Irene's RE~VINTAGED

What you're gunna get next week!! 5 Days to go.....

2011-05-28T16:35:00.001+10:00

Countdown...countdown...countdown...COUNTDOWN!!!!

Five days to go.......

Just to whet your appetite or make you wish you could be dropping by I have a few items here that will be but a small selection of goodies available from this Specialist Vendor at next Friday's and Saturday's SHABBY VINTAGE JUNK EXTRAVAGANZA....

You saw them here first!

Madly at it, so can't hang around!

Irene xx

ps. thankyou everyone for your loving support of me too. It does mean a great deal xxxxxxxx

Re-Vintaging Myself

2011-05-23T13:14:00.001+10:00

My footstool, available for sale at the SVJ EX

Some of you may have been wondering whats been going on with me in the last few months

My blog posts have been sporadic and not containing much substance. In fact a little light on and clearly not from a committed blogger.

I have enjoyed blogging enormously, don't get me wrong. I love the fact that I have friends now from all over the world. Not much chance of that happening so easily really is there. And such strong support of each other. Wonderful and amazing. So with this in mind I am going to tell you what has been going on in my life of late. Not to whinge, complain or say poor me, but to let you in, because we are friends and it may help answer some questions.

So..

In short, my marriage has disintegrated. My now ex-husband has had mental health issues for quite a while and that, along with my tolerance of his behaviour has seen the end. His behaviour was such a few weeks ago that I had to require police intervention a number of times. He is now out of the house and is, at present no longer a part of our lives.

As you can well imagine it has been a stressful period. My boys have had some issues and as I work as well, time is precious and just getting through the day is sometimes the best I can do.

But on the upside I am determined to achieve my goal to be a part of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza as previously mentioned (see previous blog post) and to begin making new goals for myself and my boys in the coming months and years.

So I think I am beginning to Re-Vintage myself..reshape myself in little and big ways. Take the good parts of the old me and use them to make something new and better. To be the best mum I can be but making time for myself too, so I can do the things I love. The things you share with me here, and I share with you.

Nuff said....wont be mentioned again ;)

Irene xxx

Oh! what should I choose????

2011-05-15T19:57:00.000+10:00

I'm in total prep mode for the

***Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza***

friends....

Tags are made

Linen is being washed, dried, freshened, aired, ironed....made!!...

and the selection process is in full swing

sheesh!...what to take...?

or leave....?

It's challenging I have to say, so many little decisions...

but its going to be FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!

Make it if you can.

18 sellers of the most seriously extra-ordinary Shabby, Vintage, Junk goodies ever!!!

(me...I'm one of them..)

You will regret it otherwise as this is not a regular monthly event let me tell you.

****************************************

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
1pm - 6pm (General entry)
Saturday: 8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!
Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

Vendor Enquiries - If you're interested in participating in the NEXT Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza scheduled for this coming October, please contact Tamarah at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com

***************************************************

...and if you don't drop by and say Hi when you're there I will be so disappointed. I want to meet as many bloggy friends as possible!!!!!

I'm so nervous, it's my first time!

xxIrenexx

Thank You

2011-05-08T21:49:00.000+10:00

Thank you to my two beautiful sons for the privilege of being their mother. Through all the ups and downs in their short lives I promise with every fibre of my being that I will be the best person I can be so that I am always the mother you need me to be.

And you are all my witnesses.

Happy Mothers Day to all who are mothers and to your mothers for being so good as to raise you my wonderful bloggy friends. (and I have not had a drink before writing this;) )

Irene xxx

Preparing for the BIG SVJEX

2011-05-02T20:14:00.001+10:00

In the lead up to the SHABBY VINTAGE JUNK EXTRAVAGANZA

to be held at Ashburton Scout Hall

on June 3 & 4 2011

I will let you in on some of my handmade offerings

So far there is a stash of bunting and

these laundry/pyjamas/Linen bags I have made up from some lovely Linen/Cotton fabric and vintage Doilies

These just need the ties pulled through

Ill make this into a lavender sachet

and a frilly little doily bunting with vintage button detail, ideal for a small spot

Not the best photos as I took them on my bed just an hour ago (and its now 8.12 pm) rotton lighting!

Can't wait!!!!!

Irene xxxxx

Pay It Forward, Thanks, Happy Easter & Big News!

2011-04-24T13:05:00.001+10:00

Big post friends, grab a cuppa! I have some catching up to do!!!!

Firstly I have to send my unbelievably late but heartfelt thanks to Judy Kent of the exquisite blog French Laundry (this was the post) who participated in the Pay It Forward project. I was the incredibly lucky recipient of her Pay It Forward gift of the most beautiful Lavender Sachet I think I have ever ever had!! And she sells them in her Etsy store, so go have a squiz!(A 'look' in Aussie slang)

I just salivate over her blog header every time!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Judy XXXXXXXXXXXX

And another BIG BIG Thank you to Alison Gibbs of the blog of the same name who also participated in the Pay It Forward concept.

Glorious sea glass that now resides in a little glass jar I picked up at an Op Shop, a couple of little Cath Kidson bath products - my first ever, I am so exited!! And how beautiful is that card by Alison. I want to frame it, sooo pretty!!!
If you have never popped by Alison's blog, please do as she lives in a beautiful part of Melbourne, my home town too and she takes the most fantastic photos as well as being a loving and proud Gran. I always enjoy popping by and finding out what she has been up to. We must catch up one day Alison!!!

Both ladies made my day in a very stressful time. Again...Thank you!!

So this leads me to my Pay It Forward...

The first Three bloggers to comment on this blog will be the recipients of my Pay It Forward gift. I will parcel up a small gift to send on to you and you can then do the same for others through your blog.
Share the love and kindness, especially during this Easter season. Just because you can.

Call it Random acts of kindness if you like too.

Easy Peasy ;)

And the next big thing is that I have been accepted as a Vendor at The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza to be held on June 3 & 4 at the Ashburton Scout Hall, High Street Ashburton!!!!

I'm probably crazy as a cut snake to take this on as well as everything else I have on my plate but I am so exited and have been planning and scheming already.

Look ...some of my things that will be for Sale...

And yesterday and today I....

finished sewing up eight cushion covers...

soaked and washed my first batch of doilies for bunting etc... (two more buckets full soaking as I write),

began washing fabrics!

And endured a very large delivery from the Big EB!!!

(The boys are already on a chocolate diet and wont be needing lunch)
Happy Easter everyone, however you celebrate it!!

Don't forget my Pay It Forward gifts to the first three commenters - just be sure I can contact you.

I'll leave it at this for now. More on the SVJ Extravaganza soon

(Woo Hoo!!)

Love to all XX Irene xx

You're probably wondering if I'm still alive!

2011-04-20T15:24:00.000+10:00

Well, I am.

Been a busy busy month since my last post (ARRGH!).

Lots happening in the domestic sense, far busier at work than I thought, so with everything else, blogging was put aside for the duration! (now just channel calm thoughts.... walks on the beach, quiet sunsets....)

I'm in the middle of the school holidays now and finally (barely) feel a little more human. I'm sure many of you have been in the same boat at one time or other.

So as much as possible in the coming months will be trying to keep up with you all and try to balance my life a little better. (and aviod continuous 15 hr days!)

Sadly there has not been any crafting going on so nothing to show off there and my op-shopping was sporadic to say the least. Not much to show off there either. (pathetic, just pathetic - no wonder I'm beginning to lose it!!)

So I'm going to leave this as a brief post.

However HELLO!!! again to everyone, I hope you have all been cruising along just nicely thank you :)

I am going to do a second post asap to catch up on the two PAY IT FORWARD gifts I received and offer this wonderful idea on to you as well. (Cos those poor girls probably think I was just after the gorgeousness that was their gifts)

xx Irene xx

(with my head hung low in shame)

The Patient Has Returned & Thrift Surprises Are The Best Surprises

2011-03-20T16:35:00.001+11:00

Hi! I'm back :)

The rather stubborn virus has hopefully been sent to where-ever those nasty virus' belong and transmission is resumed! Thank you for your helpful suggestions ladies and gents!

