Etsy Customers are the Best!

I think one of my favourite things about selling items on Etsy is hearing back from happy customers, and it's even better to see pictures of items in their new homes. I was really excited when one of my customers, Jen, sent me a picture of her lovely pyrex collection including a lemon daisy print space saver from Minnie Vintage...

Doesn't it look cute? I can't resist pastel colours so these are perfection! I also love the idea of using pyrex mixing bowls as planters and will definitely be stealing this idea for my home. Jen also has an Etsy shop of her own called Thrifting Treasures which is full of lovely pyrex and other vintage collectibles, definitely worth checking out! 

Chevron Quilt Top

Today I finally finished my chevron quilt top. It has to be completed in time for my best friends birthday in July, so I really need to hurry up and start quilting. I think I am going to use Moda extra wide dottie quilt backing in either aqua or red. I just hope that she likes it! 

I also went to a few car boot sales this weekend and picked up some new to me items. My favourite has to be this bundle of fabric scraps from the 1950s to the 1970s. My personal favourite has to be the pink fabric with the turquoise houses or the painted dancers. The whole bundle cost me £2 which I think is a bit of a bargain. I just need to decide what I want to do with them. 

I also picked up this large JAJ pyrex casserole dish. I have never seen this particular pattern before and I can't seem to find much information about it online, do you know what it's called? 

And finally, my wonderful sister bought this stunning 1970s maxi dress for my Etsy shop. It is beautifully made and the colours are amazing, I tried it on in the hope that I might be able to keep it for myself but unfortunately it doesn't fit me. It will be listed just as soon as I find my missing tape measure!

Thirfty Finds

It has been quite a successful weekend of second hand shopping for me. On Saturday I went to a jumble sale in Hathersage. I don't think that I was quite prepared for how busy it was going to be, perhaps the size of the queue 45 minutes before opening should have given me a clue. When the doors finally opened it was absolute carnage, there were grannies climbing over each other to get to the piles of clothing. I could understand why though as absolutely everything was 30p, and at that price people were grabbing armfuls of clothing. I did manage to get a few things including a sparkly top, evening gown, belt and pillow cases. Here is a sneaky picture my boyfriend took...

This wasn't even at fully capacity! I would have liked to stay longer but my boyfriend had backed in to a corner and taken a defensive stance so I took the hint that it was probably time to go home. Next time I will be better mentally prepared for a scrummage. Today I went to a car boot sale at Bakewell which was also quite successful, you can see some of my goodies below.

1. Aqua pleated midi skirt

2. 1970s pleated midi skirt

3. 1960s full length evening gown

4. Set of 5 vintage pillow cases

5. Vintage silk look top

6. Vintage 1980s strapless dress

7. Pyrex carafe with gold starburst pattern

8. Vintage leather handbag

9. Vintage leather belt with brass 'B' buckle

10. Brass geometric cuff

11. Vintage 1960s rhinestone necklace

12. Vintage 1970s pussybow dress 

And I have been saving my best find until last, how absolutely fabulous is this original 1920s beaded dress? It has some holes in it and some of the beading has come away in parts but it really is stunning. 

Pyrex & Chrome

I found these pyrex bowls in my local charity shop. I love the fact that they are in a stand which makes perfect for serving snacks at parties. When I bought them, the chrome stand was in a bit of state. It was covered in rust patches and ugly green calcium spots. I had a quick search online and read that wet pieces of aluminium foil act as the perfect abrasive to remove rust and calcium, without damaging the metal itself. Being in a bit of a hurry to try out this theory, I failed to get any decent photos of the before, but hopefully you get the idea from this not so great iPhone shot...

After I spent about half an hour scrubbing every little nook and cranny the end result was fantastic. I also read that you can use this same idea for cleaning up old tap and chrome car parts. It's well worth a try.

This weekend's finds

This weekend I did really well in charity shops and car boot sales. The collection of threads will come in really useful for various craft projects that I have planned, and only cost me £2. The blue floral dress near the top is by Liberty of London and the green 1960's dress is by Peter Barron and has a beautiful drape back. I have to say though, my two favourite items are the four mini pyrex bowls in the cutest colours and the bunny figurine which is currently smiling down at me from the mantle piece. Here is a close up of it's little face...