The Vintage Bazaar in Frome and Bridport Vintage Market - Come and Buy!

Fab 1970s suede waistcoat 

1970s soft tan leather waistcoat

Luxury vintage silky lingerie - Oo la la!

An abundance of quilts and eiderdowns

Sail away to dreamland under this quilt

Bea my bedtime story

My keuken - Scrumptious vintage Dutch kitchen fabric

And LOADS of vintage fashion frocks at all prices from leading designer desirable to 1950s and '60s originals at bargain prices, as well as on-trend and beautifully made jackets and coats produced in the UK from a time when we had a world leading textile industry. All coming with me to The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese and Grain in Frome tomorrow Saturday 29th October. 


And on Sunday 30th October (don't forget to put your clocks back one hour - so a 'lie-in' hurray!) I shall be taking the same stock plus a few other vintage toys, to the Bridport Vintage Market. 

See you there?

PS - A special thank you to all you lovely bloggers who took the time to send your best wishes by comment or email in response to my last blog post about my mother. The good news is that there is good news and that modern medicine may be saving her from a sad twilight. Tonight I celebrate that she recognised me when I visited her in hospital this evening, and that she knows she is loved and that I love her. 

Do Not Go Gently

70 years separate these photographs

Great Grannie - A life well-lived and still with us 

I am currently preoccupied with my dear mother's health as she is suffering from an unexpected and sudden illness for which legions of NHS care and support has cascaded down and around. But we are still very worried day by day as we feel the mother we knew is disappearing. Possibly as the result of another small stroke. CT scan and other investigations are underway. *She is a usually a fighter but seems to be losing her grip. I can't bear it. I wasn't going to share but it has overwhelmed me.

Then this morning my dear son-in-law sent us a video from Australia of our granddaughter and baby grandson playing together when suddenly the (nine-month old) boy stood up on his own. Surprised everyone including himself! We become immortal through our deeds and descendants. Just please don't leave us yet, Mummy .

* Do not go gentle into that that good night, 

Old age should burn and rage at close of day; 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas, c 1951

France v Wales Rugby World Cup Semi-Final - Hello Guys!

From the French Dieux du Stade Calendar 2011

So England, Scotland and Ireland are out of the Rugby World Cup 2011. We can now all embrace our inner Welshness. Or ladies, embrace the French team! 

To my delight Mr EM has bought me the French Rugby Team calendar from our local Maison de la Presse in Normandie for years. I wish I could be in a French cafe tomorrow morning ( Saturday 15 October) to cheer on Les Bleus. Mr EM, as a Scot and therefore due to the 'auld alliance'  against England, will be cheering them on as well. To Welsh people of my acquaintance I say, " Pob lwc" (Good Luck). And here is the team proudly singing the stirring Welsh rugby anthem ( English Title) - Land of my Fathers.

Terrific tournament - our far flung family have followed and loved loved every minute. As my son's former club ( Richmond) used to say, " Who Care Who Wins" - if it's a good game.

Summer in Autumn in the Cathedral Close

13th October 20 degrees Celsius and still in flip flops 

I was standing over there in a sunlit corner

looking towards the Cathedral

And this open room

He looks comfortable

He's not so sure about being watched

Intrigued? If you want to know more click on this link to the Sean Henry Sculpture Exhibition outside and inside, Salisbury Cathedral. It runs until the 31st October so still time to catch it.

It was such a glorious day that I made a (slight) diversion to walk through the Close on my way to the shops.  Even though it has been quite warmish on and off for the last few days, I had taken to wearing socks or tights with boots. But today it really was much too warm for anything but bare feet in light shoes or sandals. We keep being warned by the forecasters that a cold snap is imminent, but in the South of England we're enjoying late, late summer while we may.

I really meant to do a post about Frock Me! on Sunday, but maybe tomorrow. If anyone would like tickets just email me and I will send a comp for you to print out.

These Boots Were Made for Hissing...!

Snakes Alive!

My new boots were purchased from the charity stand at our local market this afternoon. The brand name is Renata - previously unknown to me but apparently a high quality Italian make. These boots are beautifully made of soft taupe leather with a printed python skin design and leather lining. I couldn't believe my eyes as the stall was quite depleted and getting ready to pack up when I spotted them lying there. I couldn't try them on quickly enough - they are exactly my size and so on trend for A/W11 - and cost me all of £5. They are probably unworn from the look of both the insides and the soles. Certainly never been walked outside of a carpeted floor.  I am now wondering what treasures had been hanging on those empty clothes rails earlier in the day. (" Get up earlier!" shouts Mr EM.)

Well-heeled and cuban style - just the job for me

Behold - A Goodie Bag from L'Occitane!

Clutching my new boots closely, I walked across the market square and passed lots of ladies holding L'Occitane carrier bags. As I turned the corner I spied a lovely old tradesman's bicycle, its wicker basket piled high with  bunches of lavender, parked outside a new shop whose hoardings had been taken down at last. L'Occitane was open for business! I was offered a glass of pink sparkling wine, chocolates, a stalk of lavender and the goodie bag displayed above. I had a quick look but had to rush to collect my new specs, but have promised myself a proper visit tomorrow as they are offering a 15% discount until Sunday to celebrate the opening.

BTW the designated charity stall in our weekly market changes each week, so a variety of mainly local charities which often don't have dedicated shops, all have a chance to raise money. I usually try to at least purchase a book or some other small item but occasionally I make great finds for myself or my vintage fashion stock. Today's charity, Dogs for the Disabled, deserves a mention, especially because I had never heard of it before and it pulled at my heartstrings - particularly for their work with children with autism.  It has been nominated for a NatWest CommunityForce Award ( no, I'd never heard of this either despite being a NatWest customer) which could win them £6,000 to help in its life-changing work. Do please give them your vote - they only have 36! I have also added it to my Facebook page. To be honest it's a bit of a fiddle because you have to register with NatWest CommunityForce first - but surely worth a little bit of effort to help this brilliant charity. As a mother and grandmother when I look through the photos and videos of my children and grandchildren I daily give thanks that they are all healthy and whole. 

The London Antique Textile Fair 2nd October 2011

A general view of my stand

The London Textile Society Antique Textile Fair at Chelsea Town Hall on 2nd October was a wonderful experience. The most astounding array of antique, vintage and intriguing modern textiles on display in a feast for the eyes. The textiles were sourced from all around the world, from ancient to modern of almost every ethnic variety. And stand-holders and visitors alike were so knowledgeable and interested that it was one of the most pleasurable fairs I have ever attended. 

These photos are all of my stand as sadly I had no tine to photograph other stands because I was so busy on my own.

Pretty Crinoline lady really wants that petit-point bag

Pink roses quilt and Christian Dior pink shoes

Colourful Central Asian robes 

Girls like pink lingerie

Printed textiles, French and English quilts

1930s rugs (Oo-er pink and grey)

1950s/60s fabrics ( bold non-pink colours)