Nostalgia at The Stone House - My Creations

Romance is in the Air...

2012-02-02T09:05:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day isn't far away...
So I've been making hearts filled with dried lavendar.

For this one I used a vintage Liberty fabric, with a French toile feel.

I'm sold, thank you!

Niki x

Frame-up.

2012-01-25T11:32:00.001-08:00

After re-framing the vintage anemone print above (which was damaged so needed to be placed in a smaller frame), I was left with the original large black frame...

I thought I might try putting an antique baby dress inside it instead...

I covered the back board in a pretty vintage rose wallpaper and then sandwiched the dress between it and the glass.

A lovely item to display in a nursery.

A one minute make-over was to add a genuine Victorian paper scrap to the lid of this plain wooden stamp box.

One of my handmade bags took a little longer to create...

For this latest one I used a rosebud printed cotton, inside and out.

A vintage button completes it.

Niki x

Fabulous Florals II

2012-01-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

More handmade cushions with a springtime look...

This one I made from an old tapestry taken from a damaged fire screen.

I combined it with a painterly floral cotton for the reverse.

A cute shoulder bag with Sanderson's spring flower printed fabric...

and a sweet vintage hand embroidery as the main feature.

The reverse.

Finally, another cushion, where I recycled the central panel from a hand embroidered tablecloth...

With the Sanderson fabric again for the reverse.

Niki x

Fabulous Florals.

2012-01-13T11:31:00.001-08:00

The hand embroidery on this vintage linen is so beautiful - I wanted to use it where it would be seen, used and enjoyed...So I made a pair of cushions. The handmade crochet lace is pretty too, so I kept this as part of the design...front and back!

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I have used the last piece that I had of the French embroidered linen today too, on this patchwork cushion.

It has an envelope back with tie fastenings, made from a vintage floral cotton fabric (with new feather filled pad inside.)

Looking ahead to a fresher, spring-like home :)

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I also made-over another pair of vintage shoe stretchers - I used antique lace and soft pink velvet ribbon.

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Niki x

Waste Not, Want Not...

2012-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Been using up all my off-cuts of vintage fabrics from various projects to make scrappy bunting!

Also, a bit more constructive(!) a bag, where I used a section from a damaged vintage tablecloth. I bought several from a lady whose mother had bought many table linens from Singapore, when she lived there for a while...

This has cute appliquéd children blowing bubbles all along its border. I've lined the bag in C19th French linen.

Niki

Easy Does It...

2012-01-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Just easing myself back into work mode...

I've been making sweetly scented lavender filled hearts today, using mostly antique French fabrics.

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Last Handmade Items of 2011! (Probably! ;-))

2011-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

I've been using some beautifully hand embroidered natural vintage French linen to make my latest batch of goods for the shop...

There's three cushions...

And an assortment of bags...

A medium sized gathered hand bag with Deco button.
I sold today - Thank you!

A larger gathered bag, ideal as a knitting or craft bag.

Lined inside with C1940's floral linen.

And a smaller tote bag, with striking rose embroidery.

I sold today - Thank you!

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I shall be open as usual tomorrow, then I'm taking my Christmas break. I shall be closed from 24th December to 5th January inclusive.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

Lets hope its a good one for all!

Thank you to all who have stopped-by my blogs, on-line shop and physical shop over the year - I am grateful for the support and kindness each of you have shown.

Niki x

Key Elements

2011-12-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

I've made a new collection of key ornaments, ideal for the Christmas tree, for garlands, or for decorating cupboard doors etc at any time of the year.

I used vintage beads, glass chandelier crystals and lace wired in place to make the top sections.

Gold metal thread creates the hanging loop.

An old pair of scissors joins the line up!

Niki x

Lace Baubles

2011-12-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

There's been a few more festive additions at the shop...

I had this box of old glass baubles, which I felt could do with a makeover.

I glued lots of scraps of antique lace to them, with a loop for hanging.

Mica glitter and glass glitter resembling snow was sprinkled on the top to finish.

Niki x

Bottling Things Up...

2011-12-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

Not great weather today for taking photos...And I haven't had a lot of crafting time at the shop so far this week as its been busy with Christmas shoppers...NOT complaining, obviously!! :)

So I've stood at my counter and glued bits and bobs to tags and bottles during the quiet moments...

I have a lot of old bottles in the shop, as they are really good sellers, but some of the plainer ones have been around a while, so I upcycled with antique lace tags and stoppers made from sections of old maps, rolled up.

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This bottle had lace glued directly on to it.

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Also at the shop is this very large French picture frame that I painted yesterday.

A lovely display/statement piece, or a frame for a mirror.

Thanks for stopping-by,

Niki x

Play Time!

