A New Project!

I had a lovely time on Saturday at the antiques fair at Shepton Mallet and came home with some gorgeous things! This is one of them; a pretty painted and glazed cupboard, intended for my bathroom. I may yet change the interior colour as my bathroom is painted in a Laura Ashley paint; 'pale crocus' - perhaps I should cover the interior in some vintage wallpaper - what do you think? Either way, it will be a new home for my growing collection of old talc tins!

As usual, Sue & Niki had some lovely things for sale. Sue; the crocus jelly mould has found a good home and Niki; that old postcard album is quite beautiful, I will treasure it!

More photos of newly acquired treasures to follow soon...!

Coast 2 Coast Bike Ride!

Okay, so there's nothing vintage or crafty about this post, but I felt I had to tell you about the challenge my husband and our friend are about to embark on!

They are leaving on Saturday 23rd September '06 to ride twice the length of the UK, on their motorbikes. They hope to raise lots of money for a cancer charity - in fact they've done quite well so far and have collected £3,000 already!

Pete was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, aged only 38.

I think it will be quite a gruelling experience for them, as they have to ride for 5 hours a day to complete the challenge on time. They will be filming the ride and producing their own DVD of the journey!

The local newspapers and Central News have been following the story, and will film their departure on Saturday morning.

We have arranged a surprise for Pete - Ewan McGregor (Long Way Round, with Charley Boorman) has sent us a copy of their book about the road trip, with a personal, signed message to Pete. They were his inspiration for this ride so it will be a lovely surprise for him. Mike intends to present the book to him during the filmed interview on Saturday - should be a great moment!

Pete is married with a 4 year old son and is determined to leave a lasting memory for his little boy.

So, good luck both of you!

Baking Day!

My husband overheard the neighbour telling his young son what he was cooking for Sunday lunch and decided it was high time that he too should get to grips with that strange appliance (the cooker!) in the kitchen and create something tasty (or at the very least edible!!!!) As I'd just got back from blackberry picking down the lane, and our apple tree is heavy with fruit, he decided it had to be an apple an blackberry crumble - not too complicated - but mixing the topping with crushed digestives and plenty of cinnamon ensured it was a really tasty pud! The only dilemma was whether to serve it with custard or icecream - or both!!!

Needless to say, it didn't last long - I've now looked out a few more adventurous recipes for him - watch out Jamie Oliver!!!

Eiderdowns - Continued!

I just couldn't leave it there - I thought I should show you a few more photos of eiderdowns!

Of course, they'll all have to go back on the beds soon as it won't be the weather for taking them outdoors!

I'm sure this will get it out of my system once and for all! Although there's still many more hidden away in the cupboards etc!

Phew, all that lugging eiderdowns around has worn me out - time for a nap! This is what they're meant for after all!

Eiderdowns;

Eye Candy for Lovers of Vintage!

Although I love all things vintage, I have a real passion for textiles and for me, the eiderdown has to be the ultimate ’must-have’ of vintage textiles. Not only are they beautiful to look at - but they’re useful too!

Bundles & layers!

I have quite a few I've lost count!) some are in use on the beds, some are rolled and folded, displayed on top of the wardrobes and tucked inside my armoire. Perhaps I shouldn’t mention the ones under the bed and in the wardrobes and in the linen cupboard and…! I’d better stop there, anyone would think I was obsessed, but I can’t help it - I love them!

My oldest dates to the 1920’s, it’s made from silk and filled with light fluffy down. It has the prettiest pattern of delicate lily of the valley and sugary pink blossom. Then there’s the largest one I’ve ever seen; over 8 feet square and covered in a rich red and green paisley and roses pattern!

Shown here are just a few of my collection (there‘s also a couple of quilts in the photos, did I say that’s another passion of mine?!!)

What’s your particular ‘vintage passion’?

Pottery Cottage

This has been my home for nearly 20 years. It is a 200 year old brick, stone and timber cottage and is one of four in a row. The cottages were once thatched, but a fire in 1908 destroyed this, and so the level of the roof was raised and tiles were laid. The original roof timbers have been exposed internally and it is amazing to think how low and narrow the upstairs would have been. It isn’t a big house - in fact, it’s tiny - but I love it and nowhere ever feels as welcoming and cosy as Pottery Cottage! In the summer months, the top of the stable door stays open all day, allowing the gentle breeze through. The interior of the cottage is cool in the summer months, but come the autumn when the evenings and early mornings bring a chill with them, it is time to light the woodburner, which warms the downstairs rooms and casts a welcoming glow as you walk through the door.

I have filled our cottage with vintage treasures and had a great deal of enjoyment finding them all! I will ‘share’ these items with you in the form of pictures, over time; there are a great many! In my search for vintage, I have also met some wonderful like-minded people, who have become friends, and this has made the search all the more rewarding!

I look forward to meeting many more ‘Lovers of Vintage’ in the future!

Hello to everyone reading this! I have decided to create a blog for myself and my 'hobby' business - which is called Vintage Home! I buy and sell all manner of vintage treasures, but mainly textiles, including quilts, eiderdowns, curtains and stacks of fabrics! I have a real passion for vintage items and have filled (literally!) our small cottage with all of my finds. Whenever I realise I have far too many of something, I decide it is time to pass it on and let someone else appreciate it! I have an antiques unit in The Brackley Antique Cellar, Northants and also sell vintage treasures on eBay. I look forward to sharing ideas and thoughts with like-minded 'vintage fans' in the future!