Yesterday I managed some quick Op Shopping after swimming lessons and found my next to most favourite things - a small stash of doilies and linens

and...

two boxes with a collection of vintage faux flowers and bibs and bobs

as well as

these hiding in the bottom of one of the boxes...

a stash of vintage transfers. I am positive these are from the 1960's.

The ones that you wet and slide off onto your furniture.

a page of cute kittens

pieces of other cuties

loving the pooches sheet

but these are my favourites!

I didn't know they were there when I bought the boxes - I was after the flowers!

Now to decide how to use them ;)

Linking to Sophies Flea Market Finds

Pop by and see what else has been discovered this week.

Irene xx

Sorry Transmission is interrupted due to computer virus!!

2011-03-14T12:20:00.000+11:00

Hi all,

I have to send my computer to hospital as it has become infected with a nasty - yet to be determined virus!

So until it is better I will not be able to post a proper post.

I'm sending this via my kids little Netbook.

I am going to do a Pass it Foward post as soon as all is restored.

I am reading and commenting on this little baby but with no access to my photos I will hold off doing a proper post for the present.

the only sort of pics my kids have on their computer ;)

So my apologies to Judy and Alison, I will get to it soon friends!

irene xxx

I made a curtain!!! I made a curtain!!!

2011-03-07T20:05:00.001+11:00

We live in a house that was badly built in the 70's and our front door side window 'was' yellow patterned glass until Master 8 slammed the front door in a tantrum, as (my) kids do.... so we had lovely sticky-taped yellow glass in our side window for a while until we could afford to get it fixed.

The glazier said frosted glass was $50 more expensive than clear so clear glass now resides in our side window.

So! we needed a curtain didn't we...woohoo!! I made a white linen curtain with vintage doily detail toot sweet, from my stash and I have not been happier!

The light coming through is great and sooooo much nicer than sticky tape and cracked ugly yellow glass. And I got to make something pretty that we can actually use and I can see every time I use the front door.

Now we just need to paint the door white, and the window frame, and the walls, and the ceiling and....and ......and........

;) Irene x

(The beautiful linen was an ebay buy - 12 Vintage metres of it, 90 cm wide and in original condition. Yummmmmm-i!!)

At the Op Shops today I found....

2011-03-01T12:45:00.000+11:00

...something that made me laugh

and something that I just could not leave behind. (Blue and white enamel ware candleholders with wear and tear tick one of my boxes every time!)

Not finding time for much blogging lately so forgive the sporadic posts. Life is just like that sometimes isn't it :)

What have you found lately chums?

Irene xx

Stash building.....

2011-02-15T18:21:00.000+11:00

A little eye candy for the fabric fanatics like me ;P

Most are vintage finds with a couple of ebay wins and a couple of ring-ins.

Lots of pics ladies.......grab a cuppa....

barkcloth

cotton

ex-curtain satin-weave cotton

cotton table-cloth

cotton barkcloth tablecloth

Not Vintage - Ikea

Cotton Barkcloth with a burnished gold over-print

Cotton Barkcloth

Cotton

Found today - curtain length of cotton with drawings of Parisian Monuments - very 50's

detail

Polished Cotton

Gold on cream polished cotton

cotton and Barkcloth destined for Naturally Carol's Cushion drive for QLD flood victims - pop by Carol via the link.

And!

Not Fabric {haha} Work in progress.....all is being revealed....

Did you have something yummy with your coffee or tea? I hope so ;)

I've made a Lemon and a Chocolate slice this afternoon for the kids lunch boxes but lets see how long they last in this house! Yum.... (It's been my day-off)

xx Irene xx

Just a quickie...

2011-02-02T07:18:00.000+11:00

'cos boy have I been busy over the last few weeks and now I am also back at work.

Holidays are well and truly over. So much to show and tell but they will have to wait a while - sorry!

I am (Still!) amazed at what I find in Op Shops. This Linen 'bag' for instance was among the pillow cases. French seams on the inside. Beautifully embroidered detail on a fine natural linen and pretty crochet detail on the opening. Luckily I had the right sized vintage coat hanger just waiting! (also op shop finds!)

Have a good day friends :)

It's all over....

2011-01-24T22:49:00.000+11:00

Image via Google

Time's up!

Auctions are over friends :)

I would like to thank the wonderful Tamarah at Shabby Vintage Junk, Hellohello Baby, jeniodello and Jelly Bean Book for their winning Bids

I have contacted you all except jeniodello as I have no email address for you, nor can I access your blog so if you would be good enough to contact me again I will guide you through the next stage of the process.

This has been a wonderful way to be involved in aiding the recovery of so many people. (I have also sent some items to Craft Relief and will be forwarding on more cushions to Naturally Carol. More on those soon.)

I am pleased to say that my little blog has generated $160.oo!

THANK YOU ALL!

I am very proud.

What a great community of bloggers you are!

Irene xxxxxxxxx

Almost Over! Bid NOW! Auction Update Sunday Jan 23

2011-01-23T08:59:00.001+11:00

Good morning everyone :)

We have been asked to end our Auctions at 9.00 pm instead of midnight so we do not have to stay up until midnight in order to secure that last minute final bid on our goodies.

So, at 9.00 pm Melbourne time tomorrow night I will close my auction and notify you of your successful bid.

I am absolutely delighted to have bids on all my items and I send the biggest THANK YOU I can to everyone for all the support and for spreading the word.

Don't forget that there is still time to bid and that all the funds go directly to the Flood Appeal as a donation. Getting something alongside that donation is an added bonus. (and I am covering postage)

So much will need to be done to help a great many families back on their feet.

One of my favourite sayings is 'but for the grace of God go I'.

I am not particularly religious, but this always reminds me that I should always be thankful of what I do have as it can be taken from us very easily in so many ways.

This we can do to help who have lost their everyday life or even a loved one in Queensland!

Go to here for more goodies to bid on if mine are not your thing! :)

Irene xx

2011-01-19T18:34:00.001+11:00

My Queensland Floods Appeal Auctions Items - Hand Dyed Bunting and Cushions

Wed Jan 19 Auction Update!

Item 1 is up to $30

Item 2 is up to $50

Item 3 is up to $35

Item 4 is up to $30

Total of $145.00 so far!!!!!for mine.

But the overall total so far for all the auctions is.............$45.000.00!

Thankyou for all your bids so far everyone. Keep them coming :)
See previous post!!!!

Irene xx

My Queensland Floods Appeal Auctions Items - Hand Dyed Bunting and Cushions

2011-01-13T12:08:00.003+11:00

Wed Jan 19 Auction Update!

Item 1 is up to $30

Item 2 is up to $50

Item 3 is up to $35

Item 4 is up to $30

Total of $145.00 so far!!!!!

Thankyou for all your bids so far everyone. Keep them coming :)

Welcome to my Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions :)

The selection are as follows.....

Pretty Purple Doily Bunting. Six flags of co-ordinating cotton lace doilies on a cotton bias length.

Measures 3.25m in total. (the ties are 86 cms each) Hand-dyed.

Pretty Pink Doily Bunting. Seven flags of co-ordinating cotton lace doilies on a cotton bias length.

Measures 4.20m in total. (the ties are 90 cms each) Hand-dyed.

Pair of absolutely beautiful (I love these) piped edge Furnishing weight Fabric Cushions. Design is both sides. This is a new Fabric sold as curtaining so will have some stain resistance properties. I am not sure if it is all cotton, I would think that it is a cotton/synthetic mix but is a lovely soft aqua and pink/red roses fabric. It feels like a cotton. Measures 43x43cm and 36x36cms each. Each cushion is zippered. They fit standard 45cm/ 17"and 36 cm/14" inserts. Australian Postage will include the inserts. International Postage will be for the covers only.

Choose the two covers you want from this lot. Fresh lilac/light purple-y and cream floral design. The fabric is in two colourways as you can see. I have made two each in each colourway back and front and two with both colourways as front and back. You can choose the two cushions you want from the six shown. Maybe two the same or two different. Each cushion is zippered.

