The Goose's Rear End And Twinkling Lights

Well hello you lovely little thing!

So my plan for a post last week fell through, I was far too busy and had to have my mind on work - But now it's playtime, want to come outside with me and jump in puddles?

But if you want to stay inside, all warm and dry, then fine. I'll stay here with a cat leaning against me and gazing at the tree lights.

Did I say tree lights? Why yes, I did! The tree went up thirteen days ago... Because we could, that's why!

Things are still up in the air, so we don't know if we can stay in the house. I was hoping it would be sorted by now, having that hanging over you at Christmas is no fun. We thought that last Christmas might be the last one if this house, but we're here for another, and hopefully many more. Some news on that front would be a present in itself. But never mind, not much I can do about that at the moment, so decorate, bake and be merry.

The 7 footer is back! I love this tree, I love not being able to reach the top without stepladders, which is why the angel is still in need of adjusting! Her arm was just left like that when she was popped up there... Oh dear, time to brave the dizzying height of the ladders! She's actually a really special angel as I think she was one of Mami's dolls which my Gran made a dress for, for their tree when Mami was a wee thing.

I love getting the house decorated, all those twinkling lights. Oh and being in the kitchen for something other than everyday dinners (I cook everyday, it gets a bit boring sometimes) - The home-made Irish cream, veggie sausage rolls, mince pies and the chocolate truffles, the one thing Ma makes! Oh, I should point out she makes most of the Christmas dinner too.

Speaking of food and decorating, my fridge is in on the act...

After getting out the festive DVDs and books, they needed somewhere to live - Step in corner sewing box/shelving unit!

I also enjoy a little chocolate with breakfast, oh and the cat likes his calender too! Mine's the Hello Kitty one, and Ma as the Peppa Pig one... Who is Peppa Pig?

Ah, go on, I'm going to just fill up on festive snaps now. Don't like it? Best go and make a cuppa, this is going to take a while!

I really love this swag over the Rayburn, Mama braved the ladders to do it - Mind, she's taller than me so it's as scarey for her!

A few weeks back Ma had picked up some cheap snowflake lights in a charity shop, they were all bundled up but she planned to pop them on the tree. After unwinding them at home we discovered they were those icicle lights. After mulling it over, they were put across the arch. However, they are above my head, yet most normal sized people smack their face on them... Oh, how I laugh!

Did you all watch Nigel Slater's 12 Tastes of Christmas? Tut, if you didn't! I love that man, he has a cat and he can cook... I really don't ask for much! Anyway, I happened to press the pause button (on the iPlayer) and this is the oh-so-awful moment I caught, so I had to take a snap. Nigel (yes, we're on first name terms) has his hand up a goose's rear end, but the look on his face has me in giggles... Maybe you need to see it to understand. The program is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03mjxh6/Nigel_Slaters_12_Tastes_of_Christmas_08_12_2013/

I would've popped a link into the word "here", but would Blogger allow it? Oh no, why would they let me do something so obvious...Sorry, back to the goose...

Oh dear, I've just seen the time. It's almost time to feed the cat, then I have to go and sort out dog food and if I've time, pop into the charity shop - I've managed to pick up 4 presents in there so far, fingers crossed they'll have some more vintage decorations too!

Next time we'll maybe have a chat about that saucy book I read - I swear I didn't realise there would be so much graphic content when I started! But anyway, that's for another day!

Bye for now my lovelies

Jennie xx

Shoes Glorious Shoes

'Ello Biscuits,

Happy September! Back to school this week - Yipee!

So much has happened since the last post, but I won't bore you with all that. How would you like to see some nice shoes? Yes? Alright then, but I want a favour...

Could the ladies please fill out this survey? It's all about shoes, so don't worry :) The survey is here: http://jenniecharm.polldaddy.com/s/reproduction-footwear-1

So, as a reward, here's some shoe porn... phoar!



Those were all utility models.

I should point out, these shoes aren't half as filthy as they look - I swear my shoes are kept clean and tidy... my camera just want to show me up!

So what do you think of the shoes I could find to photograph? There is a box full of shoes somewhere... How on Earth do you loose a box of shoes? Madness!

