Treasure In The Sewing Room

Good morning folks!

Well, just about, it's firmly heading towards midday and my to-do list is rather long, but I need a quick break between vacuuming and sorting out the washing.

As you may know, I sell vintage sewing patterns over on Etsy. In the whole process of getting the patterns online, they're checked, photographed, popped into little bags and labelled, before finally being listed in the shop.

I, as many stitchers do, have found little bits of joy inside the envelope alongside the actually pattern; a wartime pencil, pieces of fabric, an aerogramme even. But my favourites finds are newspaper, with juicy stories of runaway teens heading for Gretna being the best.

However, if the paper can be dated, it just adds to the joy of the pattern. My latest listing is one such joyous pattern. There are three pieces cut in newspaper, seemingly nothing to do with the pattern inside (which is complete).

I did a quick search online, to discover the stories are from 1943

These include the death of Mr John De Havilland, Colonel Graham West awaiting his "Bader legs" and my personal favourite; A mention of oranges!

There is also a crossword, completely unanswered! How anyone could pass a crossword by without having a go is beyond me.

I actually feel a little sad to let the pattern go, but alas, it's a size too big and I already have plenty of patterns I keep saying I'm going to adjust... It just doesn't happen :)

The pattern, should you be interested, is available here.

Well, that's all for now. I'm not sure I'll be posting before Friday. But I will be back on Friday for Jennie On The Kitchen Front. This week I'm trying to decide between biscuits and cake, ooh, the decisions!

Until then

Jennie

Don't Panic!

Well, hello! 6 weeks has it been? However long, it's been too long. All my plans had to put on hold so that I could discover and experience every possible emotion. Turmoil being number one, closely followed by helplessness, and I'd love to say everything's back on track now, but I've lost about 5 weeks, and now Christmas is next week... And I'm not prepared, everything seems to be going ?%£'s up, as my Great Aunt Dot says!

But that's enough of my whinging, I managed to get myself out to the Reindeer Parade about 3 weeks ago, it wasn't a well planned event and I must admit to feeling a slight bit disappointed, but I got to see Reindeer, and I love Reindeer - I wasn't in charge of the camera, so I am not to blame for a camera full of out of focus snaps, but this one may just redeem them all...

Those gorgeous bells remind me of The Polar Express... Have you seen it? Probably my favourite of the festive flicks, it's in the pile to watch. Speaking of which, The Chap and I are having a dinner & film week starting tonight, though we have too many films, so over the weekend, I think it will have to be two o'clockses & film & dinner & film - The list includes: The Polar Express, It's A Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause, Santa Claus: The Movie, Mrs Santa Claus, Santa Who?, Muppet's Christmas Carol and three others which are wrapped up and early presents to me to pick at random to watch - Nifty idea, huh?

As for dinner, he's cooking and I'm making the pud - Though I'm struggling to come up with enough ideas for a whole week, I'm trying to keep them indulgent, but not too heavy - Ideas?

My cuppa's gone cold, so I'll have to keep this brief unless someone wants to pop the kettle on for me.

My sewing has been abandoned also, though I managed to find the energy to make some of these reindeer brooches:

No time to make a reindeer jumper though, but I will be starting one in the New Year to ensure I will have it for December next! I have bought the wool to knit a scarf for the Chap, but I would like to ask a question: I want it to be maybe 200cm in length, and I want to knit it side-on, but my needles are too short... Do you know of any really long needles? Or should I make some? Or should I just knit it rib (which I'm not a fan of)???

I think that's me done for the day, I could sleep for 23 hours a day and I'd still be tired! Dinner and film tonight - I hear on the grapevine it's mushroom and bean stew, but I haven't sorted a pud yet... Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding?

Oh, ladies, chaps, I need your advice: Christmas Eve... The Chap wants me to stay at his and walk up to my family in the morning, but I like waking up at home and having a little stocking at the end of my bed (which Father Christmas warned me not to expect due to the financial situation). Now, I'm torn, do I spend Christmas Eve (my favourite day of the festive season) with the Chap, or with my family? And I can't do both, it's far too stressful!

I'll leave you with that conundrum

Over and out

Jennie xx

50 Followers Giveaway

This is a bit overdue, but better late than never! I'd planned to have a giveaway to celebrate 50 followers, but now we're celebrating 55! I've been struggling to think of something to giveaway, but then Wendy suggested giving away one of my felt creations... perfect!

The prize is: A Sausage Dog Brooch

I made a dog just for you last night, and he's very excited to meet his new owner!

If you would like a chance to win him, all you have to do is: Become a follower of my blog (if you're not already), and leave me a comment.