This is a new fabric with stain resistance qualities and would be a cotton/synthetic mix but feels like a cotton.

Measures 36x36 cms each. Inserts included in Australian Postage, International postage will be the covers only.

These are my contributions to the Queensland Flood Appeal Auction.

Sorry about the delay setting this up but the Bunting was actually made but not yet dyed, so into the bucket it all went today (yesterday by the time I actually post this)!

I have four different items to put up for auction. All can be sent Internationally although the cushions will be the covers only. Australian winners will receive the inserts with the covers.
Just state which number item you wish to bid on in your comment please.

How this auction works:

1. Bidding will start at $10 (Australian) on each of the four items.

2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.

3. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.

4. This auction is open to everyone and I will cover postage costs both Internationally and Domestic.

5. The auction begins NOW and will END at midnight on Monday 24th January 2011.

6. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email. Once proof of payment has been received, I will post your item to you.
7. Thank you for participating and happy bidding!

:) Irene xx

And thank you for putting this together Toni at Make it Perfect

How to help Queensland.

2011-01-12T15:23:00.000+11:00

As this catastrophe unfolds I try to think of ways to help. I can, and will donate cash but what else can I do. Make it Perfect has a good idea that has been taken on by a number of Aussie crafter bloggers and that is to Auction items to raise funds. See the Button on my sidebar.

So I have the decided to contribute a few of my cushions and hopefully, if I can make a few in time, some Doily Bunting.(There, I've said it, and now I have to get them made!)

Watch this space!

Irene xx

Finally!!

2011-01-10T10:37:00.000+11:00

First of all please forgive my c**p photos. I have a little point and shoot and our house is terribly dark!! (ONE! north facing window!!!!!!)

This is the story of my sideboard... (grab a cuppa and some Tim Tams girls..)

One morning while driving to my sons Pre-school (yes this is at least 18 months ago) I spy a Hard Rubbish pile with this rather impressive sideboard (or set of drawers or dressing table less the mirror????) with 6 drawers. It was a 'yes' moment to be sure!

As you can see it's not insubstantial so the only way I could see to get it home was to pile all six drawers into the car, trying not to smother my baby in his car seat and to pray I could fit the body of the sideboard into the boot. I have a large Sedan so boot space is good but not unlimited. And! I had no tie-downs of course. The only redeeming thing was that I was two minutes from home! AND! you know if I left it till later it would have been gone....

So...

into the car and into the boot (phew...it just fit but hung out with the boot wide open, precariously) it went. All the while morning traffic is streaming along the road. I can only imagine what they were thinking! Slowly but surely I drove back up the dirt roads, being oh, so careful of the potholes and bumps, into our driveway, unloaded it out into the front yard and took off back to the pre-school. Yes, we were late!

It has stood on my back veranda ever since gathering dust and spiders until the last few days when I finally rolled up the sleeves and went to it! Yay! holidays...

In position in the hallway. No handles as yet

Three coats of undercoat and two of a colour called 'Aqua Image'. Not sure who it's by as I purchased it a while ago as a generic sample pot while trying out some kitchen colours. The whole thing was originally cream but had been repainted a mustard and then the green.

These are the original handles with the 'original' colour. A sort of grey/green. I want to keep the handles and re-use them but am undecided about the colour. They need to be cleaned and recoloured. Any suggestions!!?

Pretty details ...and yes this drawer needs fixing too. The only one too! Runners broken on one side.

Looking at my ordinary photos does tell me I need to put a protective layer over the top to make the sanding/distressing spots a little less obvious Wax??

So for the moment I have put my clock collection on it.

You cannot believe how perfect the fit is for this wall. It's like it was made for it!

(Don't you love the reflection of the vacuum hose in the blue mirror clock! lol)

Rather pleased with this as it provides some desperately needed storage possibilities as well being as the start of my re-doing this house of ours.

One thing off my BIG list of 2011 'to do's.

How is your list going?

Love to you all :)

Irene x

Lookie, lookie, lucky me!!

2011-01-05T13:15:00.000+11:00

Late last year I made a comment on a bloggy give-away (as you do) and lo, and behold! I won a beautiful Calendar from the amazing team at Wholistic Harvest! This was a give-away over at Natalie Walton's Daily Imprint blog.

And it came in the mail to me today!!!!

Its already up and hanging on the kitchen tower ready for use :)

Thank you Natalie for hosting the give-away and thank you Wholistic Harvest for a wonderful reminder of the beauty of nature.

Inspirational and useful!!

Lucky me :)

Irene xx

This is 2011!

2011-01-02T18:21:00.002+11:00

I have started 2011 with some of the latest thrifty finds and crafty delights for your viewing pleasure....

Welcome to a lovely set of pink mid-century drawers and a divinely weathered folding garden chair from the local church fete in December!

This baby was a grand $2 (yes, I wrote it right!), and the drawers were $10!

And holidays have seen me sewing cushions,

more cushions,

and more cushions!

Oh, and still amassing those doilies for bunting

(got my toes too - lol)

This little barkcloth beauty was amongst one lot!

Just picked this one up today - exquisite cotton sateen curtains from Jenny at the Camberwell Market - I'm in love (...with the curtains, not Jenny!)

and some more barkcloth for the stash :)

And last of all may I introduce Fishy and Goldie, the newest members of our little family. I won't be sewing these guys into anything soon. I like them just the way they are, as does Big Boy Too, who chose this for his sixth birthday present :)

So...I want this year to be the biggest crafty year ever for me!

I hope with all my heart that it is the year you want it to be too.

Happy New Year

Irene x

Happy Holidays - wherever you may be

2010-12-24T16:36:00.000+11:00

And thankyou to all my followers, my bloggy friends, my far off friends, you lurkers know who you are and anyone else who stops by. May this season of giving extend to you too.

Have a wonderful time with those you love most and may we all have everything we wish for in 2011.

Very best wishes from my family to yours :)

Irene xxx

The perfect Christmas truffles recipe!

2010-12-20T08:06:00.001+11:00

You MUST pop over to Kerryannes blog for the BEST Christmas truffles recipe you are likely to find anywhere!!

Irene xx

Has it always been this busy?

2010-12-15T21:35:00.001+11:00

Boy oh boy! I'm busy!

Talk about flat out!!!

These are six of the seven cushions I sewed up today to give to teachers and aides on Friday. The school year winds up for my boys then.

Not a leisurely sewing day either - flew through them all as quick as I could!

But I have to say these two 80's prints I picked up a week or so ago from an op shop have sewn up well :)

This is from my stash

As is this.

I was at Spotlight yesterday and this was going for $4 a metre! Curtain fabric, nice and wide....mmmmmm yum...

I made a cushion out of this but have already gifted it to the lady who looks after the boys before and after school as we won't see her Friday, so no finished pic.

Its soooo pretty and fresh!!

And I ran out of inserts.....

Another! busy one tomorrow so I'm off to bed.

Irene x

....Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I've started Christmas!

2010-12-13T18:43:00.000+11:00

No, its not my ironing pile ;)

It's my Christmas presents to 'the family' this year

$1 Egyptian Cotton Tea towels on special from Spotlight a while ago and some cotton tape from a 1000m roll I found in an Op shop for $3.

Officeworks tags and a Spotlight stamp and inkpad and there they are.

Just a little more eco-friendly this year

But my kiddos will have ~~the obligatory cheap thin Christmas paper I buy at the after Christmas sales~~ wonderful, hand wrapped by elves, gifts from Santa.

Christmas is actually on hold here 'till next week as Big Boy Two is a December baby and that will take priority.

But all bets are off next weekend!

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas planning too :)

Irene xx

For a far away friend on her Wedding Day

2010-12-13T12:20:00.000+11:00

For you Monique and P! May all you wish for happen together.

Monique is the author of Original Mischief and a good buddy of mine who has undertaken quite a journey for love all the way to the U.S.

