Thursday, 6 December 2012

Tutorial: Retro Stockings

So, I have a lot of markets lined up for December and need to give the stall a Christmas feel. The problem I have had is that the shop, being retro furniture and homewares, does not necessarily lend itself to Christmas. Traditional Christmas decorations don't really fit in with the retro feel, and some retro decorations take alot of stomaching.

Sourced from HERE

I rather like this silver Christmas tree but there are a lot of people that don't. So I came up with a nice alternative. I decided to create some traditional stockings but in bright and colourful retro fabric.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Colourful fabric
  • Plain fabric (for the liner)
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Pencil
  • Pins
  • Needle
  • Ribbon
  • Paper


METHOD:
1. I used a rough design of a sock drawn on to paper and cut out as a template for the shape of the stockings.
2. I then used the pencil to draw around the template on to the fabric. You want to draw around the template twice, but so that the drawings are a mirror image of each other. Make sure you do this for both the fabric liner and the colourful fabric.
3. You then want to cut out the sock shape from the fabric but make sure you leave about half a centimeter around the pencil line. Also cut a strip of colourful fabric which is just over the length of the opening of the stocking (basically measure the top edge of the sock template, double the measurement and add 1 centimeter). And don't forget to cut a small strip of ribbon which will be used to hang up your stocking - you can make this whatever length you like depending on how low you want it to hang.


4. Once you have cut everything out you should end up with; 2 plain socks, 2 colourful socks, 1 colourful strip and 1 x ribbon strip.
5. You then want to marry up you plain socks so that the pencil line is on the outside and pin together. Sew around the edge in a thread in a matching colour, using the pencil line as a guide. I have white fabric liners so used white thread. You can use a sewing machine for these bits but I did mine by hand so that I could sit infront of the tele!
6. You want to do the same with the colourful fabric. You want the front of the fabric to be facing each other and use a thread that is in a matching colour. You also want to fold the strip of colourful fabric lengthways and sew along the edge using the same colour thread.


7. After these stages you should end up with; 1 complete plain sock, 1 complete colourful sock, 1 colourful strip folded in half and 1 strip of ribbon folded in half.


8. Next turn the plain sock inside out and fold the strip of colourful fabric in half so that the back is no longer visible.
9. Place the colourful sock inside the white sock. This will be a bit tricky but it doesn't have to be neat, so long as the top edges are lined up properly. Place the the ribbon so that the loop is facing downwards and is positioned in the top back corner. Place the strip of colourful fabric over all the others so that the frayed edges are in line with the top edges of the socks. Pin in place.


10. Next stitch along the top edge about half a centimeter from the edge of the fabric. I would recommend doing this bit by hand as the fabric is a bit thick for the sewing machine.
11. Fold everything inside out and your stocking is finished!


As you see these are very simple to make, and you can use whatever fabric you like. I think they will be a lovely addition to the shop, giving it that festive feel. They would also be perfect for the kids bedroom as they are bright and fun. Why not give them a try.
xx



Monday, 3 December 2012

Gift Ideas: The Caffeine Addict

I think this type of individual needs no explanation - simply, they are obsessed with tea or coffee.






Although this set is perfect for the coffee or tea lover amongst you, it is actually a very safe present for someone you don't know very well such as a work-place secret Santa. All you have to do is check that they drink coffee or tea and specialise the present for them; some nice ground coffee, a cafetiere, a mug and some nice biscuits for dunking or some loose leaf tea, a tea infuser, a tea cup and some more biscuits.

xx

Friday, 30 November 2012

New Item Friday

For you today I have some lovely items added to the shop. A couple of gorgeous coffee storage jars, a set of 6 pretty cups and a fantastic card game - it is almost like I have created a sunday afternoon in one listing!





I have a very busy weekend ahead of me. I will be in Bristol on Saturday at the Harbourside (I'm outside in a gazebo so if you come to visit please bring me hot drinks!) and at the giant supermarket in Frome on Sunday as part of the Frome Flea. We also have visitors coming Saturday evening, how good a host I will be after a day outside in the cold I'm not sure!?

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. When I speak to you again it will be December and I will already have started munching through my advent calender!
xx

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Christmas Style Inspiration: Nordic Red and White

In the home magazines this Christmas I have seen pages and pages of Nordic Christmas style. This style can be summed up in simple red and whites, and can be adapted to every room in the home.

The perfect table setting - Found HERE

Bring retro and nordic style together in harmony - Found HERE

Rustic Nordic style - Found HERE

I love this style as it can fit to everyones own personal tastes - rustic cabin red and whites, clean and simple red and whites or even retro mid-century red and whites. To bring this style into your own home why not try decorating with red and white baubles, candles and pillows with snowflake, star and bird patterns. Or why not buy some of these wonderful treasures which can be found on etsy.

Red and White Tree Decorations - £11

Pot holders perfect for the Christmas table - £9.50

Printable Christmas cards - £6.25

Gorgeous table runner - £12

The perfect pillow to make yourself - £3

xx

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Vintage Markets December 2012

Image sourced from HERE

So, November is coming to a close, and a very wet and windy close it is. With the Christmas present season upon us I thought you might need some advice about where to do your shopping. There are lots of fantastic vintage, craft and farmers markets all over the country, which offer nicer more thoughtful gifts than buying straight from the high street. I am attending many markets this December and I thought I should give you a run down of where I will be attending and others all around my local area of Frome.

SAT 1ST - MAGPIE AND I
Waterfront Square, Bristol Harbourside
11am to 4:30pm

SUN 2ND - FROME SUPERMARKET
Frome Town Centre
10am to 2pm

SAT 8TH - ROOK LANE RETRO VINTAGE MARKET
Rook Lane Chapel, Frome
10:30am to 4pm

SUN 9TH - BRISTOL FLEA MARKET
Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
9am to 3:30pm

SAT 15TH - VINTAGE CRAFT FAIR
Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton
10am to 4pm

SUN 16TH - GIANT FLEA AND VINTAGE MARKET
Bath Racecourse
9am to 3:30pm

Hopefully these markets can fill up your calender and your shopping bags. And with the weekend before Christmas free you can wrap everything up ready for Christmas day!
xx


Monday, 26 November 2012

Gift Ideas: The Baker

THE BAKER

Do you have a family member or friend who is a constantly in the kitchen? Or do they have a young family that they are looking to have fun with and teach how to cook? These presents are for the Baker in your life, they are the Bakers essential kit for Christmas.








I would highly recommend following the link for the cookie ingredients. It is a fantastic kit for making ginger cookies which you package into a vintage jar and label up with the instructions. Although all of the items would make a fantastic set for Christmas, the cookie ingredients on their own make a lovely inexpensive gift.
xx

Friday, 23 November 2012

New Item Friday

I have gone a little crazy today. I have gone crazy for Tupperware!





These are all new items that have been added to the shop today.....and I have more! I also have 2 jugs and 2 bowls, which I hope to add soon. I just love the retro colours that Tupperware comes in and it seems once you find one piece, you find more and more.

I will be at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Sunday with some recently renovated items. I have got some great gems to take with me, and some Tupperware will also be included. I hope you all have a nice weekend and if you get a chance to come and visit us please do.
xx