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Monday 13 May 2013

Going for a song ...

Happy Monday, my lovelies ... I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, and for those of you overseas who have celebrated Mother's Day, I hope you've all been well and truly spoilt!


 I always try to use song titles or lyrics from songs in my post title, and while searching for Jumble Sale (without much hope I may add) I found this charming ditty by Jake Thackeray ... you can view it here.  I don't think there was romance in the air at the sale I attended on Saturday, among the bric a brac and Nana's nicknacks, but you never know!


I had a little trip to Ulverston on Friday, to do a spot of thrifting and visit Violet's, and I'm so glad I did, otherwise I'd have missed the sign saying there was a Jumble Sale at a village hall the very next day! My second son, Jacob, called them Jungle Sales when he was small ... so of course, I still do too. Well I arrived fifteen minutes early, in the pouring rain, only to find it had opened early. Like a demented dervish I rushed in, thinking everything would be gone, but what a sight met my eyes! Lots and lots of tables and stalls very well set out and PILED HIGH with treasure! I bought the wooden lamp stand (ripe for a spot of upocycling), vintage shade and a lovely straw hat for 50p for all three ... then I spied the linen stall, devoid of customers ... so no jostling or being poked in the eye with an errant basket or elbow.  Utter bliss ... I had the stall to myself for a few minutes ... the most well spent moments of my life (apart from getting married and giving birth of course!) ...


Underneath the teetering piles of curtains and tablecloths, I struck gold ... numerous coloured doilies and traycloths, scarves and pretty embroidered hankies! I scrabbled through, selecting what I wanted, and was charged the same amount that I would have been asked for one doily at a local charity shop!


This little beauty was still tacked to its tissue paper ... I wonder why it was never released and made use of? The hours of work that must have been spent to create this beautiful piece of work, so intricate, delicate as a spider's web, and the exact colour of a bluebell glade.

I also bought a sweet little basket, some books and a bag ... I spent less than £7 in total! The jumble sale is an annual one, that's why there was so much of everything ... I'm going to have to mark it on my calendar ... definitely one not to miss!


Some of the traycloths had tears and stains on them, so I've been busy upcycling them, using the embroidery hoops I've been collecting.


I need to find some more of these, but as with anything, as soon as the charity shops realise something is popular, the prices are suddenly as much as you would pay in a sewing shop!


I think I'll take these to a fair I'm having a stall at in June ... I already have a commission from a friend!


I really enjoyed doing them, watching Sunday night tv, glass of Baileys, and threads, buttons, lace and ribbon spread out in front of me ... I really know how to live life in the fast lane, you know ...


I've been spending lots of time in my little workroom lately, I absolutely love it, and when everyone leaves for work/school/college in the morning, I head there with my breakfast, and sit at the window planning my day ...


It's that time now, so here I am! Harry and Millie have A Levels and GCSE's today, so a bit subdued ... Good Luck!

 These pictures are a bit misleading ... it looks a lot more lived-in and 'used' now! Please notice Oonagh in the corner, a lovely gift from Gilly ... please check out her blog, Gilly makes beautiful things and provides lots of inspiration ... and is a very lovely lady too!


My workbench ... I now have an old high stool which is great for sitting at the bench, painting and making.
The lace curtain hides a multitude of sins ... all my vintage fair stock finally has a home, and isn't dotted all over the house ... on a fair day it's much easier to pack the car up as it's all in one place...


I've had a great time tittivating this room ... my family think I'm eccentric enough without all this ... but who wants to be the same as everyone else? This is the reason I love blogging so much ... I'm not the only one who gets excited about a pile of smelly doilies!


Think it's time for another pot ...


I'm off on a jolly on Friday ... a real treat ... to London, to celebrate the 'big' birthday of one of my best friends.  There are 6 of us going, staying in Mayfair, going for champagne afternoon tea, seeing a show and sightseeing ... will share with you next week, so until then my lovelies,

Have a wonderful week ...