Anyway, if you could fill out the survey I would be most grateful to you, and might even show you some more shoes to thank you!

Thank you lovelies, I'll be back soon

Jennie xx

P.S. The survey closes on the 15th September at 23.45 (that quarter to twelve at night...)

The Charming Pattern Shop Is Open

'Noon

So, how you diddling?

Big news day. You may well know about my knitting pattern collection and the amount of room it takes up, well Ma has nagged me for a long time to do something about it. We compromised on the idea of me selling copies... That was about 3 years ago, well, after a request for a few patterns the other day I finally decided that's now's the time.

However, Sally Scanner wouldn't talk to Larry Laptop, so I thought about doing some photocopies. It was a Saturday. Many of you may be aware that in many small towns out this way, shops are closed on Saturdays, at least in the afternoons. So the printing place was closed and I was feeling glum. So I decided to just go and get a new scanner, so off to one of those big retail places that I hate so much as they're ruining the high street.

I came home with a Scanner/Printer/Copier which was almost half price and after setting it up - Less than an hour! - I was good to go.

I've now been spending all my free time scanning patterns and PDF-ing them. I've bearly touched the mountain, but I'm having fun with my new toy.

So should you wish to purchase a PDF of one of my many patterns, I have a "shop" page at the top of this blog (under the banner). That just a few patterns in, but I'll be adding to the page and also setting up a proper shop, maybe Etsy?

But in the meantime, if there's anything you're looking for, do say and I'll get my mountaineering equipment on and go off and take a look for you.

Anyway, to new adventures!

Jennie xxx

The Airman, The Mugs And The Soldiers

'Ello Ducklings!

Five months since my last post, but I'm back now, and I'm excited to get going again.

We'll start off today with a little round-up of Christmas. It was a quiet-ish affair, but I did get some lovely things, including a yard of Jaffa Cakes! They do count as one of your five-a-day, along with Jammie Dodgers...

I knew I was receiving the next two pieces as I hinted towards them, then imagine my surprise when I unwrapped them!

One more for the collection?

And this... I was really excited about this one as I've yet to see another one, even though they obviously do exist - It'll turn out that all you lot own one!

Awarded to me for services to vintage!

Then it was on to New Year's Eve - I spent mine with Mama, Auntie J., Uncle B. and their friend, G. We spent a few hours chatting and have a gay old time, before hopping into the car to head off to the free fireworks display in Saundersfoot - I really can't believe that they wouldn't charge for a such a good display... Though I'm not complaining!

We got into the car to return at about 12.15 ish, as it was getting a bit rowdy (screaming drunk teenagers... charming) and this was on the radio, much to our delight - Sing along now!

We came back here for tea, and more chat, then I finally made it to bed around 2.30am! Before I donned me jim-jams, I had a really good chat with Uncle B. about The South Wales Borderers in connection to some "tat" I own - There's more discussion to be had, but there will be a dedicated post on all this... Watch this space!

Then, yesterday, it was my Burpday - Again, many hints led to a wonderful present:



At last!

 This may shock you, but I've never seen the first series - I wasn't allowed to watch it on the telly-box! I'm four episodes in.... Naughty Lady Mary, such a straight character, but what a story! Safe to say, this should keep me quiet for a few hours!

Also, before I forget, and whilst I'm rounding up everything... I was at the last of the antique fleas the other weekend and picked up a few goodies, less than last time though. The time before I found myself eleven handbags, this time, just three! Plus skirts, a Christmas card (which led to the South Wales Borderers discussion) and plenty more.

Anyway, this past time, I picked up these:

Maybe one more then!

This was in a £1 basket... £1! Could I really walk away at that price? Then I found this beauty:

1918 Peace Mug

And the back:



Presented in Cardiff!

 I've also paid a visit to one of my favourite antiques shop - I was talked into some sales, but I had to leave so much as his prices are bit high. But I picked up these two lovelies:

WW1 postcards

The one on the left is dated Jan. 31st 1918 - I'm having a spot of trouble reading it, so I'll have to get back to you, but it does mention their boy, Stanley (I think).