2011-12-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

In between some particularly lovely customers to my shop today, I've been playing with fabric and glue! These vintage toy wooden bricks that I found at a flea market were a little past their best...so I decided to cover them...

I used some of my rare antique French fabrics and created a whole selection of fabric bricks.

Lovely as 'bowl fillers'...

Or to use as little stands for some of your treasures on display.

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I've also been using up more of my antique lace fragments.

A variety of lace rosettes to wear on a lapel or in the hair.

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They have antique faux pearl stamens in the centre, and a crocodile style hair pin on the back.

I displayed them on a lampshade in the shop this afternoon.

My other latest handmade items can be seen on my main blog here.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Niki x

Thank you!

2011-12-05T11:34:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all who came to visit me on my stall at the V&H Christmas Fair on Saturday -

You are the best!

The handmade dolls that I took with me, can be seen on my other blog here.

Niki x

Festive Makes Continue...

2011-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

A Christmassy red bag, made from a floral vintage linen fabric...

And Deco button.

This little evening bag had a few age related marks on the front...

So I stitched some antique lace and beads to hide them.

Make do and mend!

A plaid stocking, made from vintage Welsh wool blanket...

And hand crochet lace.

I had to improvise in the shop today, after I sold the green painted drawers that I moved-in last Tuesday...I have more furniture items to delivery to the shop later this week, after I finish painting them! (My task for tomorrow!)

Niki x

I Believe in Father Christmas...

2011-11-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

I used colourful vintage fabrics combined with snow-white lace, (and a Deco button) to make a cute handbag for the festive season.

Niki x

Festive Fancies

2011-11-17T11:36:00.001-08:00

I've been card making...

I have some others to finish which are little woolly stockings...

I've been tying candles up with antique lace...

and a bit of sheet music...

And I've started making bags again after I sold several this morning...

This one is made from two antique French fabrics (lined inside with C19th French linen.)

Lots more items on the go at the moment too...I'll be back soon!

Niki x

Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair

2011-11-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

As well as keeping my shop stocked with lots of vintage and handmade treasures, I am also working on a new collection of handmade rag dolls to take with me to the Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair that takes place on Saturday December 3rd - More details on the V&H blog, or via my website.

I'll add some photos of them when they are all complete.

Niki x

Stocking Up!

2011-11-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've started making some Christmas stockings...

Vintage wool and antique lace for a simple but pretty look.

Niki x

Greetings!

2011-11-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

I've made a few handmade greetings cards today, using some of my photographs. I think the colours make them ideal for Christmas.

Niki x

Gift Boxes

2011-11-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

This rather bashed old wooden box was my latest makeover project.

I covered it in an antique French fabric...

And neatened the edges with two types of vintage braid.

The inside was lined with a small piece of wallpaper.

It would make a lovely gift box to hold some special Christmas treats for a loved-one.

Sold today - thank you!

I also tidied up the lid of this hinged box using a piece of Edwardian silk fabric.

It would be perfect for holding a bottle of wine to present as a special gift.

All is getting festive at my shop now, so I shall post some picture of it on my main blog later this week.

I added this little group of handmade rag dolls to my on-line shop today...They are all looking for new homes.

Thanks for stopping-by,

Niki x

Salvaged Scraps - Waste Not, Want Not.

2011-10-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Lovely old 'Kilner' jars filled with scrappy scraps of vintage fabrics...

Perfect for making scrappy patchwork hearts...

(All sold thank you :)

Mini hand bag made from a fabulous vintage Sanderson fabric.

Lavender filled hearts.

And scrappy antique lace tags to finish a gift perfectly.

Thank you to all who came to visit my stall at the Vintage Bazaar yesterday. I shall be back as soon as I can, with a brief summery of the day on my main blog.

Niki x

Heart of the Matter

2011-10-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

I've been making some last minute items for the Vintage Bazaar today - These will all be coming with me on Saturday. I'll show some of my larger pieces on my main blog tomorrow evening... before I pack the car!

These linen hearts are all stuffed firmly with lavender and are embellished with antique lace and buttons. I think they'd be lovely hanging from a Christmas tree amongst lengths of lace used instead of tinsel, and alongside pretty vintage glass baubles.

I made this little lavender sachet too.

Another lavender heart, this time with a tiny lace pocket.

(Sanderson chintz)

And finally these more festive hearts, which will decorate a twig tree on my stand.

Made from a rare French fabric and embellished with glass chandelier prisms. They have a loop of antique metal piping to hang them.

Hope to see you on Saturday if you can make it.

Niki x

Gift Ideas

2011-10-24T07:44:00.001-07:00

I've started working on more gift items for the shop with the approach of Christmas.

These brooch pillows are ideal for women of all ages, and are a one-of-a-kind treasure to keep forever.

A variety of styles and colours offer more choice to get the gift just right.

