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!

Change of direction for me

Sorry, but specs now sold


Sorry, but nightshirt now sold

Pink knickers now sold

Sorry, but green blouse now sold


Sorry, but salmon nightie now sold




Sorry, but apron now sold

Sorry but bloomers now sold



Sorry, but blouse now sold


Sorry, but jacket is now sold

Sorry, but scarf now sold
As you all may or may not know, when we first came to France, we started out as book dealers, doing the markets and organising book sales 2 or 3 times a month in ex-pats communities, selling English books to anyone who wanted them. We made a comfortable living: would never be rich but earned enough to pay our way (taxes!). Then, Mr Plod decided to prosecute us for using English words such as 'BOOK SALE' on a poster - a crime here in France - and we were forced to close down and go on the dole. (Note to self: send a 'Thank you' card to Mr. Plod for the enforced 2 years paid holiday...)

Then, a new scheme for small enterprises came into being and yes! I could do the books if I wanted, plus go back to my first love, antiques and vintage. So, I started scouring the vide greniers and brocantes to buy stock, and started selling antique stuff, plus some selected magazines and books in French on Ebay and Etsy.

Then this spring, Laposte finished their economic postal service and with one blow, knocked my book business away. You see, a lot of book buyers in Australia, Japan and USA don't mind waiting a little longer for their books if the postage can be reasonable - and books are heavy items which now cost more to post, but Ebay and Amazon limit the postage that can be charged.

Fortunately at the same time, I found a couple of reliable sources for vintage and antique French clothes - maybe not with known labels as these are usually snapped up by the fat purses from Paris - but nice vintage blouses from 1960s to antique 19th century linen nightshirts (great for wearing over jeans) lacy bloomers, and petticoats. I have to remind myself that in France, many women made their own clothes, or had the village seamstress run something up for them, and so many don't have many labels at all - just sweet little stitches and an eye for style from the latest magazines...

Of course, I have always sold a few vintage clothing items: mainly linen, scarves, hankies, bags and a few hats, but I am SO excited by my new direction - I even found Lady Godiva, my dummy, at such as low price I thought that it must be fate...so here goes...I made a little start a couple of months ago with just a few things - my Ebay shop is here...and any comments/tips/hints from vintage ladies will be most welcome!

In the meantime, I will still have my brocante items and a few selected books, but I am rather looking forward to something new - onward and upward as they say!