Oh, back to the flea, this photo caught my eye, as did the soldier in the bottom left - What a smile!

Bottom left - Swoon!

And back, once again, to the antiques shop - I realise I couldn't just edited this all, but I'm lazy today! What do you think of my new young man?

What's the word I'm looking for, dashing?

I fell for him months ago, but I really prefer to have my pictures ready-framed... I gave in and he agreed to come home with me - Should I re-phrase that?

I should've snapped the back for you. It's stamped with 'V.G. Studios - 9, Kendoa Rd. - Clapham. S.W.4.' and written on is 'D. Brown - Tanned slightly - Air Force' - It's a good size snap too, with the board around it - Just need a frame!

So, I think that's me done for the day. In the next month or so we'll have a chat about the South Wales Borderers, Christmas cards, soldiers, museums and a dream about Rorke's Drift (I kid you not!).

Anyway, I've had a lovely time, I hope you're still awake!

See you soon

Jennie xx

The Queen And The Daisy Clutch

Hello!

I'm taking a bit of a break from the knitting (ta very much), a 3 2 rib frazzles me brain somewhat, especially when I'm not concentrating...
I did finish the collar last night, and have made a good start on the front. Though I'll still need to order some more wool, but I will have a lovely new jumper for the Autumn, which will go with a multitude of skirts and slacks - Yipee!

Last week, Friday I think, I was wandering around town waiting for my lift home when I decided to pop into a usually overpriced charity shop and found this little number, which was promptly picked up and hurried over to the counter - Though I don't think there was too much of a riot to buy it!

Love at first sight... Yes, more tat! I won't repeat what Ma said when she saw it, no taste!

Then I popped over to a shop that sells a bit of vintage on occasion and it was heaving, but I  fought my way through and found a little basket filled with bags, mainly stuff which doesn't interest me (too modern) and found this beauty!

I know, I know, a Summer bag... It may be used one day!
Just look inside...

Oh, how in love am I?

That's about it for my finds, I have picked up a few DVDs cheap, but nothing exciting.

Anyway, break over, back to work!

Have yourself a lovely day

Jennie x

P.S. How do you like my temporary banner? I'll get round to making a proper one some day!

Cake And Jelly

I do hope you're all having a wonderful cake and diddy sandwiches weekend!

I'd had so many plans, but due to rain and a bit of laziness, not much happened. Though please do keep your fingers crossed for some fine weather tomorrow, it doesn't have to be hot, just rain-free!

So, as it was a special weekend... Though I didn't see much evidence of that, the one weekend I really wanted the telly back! Where was I? Yes, food;

Did you happen to see the Chivers Jelly Crown here? I wanted to make one, but I didn't have enough jelly to make a proper big 'un, so it looks pretty.... child-like. No, that's insulting, a 4  year-old could've done much better! So among my excuses - Not enough jelly, over-whipped cream, the piping bag was leaking, the royal icing didn't set...

It's funnier every time I see it! But I've learnt my lesson, look at the picture and ignore the instructions!

I ought to point out that me and dairy don't mix, so I'm just going straight in for the jelly, cherries and jelly sweets!
My more sucessful delight was this Victoria Sandwich, which I have been told is "better than Sainsbury's".... There you have it!
I used a 1951 recipe, hence the sucess :)

We don't really have much cake, so this is a treat. Remember what I said about dairy and me? I feel awful after only one slice! I'm not ill, but I am trying to decide of that one slice is worth a headache?

Yes, yes it was!

Ma had seen some biscuits in Marks & Spencers, they call them "Jazzie Biscuits" and slap a nice price tag on them - So Ma made some "Jazzie Biscuits:

And finally, after moving around the furniture and trying to make the old dining room worth of a photo...

Please excuse the "home improvements", it was left in more of a state than this - We've actually tidied it up! But enough of that talk, home made bunting, Coronation mugs and one from the Golden Jubilee (10 years ago!)

I have to go now, but I just wanted to wish you all well on this long weekend. Hopefully I'll be back in a few days after having a lovely day out tomorrow... If the weather holds!