Please pop by her blog and wish Monique and P well because today they are getting married.

Monique had very little in the way of family to support her on this big day due to distance and weather so even though they can't be there in person I want to say that her friends and family are always close by if only through a blog!!

Congratulations and all the best from over here XXXXXXXXXXXX

I'm nearly there...

2010-12-02T06:15:00.000+11:00

Hello!

I'm just about done with all the stress of the day job. The school year ends next week.

It's been a tough year and I will be glad of the rest that's for sure!

To keep my sanity I wheedled the occasional op shop time into my day and found myself more lace, and more lace!

AND, (all things come to those who wait) a fold out sewing box (YaY! I finally scored one) and ....(what I consider holy grail) a real, authentic, never been used, real linen, probably from the 1930's - Mangle cloth! It's the fabric on the back of the seat.

Yeah... I know, I get exited about the weirdest things....

The mangle cloth for those not in the know was used to cover the clothes as they were put through a wringer to squeeze out the water way back in the early part of last century. Usually made of pure linen they were designed to have the cr*p washed out of them and would last for years!

But the most delightful part of it all was that I found it at one of the ~~more expensive~~ ~~overpriced~~ nicest Op shops I check out and it was $2.00. Wrapped in its plastic bag and securely taped up I wasn't sure if it was what it was...but it was!!!!

(I am now sleeping with it under my pillow

...no not really....)

I am a happy camper.....

(and I won't bore you with the dozen or so other pics I took of it)

I even managed some more bunting and they are now in my Made It store. I am having a Christmas bonus of Free Postage within Australia on any Bunting up until Christmas. Check it out if you are interested.

And do go over and visit with Tamarah at Shabby Vintage Junk who is having a stupendous give-away to celebrate her 100th blog post! It's one almighty give-away!

XX Irene

The Calm Before The Storm.....

2010-11-14T18:06:00.000+11:00

This is the last weekend I think I will have as a 'normal weekend as I am now in Report Season. So I'd better 'hop to it' as they say!

I will be MIA for the next couple of weeks while I tidy up all my classes and complete the dreaded reports for the final term of the year.

So I will leave you with my latest creation, completed this afternoon.....

Once upon a time there was a little old lady who bought a little old footstool from another nice lady in a nearby suburb. It was covered in a pretty but badly worn Vintage fabric, so it was not a shame to pull it apart and recover it. But as the little old lady started taking off the layers she was surprised to discover that the footstool was covered with old clothing, not stuffing in the usual sense. All up there was something like 8-10 items (I blogged about this quite a while ago if you remember). Quite amazed was the little old lady to say the least.

Months later this little old lady refinished the now naked footstool. Clearly a home-made item! Now it sits pretty again with blue legs and more "traditional stuffing". And a pretty Vintage Floral Barkcloth slipcover which may even be older than the stool itself!

Hope you like it :)

See you all soon!

Irene x

I AM! trying to be good!

2010-11-06T15:17:00.002+11:00

Spode

Mid Century hardwood concertina Light fitting

(Op shop)

Hand painted convex mirror

But what is a gal to do when there are these at a local garage sale this morning.....

...sigh!...

Irene x

The City that has a day off for a 'Horse Race' means that...

2010-11-02T15:28:00.001+11:00

The City of Melbourne (which has been my home for nearly all my life) has a day off for a pretty big Horse Race known as the Melbourne Cup, first Tuesday in Nov. Its been going for 150 years this year. Its a BIG day for the Racing game and Melbournians, lots of whom have dressed up in their finery and gone swimming in the wet wet grass that is the track this year. Some even go in 'fancy dress'. Quite a lark :)

Not being much interested in anything equine my interest is only in passing. However ...

1. I get a four day weekend.

2. I have actually rested on the weekend and have crafted today.

3. Have been mentally preparing myself for reports season at work.

4. Can now begin the countdown to the end of the school year for me and the boys, who actually finish after I do (snigger!)

but, 5. Am able to do all the washing in one day but because it is 'still' raining and! will have it keeping company with us, in the house, for the next few days. Yes it is Spring here (I think...).

front

back

Crafting up some bunting out of a great Vintage Tablecloth I found last week.Wanted to try some thing different. Cut it according to the print to make up the flags.

And thought you might enjoy the cute framed, embroidered Hollie Hobbie I came across in a local Op Shop yesterday. The blue fabric for the background is a little more intense than the photo has come out as. Very Cute!!

Hope you liked my sharing this week.

What have you been up to?

(and by the way, I hope your horse won)

Irene x

Heck!... I've been tagged....

2010-10-28T22:03:00.002+11:00

NessaKnits has tagged me!!

So be brave Irene and let the bloggers out there know all your secrets.....{shiver}

Here goes!

1. What is one thing you cannot stand?

Flies in the house - need I say more!

2. If you could go back to your childhood what cartoon or T.V. Show would you pick to be your favourite?

We used to race home to watch The Goodies. I still laugh at King Kitty. I had a warped sense of humour even as a kid!

3. What's something you do or have done that would surprise a lot of people?

All my friends know this of course but dear bloggers, I spend my working days as a woodwork teacher in a boys Secondary College.

4. Do you believe in Ghosts?

I have to say I do and think I have seen the odd one or two in my life. I certainly believe in spirits - would that be the same???

5.When you go to a store what's the one thing you just can't help yourself buying more of?

As most of the stores I frequent are of the Op shop variety (- we are not including the supermarket and the confectionary aisle are we?) I would never leave a decent doily or pretty Vintage fabric behind. No prizes for this answer!

6. What's your funniest story you have on your significant other?

Not so much a story but his two thumbs are completely different.

7. What is your proudest moment of being a parent?

As both my boys have High Functioning Autism, there are so many times I have been proud of what they have achieved or did for themselves or at school. Just last night my eldest (who has Aspergers)went to the school play that he had avoided for most of the rehearsal time and helped backstage. At the end of the performance there he was with everyone on stage singing and dancing to the last song. Not something I would have thought he would ever do.

And I just love being a parent. My kids are the best thing in my life - period!

8.If you could go back and relive one day of your life, which would you choose?

The day Notebook magazine came out with my cushion in an article by stylist Marie Nichols. I danced around all day!!

(Second from the right!!!)

So if you have made it all the way to here then congratulations and I'm going to tag three more of my favourite friends. Join in if you want to too :)

How 'bout it - Original Mischief, Junk-it-Junction and Miss Sew & So. But only if you want to girls :)

Luv to youse all XXXX

Saturday

2010-10-23T17:01:00.003+11:00

Can you guess what this is???

If it makes it past my youngest it goes in here,

and end up here. BUT! not for long so grab one quick!!! I made double quantity.

And now back to our regular programming.

H-hmm...

This is my little stash from this week

We have all been sick with a tummy bug this week so we all have had a day or two off throughout the week - (what a week) -

but I did manage a quick look at my locals on Thursday and visited a couple of garage sales this morning and found just a few choice pieces. (However the blue floral is some Cath Kidson off Ebay)

Love this little clock, a metal one, not working but still a beauty!

Sunday will be a day with some crafting. First chance I will have to give my overlocker another chance before I take it to some-one!!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend! What have you managed to get up to?

Irene x

(answer: Triple choc-chip cookies)

Still Loving Bunting

2010-10-17T09:29:00.001+11:00

I am still enjoying making bunting. Have searched through my stash of linens far and wide for doilies as well as having great luck at some Op shops. In fact I walked into my local on a last minute whim and there on the counter was a pile, just arrived, that I went through with another lady who was looking for lace for dolls houses. Between us both we took much of what was there. The Craft Gods were kind to me this week!

And still making cushions!

I bought a second-hand over locker (serger) that was doing a fabulous job of making professional looking edges until I broke a needle and now despite my best efforts and a few hours of colourful language with the instruction book I cannot get to work properly again!!

Grrrr!

What have you been up to this week-end?

Irene x

Joined Flea Market Finds with Sofie

Congratulations!