Love, Claire xxx

50 comments:

  1. ~ Sweet dollies, sweet dollies....LOVE them....Morning Mrs Thriftwood...Looks like you have had a thrifty weekend indeedy... LOVE your work room, come craft room... ENJOY the wonderful London break and can't wait to hear all! ~ with twinkles **** Love Maria x (full up with the snuffles) poor me! hehe...

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    1. Ooh ... I know you like a lacy doily Maria! I'll see you next week, and hope you're feeling better (hope it's not full blown lurgy)

      Love Claire xx

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  2. I can't remember the last time I saw a jumble sale advertised. Everyone seems to car boot these days and I do miss an old fashioned jumble sale. Loving the doilies I saw a batch in a charity shop last week and they were so over priced I left them there. Have a fabby week ... Sarah x

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    1. Hi Sarah,

      I go to a jungle sale (my son's words!) once a month, but it's usually a bit hit and miss (more miss than hit) but can't not go in case it's a good one!

      Happy hunting!

      Love Claire xx

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  3. Hi Claire, I'm squealing in delight over your jumble sale largess. All that lovely linen and doilies! I went to a jumble sale on Saturday (it was rubbish) and I was TOLD OFF by the linen lady for rummaging through the linen and making "a mess"!! Well really! I love your embroidered hoop thingymebobs. I have two small hoops that I picked up from a jumble sale and never done anything with. Would you like them? Email me (via my blog) if you do with your address and I'll gladly pop them in the post to you. xx

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  4. Oh Loo, how kind! I'm really touched by the kindness of fellow bloggers .. I'll pop over to you now and have a chat.

    xxx

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  5. Loving your embroidered hoops, I have also been doing some word stitchery inspired by Hettie Brown. My crinoline lady says 'Help, I need a wee', wish I'd thought of something pretty like you. Eco Ethel xx

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    1. Ooh Ethel! I love Hettie! Yours sound very fun, I'll pop over to you and have a look

      Love Claire

      xxx

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  6. Interested in how you back those embroidery hoops. I have several to use, and usually use a piece of felt as backing, how about you? I know the back isn't seen, but I like to finish it as neatly as I can.

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    1. Hello Maggie ... I haven't backed them ... but now I feel I must! As you can't see them I didn't think it mattered, I'm obviously a very slapdash crafter ...

      Will let you know how I get on!

      Love Claire xx

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  7. hello Claire,
    wow what an amazing sale......and fabulous thrifty finds....you did brilliantly! have a wonderful time in london...i'm off on Thursday to the Eridge Decorative Living Fair....SOOOOOOO excited! x

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    1. Ooh, that sounds fab! Have a great time and looking forward to hearing all about it xxx

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  8. Hi

    I love love love the embroidery hoops! I am all inspired...

    Eleanor xx

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    1. Hi Eleanor, glad to have inspired you sweetie! Have a lovely day and looking forward to seeing yours

      Love Claire xx

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  9. I love the doilies and the upcycled tray cloths ... fabulous ideas!!! And I love your letter blocks!! Wonderful xxx

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    1. Hi Mellie Moo, lovely to see you!

      Thanks for your lovely comments, and yes, I love the locks too ... I got them from a charity shop a while back and they were just shoved away but now I use them for apt phrases around the house! I keep looking fr more, but never see them ...

      Love Claire xxx

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  10. Oh I do LOVE a jumble sale! You were lucky to find all those doilies. So you are off to London?! I have two more weeks to wait until I'm back on my home territory!! Enjoy!! Chel x

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  11. hello Chel, ooh I can't wait to go to London, is that where you're from? I don't go often as it is quite far, but haven't been with my friends for 29 years, so we're all looking forward to it!

    Happy Monday

    Love Claire xx

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  12. Hope you have a fab time on your jolly! Sounds like a lot of fun to be had.

    Wow you did find a lot of treasure over the weekend. I bet you will have lots of fun with your haul.

