Seeing red

'Allo there

Sorry I've been quiet lately, I've got stuff to write about but am lacking the motivation to do so for some reason.

So, to update you on my goings on, this last week has been marred somewhat by the riots across London.  I'm not going to talk about why I think it happened or what people could do - that isn't my interest - but it has affected day to day life somewhat.  My home is right in the middle of one of the main riot areas, the air smelt of fire and was full of the sound of helicopters, sirens, breaking glass and angry shouting.  I've been through two riots in my life - the first in Harringay when two men were shot on my doorstep following a clash between two local immigrant groups and the second this.  I have to say this was more frightening as I was on my own.  I even had the cat box and a suitcase at the ready.  Ugh.

Still, in true Blitz spirit, the country has rallied and by the time I woke at 9am my local area had been cleaned, the only signs that anything untoward had happened were scorch marks on the roads where the burnt out cars had been and the occasional smashed window. 

In the absence of anything useful to do locally and a medical appointment taking up my afternoon time I head over to Islington for a little vintage pottering and managed to find myself an amazing little birthday present in the shape of a red gabardine 40s skirt and a red and white hat of a similar age (but which I think would work well with both late 30s and 40s looks).

Look at these lovelies:

I have a lovely blouse that will work so am just hunting for suitable shoes and perhaps I'll knit a little navy cardigan too.

I'm thinking these shoes from Rocket Originals:

Happy early birthday to me!

In the pink! Latest shopping finds and suggest me a dress pattern...

Sorry I've not been around lately, I've been busy at work and have had a house guest so finding time to write for here has been impossible. 

Anyway, I had a lovely day of thrifting on Saturday and just wanted to share my glorious finds with you.  Almost all in a shade of pink.


My first purchase was this wonderful hat, dark red with a pinky orange band.  I bought this from Past Caring in Islington and it came with two black hat pins which area little rusty but easily cleaned.  All for £8!

They had the hat listed as 60's but I was fairly sure it was late 40's and took it into a couple of the better vintage shops in the area and had it dated as such, so I'm very happy.  It has some great creases in it and the trim is turned beautifully.

Whilst there I also picked up a darling rose pink slip and a fabulous 50's crochet pattern for DK wool.  I'm always thrilled when I find vintage patterns in anything above 4 ply.

I then wandered up the road and found a great stall selling vintage haberdashery oddments and picked up two belt buckles and some buttons which are an incredibly close match for one of the buckles.

The green buckle is cracked but I plan to Make Do and Mend it with a dab of superglue.  It was just too beautiful to pass by with that lively green on cream and deco style.

So ladies - I need some idea for what to make for these items.  I'm thinking some late 40's dresses.  Any pattern suggestions would be very welcome.  I'd love to use those big pink buttons and belt together.

Oh, and I was naughty and bought a watch.  Modern but vintage style - rose gold.  I hope I love it as much in real life as I do in the picture.