Entries must be made by midnight on the 31st January 2011

A winner will be chosen by George (if he's feeling up to it) on the 1st February 2011

Good Luck

Jenny & George xx

Not A Stitch To Wear

I've been going through my usual Spring routine this past week. Early, I know, but the sun has been out (although it is bloomin freezing!) and this causes me to search through my Summer wardrobe and complain that I "don't have a stitch to wear"! This has come at the perfect time, as it's still only January, I can do something to change my wardrobe dilemma before we have a real heatwave...

In a bid to try and mix it up a little and avoid my usual habits of wearing 1930's styles in the Spring, 1950's in the Summer and 1940's in Autumn/Winter, I have tried my very best to put together a good selection of patterns which will compliment the garments already in my wardrobe. Here are the first few items on my "To Do" list:

Yes, it's a 1950's dress, but it's a wrap dress, I already have the fabric and it'll be ideal for those lazy days in the shade, sheltering from the heatwave... I can't keep a straight face saying that either!
This dress will be in pink with a red trim, just like the picture!

This pattern is from 1939, but isn't very dated, is it? So it will be worn from Spring through Summer. I have actually already started this one (last year!), but the pattern is wrong and needs some rewriting... argh!
This is in white, again, like the picture!

Just a simple slip, but why can I not find any? I'm sure I had some packed away. So I'm going to make many in the hope of always being able to find one!
Probably in whites, pinks, blossom prints etc - I'll see what I can find

Oh, how I do love this 1940's jumper! I don't think this really needs explaining.
Red and white, blue and white... I don't know where to start, it's all so exciting!

And finally, something I've already made:

Does he look like a sausage dog to you? I can't make up my mind, but I made him a few days ago with sausages and dogs in mind. He already has a new home, boo. Made in felt, hand sewn.
As long as I keep up with my hand sewing (brooches), I can justify being sat in front of the sewing machine or with knitting needles in hand.

Oh, before I forget, I'm going to have a quick complain about the VAT rise (up to 20%!!!). Here goes: booooooooo, no fair!

There, it's out of my system now, but unfortunately, my brooches are up in price by 50p! The felt has gone up, the thread will no doubt go up in price, as will pins, kapok and postage.

I'm also thinking that now is the time I finally get a little online shop set up for the brooches, which will hopefully have a wholesale section to make it easier that emailing me with orders. Just need a name...

It's all coming back to me, I want to ask, what you you like as a giveaway prize? There are now 54 followers, you all get a say, because if I give away something rubbish, you're sure to complain :)

I also have some exciting developments in the cycling front, I haven't bought the plane tickets, but get training!

See you in a few days when I've calmed down a bit!

Toodles

Jenny (& George, resting by the fire) xx

Face Ache

Oh dear, I seemed to have bounced back from the near-cold experience, only to awake this morning with an aching face! Seriously, my whole head hurts, my ears, throat, nose, even my poor old teeth! No simpathy, please, I just have to have a moan about it - 2000 was the year I can't remember, 2010 is the year I was ill... What will 2011 bring?

Anyway, my whinging over (for you it is, my family have to put up with this constantly!), I've sewn until the wee hours and I think all my Christmas orders are finished and in the shops. I have one more special order though, a pony brooch for my cousin's daughter.

Oh, and I think I've finally finished my Christmas shopping, I'm just waiting for some items in the post - Then Bob's your Mother's Brother, I'm done!
Just enough time to finish some knitting, and try and get some rest before the big day. I'm afraid to say I'm not looking forward to Christmas this year - Last year was the worst Christmas of my life, and that includes the two Christmases I ended up in the hospital! After last year I'd gladly spend the day with the cat, watching TV and eating a Pot Noodle... bliss

I sound awful, don't I? Enough moaning, I just realised it's under two weeks to go and I still haven't put up any decorations, tomorrow...

Before I forget, I was tagged (I'm such a bad girl) to take part in a Question & Answer post by Tuppy. I will be writing that this week, apologies for the delay, I've been thinking over my answers.

So off to knitting I go, see you mid-week

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

Jenny xx

Catch Up

Urgh, did I feel ill? Yes, but I'm on the mend. Although I've been away from blogging, I have been trying to keep up with other blogs. So news, I have plenty...

I've been sewing like there's no tomorrow. I now also have a new stockist for my brooches.

I started knitting a Norwegian scarf, but then had to go back to the sewing, but I'm hoping to finish the scarf before Christmas...hmmm

I've made a huge decision about my future - I'm finally setting up the business I've dreamed about/planned/researched for the past 5 years. It's been in the making for long enough, so now I'm setting up as a Birthday present to myself (I really do deserve it after 5 years!). I can't give anything away yet, but you will be the first to know about it!

I have 29 followers - I love each and every one of you

The living room is finally being painted - The photo before is just showing the sample patch, but the colour is more of a sage-y green, and shows the new (to me) chair, bought from the antiques centre:



George doing what cats do best

I made mincemeat, it's all bottled up and awaiting pastry! I can promise you, this is the best mincemeat I've ever made, and it contains almost half a bottle of brandy... Can you get drunk on a mince-pie? I'll do the research, so you don't have to!