    Your sewing room looks really lovely and cosy. Just the right place for breakfast.......and lunch......and tea....
    well you get the picture! lol.

    Have a good week.

    P x

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  13. Thanks for popping in, Paula, it's always lovely to see you!

    Have a happy week

    Love Claire xx

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  14. What fantastic jumble sale finds, jumbles seem to be few and far between around my area. Your workroom looks a lovely and cosy space.

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    1. Hello Nicci, welcome to Thriftwood!

      I think the Jumble Sale should definitely have a resurgence! Perhaps you could start one up in your area ... you'd get first dibs at all the goodies then!

      Love Claire xx

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  15. Ahhh, the thrill of the treasure hunt! I've got a collection of doilies and dresser scarves from a few years back, but never have the courage to cut into them and 'upcycle' them into something more. If I use them on my furniture my husband complains that they're "old lady" stuff. So they're all washed, pressed and folded away in the linen closet. Your embroidery hoops look so sweet with the corners of hankies, etc. Still loving the cozy corners you share of your room. Enjoy your weekend with friends ... my small group of childhood friends meet up once a year too and we always wish we did it more often! Wendy xox

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    1. Such a shame that you can't enjoy your doilies Wendy ... Tell your husband that vintage is very trendy (it is!) and how modern your home will be with the addition of a bit of Granny Chic!

      Have a wonderful week

      Love Claire xx

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  16. Gosh I just love what you've done with those tray clothes! Sounds like a great jumble sale, they don't seem to have any around here anymore! Have a fab time in London....I'd love to be a fly on the wall....:) x

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    1. Aw thanks Ada! I had seen some on Facebook and Instagram, so not my idea, but very easy to do and very effective!

      As I said to Nicci, why don't you start one in your area? You could then have a good old root through the stuff first!

      Have a lovely week, Ada

      Love Claire xx

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  17. Ah those letter blocks! you are so clever... they are the cutest!! Have a great day Claire. Hazel x

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  18. Aw thank you Hazel! The simple things ...

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  19. I used to love jumble sales, and have still got some memorable finds from my student days! The one you went to sounds like a very good one, and you did well! Your trip to London is great idea...have a wonderful time!
    Helen x

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    1. Hello Helen, thanks for popping in and for your lovely comments, the kettle's always on, pull up a chair!

      Love Claire xx

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  20. Oh Claire ... I wish I could have gone ... the treasure you found is fab ... I am a little tired of charity shops ... I have found a few things recently in them which were more expensive than buying new ... what's that about? Have fun on your trip lovely ... Bee xx

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    1. Hello Bee, I wish you could have come with me! Charity shops are going to be doing themselves out of business soon if their prices go up much more ... It's ridiculous to be paying as much for secondhand as it is to buy new!
      I love a good old Jungle Sale, just wish there were more ...

      Love Claire xx

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  21. You got some lovely things there Claire. I love what you have done with the embroidery hoops.
    Have a great time in London and look forward to hearing all about it in due course XX

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    1. Thank you Anne, you're awfully kind!

      I promise I'll spill the beans about London next week ... Mustn't forget camera!

      Love Claire xx

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  22. Hello Claire
    Oooh I love a Jumble sale, I haven't been to one in years..you found some lovely pretties
    You made me giggle about being first in..

    Love your little embroidery hoops..so pretty
    Your birthday trip sounds fab..enjoy !!!
    have a wonderful bubbly! time
    speak soon
    Thea xx

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    1. Hello Thea, haha you knw me so well! I am terrified of being late in case I see people coming out with armfuls of treasure ... Roberts radios, suitcase record players, Stanley dogs, etc ...

      Thanks for popping in Thea, you ow you're always welcome!

