Chinwag with Cissie

New Horizons

Image curtesy of transitionculture.org

I know this is beginning to get like pass the parcel, as you may have found me via Cissie's Vintage Knitwear. But I have moved to a new blogging site. Partly because I have broadened my interests, but mainly because I want a site that allows me to do and share more.

My new site will still continue to focus on vintage but in a wider sense, and also on thriftiness which let's face it ties in nicely with recycling beautiful items.

I'm also keen to post a bit more about craft, in particular knitting and sewing. Please come over and take a squiz at my new site, it's in it's embryonic state, but as I master the technology I'm hoping it will prove to be a much more interesting and informative site.

 

End of the Rainbow

I'm not a big theatre goer, mainly because I'm not tempted by what's on offer, but also because tickets can be so expensive. In the last few years I have only been to two West End shows, once to see Maggie Smith and the other to see Elisabeth Moss and Keira Knightley, both shows I might add worth every considerable penny.

This week I went to my local theatre in Brighton to see a show about the last few months of Judy Garland's life.

Starring Tracie Bennett as Judy and the gorgeous Norman Bowman as her 5th and last husband Mickey Deans.

I think this is one of, if not THE best show I have ever seen.

It's on tour around GB until the end of November, rumoured to be going on to Broadway. If you are a Judy fan, you must go and see this, it really is a powerfully evocative and engaging piece of theatre, with a surprisingly funny script.The images above are from the show's web site which has all the tour details. Go Go Go....

image via, film script rejects.com

Seasons

Well little green tomatoes, I know you've felt a bit blighty recently and we had to cut you orff the mother plant, but there is just enough sun left to ripen you, truly there is.

Before my thoughts turn to the festive season and  my old obsession with the dear deer returns.

Casey Jones, Steaming Cross the Dance Floor

I found these gorgeous 1952 prints at a boot fair recently. I think the guys look like they're in line dancing clobber, but the gals look a little bit more rock n roll.

"Give Her a Twirl"

"Do Si Do"

"Promenade"

"Star By The Right

They look old enough to be original editions, but in good enough condition to frame. Printed in New York City 1952. Sadly there is simply no more room on my walls for more images. Especially as these are 18" x 14".

So I'll take them along to the Antique Fair being held at Lewes Town hall, East Sussex on November 19th, where I will be stalling out. Maybe I'll see you there?

Autumnal Sunflower

I don't suppose this is really an Autumnal Sunflower, but the colours do make me think about the end of the Summer, in a nice way.

Mother Nature's Bounty.

We don't have a lot of experience on the gardening front, but oh we do love getting outside and getting stuck in. In fact when asked if he enjoys gardening Mr.C will say " oooh yes I love chopping and burning".

This stems largely from the fact we purchased a run down house with a good size but well overgrown garden. At best we can say that we have managed to contain any further growth and kept it tidy. What we actually long for is a garden like Long Meadow, the very jewel like and abundant garden nurtured by Monty Don.

We have enough space, not much money or experience, but we are keen. My first step in the master plan has been to take 36 cuttings from my existing lavender plants, just before I cut them back for the end of their season, on Mr. Don's advice of course.

My hope is that they will one day form the edging for a fragrant lavender pathway.

I'm determined to create the best garden we can without buying lots of ready grown plants. All we need is to organise ourselves and find out as much as we can about propagation, and be patient. A piece of cake really:)

Talking of which I did manage to pick some blackberries and apples from the garden and make a pie. Almost free, the pastry had been in my freezer, for a long time..........................

Chanson D'Amour

When I was about seventeen I thought 'She' was the most sophisticated and romantic song I had ever heard. And the French accent, oh la la, how sexy? Charles Aznavour wasn't really my type then, but I can understand his attraction now, even so 5ft 3inchs is way too tiny for my taste. Best just to listen to him whilst you gaze adoringly at your current squeeze.

 I have just bought one of his albums to revisit the romance and the music is still so evocative.

 The album is She: the Best of Charles Aznavour. If you don't know his music check him out on You Tube. I can recommend Comme ils Disent.

Oh and just for balance, a French fancy for the boys.

Those French eh?

Repurposed Gorgeousness.

I love this, what a smashing idea, seen at Chartwell today.

 I know it's appeal is aimed at children, but what a great economic way to grow some food, and perfect for someone with a small space like a balcony.
Everyone was cooing over it. I hope you can see all the big socks hanging on the line full of planty goodness. The squidgy pyjama legs though a personal favourite of mine, just in this context I mean.

Art in Clay

It turned out to be quite a long journey through some nasty M25 traffic, but when we arrived at the Art in Clay show at Hatfield House, it was worth it. It is a pottery and ceramics fair, and I was there with my 'work hat' on, looking for new potters and their wares.

And indeed I did find some great work. I also found the most divine piece that I just had to buy, even though I'm supposed to be putting funds into my holiday account.

I have a few framed posters on my walls at home but generally I like to support artists and makers when I can afford it. Hand made and painted or drawn pieces have their own energy, and usually have a story.

Tracie Vallis made this piece as part of her graduation show this year, (these pictures were taken at the show).

When I first saw this I thought it was a likeness of the late Elizabeth Taylor, but no, actually it is a homage to Tracie's mother, Miss. Jackie White, who was Miss. UK in 1962.

The piece is covered with old black and white images of her at Beauty Pageants looking absolutely adorable in her 1960's swimsuit and little court shoes.

I'm thrilled I was able to buy this, pay back time for all my thrifty shopping at charity shops. This is something that has endless appeal and will last for ever.

Art in Clay is on for one more day, so you have time to get there.

Private View

I have for many years nurtured the desire to open my very own vintage shop. When my boy Jack was but a wee lad I had a stall at Greenwich antique market. During my years at Uni most of my clothes were vintage, bought either at Portobello market or Camden, or if I was lucky from a jumble sale.

Thriftiness and style, the perfect heady mixture.
It's in my heart you see. Old stuff just touches me somewhere and makes me happy.

Alas without selling our house I do not have the necessary funds to open my high street store. But I'm creating a shop nonetheless. Here are a few pictures of what has happened so far.

This is Twiggy looking down from on high at us mere mortals.

So whadaya think folks, would you like to shop here?