I went to see my new dentist - Two problems, I'm nervous of dentists and terrified of needles. I already knew I needed three fillings (my very first ones!), but tried to explain my predicament, so now I'm being referred to the hospital to be completely knocked out. Urgh, I feel horrible just thinking about it.

I'm behind with my Christmas shopping - I'm not half as organised as I said I'd be, the dentist really bought me down, and dare I say it, I'm not enjoying the shopping anymore!

I won a "One Lovely Blog" award from Wendy at The Butterfly Balcony - Thank you Wendy. I'm still considering who to pass it on to, so I'll get back to you with a dedicated post on that.

On the 13th, I went to see Austin Vince give a talk down at Garlands in Haverfordwest. I wasn't feeling 100%, and I certainly felt awful the next day, but it was truly fantastic. I don't remember a point where we weren't laughing. Some photos were taken, with the chance they might end up in a magazine, though the name of that magazine escapes me right now. If the photos are printed, I will post them here! There are, however, a few photos here - You can only see the back of my head (my best side!), I'm in the second row wearing a lime coloured jacket

I think that's all, but I will be back with the award post, and some Christmas shopping ideas

Until then, ta-ra

Jenny xx

Sewing For My Supper

Tis that time of year again, shops already have an aisle of Christmas gifts and food, and I'm yet again in a panic because my brother is just so hard to shop for.
I also find that despite my best efforts, relaxation is impossible to find. I'm always sewing my little fingers to the bone to make sure everyone gets their order in good time.. I should maybe explain here that I make little felt brooches, mainly for shops, and they don't order one brooch at a time, no, a small order tends to be around the 50 items mark, and these brooches are hand cut (with scissors of course, I don't have multi-tool hands!) and hand sewn!

So this year, I'm trying to be one of those superwomen, who have everything planned and come Christmas are super relaxed and laughing at the rest of us! I'm already a little behind, but I can catch up, and this is how I'm going to be spending the holidays watching old films and drinking cocoa without a care in the world:

1: I'm going to make a big order of felt, before I need it! This way, I can't run out..
2: I'm going to dedicate days to doing one job at a time; cutting the shapes, sewing the eye etc etc
3: Ask my buyers to make their orders early so they hopefully won't rush me come December
4: Set up little boxes for each item so I don't need to rummage through my big sewing basket
5: Make a great big list of things to do, and get ticking - I love lists!

Reproduction 1940's Scottie Dog Brooch in green

One of the most stressful things I've found this Autumn is finding out that someone is copying these dog brooches, and not very well - If you're going to copy an animal shape, don't make it look like road-kill!

I spent ages tweeking this pattern, from an original 1940's design, I have developed it to be my own - It took nearly a year for me to be happy with the finished product, so I'm sure you'll understand why I'm so annoyed.

I've already emailed one stockist and I'm making a felt order tomorrow morning.. I'm already making progress.

I must be off, I have a few hundred dog shape to cut!

Jenny xx

Sewing Machines

I learnt to sew on my Ma's sewing machine a long time ago, and I've been borrowing the machine on and off ever since. It's a good machine is is prone to hissy fits. So on Sunday, I happened upon this beauty, the owner was getting desperate for a sale and kept lowering the price until I finally gave in and handed him money!

I got it home, quite pleased with myself, then looked inside the case, and found a side plate/leaf piece, booklet and a box of bits with loads of feet.

I turned it on, the light works, then attempted to lift the foot to place in some fabric - nothing! The lever is free, and the foot is down. I opened it up to discover that the spring inisde (all above the foot) is missing! How? So it's not in working order untila replacement spring is found - Help!


But any how, I did a little research, and this machine's serial number doesn't appear in the Singer database, but the closest one to it is a 1964 model.

1964 Singer 327K

So, clearly disappointed, I continued with my knitting, until Thursday evening when I heard a thump in the kitchen. Going out to investigate, my Dad is standing there with a huge brown mock-croc case. I was giddy, thinking it would be perfect for storing my bags in (my currently suitcase is currently lost until the pile of handbags). Then he said "open it", I duely did, and discovered inside, this sewing machine!

It turns out, it had been thrown away, but rescued by a workmate of his, and offered to my Dad when he's been spotted putting aside another sewing machine (still to come!).

As it was dumped off the back of a lorry, the pedal/plug is missing, but as soon as it's replaced, will be working as my main machine (providing it works!)

1955 Singer 306K

One of these days I'll be given a working machine, but until then I'll have to work up the courage to borrow my Ma's machine again for some desperately needed dressmaking.

I have loads to tell, but just not enough time. I'm so behind right now, but next week I'll have finished the Cherry Ripe jumper and hopefully will have finished some old sewing projects.

See you Monday

Jenny xx