2010-10-10T22:53:00.000+11:00

The wonderful winner of my little bloggy give-away is Leslie from My Own Little World. Congratulations Leslie, I will be in contact very soon :)

Thankyou to everyone for dropping by. I hope you enjoyed your visits. I loved to have you all come by.

Should be another give-away soon as I am very close to 100 followers and why not have another to celebrate that.

Blogging is a great way to get to know you.

Thankyou all

Irene x

101 Uses For Beautiful Fabric (well, actually only two...)

2010-10-10T08:52:00.000+11:00

Pretty early morning shots of some of the cushions I have been making for an order.

And another special order from a very much adored 5 year old ( fabulous newspaper sword don't you think ;) )

Today is also the last day to leave a comment so that you are entered into my give-away. Drawn tonight by small hands. All you need to do is leave a comment!!

And these may be winging their way to your letter box :)

Hope its a wonderful Sunday where-ever you are.

...see you again tonight..... Irene x

Op Shop Yummies & More Cushions!

2010-10-02T15:21:00.003+10:00

Hello friends! How are you all this wonderful Spring Day here in Melbourne?

Took myself off to one of my favourite Op Shops for linen yesterday. I never seem to come out of there with any less than a big bundle of fabulousness!

One of my select best was this fringed hand towel!! How I love the fringing and the sweet embroidered butterfly.

This is a keeper...no crafting for this.

A pair of romantic prints... will take these to my framer to clean up and make secure!

...& I have been doing more sewing....used two hand towels from yesterdays stash on some dark cream linen. Both now in my Made It store.

It's a stunning Spring day here in Melbourne at last so now I will get myself out into the garden for a while so the 'boys' can watch the Aussie Rules Grand Final 'Take Two' in peace!! (they drew last week so have to play it all again this week)

Now... you must leave a comment to be in the running for my 'Country Style' magazine with the free 'Keep Calm and Carry On' tea towel and Cath Kidson Mug give-away!!! I would love for you to win it.

But thats all you have to do you know, no twittering etc.... just leave a comment on this, the previous two or any other post up until next Sunday. Back to work Monday (School holidays are over)so I will not have the opportunity to post as often of course.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend :)

I am so far, a morning of sewing does it for me!!!

Irene x

(Oct 3 - I have decided to close my Blog Shop as I am using Made It for my items now. A little more organised if nothing else! AND! did you know Notebook magazine is folding. Next issue is the last!!!))

'Pig in Mud' is Moi!

2010-09-29T13:49:00.000+10:00

Been madly sewing my little head off any chance I can this week.

I have made some Bunting and a few cushion covers - some of which have found their way into my 'Made It' Store (see tab to the right) so be sure to have a 'perve' and let me know what you think! I have also been building up an order so I am like the proverbial "Pig in Mud".

Don't forget to leave a comment to be in the running to win my give-away as outlined in the previous post. I'd love for you to join in just because :)

~~Irene~~ Miss Piggy x

Busy, busy, busy! and a give-away...

2010-09-25T17:28:00.001+10:00

Its been a busy week for the residents of this little home. We spent four days away exploring and enjoying the delights of Phillip Island. The Little Penguins were by far the biggest hit of the trip! Now we are back its into school holiday mode and perhaps a little more time for me to do the things I really like.

So I finally can get myself organised for a give- away I have been planning for a while.

I have for your delight a beautiful Cath Kidson Mug I purchased months ago. (I bought one for myself too that I use at work.) And a copy of Septembers 'Country Style' magazine with the free 'Keep Calm And Carry On' tea towel in blue. The image for the tea towel I have used is the one I bought for myself so the 'Country Style' packaging you will receive is unopened.

So what are the the rules?

Well....

You don't have to be a follower,

you don't have to twitter or find me on 'facebook'.

You don't have to follow Collingwood or St. Kilda! (((Sheeesh a draw!))) ((Go Pies))

You can certainly blog about this to spread the word!

Just leave me a comment on this or any of the next blogs I do by Sunday October 10 and you are IN!

I will draw a winner Sunday night Oct 10, Melbourne Victoria, Australia time.

Open to everyone - Aussie and International.

Don't you just love a give-away ;)

Good luck and Happy Days to you all.

Irene x
(ps) I have popped the buntings in 'my Made It' shop. Click on the link on the right :)

'Give-away' won't work...

2010-09-25T08:36:00.001+10:00

Working on my give-away but the server won't accept my images!!

grrrr.....

Eye Candy for the meantime....One of my Op-Shop finds yesterday - a tablecloth

Hope you are all well and happy and enjoying your holidays (here in Melb) and weekends!!

I will try again a little later today :(

Irene x

Ok, I made it!

2010-09-18T21:24:00.000+10:00

Ok, I finally made it to the holidays and spent my Saturday morning ~~madly~~ carefully sewing some more Bunting for my 'Made It' store, because I have been in craft withdrawal!

Then spent the afternoon ~~watching~~ staring at two movies and pretty well ignoring everything else!

I think I need a holiday!!

('scuse the crummy photos - taken on my bed with the lights on 'cos its still raining here in Melbourne)

See you in a week with a give-away (hopefully) I have been planning for months but had just not got my act together!!

(From the crazy worn out woman)

Irene x

This week I have found...

2010-09-11T09:10:00.000+10:00

...a load of old coathangers

Some amazing thick white Guipure lace that seems destined for a barrel lampshade frame I also scored at an op shop

A gigantic piece of beautiful Matellase

And

the cutest Childrens height 'chart' from West Germany 1981. Needs a good clean, so thats one of my jobs

for this weekend :)

Hope you find time for some fun things too.

I have worked hard this week to free a little crafting time for myself on the weekend, I hope I get to keep it!!! Life is always unpredictable when you have young kids ;)

Irene x

'Cos They're Quick!

2010-09-05T21:08:00.000+10:00

And it took a week to get better, but back to work Monday (bluuuurgh!)

Irene x

(Thank you for the get better wishes :) It helped)

Hello! to the Official first day of Spring!

2010-09-01T10:43:00.000+10:00

Been sick as the proverbial dog over here. Even too sick to blog hop! Couldn't concentrate on the writing. Feeling better today and spending another day home from work.

But I am reminded that it is Sept 1 and Spring is out there, despite the glorious bucket loads of rain. Is the Drought really broken!!!????

Wanted to do a quick hello to spring post but found this pretty Image via the Google images and saw it was from a cute blog tutorial so just had to share it! Elizabeth Goodman from To Be Charmed is the link. What a pretty picture, and they're not real!!

But yes, there are a lot of these popping up around our area as there are quite a few Daffodil farms. I love driving around and seeing the swathes of yellow!

To my Northern friends - welcome to Autumn/Fall

to my Southern neighbours - Yippie, hello Spring!!

Now I'm going back to bed.

Irene xxx

Still working on this lampshade idea....

2010-08-22T18:15:00.000+10:00

Still working through this idea of lace lampshades.

Bought a white lace tablecloth at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza (was that a goodie, or was that a good Fair!!).

Tried a more traditional shape.

What do you think.

May put this in my 'Made It' shop.

Hope you have had a great weekend!

Irene x

Thats me, second from the right!

2010-08-12T15:03:00.000+10:00

Simone, I copied your picture, I hoped you wouldn't mind.

Well friends, here is the cushion in all its glory, second from the right. AND it sold today as well to a lady up in Queensland! But I have the fabric ready to make another at a moments notice. Cut it at the same time but never sewed it up.
A few months ago I listed this on Made It. It also made a 'Monday Must Have'. A stylist by the name of Marie Nichols contacted me and requested would I send it to her in Sydney for a photo shoot she was doing for Notebook.
I have to say I had never heard of her up until then so I was a little sceptical however a little googling sorted that out. So up it went to Sydney, back again after about a week and then I just waited and thought that was that. But I was wrong and here it is.
THANK YOU to everyone for your lovely words of support and congratulations! Sharing my excitement is the best part of it all.
Thank you also to the lovely Simone of Beach Vintage for mentioning this in her blog post. She also got a mention in the same article as a blog worth checking on!
And it certainly is!!
It's a lovely article and Marie did a wonderful job with the styling. Thank you Marie!!!(Oh how I would have loved to be a stylist!)
I remember how exited A-M was to see her HOUSE! in a magazine, I'm doing a jig over a cushion!!! LOL!