      Love Claire xx

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  23. Thanks for the fun, Claire! I enjoyed tagging along with you through your crafting adventures at home and jumbling :-) I especially love the lampshade you found and how you are rescuing the various forms of stitch work! My youngest daughter made a lovely cross-stitch lighthouse that she stretched on a red embroidery hoop as a gift for me. I have it hung where I can see it every day :-) It does not lie flat against the wall and I have pondered how to flatten it without wrecking it....I may try felt as Maggie suggested, but like you I have not worried about the back because I can't see it :-)
    Have a wonderful time in London!
    xx,
    Gracie

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  24. Hello Gracie, ooh I love your lovely comments, you're so kind ... your cross stitch lighthouse sounds delightful ... I was wondering whether to cut a piece of card and place behind the fabric, but will have to faff about a bit to see what looks right! If I was keeping it myself I wouldn't be bothered, but as I'm going to sell at fairs, the customers may want a better finish!

    Love Claire xx

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  25. You found some wonderful treasures Claire! Love what you did with the cloths and embroidery hoops. I agree, the charity shops here are starting to ask for ridiculous prices too, especially for things like doilies. And what I would give for a little space of my own instead of having bits and pieces in drawers and cupboards all over the house. Enjoy your lovely workroom and have a wonderful time in London!!! Mel x

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  26. Hello Mel, lovely of you to drop in! It's a shame when all your things are hidden away .. how did I give the impression that mine are confined to one room? ... just sort of introduce things one at a time, a little corner here and there, then before you know it, your home is vintage, but will have evolved so slowly and quietly no-one will notice!

    Will tell all about London next time ...
    Love Claire xx

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  27. Hi, Claire - really enjoying blogreading today, as I'm just beginning to feel better after being struck down by a really horrid sickness bug yesterday. So I'm loving reading about your finds. It's great the way you've framed the tea cloths - lovely. The bluebell blue doiley is rather sad really - still attached to paper - I found a beautiful embroidery a while ago that had a needle and thread stll in it, with only one small flower to finish. Have a wonderful time in London! Abby x

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    1. Oh Abby, hope you're feeling better soon ... Lots of nasty bugs going around lately!

      Isn't it sad when you find something unfinished ... Or very nearly finished? It makes you wonder what happened after all that work, for it just to be abandoned ...

      Get well soon

      Love Claire xx

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  28. Oh Claire what gorgeous finds. I love the embroidery hoops really pretty. I hate to tell you but I have lots of shuttle tatted dollies in my attic. Both my Grandma and Mum used to many lots of them. I put them away a while ago in a safe place, maybe I should get them out and enjoy them again. Glad to hear your well and truly settled into your workroom. The perfect place to keep all your lovely things. I hope the A levels and GCSEs went well. My son had a couple of A level exams this morning so I sent him off with lots of luck this morning :) Take care.
    Ali x

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  29. Ooh Ali, get your doilies out!

    Thans fir your lovely comments ... exam season well and truly underway, hope your boy got on ok!

    Enjoy your evening lovely lady

    Claire xx

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  30. oh boy i think i will faint with envy at that doily find...ive just tried to bid on 10 of them on ebay and they went for over £30!!! i wanna make some curtains out of them! i need to find me a jungle!lol xxxx so glad you had such a lovely day and your work room is feeling so welcoming xxx

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    1. Ooh doily curtains sound fab, Jane!

      Hope you're lucky and find some soon

      Claire xx

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  31. I am a sucker for doilies, what lovely colours, enjoy your trip to London. I'm hoping to pop to a car boot or two, so hoping to find some treasures xx

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    1. Hello Dawn, lovely to see you!

      Hope you find lots of treasure, and look forward to seeng it in your next post

      Love Claire xx

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  32. Sounds like a brilliant jumble sale raid, I love it when this happens (once in a blue moon). Your work room looks great, too. Enjoy your trip to London.

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  33. Gosh, you did strike lucky!

    Did I tell you my daughter is living in Ulverston now? I'll have to tell her to look out for vintage bargains!

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I love to hear what you think of my ramblings and value all your comments ... I will try and get back to you, but am sorry if I don't always manage this ... sometimes real life just gets in the way! Claire xxx