Selfish Saturday

I am off to the U.K. on Monday to visit my parents, my eldest and last, but not least, (well it probably is least but you know what I mean), the Knit and Stitch Exhibition at Alexandra Palace.

I have finished my Colette Zinnia skirt but I am not altogether happy with the pleats and, because I’ve made it in plaid, some might say it looks like I have wrapped a picnic blanket round myself so you can understand my reluctance to model it.  However, when I come back, I’ll style it up properly and inflict some photos on you.

In the meantime, and before I go and hunt down my passport, bag small enough to go in the cabin but big enough to hold a week’s worth of knickers and other necessities, Rescue Remedy Drops (I don’t like flying) and the 1kg stollen cake that I’m taking over for my Dad who is poorly, I thought I’d do a bit of shameless self promotion in the form of photos of some of  the vintage goodies currently in my shop because a) I like them,  b) I need the free publicity and   c) I’m the boss of my blog

These old street signs are such a gorgeous blue – I sometimes wonder how they have become detached from the actual street

The use of marble and bronze or regule for bookends and table lamps was very popular in France around the middle of the 20th century.

I love making plain objects look more exciting with the camera.   I think I take my best photographs when I’m doing product photography – maybe its something to do with the possible financial reward!

Another fanciful one.

I love these ‘Us Two’ milk jugs, the colour inside this one is gorgeous.

Here’s another by Villeroy & Boch – this one comes with cups that say ‘moi’ and ‘toi’  they make lovely wedding or anniversary gifts

A colourful 1950s rack – a nice contrast with the ubiquitous brown I would have thought.

A bit of art nouveau

Gorgeous old French jelly jars which are getting very hard to find in this tapered shape now

All these French treasures, and more, can be found in my vintage shop, La Manche,  which is the main (non breathing) competition for my attention apart from my workroom where I occupy myself with things of the creative kind.

Speaking of which, do you remember the lovely French magazines I showed you recently?  Well, bearing in mind Mlle. Tialys the elder’s new found interest in dressmaking,  I found the perfect one to frame and hang in my workroom to remind me of the defining moment when  my passion for sewing and craft in general finally seemed to have rubbed off on to one of my daughters.

Not strictly accurate of course as she is taller than me and neither of us, unfortunately,  are quite as well groomed or have such tiny waists. Tant Pis!

 I will see you when I get back from my spending frenzy at the Knit & Stitch Expo with, hopefully, some tales to tell.