Irene XXX

I'm in Print!!!

2010-08-11T21:17:00.000+10:00

Try page 107, second cushion from the right. September issue of Notebook. When I work out how to scan to blogger I will have a proper image. Hopefully tomorrow, when I should have a little more time.

my pic

But I am so exited and have been doing a little Happy Dance (on the inside) all day!
Irene :)

Well... Its not quite what I had planned for my Sunday

2010-08-08T15:58:00.000+10:00

Put on a load of washing last night as we had a small toilet mishap with my little one.

Guess what!

The machine didn't empty for four hours! and we were asleep so the laundry and kitchen had a little bath......

Along with a new machine can I get a new laundry at the same time??????

Images 1-3 google images
Image 4 Canadian House and Home

Grrrrrrrrr.......

Latest Eye Candy

2010-08-07T18:02:00.001+10:00

Thought you might enjoy some of my latest acquisitions and finds from both Ebay and local Op Shops ('cos I sure am!).

Including some fabulous Barkcloth for my collection!!

After seeing how busy Shellagh of Ticking and Toile has been, I am inspired! Time to dust off the sewing machine and make some cushions!!

Love to know what you have been up to lately :)

Carlton Ware Pale pink Vase found in an Op-Shop!!

Hobnail Milkglass, Op-Shop

A little polished cotton ideal for a cushion

Beautiful Hand Towels

Cotton Tablecloth

Mid Century Barkcloth

Barkcloth

Great illustrative Barkcloth

Already have some panels ready for cushion

and this last piece of Aqua Barkcloth was a gift from my beautiful friend Monique of Original Mischief who is just weeks away from leaving our fair shores and moving to the U.S. all in the name of Luuurve!! Gunna miss our coffees :(

Irene x

When a house is a home....

2010-07-25T16:29:00.000+10:00

Heres me, pretty-ing up a corner with my newest lampshade in the old crochet tablecloth lace (not quite finished).

[Remember the bedside lamp from my previous post]

No matter how 'nice' I try make it, in our hideously overcrowded little house, my boys leave their stamp too. Maybe I am creating little boy interior designers (specialising in Lego creations)by accident!

Howz your weekend been???

Irene :)

No lazy Saturday afternoon for me!

2010-07-18T14:30:00.000+10:00

Yes, it's a cold but thankfully not wet weekend here in Melbourne and not days for outdoor pursuits so I dropped all the other chores yesterday (well, yes the washing is up to date!) in favour of some creative time and made some Bunting from some old, Vintage Linens and recovered a lampshade in some old table cloth lace.

I sat and wound tape on the frame while watching two old re-runs of 'Get Smart'(lol).

I'm putting the shade on my bedside table base for a change. And yes, you don't want to ask how long the bedroom wall has been half done for.... you should have seen the faux wood panelling I pulled off!!

How is your weekend going?

Love to all!!!

Irene x

ps. The Bunting will be for sale in my 'Made It' store very soon. I will add a link when its done :)

Back to work tomorrow

2010-07-11T08:48:00.000+10:00

Credit unknown, was in my files and I never remember where they come from! Let me know if you know so I can amand my omission!!

Hi ho hi ho.....
and boys back to school....

Happily it seems like a sunny day this final School Holidays Sunday, so I will be taking two boys with a little Cabin Fever off to the big bike path at Cardinia Dam to ride their bikes to exhaustion!! (not really ;) )
Hope its wonderful wherever you are and whatever you are up to!
Irene x

School Holidays Babies

2010-07-04T08:55:00.000+10:00

Being in the teaching game ones life is regulated by the terms ( and of course if you have kids!).

Some how I managed to drop both my boys in the first week of school holidays. My darling Big boy turned EIGHT!!! yesterday (where did the time go......) and ordered a chocolate train with blue icing. Turned out okay.

So right in the swing of school holiday things with another week to go.

Weather is very wintery, wet and cold but we don't have snow here so there's only the mud to contend with :) Might go to the sports Museum at the MCG today - hear its pretty good entertainment for the boys.

Hope its fine where you are - love to you all!!

Irene x

I have returned to the land of the blog!!

2010-06-17T16:52:00.000+10:00

front

back

back & front

Thank you one and all for your patience and lovely, helpful words of support as I crawled and scratched my way through the maze that is report writing after five years away!!

Just a little left to do before they get sent on their merry way but at last I don't bring it all home with me.

Finally began de-stresssing last weekend, which was our Queens Birthday holiday Monday by doing a little sewing. Such a pleasure let me tell you!! I used some of the fabric I bought at the 'Stitches and Craft Show' Mothers Day weekend.

A little patchwork creation inspired by one of my favourite bloggers Rose Hip.

Make sure to pay another of my favourite blogs Beach Vintage a visit too. The ever creative, resourceful and clever Simone has just opened an online shop with the most charming must-have items. Say I sent you!! ;)

Hope you are all happy and enjoying life. Roll on school holidays I say......! (8 days to go!)

Irene xx

This is my life!

2010-05-28T19:26:00.001+10:00

Image from here.

This is my life at the moment!!

I am beginning the most stressful part of a teachers year....mid year reports... so I will be MIA for the next few weeks while I slave over a hot computer program and generate 170-odd reports.

Not much else gets done at this time of year.

I'll see you out the other side :)

Love to all....

Irene x

Vintage Wall Candy

2010-05-23T12:10:00.000+10:00

I have TOO MUCH STUFF!!!

So off to Ebay they go, but not without giving you a bit of Vintage pretty to enjoy.

If you are interested have a quick peek in my Ebay store via the right hand side bar.(sorry Aussie only - glass and size just too big for International Post)
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!!

Cheers, Irene x

(Finally!) My Precious Mothers Day & Saturday Fun

2010-05-09T16:08:00.000+10:00

Can a mother be more blessed! My Big Boy (7) knows me too well. He kept his 'big' secret right up until Mothers Day and was so exited to be able to gift me a reel of cotton the same shade as his favoutite softie. I shed a small tear over this.
Both boys also chose some sweet things from their Mothers Day stall at school too I may add. And for the first time ever I was treated to breakfast in bed that the boys ate half of (in bed with me I might also add!) . These are the moments to cherish :)

Sorry I am so slow with my blogs. I am so busy these days with 'life' that time to myself is rare.
However, I did enjoy my visit to the Stitches and Craft Show last week as you can see!
I got to see some Yardage Design things, one of which I had to bring home...

And I got to meet my blogging idol Jodie from Ric Rac and bought a Bot pattern. Jodie is fabulous and even knew me!! I was in awe of her things , and her!- the attention to detail was extraordinary! What an amazingly talented lady and the most marvellous sense of humour! Yes...I was a little star struck.....

And some vintage style fabrics somehow found my way into my bag....I can't seem to remember how.......? It was a great Show.

(So that was my Mothers Day gift to me.)

A belated Happy Mothers Day to all the Mums in whatever way you are a Mum!

And have a great weekend all :)

Irene x

Hi ho! Hi ho!, its off to fun I go!!!

2010-05-07T17:56:00.000+10:00

image courtesy of google

I'm off to the Stitches and Craft Show (that's on here in Melbourne until Sunday) tomorrow (Sat) and am so looking forward to seeing and meeting some of my favourite bloggers! I'll let you know what I could not resist soon :)

Have a crafty weekend y'all!!

Irene x

You MUST check out this site

2010-04-30T19:51:00.000+10:00

If you don't already know

thefrock.com

What a way to spend an evening or two....or three...or four...........

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

You know what I'll be up to!

Irene x

What to do???

2010-04-25T09:48:00.000+10:00

I bought this sweet little extendable table from a wonderful lady in country Victoria. I had been looking for a table with some character for some time.

