

Festive party outfit anyone?!

Manchester's answer to Picadilly Circus.

I always love the displays in shop windows at this time of year. I was really drawn to the bright colours and sumptuous fabrics in the windows at Kendals.

This is part of Harvey Nichols' festive offering. It even played festive music to get you in the Christmassy mood!

As dusk set over the city, the window at Louis Vuitton came into its own.

Each 'box' in the stack that filled the window is decorated in a slightly different way - from looking like a classic Louis Vuitton trunk or with the company's distinctive logo on, to being left plain or decorated with Indian iconography.

For the sheer smile-a-bility factor, the windows at Selfridges were my favourite!

Tee hee!

Makes me chuckle!

I saw this on the side of a jeweller's in the city centre. As a plaque underneath explained, it's the original sign from 1901 (and wedding rings are no longer sold by weight!)

This is the mill where we stayed. It's tucked away amongst dales and hills and is so peaceful. All you can hear outside when you're there is the sound of the babbling stream that runs alongside it.

Lovely old cobbles.

A date carved above a door, presumably when the mill was built.

A stone mason's mark in the flag stones.

What a lovely weekend it was. Have a great week everyone!

Fun in Frome

2010-11-01T08:54:00.007Z

Mr Treasure and I had a fabulous day out in Frome on Saturday. It was most fortuitous that my birthday weekend coincided with the very first Vintage Bazaar, so I had no problem deciding where I'd like to go for a special day out!

Lucy Bloom

The first thing that struck me on walking into The Vintage Bazaar was just how many stalls there were. It was wall-to-wall vintage - absolutely heavenly! There were lots of people there too and a lovely throng of excited chatter filled the air.

Blue Zinnia Vintage

Sarah had lots of gorgeous fabrics and trimmings to choose from. I added to my collection of rick rack and also bought a pretty piece of vintage patchwork.

Sal's Snippets

It's all I could do to stop myself from buying Sal's entire stock! I bought some 1940s fabrics from Sal at the Vintage and Handmade Textile Fair that I haven't used yet, so I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get cracking on a project so I can buy some more the next time I see her!

Lucy Bloom

Dairy House Antiques

There's something so appealing about threads on wooden reels...so much nicer than plastic!

Daisy Darling

Clare's hats are so stylish.

The Vintage Magpie

I love Nicky's bears and bunnies, they're so full of character!

Donna Flower

It's always fabulous to catch up with the dynamic duo that are Donna and Aileen! Donna's selection of fabrics are just fabulous...and she had some rather nice new twines and ribbons that I might just have to treat myself to one of these days.

After I'd made sure (several times!) that I hadn't missed anything at the Fair, Mr Treasure and I wandered into the middle of Frome in search of the vintage shops that Denise had told me all about.

Imagine my delight when we found Catherine Hill - a whole street of vintage shops! This shop was my favourite. I found a whole basket of vintage printers' blocks tucked under a table in here and spent a happy time sorting out which ones were going to have to come home with me!

Everywhere we turned there was another shop bursting with vintage treasure.

Luckily for Mr Treasure we only had half an hour left on the parking by the time we headed into town or I think I'd have been in rummaging in these shops for the rest of the day!

I've heard and read so much about Millie Moon, it was great to actually be able to pay a visit. It's jam-packed with gorgeous fabrics and trimmings!

I was rather taken with the pattern on this vintage dress.

Here's are my spoils from The Vintage Bazaar.

One of the things I've had on my 'Wish List' for a long time has been a Sylvac rabbit. I was so thrilled when Mr Treasure bought this little chap for me (from Lucy Bloom)!

One of the lovely things about fairs such as The Vintage Bazaar is that everyone's always so friendly and chatty. I was so touched when Debbie (of Pots and Pansies Gardenalia) gave me one of the gorgeous potted pansies she had on her stall when she found out it was my birthday. It was a lovely surprise and now has pride of place on our kitchen windowsill.

Three cheers for Lizzie and Clare for organising such a fabulous fair...I can't wait for the next one!

All Change

2010-10-26T11:56:00.008+01:00

I've always loved this time of year, partly due, I think, to being a Halloween baby, but also because I love the cosiness that the change in season brings. There's so much to be inspired by too - the gorgeous autumn colours in the trees, plump pumpkins, cosy fabric such as tweed, knitted scarves...

Around this time of year I very often find myself reorganising my workspace and starting on textile projects that I can work on whilst curled up on the sofa in the evening. This year has been no exception. My beloved 'studio' has been relocated to the very top of our house in the airy attic space and I've started on several knitting projects. Autumn is most definitely here!

'Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration' by Jo Packham and Jo Packham is definitely my 'book of the moment' and I couldn't resist sharing it with you here. I can't stop picking it up for another look through! (Published by Lark Books, £17.99, hardback, 144 pages)

The bit on the back of the book sums it up brilliantly, "A rich pastiche of inspiration, motivation, encouragement and creativity. Twenty-three remarkable women reveal the influences upon their artistic processes and invite you to see their diverse work spaces".

The book is jam-packed with mouth-watering photos and really interesting interviews with each of the artists that are featured. I absolutely love all the photos of other people's studios (this one belongs to Teresa McFayden)!

Connie Govea Stuart has an enviable collection of ephemera and found objects to use in her work. The layout of this book is brilliant - you can either read it cover to cover, or do as I'm doing and keep delving into it whenever you need a creative fix!

Oooo, I just love boxes and tins! Pam Garrison's collection is fabulous (and I'm just a little bit green with envy!)

Bits and bling in Amy Hanna's studio.

This book is a complete overload for the creative senses...I defy anyone not to get completely lost in its pages and then emerge feeling ready to start new projects!

I tend to get in an awful pickle when there's paint involved in a project. I start out with good intentions, but somehow it all gets rather messy! This clearly isn't a problem that mixed-media artist Danita has (this is her workspace, above). I was really taken with the colours on this page.

More glorious colour, this time courtesy of Connie Govea Stuart. If you treat yourself to just one book let it be this one. It has more than enough inspiration to keep you going through the cold, cosy autumnal months!

Continuing with the theme of 'other people's workspaces', I thought you might like to see a few of my favourite things that I have in my newly relocated studio...

Pens, pencils and trimmings on my desk.

Shelves of boxes, buttons and thread.

Drawers of embroidery thread in just about every colour going!

Every studio needs a resident ball of fluff. This is Tinker, who loves to jump on my chair and claim it as her own when I'm not looking!

Baskets are so useful. I fill mine with vintage fabric scraps, as well as things I'll be selling at upcoming vintage fairs.

I love adding to and changing around the things I put on my noticeboard (which is covered in vintage eiderdown fabric). I've got all sorts of mementoes and reminders tucked into this board, from postcards and old family photos, to bits and pieces made by other textile artists. It's my inspiration board and I wouldn't be without it.

Jottings, Doodles, Lists and Memoirs

2010-10-11T12:11:00.004+01:00

I couldn't wait to tell you all that these rather fabulous handmade notebooks are now available to buy in my little Folksy shop. They've been made especially by The Bookbinder's Cat (aka my father and master bookbinder!) using vintage fabrics that I've sourced.

Each unique notebook started life as a stack of plain paper, which has been cut and folded to create the book's page sections before being sewn together by hand. A vintage fabric cover, leather spine, end papers and headbands completes each one. They've take many hours to create, but will last for years and years to come!

Pop over to Folksy to take a closer look...

Upstairs Downstairs

2010-10-02T08:58:00.006+01:00

As the wind and rain lashed against the windows yesterday, I found myself thinking about a visit over the summer that Mr Treasure and I made to one of my favourite National Trust houses - Lanhydrock in Cornwall. I was busily sorting out my work room yesterday, but vowed to write a post about it over the weekend...so, here we go...

I love Lanhydrock because it's filled with all sorts of glorious bits and pieces that appeal to my inner vintage magpie. I'm also fascinated by the stories of the people and way of life in these big country houses.

The kitchen is enormous and is beautifully light and airy. Now, I'm not much of a chef, but I think even I could be inspired to whip up something other than beans on toast in a space like this!

I think Lanhydrock's got a lovely lived in feel...it's as if everyone's just popped out and will be back any moment to carry on with life in the big house.

Wouldn't it be great if flour still came in tins?!

It was definitely a case of the 'downstairs' staff not being seen or heard as they went about their daily tasks.

I'm a bit of a sucker for vintage leather suitcases and they're everywhere at Lanhydrock!

When I was little I would have loved a dolls house this size... and a rocking horse! I do remember our local pharmacy having a rocking horse that you could sit on whilst you waited for your banana or strawberry flavoured antibiotics to be made up, but it wasn't the same as having one at home!

Gorgeous patchwork.

There's something really appealing about old packaging...

...and 'proper' linen tea towels.

Tucked away in amongst the servant's quarters is The Luggage Room. Perhaps my favourite room in the whole house...just look at all that fabulous vintage luggage!

The Drawing Room. It's so typically Victorian!

My Dad's attracted to old books like a moth to a flame, always has been! As a bookbinder himself, he likes to study the bindings and "ooo" and "ahh" over the gold tooling or marbled end papers. These are just some of the books in The Gallery at Lanhydrock.

I'd love to tickle these ivories...not that I can really play, I'm afraid I didn't stick at my piano lessons when I was growing up.

