A hippy vibe to the thrifty finds...

I seem to have unwittingly been thrifting to a colour theme this week, with various lovely shades of purple, orange and gold jumping out at me.

First up, and my cheapest find was this groovy tea tray for 50p

There's no label on it, but it seems to be made of vintage material that's been laminated. It looks a bit like it's been encased in fibreglass. I tried to do some research and found an old post by by Caren at Tea and Chickadees on her collection of 'FAB' trays (FAB standing for fabric) although all hers seem to be circular, not to mention made in North America. Maybe mine is a homegrown version of the same idea?

I found yet another bubble base bud vase, I don't really want to become a hoarder, but as they're so cheap and pretty I can't stop buying them! Someone local is obviously slowly purging their collection and I'm taking them in.

Amber bubble base vase £1.00

Goldfinch greeting card (new) £2.95

Gold frame £3.50

tablecloth £2.50

The gold frame was the one thing I actively went looking for this week, after buying the bird card and thinking it would make nice artwork. I had to lever all the staples in the back of the frame up with a knife blade, chuck the existing print and had a bit of trouble getting the chipboard back in again, but I'm really pleased with how it looks now. Also, I finally found one of the hand embroidered bits of granny handiwork that everyone else seems to track down with ease. It's really well done, and has only a couple of tiny spots which I may be able to get out when I wash it.



Bookwise, I found Delia's Christmas for a quid (must stop with the cookery books now) and the first Harry Potter for 30p (no, not the first edition hardback!) for my eldest. Finally, I was able to carry all my booty home in this purple and orange basket handbag :

Basket £1.20



I'm quite in love with this bag, and think it will go well with my 70s dress. What bargains did you get this week?

Playing this week with Sophie.
Also linking up for Thrift Share Monday and Magpie Monday
And linked up to Newbie Party

Golden Hands

Sounds rather like the title of one of those dreadful poems that accompanies a Victorian picture of a praying infant, but is actually a craft magazine from the 70s. I found it for 20p in amongst a load of knitting patterns and it's too good not to share.

Static electricity was a problem for Susan and Janet

I love anything that gives you an insight into social history and popular culture of the time, and this mag was obviously right up to date with all the fashions of 1972. Check out some of the breathless commentary from the News! Extra! page:

"Patriotic or not, if you're in the fashion scene you'll know that red, white and blue is the colour way. There's a quartet of smashing tops to knit this month"

"With so much country air drifting through the fashion scene, with cream and butter coloured muslins and cheese cloth smocks, what could be more appropriate than a mass of brightly coloured flowers to embroider on a smock or dress?"

"Stop the presses, we almost screamed, when we saw the absolutely superb macramé necktie designed for us...very much the accessory now"

"We foresee a craze for appliqué in suede...Think of scarlet cherries on a beige suede jacket. Luscious!"

Susan spurned the macramé tie for a crochet one 

My mum had a very similar top. And hat. And hair.

The pattern insert for the halter-neck dress is unused and still in the magazine

This could be an advert for M&S last Summer

Don't worry though, children aren't forgotten. In addition to the 'Tumpty' dress for little girls, and a chicken shaped 'nursery seat', you could knit this all in one for your baby. It's charming I suppose, but just imagine it after a day of crawling, and with a full terry nappy underneath!

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse of crafts and fashions past. Here's what we could have enjoyed in the next issue:

Now I guess my other half will never get to own the flattering long-line man's jacket. Sigh.

A new vintage buy

Wow. I guess I don't need to point out that the collar on this sundress is at maximum 70s. I love it on though.

The problem with clothing from the 1970s is that you can look like you're on your way to a fancy dress party. On the hanger I agree that this dress by Kati looks a little OTT, but it has a lot going for it. The cotton fabric (not polyester - whoohoo!) is cool and swishy, and the colours are fairly muted. I think my orange leather wedges from Faith will be the perfect partner and keep the 70s vibe going. Best of all, there is a teeny-tiny hole in the skirt. Yes, a blim burn. (as I believe they call it. ahem). This dress has seen some happy hippy afternoons in the park.

The dress cost £15 in the sale at Vien Vintage on Church Rd, Crystal Palace. The owner Vivienne has some great stock, and if you don't see the era you're after, ask. She may well have the perfect thing out the back.