Niki x

Boudoir Beauties

2011-10-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

3 new brooch pillows completed this week.

Each with its own vintage costume brooch.

And a revamped hand mirror with a new back.

Niki x

Quick Plug for Upcoming Events...

2011-10-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

In between working on some of my shop's best sellers, such as these simple lavender filled hearts, I have been busily hand making lots of new items for the upcoming fairs that I shall be attending...

The main ones being the Vintage Bazaar, Frome - More details here...

And the Vintage and Handmade Christmas Fair. Details here.

I'll post photos of some of the items I shall be taking to the fairs, nearer to the time.

I'm also looking towards Halloween and making sure there is a good supply of black party dresses available at my shop, such as this beautiful black velvet traditional Laura Ashley dress.

Thanks for stopping-by,

Niki x

Cushy Numbers

2011-10-06T12:06:00.001-07:00

Its been another day of cushion making...

I've been making use of the lovely green floral furnishing fabric that I bought recently.

- This one is combined with some vintage hand embroidered linen.

Then there is a pair of floral ones to go with it.

All have envelope backs with tie fastenings.

Another cushion is a patchwork of vintage hand embroideries, which I was able to salvage from damaged tablecloths and tray cloths.

I used the corners of an old tablecloth to make the flower corners to the cushion cover.

It has C19th French linen for the reverse.

Niki x

Just Like Mummys

2011-10-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've been recycling more pieces of vintage hand embroidery to make some handbags for little girls...

Both feature crinoline ladies and are combined with antique French linen for durability.

Mummy's bag is larger and has a cross stitch floral design...

To use when out for morning tea! (Salvaged from an old damaged tray cloth!)

Niki x

40 Winks

2011-09-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Handmade bed linens for a c1930's toy bed. More details can be found on my main blog here.

The bed is the perfect size for my medium sized rag dolls to have a snooze in.

Like Dahlia, who sold recently.

Niki x

In Stitches

2011-09-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

A lot of the linens that I bought recently were either soiled or had holes in them, which sadly seems to make them unsaleable. I decided to salvage the good bits (particularly the lovely hand embroidery) and rework them into cushions.

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3 new cushions in the shop this week!

Niki x

Latest Handmade Items

2011-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Rare French fabric to make a handbag...

And a lavender filled heart.

Vintage Sanderson linen for a little bucket bag...

With Deco button.

And Victorian cotton for a lavender sachet.

Niki x

Black Beauty

2011-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

A pair of cushions made from a dramatic c1930's/40's Sanderson floral fabric (one of my favourites!) with ticking stripes for the reverse.

These are sold - Thank you!

Niki x

A New Life

2011-09-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

I've started to reuse the special hand embroidered bedspread that I discovered last month at a flea market. Sadly it was beyond saving for its original use, so I salvaged what I could of the beautiful hand embroidered border.

It was lovely to work with and was ideal for making some unique bags. Two have been squirrelled away for the Vintage Bazaar next month.

Niki x

Lusty for Lloyd!

2011-09-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

One little Lloyd Loom kidney shaped storage stool with frayed fabric top...

A quick make-over and its ready to come to the shop today.

The map drawers are a WIP...waiting on another vintage map for the top.

Have a great day,

Niki x

This item is now sold.

Bags & Brooches

2011-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

This weeks hand made items include another selection of mini brooch pillows, each made from vintage fabrics and trims, with a coordinating costume brooch.

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Lavender filled heart, made from antique French fabric.

And some of my mini hand bags - again made from vintage fabrics from my collection.

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Niki x

Antique Fragments

2011-08-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

I've been using more salvaged scraps of antique lace to embellish another collection of mini hanging brooch pillows.

Each one comes with its own vintage costume brooch.

All stuffed firmly for a quality finish.

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A lavender filled sachet with random lengths of antique lace creating a frill around the edge.

Niki x

Off the Peg

2011-08-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

I'd been asked by several customers to my shop if I sold handmade peg bags. It was something I always used to make in my old shop, but for some reason I hadn't got around to making any for my newer one...

Until now.

Simple peg bags to make wash day a bit more fun!

I've also been using my vintage floral fabrics to make a cushion this week...

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And more lavender filled hearts.

This evening I finished making-over this tall bedside cabinet.

I used a vintage wallpaper to cover the drawer front and cupboard door.

It will arrive at the shop tomorrow.

Niki x

Broaching the Subject!

2011-08-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've been using vintage costume brooches again to decorate some pieces for the shop...

As well as the popular antique bottles, I have also made a new collection of brooch pillows.

Some are hanging ones, and all are made using fragments of antique lace and C19th French linen.

Niki x

Pram is sold - Thank you!

More Map Drawers

2011-07-29T05:46:00.001-07:00

I had this set of rather plain painted wooden drawers.

