Vintage haberdashery

These are a couple of examples of the types of haberdashery I have in my rented space in the Vintage Clothes store.  The ric rac is so lovely I didn't want to sell it but then most people who create and sell goods probably feel the same way.  The mending yarn is really good for sewing and knitting with and I have a selection of colours for sale.

Yesterday I found lots of fabric and will be posting photos of my treasures later next week.  It is amazing what people reject from their homes and give to the charity stores.  Lucky for those of us who can upcycle.

Needle felting

During the summer I dyed quite a few pieces of fleece and they have been sitting in a heap in the sewing room, gathering dust.  A few weeks ago I saw someone wearing a long necklace laced with buttons and the idea came to me to attempt to make a fleecy button necklace.  This fleece has been died with woad and some with indigo to give these blue shades.  It is very light in weight and I have other coloured pieces of fleece which will eventually be made into necklaces.

 Woad plantImage via Wikipedia

Sock time

Image via Wikipedia

Now is the time for making socks.  These old patterns include knitting on 2 needles but I quite fancy the ankle socks, knitted on 4 pins.  Once you cast on the socks are quite easy to knit up.  Last week I  ordered yarn from Blackers in Cornwall.  They had an article in November's Country Living magazine and have some lovely wools for sale.  Some of the wool is over dyed with some nice colours but I prefer the yarn natural.  The sock yarn is 4 ply but does not contain any nylon, so any socks made are not going to be hard wearing.  Keep them for indoors only.

Beanie

This is a beanie I knitted for sale in the shop.  It is made out of a mix of Angora and Goathland yarn and is very soft, making it a nice experience on the head.  A lot of customers come into the shop and once they spot all the wool products, complain that "they can't wear wool".  Good luck with the synthetic life then.

Black mountain sheep

This yarn is from Black Mountain sheep and a lovely dark shade of chocolate brown.  I am using them to make a large cowl/snood for myself.  The yarn from mountain sheep is going to be coarse but from the feel of the garment it is not going to be too itchy and scratchy.  Perhaps my skin is just not as sensitive as I thought it might be.

Knitting hats

Found this lovely site on Etsy - http://www.sewmuchfrippery.etsy.com/ and bought a vintage knitting pattern or 2.  These hats look wearable for today and am going to have a go at making them.  I particularly like the flower pot shaped one!  It should look good in mohair, don't you think?

Vintage sales

As you can see I only rent a small space for my vintage/recycled/de-stash/new haberdashery, but it is a sweet little space.  Jane's shop opened on Saturday and I sold a piece of fabric!  Hope to reach my weekly targets so that I can at least pay next month's rent.  There are lots of lovely items of vintage clothing, handbags and shoes in the shop and are at affordable prices.  We were also served with coffee and cupcakes.  Wonderful.