Huge and undying thanks to Molly for keeping her on an even keel in my absence - she did a marvelous job. Thanks also to all of you who offered to help out - sorry I was so disorganised I didn't even have the time to thank you. I have slapped myself on the wrist and promise to try harder.
We're still not in our new house, and are now squatting at the in-laws while they're on their hols, but hopefully things have settled down sufficiently for Me and My Shadow to get back on track.
We've just returned from a week on the south coast. If you haven't visited, I can thoroughly recommend Hastings. After a bit of exploring, we discovered the Old Town, and what a treat it was to wander up and down the lanes and secret passages. Full of vintage shops, boutiques, antique stores and galleries - I think you'd love it! There were old school haberdashers stuffed to the gunnels with ribbons and buttons, bohemian cafes and independent stores - I was in love!
Mooching around St Leonards, Hastings and the neighbouring town of Bexhill on bank holiday Monday, I had high hopes. I don't know if there's ever been any research on which town has the highest proportion of charity shops per square mile, but I reckon this area is a front-runner!
However, returning a few days later when all the shops were open, I was sorely disappointed. Gutted in fact. Most of the shops were full of tat. I mean, un-buyable tat (for me, that's saying something!) There were clothes with holes in, broken toys, games with pieces missing... Really, I know it's for charity but this just isn't good enough!
I did eventually manage to track down some treasures. I spotted this embroidered cushion cover and snaffled it, happily paying the £1.99 asking price.
It was only after getting it back and examining it I even noticed it was only part completed! Oh well, a little project for me. I just hope I can track down the silks for it. I love the Art Nouveau design and it will have pride of place once finished.
I found these pretty handmade place mats in an antique store. £5 for 8 of them. Some of them are stained, but I'm thinking I can re-use the appliqued flowers in some project or other. I think this must have been some kind of kit as my Mother-in-law has a book bag in an almost identical design, passed down from her mother-in-law. When I asked if she'd sewn it herself, my mother-in-law spat her tea out and declared that 'granny' couldn't even make a bed!!
Next up, I seized this gorgeous double sheet adorned with pretty yellow tea roses.
I love it! I suspect it will now mean I re-think the decoration of our new spare room...greys and yellows?
Finally, this piece of fabric which I picked up for £1.50. I love the contrast between the mint green and the scarlet red. Not sure what I'll use it for yet, but I'm sure it will find a home - just as soon as I do!
I hope you've all been treasure-hunting and you'll link up and join me here.
It's good to be back. x
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Welcome back, what a shame about the tat in the charity shops though - I wouldn't give in a game or jigsaw which had vital pieces missing, and I don't know why the shops put them out. It does no-one any good to be disappointed. I've finally written up my trip to Limerick - now there's a place where the charity shops vary wildly!
ReplyDeleteWell done on keeping your buys small and foldable - hopefully it won't be too long before you can be reunited with all your things.
Thanks Lakota. Mostly they were small and suitcaseable - well, all apart from the small piece of furniture I bought much to the annoyance of the old man! I'll save that for next week. x
ReplyDeleteWelcome back m'dear, you've been sorely missed. Hastings sounds right up my alley (will have to add it to the list). Glad you had a good break, I bet you needed it!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you found some treasures too - I am particularly jealous of the yellow roses bed linen.
Lovely to have you back! :-)
ReplyDeleteThose placemats are calling my name, but I love the yellow tea roses too!
Jem xXx
Love the cushion Liz...and welcome back x
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back. I love Hastings or did last time I was there many moons ago.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you getting back your buying bargain powers.
I like how you see something and know you can make it better or build on it in some way
Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteHastings is definitely on our list of weekend trips - what a shame the charity shops weren't up to much :(
We'd really love to go back weekend of 17/18th September. There's a food and wine festival on and Thomas is at the Kent & East Sussex Railway! Not sure we can justify another trip so soon though.
ReplyDeleteOOh, I love, love, love it all - especially the cushion cover, I'd fight you for it! Glad to have you back, noone does Magpie Monday like you ;) xx
ReplyDeleteI agree. That red and green fabric is lovely. I can't tell how big it is but I'd want to show it off by either hemming in and using it as a runner...or a cushion..or even framing it in a dark frame to make the colours pop :D
ReplyDeletewelcome back and nice finds :) sounds like you had a lovely trip x
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! The red & green fabric is gorgeous! Is it print or stitched? I can just see it as a terrifically opulent tablecloth or a throw.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comments.
ReplyDeleteThe red/green fabric is embroidered. It's quite ethnic, maybe clothing fabric? I was hoping to make a table runner, but it's too square and is 'finished' on 2 sides so it wouldn't cut in half and join as a strip. I'm wondering if I can make a roller blind from it. can you get kits to make roller blinds?
I love finding pretty fabric items in charity shops. The red and green material would be great for the festive season.
ReplyDeleteI've just done a quick post about my portable typewriter purchased on eBay and added it to your linky.
Welcome Back Liz. Love that yellow rose sheet...Gorgeous! x
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