You may remember earlier on in the holidays, I mentioned my folks were staying with me. Well this is what they brought down with them.
Isn't she lovely? She's going to need a little TLC before I put her to good use, but I'm hoping she will save me alot of time when sewing. I'm intending to have one machine threaded up for FME leaving the other to concentrate on my 'making up' sewing. No more threading and re-threading and changing machine feet. So she's off to be given a thorough 'going over' by a man 'in the know', while I'm away.
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| She even came with her own stylish carry bag...those were the days |
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| Life was so simple back then...... |
But that's not all, nestled in a mound of bubble wrap, at the bottom of a cardboard box, was this 'dear lady'.
When I saw her again I was transported back in time to Sunday tea at my Nan's house. Don't ask me why, but I used to sit, transfixed for ages, in front of the display cabinet that was this lady's home just staring at her wonderful face. I was totally fascinated with her. Something my lovely mum had not forgotten.
It was lovely to be reacquainted with her after all of these years and to be able to give some thought as to where in my house her new home will be.
I probably don't have to explain that she's iconic Royal Doulton and part of their 'Balloon Sellers' collection. Designed by Leslie Harradine, they started to make her in 1929 and finished in 1998, so there are plenty around but this one is mine!
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| You just wouldn't mess with this lady! |
So that's it for another week, I know it goes so quickly doesn't it? If you haven't seen it already don't forget to have a look at the giveaway I'm offering. I'm feeling a bit redundant as a mum at the moment as my young men are rapidly finding their independence this school holiday and are out exploring pastures new, but at least it gives me more sewing time, just as long as I don't forget to feed them (and that's not always a given when you're engrossed in a project!)
Happy weekend.
What a wonderful set of gifts... especially the sewing machine, the bag is just yummy. I really do wonder what we did before the internet, it is just so good at helping with manuals etc.
ReplyDeleteAs to the balloon lady, she takes me back to my godmother's bungalow, her hall was the same size as her dining room, lined with wood and an amazing wide picture rail shelf from which hung paintings but more interstingly the most amazing selections of objets d'art. Jugs, statues, plates and vases... I would stand in the hall gazing at them for hours... wishing i could touch.
What a lovely post. Yes, *of course* you need a dedicated sewing area - you will be much more productive and creative with one. You can tell him I said so (whether that will help or hinder, who knows!).
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me of being a little girl and always asking for my sandwiches on "the lady plate" - it was a Victorian (I think) lady and I thought so pretty.
My mum always had a thing about nice crockery and had quite a collection, always adding to it.
Enjoy the new machine! x
Ahhh ladies it's nice to know you both have similar memories to myself. Ros, yes it was very much 'Look but don't touch', such treasures! and Wendy, we all have our little names for things don't we, as children, with our own children, 'The Lady plate' sounds charming as to my OH I'll let him know!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing Caroline! I love the sewing machine - IN A BAG! How gorgeous is that?! And the china lady is a reminder to me of all those visits where you had to sit still and be good and not speak unless spoken to... and all you had to do was look at the ornaments (never touch of course!) Why did everyone have loads of ornaments?! Vx
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the machine, you lucky thing. And the lady is divine. I think we can all associate with treasures like this, that take us back to our childhoods. Have you read 'The Hare With The Amber Eyes'? It features a collection of 'netsuke', Japanese objet d'art, which were passed down through a family. It's a brilliant and evocative read xx
ReplyDeleteThe 'controls' on that machine are just like the ones I remember on my Mum's Singer, which I first sewed on, though her machine was brown. It was a great machine - straight stitching only, but beautifully even. It will certainly be great for you to have two machines ready to go, and yes, you definitely need that dedicated sewing area. If hubby needs convincing, it does mean there isn't sewing stuff all around the house! My daughter is rarely here these days too - off with friends, giggling, gossiping and listening to music!
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PS Thanks for helpful comments on my blog!
That sewing machine looks great, I have to say the stuff you make really inspires me to get sewing. I can't wait to get my machine up and running (although its not a lady, its a beast!)
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine a lovely sewing room with several machines set up, piles of fabric just waiting to be made into beautiful items, scrapbooks full of sketchy designs and a nice comfy chair in the middle of it all.
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The sewing machine is fabulous. Real icon. Roger's grandmother had one and my brother and I used to build up steam on the treadle!
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