I thought I'd use some old maps again to give them a bit of a facelift.

I applied one to the top...

I then divided up another to fit onto the drawer fronts.

Reapplied the handles...

and the job was done.

It arrived at the shop yesterday.

Update: Now Sold - Thank You!

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I also made a handbag from the vintage Sanderson linen that I bought at the flea market recently.

A small bucket style bag...

and another cushion with vintage hand embroidery.

My shop will be closed for a week now - Re-opening on August 9th. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Have a great week,

Niki x

Continued From Yesterday...

2011-07-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

This style of cushion is my best seller, so I've just completed another three to take to the shop tomorrow...

Vintage hand embroidery for the centre, with kitsch duck printed fabric for the sides, and a pretty floral linen top and bottom. The reverse is C19th French linen - envelope back with tie fastenings.

Another with hand cross-stitched embroidery and a delightful vintage Sanderson surrounding it. All feather filled.

Fresh and summery!

Niki x

Sweet Salvage

2011-07-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

I salvaged the good sections of pretty hand embroidery from a damaged vintage tablecloth. These were incorporated into two patchwork cushions today. Both are backed in C19th French linen and have new feather filled pads.

One blue...

And one pink.

Niki x

French Fancy

2011-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

I had just enough of this wonderful French quilted vintage fabric to make one special cushion.

The reverse is C19th French linen - crisp and white. (Inside, a new soft and squishy feather filled pad.)

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Latest at No.1

2011-07-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Vintage eiderdown cotton was used to make this sweet summery handbag. These bags range in price from £9.50 for the tiny size, up to £24.00 for the larger, or those using a particularly rare antique fabric.

Each is unique and has a carefully chose vintage button to fasten.

Lavender filled hearts - always popular.

This bag was made from a lovely French fabric and is lined inside with the same.

C1930's glass button.

I'm sold - thank you!

Other projects have included some re-upholstery...For more details, please visit my main blog.

Niki x

Pretty Paisley

2011-07-06T10:16:00.001-07:00

A dainty small-scale bag made from a charming vintage 'eiderdown' cotton.

A rose/paisley bag and a selection of fragrant lavender filled hearts.

Niki x

Mixed Bag

2011-07-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

I painted this cute little set of drawers this week, using a pure white paint.

I pasted vintage wallpaper onto the drawer fronts for a pretty feminine look.

I love the way it looks like hand painted flower garlands.

In the shop this week.

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I've also made use of this old willow basket.

I made a frilled loose lining from one of my favourite vintage Sanderson nursery prints.

Ideal for storing toys or baby paraphernalia in a baby's room.

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A two tone tote bag made from c1930's fabrics.

Fastens with a vintage wooden button.

And a rare French fabric (with C19th French linen lining) was used to make this eye-catching little hand bag.

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Hot Off the Sewing Machine...

2011-06-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Whilst many of the residents of Shepton Mallet are busy at the Glastonbury Festival, either partying(!) or as volunteers, marshalling etc...I've been busy sewing more stock for the shop during the quieter moments...

There's now a new collection of brooch pillows...all made from pretty antique/vintage fabrics and complete with a vintage costume brooch each.

Ideal to display on a country style dressing table.

(I'm sold - thank you!)

I made a couple of smaller pillows, just because I thought they'd be cute...

Ideal to pop in the post as a gift to a friend.

Others have similar feminine appeal, but are of my more usual size...

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I've made lots of other pieces too...

This dramatic cushion was made from a c1930's hand embroidered panel...and a wild Deco rose print fabric.

A true one-of-a-kind.

This pair, in a more subtle colour scheme were made from sections of stunning hand embroidery...

Which I backed in a pale blue fabric to show through the cutwork design.

I've made a few more bags too...Including a shoulder bag made from a vintage Sanderson linen with abalone shell button...

and a teeny-mini bag made from a faded floral antique fabric.

Lots achieved so far this week and still two more days at the shop... :)

Niki x

Summertime

2011-06-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Cute summery bag made from vintage Sanderson chintz.

Cotton lace and vintage button.

Three gift sets - Somerset lavender scented guest soaps on a vintage china saucer.

Wrapped in c1950's wallpaper and finished with a tiny flower.

I've also been working on a special collection of brooch pillows, which I shall show on a future post.

Niki x

Pictorial Fabrics to Ring the Changes

2011-06-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely piece of vintage Sanderson fabric that I framed...a perfect gift for Father's Day next Sunday!

Another pictorial fabric, this time with a French feel (another Sanderson print), was made into a practical shoulder bag.

I added a large button and loop for ease of fastening.

(I've made a cushion from this fabric too.)

Another gorgeous old linen fabric was used to make this large tote bag.

A Deco button finishes it off.