If you love big country houses and a a jolly good costume drama, don't forget to watch 'Downton Abbey' tomorrow night on ITV1!

Vintage Lovelies Over at Folksy

2010-09-13T14:29:00.006+01:00

My little Folksy shop has been somewhat bereft of things to sell in recent months. However, I'm pleased to announce that I've just added an array of goodies (all of which have been made by my own fair hands!)

Do pop over for a browse! Here's a sneaky peek at what you might find...

Vintage-inspired decorations

All made from vintage embroideries and fabrics and contain a lavender-filled sachet for extra loveliness!

Back view.

This one has a vintage lace trimming and is finished off with a Cath Kidston diamante brooch.

Back view.

Small decorative cushions

Made from vintage fabric and the image of a vintage label that's been transferred on to cotton fabric. Decorated with hand embroidery and vintage trimmings, with a lavender-filled sachet inside each for a soothing aroma.

Back view.

Vintage inspired patchwork sewing cases

Made using fabrics from the 1930s, '40s and '50s, with a felt flap and small pockets inside for all those sewing essentials.

Inside view.

Keep watching this space as I'll be adding some one-off hand bound leather and vintage fabric notebooks to my Folksy shop very soon!

Great Days Out

2010-09-07T14:59:00.008+01:00

Mr Treasure and I found ourselves in wartime Britain over the weekend! Bantock House (in Wolverhampton) had a 1940s weekend, so we popped along to see what it was all about.

There were re-enactors aplenty and they all looked fabulous in their 1940s attire. I spotted these two having a chat as we walked across the car park!

The view over the Knot Garden.

Hoorah for bunting!

It really was like stepping back in time. I felt out of place in my modern day clothes!

I would have loved to have gone for a spin in this vintage Rover.

Amongst the stalls of bric-a-brac and clothing for sale were more great 1940s outfits!

Even Winston Churchill made a speech or two!

At the end of the afternoon, all the re-enactors came together to lead the finale of song singing.

It was really interesting to watch everyone at work during a 'raid' in the specially recreated Ops Room at 'RAF Neethley'. Telephones rung, plotters plotted, squadrons were scrambled and we all felt like we were in the thick of it!

Dig for Victory!

And now for something completely different...

I had a stall at the first ever Cotswold Vintage Fair the weekend before last. It was a great day, expertly organised by Tonia of Poppy Corkhill. Here's a little peek at just some of the vintage loveliness that was on offer...

I just loved this 1940s gal on the Rosablue stall, but unfortunately she wasn't for sale!

All sorts of goodies from Lucy Bloom.

Handmade lovelies by Gracie May.

Fabulous kitchenalia from Vintage Treasures.

Vintage china hire at Miss Emmelines.

'Mr Gillette' took centre stage on Hesta Nesta's stall.

More of Hesta Nesta's vintage treasures.

Fabulous sparkles and textiles from Betty & Violet.

My stall was right opposite the hall's back door, so I was lucky enough to have this rather glorious view all day.

I'm now busily making lots of handmade vintage lovelies ready for the next fair I'll be having a stall at, which is The Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury on 28th November.

The Fabulous Forties

2010-08-12T14:29:00.007+01:00

A couple of weekends ago I had a stall at WAVE's (Worcester Arts and Vintage Events) 1940s-themed vintage and craft fair at the Guildhall in Worcester.

I thought I'd share a few snapshots here, brought to you in glorious technicolor, that I took on the day!

Here's the rather impressive Guildhall, with it's railings all decked out in patriotic bunting.

There was a wonderful atmosphere inside the fair. The bunting, streamers, 1940's music and people dressed in forties attire really added to the overall effect!

Here's my stall, nestled amongst portraits of Worcester's former Mayors!

There were stalls bursting with everything from gorgeous homewares...

...to fabulous vintage clothes.

Now, you just can't have a vintage fair without refreshments. Luckily rationing wasn't in operation and there were cakes aplenty!

There was even a homemade lemonade stall.

Mr Treasure, Mum and Dad spent the day at the fair too. They really were a fabulous support team and I couldn't have done it without them (I think they even secretly enjoyed themselves!) Here's mum (on the left) with Gill Bentley, another 1940's enthusiastic who we got chatting to. Mum and I were both very taken with Gill's fabulous hat!

I've always wanted to have my hair professionally styled into a 1940's do, so imagine my excitement when I discovered LeKeux Events were at the fair doing makeovers. Needless to say, I booked myself an appointment straight away!

The first stage was for my hair to be pin tucked...

...next it had to be set. Time to catch up on a spot of reading!

Then, after about an hour manning my stall again, hairclips and all (!), I went back for the final twirls and pins to be added.

And here's the finished result. I was so pleased with it and certainly felt very glamorous!