I Love Vintage

One of my other loves is vintage - fabrics, patterns, linens, brooches, books and anything a bit quirky!

I have a massive collection of old linens, lace and doilies, sewing patterns, knitting patterns and yarns stashed up in the loft, and I really, really, need to clear them out and either do something with them or let them go!

I do have some items listed in my Etsy Vintage shop (see link on the right), but there is so much more, it's scary!

My huge collection of vintage brooches is being steadily sold off - some are very hard to part with, as they're so gorgeous - but a girl can only wear so many sparkly brooches, so I'll keep a small collection and reluctantly part with the rest. Here are a few examples currently for sale:

Aren't they stunning? They really brighten up an outfit, especially during the duller months. Great on a jacket or coat, to fasten a shawl or scarf, or to add interest to a hat or bag. Perfect for weddings too, to add a bit of bling to a simple outfit.

The brooches won't clear much space, but it's a start. Tackling the mountain of linens etc is a much bigger challenge. I've used some smaller pieces on my lacy book covers, and made a few cushion covers, but I really need some bigger projects to use them on. I'm thinking patchwork quilts maybe....or long table runners for vintage-style weddings...or more cushions...

Wedding Bags Unveiled!

As promised here is a photo of my first two wedding bag designs - one is an elegant ivory silk and lace bridal bag, the other is a pretty little satin and lace dolly bag, perfect for brides or bridesmaids. Both are now available from my CiesseTextiles shop on Folksy and also as custom orders if you'd like them in different colours or fabrics.

I'd love to hear what you think of them.

New Textile Journal Covers

Towards the end of last year I made a few textile journal/notebook covers, the same size as my photo notebook covers, but using various textile pieces such as felt and vintage linen, all embellished with buttons, beads and other beautiful bits. I sold one at a craft fair a few days later and the remaining two soon afterwards on Folksy - both to the same customer! As they were so popular, I decided to make a few more. I now have six of these little beauties in my shops (on Etsy or Folksy), all very different, each one unique and perfect to give as a keepsake gift - perhaps for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. They'd also make great gifts for a bride-to-be (use it as a wedding planner), a bridesmaid, or for a special friend. You could even treat yourself to one! The cover can be re-used on another journal, a diary or address book - it fits a standard A6 book - so it can be kept forever.

Here they all are, on sale now at just £25 - remember, there's only one of each design available, so don't delay!

Up to my eyes in vintage linen & lace

I've dragged it all down from the loft and have sorted it into separate boxes...traditional white/ecru embroidery, colourful embroidery, crochet lace and other laces. Then there are the damaged pieces, which are beyond salvation but perfect for projects - sad to see them torn and stained, but at least parts of them will be admired again.

What prompted this massive vintage sort-out? Well, it was a request for specific types of embroidery and lace, and I had to admit I had no idea what I had up there in the loft. It wasn't until I started going through it again that I realised just how much there was. So in between painting, felting, stitching and making - not to mention the photography and a bit of selling! - I will be working my way systematically through it all, taking photos and recording each piece before it goes into my Etsy shop to (hopefully) find a new home. That will keep me busy during the long, dark winter months ahead!

If you see something here you'd like to buy, contact me directly as it could take a while to get them all listed on Etsy.

part of a set of 13 matching cutwork pieces

delicate lace doily

one of a pair of rectangular lace mats

a beautiful lace table cloth

part of a large set of matching butterfly doilies

one of a pair of beautifully worked lace doilies

five tiny little embroidered mats

Vintage September Sale on Etsy

I'm offering 20% off all items purchased from my Etsy shop during September. Use Coupon Code SEPT20 to take advantage of this offer and grab a bargain! Vintage linens, patterns, bags and more!

www.cstextiles.etsy.com

Totally Unique Bags

I've been tied to my sewing table for the past couple of days, in a frenzy of sewing and stitching. The results so far are a new handbag and matching phone case - both listed yesterday on Folksy - and another handbag, which is still work-in-progress but which should be making an appearance here soon.
I don't think I'll ever make my fortune as a bag-maker, as it takes me so long to design & make them - I'm a bit of a perfectionist! - but at least I know they're well-made and I'm happy to put my name to each and every one. It's impossible to compete against mass-produced imports on price, so it has to be on quality, exclusivity and service. I can guarantee that all my bags are totally unique and you won't see another one anywhere...! So, if you see something you like, catch it while you can...once it's gone, it's gone!

'Milano' classic handbag on Folksy

The Last Days of December

Well, that was Christmas...very enjoyable, very relaxing and lovely to spend time with family and friends.
Now it's back to preparing for the New Year and planning for 2012. I have some felt-making workshops to promote and run, some work to do on my online shops and blog, a new Facebook page to set up, lots of making to do and events to prepare for. I don't think I'll be bored in January!
I received some great craft books for Christmas - so no shortage of inspiration - and am now thinking about Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and the wedding season - I think it's time to put that beautiful vintage lace to good use. I'm also planning some colourful cushions to brighten up homes in the winter months and bring a touch of Spring and Summer to my Folksy shop. Don't forget to keep visiting to catch all the new goodies that I'll be adding to it over the next few weeks.