Finally, I can't go long without making another of my popular gathered style handbags! This one is made from a glazed chintz and features pretty foxglove flowers.

Niki x

A Cosy Corner

2011-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to frame a large section of this wonderful vintage Sanderson cotton, but the wooden frame didn't go very well with the fabric...

So I covered the frame with the same fabric! With the large scale design seen in full behind the glass, it will make a very colourful statement for a room.

I've also been using Sanderson fabrics to make some more cushions (all with C19th French linen on the reverse.)

Piled on this old Parker Knoll wing back chair that I bought yesterday, they make a lovely cosy corner. (Chair has a removable floral slip cover.)

(Fri 9th) - Chair sold today - thank you!

Niki x

June in the Shop

2011-06-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few summery hand bags in the shop just recently. This one is made from a gorgeous c1910 French fabric.

Then this colourful chintz; a vintage Sanderson fabric, creates a young and fun look!

Glass button.

I've also made a few more greetings cards - These have handmade lace brooches pinned to them - A gift and card in one!

Niki x

Made from antique lace and mother-of-pearl button (with safety brooch bar on the back.)

In the Shop This Week...

2011-05-28T11:10:00.001-07:00

I've been recycling vintage hand embroidery pieces to make more bags and cushions...

Have a great weekend,

Niki x

'Talent For Textiles'

2011-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Below are a few of the new handmade bags that came with me to the 'Talent for Textiles' Fair, Abbey Barn, Glastonbury. All are made from rare antique French fabrics and trims.

Some of the other items that I took with me can be seen here.

Thanks to all who came to the fair, made a purchase or stopped-by for a chat.

Niki x

Beds and Bags

2011-05-13T12:49:00.001-07:00

Child sized hand bag made from a pretty floral cotton and a vintage plastic button.

Another diddy bag...

With glass button.

And a completed project today - An original Tri-ang toy cot has been given some vintage bed linens.

A 'comfy quilt' with gingham binding.

Pink sheet made from a hand embroidered huckerback towel.

Ticking pillow, with gingham pillowcase.

And a Beatrix Potter themed mattress.

Have a comfy, cosy weekend,

Niki x

30's French Floral

2011-05-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

c1930's lightweight French cotton fabric, fashioned into a gathered handbag.

Vintage button and loop.

Matching mini-bag, lined inside with the spriggy fabric shown in the background.

Fastens with a glass button and loop.

Niki x

French Flavour

2011-05-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

I've been using some of my precious antique French fabrics this week.

I'm working on a collection of handbags...

And lavender filled hearts.

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Freya Amongst the Fairy Folk

2011-04-29T04:38:00.001-07:00

I bought this old fashioned shop display stand the last time I was down in Devon, from Ros at The Snug, Ashburton. I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for, but I liked the simplicity of it...

With a flash of inspiration this morning, I thought it would make an ideal stand for the fairy folk that will be coming with me to the Vintage Bazaar, Frome tomorrow.

I love how it looks like they are flying in mid air :)

I've just managed to finish this little rag doll in time for the fair too. She's called Freya.

Her dress is made from a vintage 'eiderdown' cotton, which I've trimmed with broderie anglaise at the hem. A tiny ladybird charm sits at her neck.

She has antique French ticking bloomers.

Hope to see you at the bazaar tomorrow.

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend,

Niki x

As Soft as Eider Fluff!

2011-04-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the soft chintzy cotton fabrics used to produce the covers to vintage eiderdowns - Years ago, before the 'craze' for these lovely old quilts really took off, I was able to buy many at fairly reasonable prices. If some were a little past their best, which couldn't be remedied by a cycle in the washing machine, I would carefully unpick the stitching along each channel, until I was left with two usable rectangles of pretty fabric.

Years later, I still have quite an array of these fabric panels left from that time. I've always used them sparingly, as the designs of many of my favourite floral ones were printed with spriggy motifs, which would lend themselves to be included in patchwork pieces and smaller works, making them look all the more precious and special.

Today I selected one of these fabrics for my latest handmade item...

As I was adding the finishing touch to it, of a c1930's wooden button, a visitor to my shop wanted a closer look at what I was doing. She thought for a moment and then asked, 'Where have I seen this sort of fabric before?' I explained that it originally had been the cover to an eiderdown. Her face lit up as she remembered her own childhood eidy and tried to recall the floral design that it featured. Its always lovely to share stories with the visitors to my shop and to jog a memory of something that they may not have thought of for many years.

How lovely that something as simple as the touch of a soft cotton fabric can trigger this.

As I have only finished making one item today (I have also been working on three fairy dolls to take to the Vintage Bazaar on Saturday), I shall leave you with some very old photos of a few of the items that I made when I ran my first shop in 2003.