Clearly in need of a 'Re-Vintage'!

I want a table with a scrubbed top and painted legs and thought this would do the job.

Pretty detail that would paint up and distress nicely.

The legs have already been sanded back and given two coats of primer ready for the fun part! (yes- pre sanded and primed shot)

BUT!

The thin coat of worn veneer and glue has sanded back to reveal plywood with timber edging where I had hoped for solid wood that I could leave and wax for a natural finish!

I should have known!

Any suggestions??????

Irene :(

ps- New cushion available in my little blog shop 'Shop Re-Vintaged'.

Just click on the link in the right hand column to have a look :)

Holiday Crafting at last....YaY!

2010-04-06T17:18:00.000+10:00

Finally managed to make some time these holidays to do a little sewing. Have had these in my head for ages. Beautiful Vintage fabric off Ebay a while ago that was telling me it was to become pillows and cushions for my bed.

Pretty don't you think :)

( At last!!!!)

Hope you are all having fun too :)

Irene x

ps. further to my previous post, most of the clothing was unsalvagable but I did keep three things, an apron, a shirt and the Percy Cerutty singlet.

Time capsule

2010-04-02T08:20:00.001+11:00

I started pulling apart an old footstool yesterday I have had for ages and imagine my surprise at what it was padded with!

I had expected old stuffing, when instead I found old worn clothing from the 50's and 60's!

A singlet, aprons, shirts, a child's School blazer from St. Stephens with the arms and collar cut off, sleepwear, adult /children's items. Amazing recycling!

A little time capsule of a family's life!

May your Good Friday be full of family too :)

Irene x

New Thrifty Finds & They Saw Me Coming!

2010-03-28T17:37:00.000+11:00

A 40c Aynsley soft Yellow Cup and Saucer... my all time favourite colour yellow!

A chippy, rusty pale blue Vintage Scale by 'Tower' of Germany
for $20... sometimes I just can't let some things go.....! So yes they saw me coming for this one. It is the colour of the Kitchen Aid mixer I dream of as well as perfect for my kitchen revamp.

In need of a little clean up very soon!

And a beautiful vintage tablecloth that would be perfect for a Vintage children's High Tea!! $4.00! Large and in magnificent condition - perfect colours! I 'luurve' this one.

All from Op Shops. Don't get too much time for thrifting these days now I am back at work so to find some treasures at all is a real pleasure.

May all on school holidays here in Oz enjoy the time with our families!

Irene x

2010-03-15T21:13:00.000+11:00

For a seriously beautiful Jolt! of colour therapy go to visit with rose hip, a wonderfully talented Vancouver fabric artist!! I hope she doesn't mind me spreading the word for her :)

Love to all,

Irene x

Capturing moments.

2010-03-06T21:47:00.000+11:00

Today was a memorable day for many reasons but two things stood out.

How beautifully my baby draws his family. (thats me on the right)

And how mighty was the weather this afternoon. Golf ball sized Hail. No power for about 6 hours and lots of damage as we drove into our small town for a take-away dinner as we had no means of making it ourselves :)

Irene x

Please pop over to visit with my lovely bloggy friend Sue at Junk-it-Junction as she is having a beautiful give-away and I know she would love for you to pop by and leave a comment :)

Vintage White

2010-03-02T17:11:00.000+11:00

Vintage White for your enjoyment!

And the latest for Sale in my blog shop 'Shop-Re-Vintaged'. Just pop over using the link in my side bar.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Autumn is gently descending upon us here in the Dandenongs :)

Warm wishes, Irene x

Blog Shop opening!

2010-02-21T21:42:00.001+11:00

For Sale

HI fellow blogsters!

I'm still alive and kicking but still terribly time poor. Big Boy Too is having a few separation issues with starting school, work is busy and there is never enough time to do it all and with the house!... well girls you know what suffers when life is like that don't you....

So in an effort to get myself out there a little more I have chickened out a little and decided to start my handmade online 'business' with a little blog shop. Etsy will happen but it takes a while to do all the listing. I also want to try 'Made it', but later, later....

So pop by, spread the word if you would please, and tell me what you think.

You can find a link in my side bar as well as here.

My bestest and very best wishes to you all and thank you one and all for giving me the opportunity to destress while reading all your posts :)

Irene x

....and the winner is....

2010-01-31T21:30:00.000+11:00

Thank you one and all for your encouragement and valuable suggestions regarding my cushions. I will list them on Etsy. I have a store already but it has had nothing in it after a failed attempt at selling some other things quite a while ago.
I will pop by each of you soon and thank you personally. Blogging has taken a back seat lately as 1. I have returned to work, 2. I have been organising all the necessary bits and pieces required for two boys to start school tomorrow morning and 3. keeping two boys entertained over the holidays.

So busy, busy, busy (and tired)!

But I have not forgotten my promise to draw the winner of my 'just because' give-away of the little Kokeshi Doll.

If you don't already know, then I am delighted to be able to let Kylie of The Whiney Fairy know that I will be sending the little lady to her very soon!! Kylie, I have your email address so will leave you a message there too.

*****YAY!*****

Forgive me if you don't see much of me for the next few weeks but I need to settle into a work routine that I have not had to do for 5 years and I have a fair bit of catching up to do.

I love blogging and will visit as often as I can and will be back very soon!

Have a wonderful week everyone :)

Irene X

Problem is - what to do with them all?

2010-01-23T14:31:00.001+11:00

Vintage 50's Barkcloth

Showed this to you a few posts ago but now its finished :) -front

Back

Used an old flour sack for these

'50's Barkcloth -front

Back of 50's Barkcloth

Once was a couch cover with the pompoms along the front. This is a big fave of mine too.

Very old polished cotton - love this fabric passionately!! Maybe even early 20th C.

Sanderson cotton

Glen Park Barkcloth

Organza doily

Vintage '50's polished cotton

So now I have quite a collection. What do I do with them now? Do you think these and the like would sell at a market -Daylesford?/Healesville???? I just cannot store all of this anymore however I do love making them and using my wonderful fabric stash for them!

Any suggestions?

:) Irene x

(ps. don't forget my little Kokeshi doll give-away drawn Jan 31st. Just leave a comment :)

See her on my previous post)

Back to Vintage!! and a Give-Away just because.

2010-01-18T17:14:00.000+11:00

Hi :)
Hope 2010 is treating you well so far!

Have been having a little rest from Op Shops lately, what with holidays and boys and sewing......having a rest at home with my kids. But this morning I set out to the closest Shopping centre to try to find some new clothes for my return to work and couldn't help myself but stop at a few along the way. I hate shopping centres - so noisy and so difficult to find reasonably priced clothing for my 'Rubenesque' proportioned figure (lol).( And don't get me started about shoes for my now size 11 foot -my size 10 feet have spread with age and pregnancies-oy!!)

But back to the nice stuff...

A little Vintage Linen that has brightened my day.

This is not Vintage, in fact it is a German cotton Damask style tablecloth that I could not resist. Lush Pink full-blown Roses.

An old white hand embroidered linen cloth - white on white! My kind of cloth!

A Semco doily in a green linen with a white fluffy cotton chenille type of fringing. Says 1960's to me, what do you think?

Two pretty little doilies

A willow napkin and a pair of embroidered doilies with variegated crochet edging. ...I can feel a cushion coming on somewhere here....

This was an Ebay buy from a gorgeous lady in the US. A really fab linen remnant with
enormous red roses. This is quite wonderful as the linen seems un-bleached.

But last and not least is a little 'Kokeshi' (is that right?) doll that I would love to send some-one as a give-away. She has just a little paint loss to one of her little flowers (rhs) but I could not resist her. I know how much so many of you love Matryoshka dolls as well as these little Japanese sweeties so if you would like to have the chance of giving her a new home with you just leave a comment on this or any other post after this posts up until Sunday evening Jan 31 and she could be yours. As with all of my other give-aways this is open to the world and I am happy just for you to pop by with a HI! No need for links or twittering etc.... If you want more than one chance, then leave more than one comment!