Happy Jubilee Weekend

Jennie xx

Canteen Girl

'Ello Ducklettes,

When do you decide a collection is already too big and doesn't need adding to?

That's my question for the day. This comes after planning to use my Woods Ware this weekend - The weather's not looking good, so the picnic is not going to happen and that day out on Monday is looking doubtful (it's an outdoor event with fields and walking involved), so I thought it'd be nice to bake a cake and use my favourite crockery...

But it was packed away, so Ma being the intrepid explorer went under the stairs into the cupboard to go and find the two boxes of Woods Ware - Two boxes later and some was missing, so back into the cupboard she disappeared, and found another three boxes! Five boxes jam packed with plates, bowls, tureens, cups...

Even with 21 dinner plates, 18 cups and 5 tureens (and the rest!) I still don't have a full collection :(

It doesn't look like much when it's neatly stacked, but I'm dreading the thought of re-packing and re-housing it all.

The one thing I'm really missing (apart from coffee pots, toast racks, egg cups...) is the guide/brochure to identify the various pieces. I saw one for free online, but didn't save the picture and can't find it again (!), so some of the pieces are, as Toyah Willcox sang, a mystery!

I'm trying to decide whether or not to open a canteen... Any vintage factories need a canteen, plus girlie to run it? Have Woods Ware, will travel!

Anyway, I thought you might like to see it all it it's glory before it goes away until Christmas! I'll show you the cake when I've baked it, plus the other treat I have in store.

Have a lovely evening,

Jennie xx

I'm Back, I'm Thankful And I Have Boot Sale Booty!

Hello Ducks,

Did you miss me? Don't answer that :)

Four weeks since he been gone, and more importantly, since I been gone from the blog! But fret no more, I am back, I am once again smiling like a cat with a hanger in his mouth and I have loads upon loads to write about!

First up however, I wish to say a heartfelt thank you for all your kind words and wishes, we have both taken a lot of comfort from them and will probably never be able to converse the appropriate words in which to thank you. Thank you x

Now, not much has "gone down" since we last spoke, the main news being: We no longer have a telly! It gets a bit complicated with the names on the licence etc, so Ma told them we no longer watch a live stream of telly (BBC are just repeating repeats anyway!) and unplugged the aerial so we no longer have a signal.
With that £145 a year saving (!!!), we can have a few extra DVDs every now and then the first of which being Open All Hours, a boxset for just £11.99 on Amazon! That's over 12 hours viewing for under £12.
We have seen a few things on the iPlayer (Not Going Out) and 4OD (Homeland, 2 Broke Girls, The Big Bang Theory), but not live... No need to dip into the pocket!

I've just realised how awfully boring I am! Apologies

Something more up our street? I've attended only 2 boot sales in 4 weeks - Shock-o-rama! Oh and a charity shop or two, Ma nabbed this rather nifty table for only... £8! The only reason she got it was because she's quicker at drawing her purse than me, thanks to her jumble sale practise!

I'm so embarrassed about that floor!

At the first boot sale, I found these buttons:

There was a whole big basket full of little bags, each filled with a few buttons. The prices were rather steep, so I allowed myself one bag only... I picked the best ones!

At the second, I actually turned some things down to try and avoid clutter... Too late really, but I am in the middle of the Mother of all clear outs, the C.A.T. charity shop will be doing really well out of me!
Anyway, the first bargain of the morn was this Silver Jubilee tin from 1935...

The condition leaves a lot to be desired, but none the less, I couldn't leave them there... Them?

I said to myself, I refuse to pay more than £2 for this tin, which was buried with the broken stuff on a bit of a junk stall... £1 lighter and I have my tin - My Gran thinks I overpaid!

Then the next item(s), I looked, then walked away thinking they were too expensive, but had a good ole think and returned, haggled and was victorious! They are mine...

A Coty compact alone would make my heart flutter! I think it's circa 1935 because of the stamp-y thingy on the back... Please words, return to me! However, it will not open! The lid moves, but the button press won't push in... Grandad suggested using a lump hammer, just to see the "noooooooo" look on my face! We'll get it open one day, maybe a crisp £20 is wedging it shut?