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Niki x

Today's Handmade Bags...

2011-04-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd revisit an 'old friend' and have a go at making a style of bag that I used to create when I had my first shop, some 8 or 9 years ago now...

A puff-patchwork design, which I have created from a lovely vintage eiderdown cotton fabric. It fastens with a wooden button.

I then made a matching gathered bag...

Another gathered bag, which I made from a vintage Sanderson chintz.

Fastens with a milk glass Deco button.

Niki x

Bags of Promise

2011-04-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

A gorgeous antique French fabric was used to make this variation on my gathered hand bag. I stitched two deep pleats instead of gathers to alter the look.

I lined the inside with a eiderdown paisley fabric.

This small-scale bag, made from a vintage chintz, would be ideal for holding a few Easter eggs as a gift for someone special.

Fastens with a vintage button and fabric loop.

Another hand bag, this time made from an early 1950's fabric.

Detail.

And to finish, using the same rare fabric as the first bag I showed, is this little treasure, ideal for carrying keys and a coin purse.

Wishing all who visit my blog, a very Happy Easter!

Niki x

Colourful Cushions II

2011-04-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

More cushions added to the collection at the shop...

Barkcloth and French linen.

A pair with vintage hand embroidery...

And another Barkcloth cushion in a cheerful floral design rounds them off...

Niki x

Teeny-Weeny

2011-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today I've been making a few itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny hand bags - Just for fun!

Two were made using a pretty springlike vintage floral Barkcloth...One, a bucket bottom bag...

And the other a titchy version of the gathered handbag.

Shown with my shop's postcard for comparison.

Slightly more sophisticated is this hand bag made from a rare French antique fabric.

It fastens with a vintage wooden button and fabric loop.

Have a great weekend,

Niki x

Busy Week

2011-04-08T14:14:00.001-07:00

This week I've been working on new items to take with me to the 2nd Annual Vintage Textile and Costume Day at Dairy House, Semley, Nr. Shaftesbury. More details can be found on my other blog here.

I have added a few new handmade items to the shop as well, though.

This gathered handbag is made from a rare French floral fabric (lined inside in same). It fastens with a fabric loop and vintage button.

I've also made this patchwork tote bag from the last remaining panel of hand embroidered anemones that I had. (I have made three cushions which are similar in style and can be seen on my previous post.)

Have a great weekend,

Niki x

Colourful Cushions

2011-04-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

With all the lovely sunshine we've been having lately, I've been thinking ahead to summer and relaxing in the garden. This pair of bright floral cushions would be ideal to take outside and relax with in an old wooden deckchair.

The central panel is vintage hand embroidered linen.

The reverse features vivid summer wild flowers found in an old fashioned meadow.

I've also made a selection of greetings cards - Each one features an original Victorian carte de visite photograph.

Another collection has some old photo postcards, which I attach using photo corners, so that the pictures can be removed and kept by the recipient.

Niki x

Today's Sewing Projects.

2011-03-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Patchwork cushion, made from Sanderson florals...

And cotton ticking with fabric loop and vintage button fastening.

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I have several of these little Chinese embroideries worked on silk...

And have started making some of them into lavender filled sachets, with silk velvet for the reverse.

Handmade handbag, made from c1920's floral and a rose/paisley lining.

Cute vintage button.

Brooch pillow with 'comfy quilt' patches and a rare lightweight floral cotton, with a bird brooch to complete.

Niki x

Added to the Shop...

2011-03-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

A gathered vintage fabric handbag, which fastens with a mother-of-pearl button.

It is lined throughout in the same pretty fabric. (I have made a pair of cushions from this fabric too, as I love this look for spring.)

In the background you may be able to see some greetings cards that I have also been working on...Made from cream card and original antique photographs. They would be ideal for Mothering Sunday, Birthdays or other special messages.

Thanks for stopping-by,

Niki x

Bags and Boxes

2011-03-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

Details of my hat box make-over can be seen on my main blog.

I've made another selection of cards, using antique lace and some fashion images from a poster that I bought at the Jane Austen museum.

Primrose pincushion.

Handbag, made from c1950's Barkcloth.

A tote bag made from a distinctive vintage fabric.

With matching hand bag.

I lined this with a pretty rose/paisley fabric.

I've also started making dolls and antique looking bags, which I have been squirreling away, so that I have enough stock to take to the fairs I shall be attending over the next couple of months. Details of these fairs can also be seen on my main blog.

Have a great week,

Niki x

Pillow Talk

2011-03-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

I've been recycling scraps of hand embroidery to make pincushions - I've made a pretty yellow primrose one too.

There are also some new cushions at the shop...

Dramatic floral barkcloth...

with C19th French linen reverse.

And an unused floral Sanderson fabric fresh from an eight yard bolt that I was very excited to find!