Just my way of sending out my 'thankyous' to you all for your friendship and time. Blogging has certainly enriched my life in so many ways.

Warm wishes from a wet Melbourne summer day! Irene X .

The sewing Frenzy continues!

2010-01-12T20:41:00.000+11:00

I have been wallowing in sewing and been a happy little pig these holidays. I return to teaching in a matter of weeks after a 5 year break so I am trying to make the most of my time. The bed throw is completed and now only needs assembling after I decide if I will quilt it in some way. Not sure what I want to do yet. Whatever it will be it will be simple!

I have also got bag envy after seeing so many pretty hand made ones in the blog sphere so made a big shopper for myself.

My books arrived from 'The Book Depository' too, so more projects!
But there has been other things non-sewing related going on...

Followed by this...

So I think I can say we are having happy holidays so far :)

Irene x

Taking a 'sewing' break folks!

2010-01-06T21:48:00.000+11:00

We are on our Summer Holidays now (for all of you in the Northern Hemisphere our big holidays are now) I am taking a break from all other negotiable activities (!) and actually doing some sewing. ( I'm like a pig in mud ;) ) Very gratifying but frustrating when for some reason or other I cant finish it.

Had a go at machine patchwork ~ hard to believe I had never had a go at it before ~ but I think I'm too impatient a sewer to be as neat as I should be hence the disgusting seams and placement of the squares. I can live with imperfection though. Gives a certain eclectic charm to the fabric. (yeah, yeah any excuse..) Trying to make a throw for my bed. Ran out of fabric though and have ordered some more. Bought two sheets to use for the backing and front as I need metres of it and found I had bought a flat and fitted sheet instead of two flat! Trying to economise here. Grrr.... Queen size that are now on my bed instead so I am using them, however....

Like my cushion? Planned this one so I could sit quietly and do some sewing by hand. That's a big thing for me. Very satisfying. Used to hand quilt a while ago. Should show you what I made all those 'pre-children' years ago in another post. Actually finished this one :)

And another cushion ~yet to be stuffed~ re-vintaged from a crummy old framed embroidery. Lovely Sanderson 'Chelsea' Linen for the back. Will go finish that now that my boys are finally asleep... What have you been up to?

Irene x

You can only come in if you're good.

2009-12-31T13:45:00.000+11:00

Have a Happy New Year and remember to only open your door to good things in 2010 :)

Best wishes one and all, Irene x

Silly Season?

2009-12-18T05:25:00.000+11:00

However you choose to celebrate Christmas, may it be full of happiness and family! Warm wishes from my family to yours.

(all these whacky/strange/unusual Christmas trees found in a Google search for 'Christmas Trees')

:) Irene x

and now you are 5

2009-12-16T13:49:00.000+11:00

Like so many of you I cannot fathom where the past five years has gone.

My exquisite child no. 2 is 5! today and I can remember clearly laying with you on my chest after our emergency ceasarian in the early hours of the morning, this morning just a short five years ago.

What a beautiful boy you are and how I am so totally amazed at your beauty and character!
So Happy birthday BIG BOY TOO!!! I hope you love playing with the Lego you so wanted!

I love you all the way to the sun and around all the stars five hundred million times and back again!!

Happy birthday!

Mummy.

Two things off my 'to do' list...(yay)

2009-12-07T17:50:00.000+11:00

My 'list' (you know the one in your head that is always getting longer as you see something new that causes your creative cells to vibrate uncontrollably) has two things ticked off...YAY!

The local Church end of year Fete supplied a fabulous vintage round piecrust mirror for our ensuite renovation! Just the right size and with the right amount of foxing. I have been looking for a while let me tell you. And as most of you agree, budget is non existent so patience is the key here. The good news was that it cost a grand total of $15.00. Weighs a ton though but thats my builders (Husband) problem ;)

I am very exited!
Here it is reflecting the very attractive plastic bag...mmmmmmm

The walls are being tiled in white Johnson brick tiles.

And! I have finally finished my footstool Re-Vintage! (months in the making, always something more important needs to be done...)Take one crummy garage sale buy footstool, strip it back to the bones, then re-cushion and pad. Then let my imagination go wild!! Made totally to please myself. Had to do something with my piece of loopy chenille and had to team it with the exquisite Vintage Pink Rose Polished Cotton from my sweet sweet friend Monique at Original Mischief. The Queen of Barkcloth and groovy fabrics!

Will be selling it though as it is not in style with the rest of the house! (Helps pay for our reno too)

Its actually nothing more than a slip cover when all is said and done....

What do you think?
Linked to and for A soft place to lands DIY Day

Well, back to the list......

So much to do before Christmas....

Irene X
ps. any Aussie bloggers be sure to pop over to Alisons blog for a great Rug give-away. Pretty impressive!

WoooHoooo!!

2009-12-03T16:33:00.000+11:00

Look at what I found in an Op Shop yesterday!!!

The real thing....in all their fragility!!

The boxes say they are from Poland and they cost shillings and pence so are pre-1968 (I think thats when we changed our currency to dollars and cents- I was pretty young)

Did a little dance out to the car...... :)

Irene x

Hmmmmmm....

2009-11-30T20:47:00.000+11:00

Found via wabi & sabi

An amazing blog!

Irene x

Hello Saturday

2009-11-28T12:05:00.001+11:00

Hello Saturday, I'm off to do a little gardening in the late morning spring Sun happy in the knowledge that the washing will dry with that lovely fresh sun kissed smell I love so much (and in just one day, not days on the clothes horses indoors)

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Summer is next week!

Irene x

Tablecloth love...

2009-11-25T17:45:00.001+11:00

Found this beauty today.

An Australian sewing tradition in Semco!

My favourite blue of the moment too!

Hope its a wonderful Wednesday for you.

Irene :)

Pretty Vintage Sunday

2009-11-22T09:07:00.000+11:00

Hope this brightens up your Sunday morning :)

It sure does mine...its been raining cats and dogs since last night. Great for the catchments- yay!

(ps-I live in Victoria not Western Australia)

Irene x

And what do you think this could be!!??

2009-11-18T11:41:00.001+11:00

Hi all! :)

Just a quick post to say HELLOOO, I'm still here but a little pre-occupied.....

I am still in the midst of my massive clean out of inventory into my Ebay shop! So so busy with it all!!!

I have been very lax in the blogging department and I owe a lot of lovely people thanks for a few things but that will have to wait until I have a clearer head.

Thought you might enjoy seeing this lovely little object as a quick post. I have not ever, actually handled one until now but I have seen them many years ago in 'how to' books.

What do you think it is?

Its a pin cushion made from an open pine cone.

Would have taken a bit of patience to make.

The things one finds in Op Shops!!

Hope whatever you are up to makes you happy :)

Don't forget to check out all my goodies in my Ebay store. (The link is in the right hand bar) I mean it when I say I am listing like a maniac...and my typing is disastrously slow! :p

Irene x

Yes there's more!!!

2009-11-10T21:45:00.000+11:00

Guess what I've been doing day!! Hard at it :) I have a lot to go.

Irene x

Time to begin clearing out the shelves!

2009-11-07T15:51:00.001+11:00

Hi :)

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Its a lovely warm day here in Melbourne and we spent the morning at a local Primary school fete. The boys had lots of fun on the rides, husband enjoyed some fresh hot donuts and I found a great retro magazine rack in the second hand oddments. A productive morning for all!

Next year however I am back to paid employment so it is time for me to scale back on my hunting and gathering as I will not be able to devote the same amount of time to it all. I have listed the most I have ever listed on ebay and will continue to do more. These are some of the latest that will be listed by Sunday evening or shortly after. Contact me if anything interests you as I am more than happy to 'do a good deal' for my blogging friends, otherwise click my ebay link on the right hand side bar and it will take you to my store. I am always happy to send internationally too.

Otherwise I hope you enjoy looking at some pretty things!

Best wishes to you all and as always thankyou for dropping by!

Irene x