Thank you Aunty Hazel!

On a recent visit down south, my sister handed me a Tim Tam box. Kids were deflated when they found out it wasn't full of chocolate, but it was Christmas for me!

Thank you, thank you Natalie and Miles' Aunty Hazel . Just look at the vintage goodness I was given:

 All acrylics except the green floral above. The ones below are more evening fabrics and will make great linings and clutches.

 And the buttons were a delight!

Better than an op shop find because it was so unexpected! Am looking forward to seeing them made up.

Vintage barkcloth salvaged for modern living

One of my favourite fabrics - vintage barkcloth rescued from an op shop - all torn up ready for rags. This Kokeshi bag has been reinforced with firm interfacing and lined with a repurposed calico curtain.

I love these vintage buttons as well. Probably older than the fabric itself! You can see the texture of the barkcloth from the cloe up photo below. How could someone dreamed of using it for cleaning!

I already own a Marbella (hobo style) bag made from this fabric, but I am glad I still have a few salvaged pieces left - it makes such a vibrant tote.

My latest vintage buttons (and bows)

There is something about buttons. Old ones. Odd ones.

Perhaps it is those distinctive colours.

Or detail?

Is it the rewards in finding them?

My favourites of these finds.

A shame there were only a pair of these.

These photos today were thrifted from at least 5 op shops.

I would love to be able to place a date on each set.

Aren't they lovely? I guess they are not eveyone's cup of tea but I still love looking through my Grandma's (Bessie) buttons (as do my children- not just looking: sorting by colour or size, or playing). I remember the diamante ones I used for a felt frog pincushion - one of my first handsewn projects. And the tiny fragile button- not half a centimetre wide - now lost! After my last visit to Paddington and seeing the gorgeous bakelite beauties proudly displayed, I knew I was not the only besotted one.

Vintage fabric haul

It didn't last long. The thought that I should stop my thrifting for fabric!
I was very happy last week bringing these home....

The op shops were good to me last week. I loved this bright floral- made up into an apron. My vintage apron collection is growing!

A small tablecloth...

Especially chuffed with the bold floral fabric above- I know it will make up beautifully into a large bag. Then I found some more modern patterns..

Lastly, some big buttons. Small buttons are in all the op shops- they are easy to find. It is particularly rewarding to find buttons large enough to suit our handles or designs. My shopping should be satisfied for a while, school holidays will keep me too busy to thrift.  I did spend a few joyous hours sewing gifts last week. Perhaps we'll put a few more items together to add to the store.

Anzac treasures- and a tote for Mothers

First published April 26, 2010
With emotion I watched the Parade and ceremony this year - proud to see my  4 marching, and knowing that our Diggers wanted them there. A beautiful spot to commemorate Anzac Day- overlooking the Pacific.

The extra day helped me complete 5 bags this weekend. Here is a preview before I load them on the sites. Firstly, two gorgeous vintage fabric bags made into dainty and detailed shabby chics- pictured with our Magic. The tricolour is from Marchioness fabric - I would love to know more about it. The mint slice is acrylic floral with a recycled stripe lining.

Then two new princess bags -

both  are from contemporary fabrics with recycled buttons. The navy grograin ribbon handles really suit the gingham and the very last of my orange and white striped ribbon was made for the handles of Mademoiselle Butterfly. Both have sweet contrasting pockets (I have included more detailed images for their listings).

Lastly - my first Mother's Day custom made bag.

I was really pleased with the outcome of the lotus ruched tote. I love the peekaboo navy ticking lining - and as a first have included a bottle holder - so the water doesn't topple over in the bag. Tomorrow I will pop it in the mail - hoping the recipient enjoys looking at it as much as I!