Strictly Vintage - 28th January 2012

Yesterday was the first Strictly Vintage market in the heart of Leicester Market. I joined around 20 vintage traders to set up stall at an unearthly hour in freezing temperatures..... but what a warm welcome we received!

There was a steady flow of shoppers right through the day and business was good. I received lots of great feedback on my handmade items and my selection of vintage and retro clothes, accessories and home ware. It was great to meet people face to face and have a chat. It was an eclectic crowd of all ages and lots of items got people talking and brought back memories, particularly some of my tea and coffee sets which seem to have been owned by most families in Leicester!

One of my large crocheted 'Granny' blankets was bought for a lady's pet cat who had been poorly.... My heart shaped bowls were bought for a wedding gift, the cake stand for a housewarming gift and my Silver Jubilee plate is going to be made into a tiered cake stand (its new owner said she would drill a whole directly through the Queen's head!!)...... My favourite sale of the day was my vintage long black wool cape which was bought by a burlesque artist who may use it in her act!

My old badge collection from the 70s and 80s was also a popular talking point - I sold lots of them!

All in all, it was a huge success and I'm already looking forward to the next one on Saturday 25th February 10 - 4. See you there x

'Strictly Vintage' coming soon!

With just over a week to go until Strictly Vintage, Leicester Market's new monthly vintage market, where I will have a stall, I'm busy getting everything ready!

Vintage stock will include 70s and 80s knitwear, 70s and 80s dresses, crochet Granny blankets, handbags and scarves galore, retro coffee pots and sets, cake plates and stands and much more..... Handmade goodies will include knitted retro tea cosies and flower brooches, cute crochet headbands and Valentine's Day hearts. Pics on my Facebook page here

Happy Birthday Thomas!

I've been busy today finishing some presents for my friend's little boy, Thomas, who celebrates his first birthday this Friday.

I have become a little bit addicted to making bunting of late and, this being a Jubilee and Olympic year, I think I will be busy making it all summer! This is made in classic beach hut style, from some scraps of stripy fabric with felt letter applique. For the finishing touch, I sewed some star shaped buttons between all the flags.

I also knitted him a stripy pointy hat and matching mittens from 'Cool Knits For Kids' by Kate Gunn & Robyn Macdonald. Hope he likes them!

Vintage Paris

I've just been sorting through some CDs of old pics and found some I took in Paris a while ago. I was looking for authentic (and affordable!) vintage shops, surprisingly difficult to find!

This one, The King of Frip, is in the beautiful Marais district. If I remember correctly, it was jam packed with stuff and was fairly inexpensive. Tres cool!

Probably my favourite place to have a wander and bag the occasional bargain is the Marche aux Puces in Porte de Clignancourt. The first time I went, I was very disappointed as I could only find stalls selling cheap new tat in the rather seedy area around the Metro station - but this was because I didn't explore enough. You really have to venture into the labyrinth of shops and stalls and allow plenty of time to do so. It is such an eclectic mix of antiques, collectables, art, accessories and furniture at a wide range of prices. If you look hard enough, you may even find my favourite stall which sells everything for 1 Euro (if it's still there!). I've picked up fantastic 1960s clip on earrings, a leopard print fur collar, a gorgeous Lalique style photo frame and some hand painted decorative dishes. But you don't have to spend anything to soak up the atmosphere. AND REMEMBER: the flea market is only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays (but check first!).

I love this decoupage mannequin!

There is a brilliant indoor market - Marche Dauphine - I recently spotted it on an episode of BBC2's 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is', where two antiques experts were sent to the markets to buy items to be sold at a profit. There are several vintage fashion stores, with gorgeous clothes on display plus a fantastic stall selling vintage film posters and books.

The green one is my favourite!

I love the mix of eras here, from Edwardian to 1970s!

On the Left Bank, I sought out the famous second hand book shop Shakespeare and Company, after seeing it and its rather eccentric owner on a TV documentary. Sadly, I just found out he died last month aged 98. It is a fascinating place with a real buzz and, in amongst the dusty shelves crammed full of old books, you can imagine the ghosts of famous authors who have frequented it over the years.

Finally, not really vintage at all but I just had to include these pics of the famous pastel coloured macaroons from La Duree - yum yum....!

Oh, I miss Paris - my favourite city. I haven't visited for more than two years and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. Must book a trip on Eurostar for the Spring.......!

Happy New Year

A belated happy new year! I had a quiet and relaxed festive season, but not before attending the Wiggle Jiggle Arts Craft Fair in Narborough on 23rd December, where I had a stall with a selection of festive goodies including hand knitted hearts and candy canes, Christmas pud tea cosies and flower corsages plus a small selection of vintage tea party cake plates and vintage accessories.

2012 is going to be an exciting year - I am looking forward to Leicester's new monthly vintage market, Strictly Vintage which will be held in Leicester's historic marketplace on the last Saturday of the month. I have applied to have a stall so watch this space.......!