So, that was a rather long post! I honestly didn't expect it to be so easy to write today, maybe my Grandparent's visit today helped more than I realised.
I must get back to eBaying now, I have a huge pile of clothes to go on, and as soon as they're sold, I can buy some more!

Thank you once again

Jennie, Ma and Charlie xxx

Creme de la Creme Egg

Oooh, if only you knew the effort that went into this title of today's post! I had to eat many eggs for research purposes, it was hell! Thankfully, when the title was decided upon, I could rest. The remaining eggs are now on display as a reminder of the things we do for our blogs!

I trust you're all well?

Things have moved on a bit here since we last spoke; My dearest Bess (number 1 bicycle) has been fixed, I'd done the bearings (my poor poor nails were ever so black!), then my tyres wouldn't stay up... Long story short, it's all fixed (thank you Daddy!).
Another bike has been sent my way, it's on a time share between me and Ma as she doesn't have a rideable bike. This one is electric, or would be if the battery pack worked!
I've added yet more to the stash/collection/pile of tat - A handful of magazines, the picture of King George V... Gawd bless 'im!. Sunglasses and some Double Knit wool in a fancy shade called Claret (oooh, get me!) which is for a 1935 Coatee which will be knitted closer to Autumn (so, now?).

I've not much planned for the weekend; Tonight is a lovely night in with home-made pizza and the 100th episode of The Big Bang Theory. Then the rest of the weekend will consist of a chocolate egg, hair cut, some films and maybe a bootsale if the snow stays away - More warm weather please!

Speaking of films - Listening to the wireless the other day, an advert came on for Blockbuster, they suggested renting Happy Feet - I mentioned to Ma that I thought Kung Fu Panda was on the box. She turned to me and said that she had not desire to watch the panda as it wasn't believable... Dancing penguins however.... I think you're crazy Ma, but I love you x

Anyway, I think I've come to the end of this post, I didn't really have anything to say, but do want to wish you all a lovely weekend.

I shall be back next week without fail, I will (I swear) have finished something, either a 1933 Coatee with a nautical theme, or a 1939 Jumper with yachts on (no, it's still not finished!), or a 1940s Middy Jacket... Something will be finished!

So I wish you well

Jennie & family xx

The Bag Lady of West Wales

Hello All, I trust you are all in good health?

I haven't been so good during the past month, my last two posts were scrambled together somewhat, but now I'm getting myself back on track. I keep telling myself that there are worse things in life than a broken heart. But there you have it, we are no longer "we" and I think I've even bored myself with moping around!

Anyway, that's my poor excuse for bad grammer, lack of posting and a "can't be bothered" attitude!

So anyway, enough of my self pitying drawl, a while back in this post I mentioned finding two bags and hat going cheap and you wanted to see... Well, I got off of my rear end and took some snaps for you:

A new hat for chapel

This bag needs some stitching on the handle as it's come apart, oh and some leather feed... It's on the list!

Maybe a bit of feed, and maybe removed the spiders web from inside?

So those were my finds last month. Today I managed to haul myself out to the market to get plums and had a look round the charities and antiquey shops and found a 1957 booklet of knitting patterns which I forgot to photograph, but I'll be knitting one of the jumpers for the Summer. AND... yes, it did require capitals! I came across a bag which had my heart a-fluttering. At first I was thinking 1920s as it was similar to a bag Ruby wore in Lilies (second series, please?), then I decided it must be modern as the condition is too good. Well, I bought it and decided to ask you me dearies. My brain is too frazled to make the call. But the more I look at the details, the more I think it's pre-war.

The strap is long enough to wear across the body, with the bag sitting snuggly under ones bossom.

There's a scrap of lining left, I think it's grosgain. But round the edge under the frame is a bit of foam. I'm thinking of relining this, just make it tidy like? Tidy!

The gold-y-ness has all but gone... I can't find my words now, but I'm sure you know what I mean, you know, that thing... The thingy majig!

Anyhow, your opinion on the age?

I'd best get off, I can feel a ramble coming on, and I should really go and enjoy that sunshine... Yes, sunshine!

Toodle pip!

Jennie xx