Green visitor

Just managed to get a piccie of this grasshopper, sitting on the edge of the laundry basket.  He promptly leapt off and I spent the next ten minutes trying to hoik him out from behind the woodburner before the cats could get him.  He managed to get out but I keep hearing him singing under the floorboards!

lace and broderie anglaise

I never know for certain if broderie anglais/e should have that final 'e' at the end - if you look at dictionaries/Google etc, it varies depending on which site you look at.  The French always add the 'e' and I guess it is because 'broderie' is a feminine noun.  I prefer it with an 'e' as it sounds rather nice, although sometimes I do forget to use it!

Anyway, pedantics aside, I thought I would show you a few bits of lace and broderie anglaise that I recently  listed - some sold, some not.

A pretty little girl's dress - simple but with a border of lace at the hem.  It has a 1920s feel about it, with drop waistline.

simple, but quite sweet. dress now sold

A beautiful collar for a dress or blouse

there are little buttonholes to be attached to another garment - easier to wash just the collar when dresses were so bulky and hard work to launder
 

My favourite item for ages - a stunning pair of bloomers - with an elastic waist for easy wear!  Stunning isn't a word I use often, but these are really quite lovely.  I have replaced the elastic as it had withered away, but otherwise, the quality and condition are both excellent.
bloomers now sold 
 

The lace border is quite generous: over 5 1/2 inches deep

and to finish, a tiny monogram 'MM' stitched on the leg

This girl's petticoat is gathered at the waist, and the lace would allow ribbon to be threaded through
 

the ribbon is long gone, but the item is in very good condition .  Nowadays, a little girl could wear this as a dress, not under a dress - they must have been very hot in summer with so many layers albeit white cotton! Petticoat now sold

Slip now sold
Another very popular item - a lady's slip, or summer nightdress.  Perfect for the heat of the summer

and again, simple, but decorated with hand embroidery and a touch of lace on the top edge.

A piece of more modern palest salmon pink lace, machine made, but perfect to decorate a 1950s or 60s petticoat or nightdress.
salmon lace now sold

I really like the very pale salmon pink colour - very subtle

and quite sheer, with a nice floral design.  Even in modern times using modern manufacturing methods, lace is still so popular.

If you would like more information, just clic on my shops above or send a message.

Have a good weekend!

Little bit of recent vintage French stock

I thought I'd pop on some pieces of stock I've recently had - just to show that I have been busy and not spending too much time in the garden, now that the sun has finally appeared.

All the pieces here are vintage French - not modern copies.   I have laundered each garment - and starched where necessary:  I love pressing the linen - especially the tiny baby clothes!

 

Another one of my dramatic black hats, complete with veil.  Worn in mourning, and I suppose eventually worn all the time, this has a little ribbon ruffle for decoration.
    

hat now sold

Baby gowns all now sold

a little baby gown - just love the sleeves - handmade, warm and cosy without being too hot as it is made from cotton ribbing.

Here is a vintage version of the babygro - or growbag, as my brother used to call them.  It has little glass buttons 

and here is another, slightly different.  I sell lots of these to doll collectors, who prefer to have the real vintage item instead of a modern copy.

a French sewing basket - there are compartments inside, just waiting to be filled with reels of cotton, embroidery silks and buttons...

 

and another, in blue, with a handle (which pops out for ease of shipping!)

 

This trim makes a gorgeous shelf edging - or to use on a blind or curtain
trim now sold

or perhaps to trim a cushion?

A really beautiful baby's bib.  This is for a new-born - so much work, just for a little bib!
bib now sold

 

I've always found these sweet bibs popular both as gifts for new Mums, and doll owners - this is so gorgeous, I feel like framing it! bib now sold

This is a rare item - an AMICE - a cloth which a priest would wear around the neck and shoulders, with the little red cross at the back, and then tied across the chest: worn under the outer robes.
amice now sold

and, oh dear, I don't know if I should have followed up with a pink corset, but there you are - a little bit of ooh la la!

complete with original maker's name label!
corset now sold

As usual, if you would like any further information, please do clic on my page here, or contact me by leaving a message.