Smooth as satin and beautifully summery.

Again, French linen for the reverse.

Niki x

More March Makes...

2011-03-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

A pair of cushions made from a gorgeous Sanderson chintz - Perfect for spring!

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I recently purchased a large collection of antique baby gowns. Amongst them was this sweet top section of one, minus its skirt.

I love the details on these old pieces - each one is usually hand stitched and unique. I decided to add a skirt to it, to make it wearable as a little summer dress for a wee-one!

I had this vintage nightdress fabric, with a ditsy print.

So I simply gathered a generous length along the bottom of the bodice piece.

I think it makes a nice change from the all-white gowns that can be found and hopefully it will be worn again if someone takes a shine to it.

Niki x

March Makes

2011-03-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

Handbag, made with vintage hand embroidery and 50's floral fabric.

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Cushions, using the last of my fab Sanderson floral chintz.

Perfect for spring.

The reverse is C19th French ticking.

Floral linen cushion

with bouquet design.

Backed in C19th French linen with hand embroidered monograms.

Niki x

A Cushy Number!

2011-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dramatic cushion made from a vintage Sanderson furnishing fabric...

And ticking.

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A nursery cushion...

With 'rag book' central panel...

And a ditsy floral for the reverse.

Niki x

Birdy Love

2011-02-26T09:55:00.001-08:00

A sweet vintage hand embroidery is the centre panel to this little tote bag.

I've used vintage florals to surround it...

And it is lined inside with a dramatic Sanderson fabric.

Here is the completed cupboard that I mentioned on my other blog here.

It has a distressed paint finish, which has been waxed for protection.

The little child's chair arrived at the shop today too.

Niki x

Latest Handbags

2011-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Floral handbag made from hard wearing vintage fabrics.

French fabrics create an alternative look to this handbag.

Vintage fringing and a Deco button complete it.

Niki x

Handy!

2011-02-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

I made a more mini version of my gathered handbag design yesterday.

I used a cheerful vintage French fabric printed with flowers. I used a Deco button to close the bag.

Lined inside with a feminine 'eiderdown' cotton.

Niki x

Daffy For Daffs!

2011-02-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I found another one of these lovely vintage hand embroideries - Perfect for a springtime cushion.

I've backed it in a c1940's ditsy floral fabric.

Recycled vintage hand embroideries continue in two new brooch pillows added to the shop's shelves on Saturday.

Niki x

Brushing Up

2011-02-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

I recently bought this vintage hand mirror/brush set, but being honest, I wasn't keen on the 50's fabric backs of them.

I did however like the handles, so felt these were something I could work with.

I re-covered the backs in C19th French toile de jouy fabric, carefully gluing and trimming to fit.

I then finished the edges in an antique French suiting braid, which is ideal for flexing around curves.

I've also been making little needle cases, ready for gift ideas for Mothering Sunday next month.

I've used vintage linens and lace, with glass buttons.

Niki x

Latest Creations for This Week

2011-02-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

I've used a section of vintage hand embroidery to create this patchwork cushion - combined with some pretty floral fabrics.

The reverse has fabric tie fasteners.

The small sections of embroidery left over from making the cushion, were ideal for making cute little pincushions...with just a touch of lavender inside to fragrance the sewing basket.

Some of my other latest makes can be seen in more detail on my main blog.
Niki x

A Romantic Month

2011-02-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

I've made some new greetings cards for the shop this week...

I used some antique lace and images of fashion conscious ladies of Jane Austin's era...
'Oh, Mr. Darcy!'

There is another collection where I have used panels of a vintage Liberty printed cotton.

Each card is a one-off...

And would be ideal for Valentine's Day, a Birthday, or for a 'Thank You' message.

Winter flowering honeysuckle competes in the fragrance stakes with lavender filled hearts.

This one is made from a very old French fabric...

And this one is a Sanderson chintz.

I've added another brooch pillow to the shelves...

And some more bags...

This one is made from a rare C19th French quilt piece.

It is lined inside with another antique French fabric.

There's a matching hand bag too!

Niki x

Watch the Birdie!

2011-02-09T01:55:00.000-08:00

One-of-a-kind bag, with vintage hand embroidered panel.

Springtime blue birds with apple blossoms.

The reverse - Vintage Sanderson floral cotton.

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Budgerigar cushion!

c1930's hand embroidered budgie, surrounded by vintage floral fabrics.

The reverse.

Cushion made from beautiful antique embroidery with cutwork.

Backed in pale blue wool.

Reverse is pale blue wool too!

With original label.

Faux pearl necklace, trimmed with antique lace and fabric scraps.

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Handbag, made from vintage Sanderson fabric.

Traditional country house style.

Niki x

Cushion Fest!

2011-01-31T02:16:00.001-08:00

I've been busy making 7 new cushions for the shop. Lots of fab 50's florals, combined with pure white C19th French linen.

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Niki x

Embroidered Bag #2

2011-01-28T11:47:00.001-08:00

A vintage hand embroidered antimacassar, becomes a cheerful bag.

Combined with c1940's Sanderson linen to further endorse the vintage vibe!

And an old costume brooch for pizazz!

Done!

Niki x

Shoulder Bag

2011-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Patchwork shoulder bag, displayed with funky 70's dress.

Embroidered front panel.

Wooden button fastening.

Niki x

The First of my Makes this Week...

2011-01-25T09:50:00.001-08:00

Feather filled cushion...
Made from vintage Sanderson chintz.

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Shoulder bag with vintage hand embroidered front...

and costume brooch.

Niki x

Going Green...

2011-01-21T12:18:00.001-08:00

Recycled vintage fabrics make a simple patchwork cushion.

Gorgeous floral linen centre panel

and a tie fastening for the back opening.

Sold today - Thank you!

Niki x

French Chic

2011-01-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

Handmade handbag - Rare C19th French fabric of a beautiful blue.
Antique French lace trim and abalone button.

Niki x

Spring Bag

2011-01-17T11:18:00.001-08:00

To go with the spring cushions that I showed on my other blog, I have also made this handmade patchwork bag.

It has a hand embroidered panel, which is surrounded by vintage fabrics.

I've also added a c1950's costume brooch as an extra detail.

Niki x

Jan 2011

2011-01-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

The weather was a bit gloomy today, but I still grabbed my camera and took a few quick shots of the items that I've been working on today, before I left the shop this evening to drive home...

Vintage Sanderson fabric strikes again - Made into a little handbag.

A flavour of the fifties...

A lavender filled heart...

And a shoulder bag. This is such a great fabric, but I've almost used it all up now...I think I have just enough to make one more bag.

This one has a wooden button fastening and a fab 50's brooch. It is lined inside with the check fabric that I made the heart (above) from.

I then used some of my rarer C19th French fabric to create this pair of scented hearts.

I've also started on some springtime cushions, but will show those next time, once they are complete.

Thanks for stopping by...

Niki x

Lampshade

2011-01-07T10:56:00.001-08:00

I've had this unusual, shaped lampshade frame for a while now, which I finally got around to re-covering today.

I used a pretty vintage rose/paisley cotton fabric, and finished it with a wooden button.

I did a quick test on a lampbase once it was complete, just to see how it looked, before adding it to the shelves in my shop.

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I also made two more lavender filled hearts, as the other two that I made yesterday, sold today.

Niki x

Hearts and Handbag

2011-01-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

My latest handmade items include a new handbag of a c1930's style...

Made from hard wearing vintage linen...

Lined inside with a c1940's Sanderson fabric.

With a huge button to fasten!

The fabric that I had left over became lavender filled hearts, with fabric hanging loops.

Niki x

Two New Dolls, Sitting in my Shop.

2011-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Cicely.............&............Rose

Both dressed in antique/vintage fabrics and trims.

Niki x

Nursery Cushions

2011-01-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

A pretty pair of vintage nursery cushions...

made from an old Sanderson fairy tale/nursery rhyme print cotton fabric.

Niki x

December in the Shop

2010-12-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

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Niki x

Just flown in...

2010-12-08T01:59:00.000-08:00

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Niki x

Antique Fabric Brooch Pillows

2010-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

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Niki x

Three Little (Handmade) Maids!

2010-12-01T01:26:00.000-08:00

Niki x

Lovely Larissa

2010-11-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

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Niki x

Beautiful Barkcloths...

2010-11-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

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Niki x

Hanging Around...

2010-11-11T11:46:00.001-08:00

Vintage Sanderson cotton fabric, seam binding ribbons, and sparkly costume brooches.

Niki x

November 2010

2010-11-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

Sanderson recycled!

Niki x

Vintage Bazaar, Frome.

2010-10-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

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Some of my latest handmade creations can be seen on my other blog here.
Thanks for stopping by - Have a great weekend,
Niki x

Chair Slip Cover

2010-10-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

One of my latest creations can be seen over on my other blog here.
Niki x

Waste Not, Want Not

2010-10-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Following on from my previous post, I have now put the rest of the hand embroidered table cloth to use...
Making not one...

But two pretty cushions.

One sold on Saturday - thank you!

I used a lovely vintage floral for the reverse...

Complete with ties to fasten the opening.

Niki x

Tote(ally) Delicious!

2010-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hand embroidered vintage linen, recycled into a pretty tote bag for early autumn use. Lined inside with a glorious and hard wearing floral linen curtain weight fabric.

A porcelain brooch completes it.
Niki x