Latest treasures #2

Some of my latest charity shop finds, a couple of retro classics and a bit of pattern inspiration. All images via my instagram @sarahandlily

(1) Nursery rhyme sewing cards: market stall, Crystal Palace SE19 (2) Classic He-Man figures: from the in-laws loft! (3) Found price tag photographed on striped linen fabric (4) Toiletry bags: Anorak, Cath Kidston, vintage (my Nans!) (5) Retro Care Bear duvet cover: Guernsey (6) Iconic pull-along horse and chicken toys: charity shop, Darlington, County Durham (7) Stackable elephant toy: charity shop, Darlington, County Durham (8) Retro beanbag: Newcastle

Farm-inspired lettering

A great collection of handpainted fonts, stencilled lettering, posters and farming equipment from the Guernsey Tomato industry. Seen at the Folk and Costume Museum.

Cobo Alice dolls

We've just returned from a little family holiday in Guernsey with outdoorsy glows and full bellies. Lots of country walks, ice-cream, beach fun and quirky small-village crafts/traditions = lots to blog about!

These cute little handmade dolls, found in the Folk and Costume Museum, originated in the 1870s and were named "Cobo Alice". The body is made from unbleached calico and the head from a stretched vest or stocking, which was then all filled with a fine sawdust filling. The puckered nose and eyebrows were sewn and then the head and hands were dipped in pink primer paint. Then the hair was picked out and painted and the dolls were dressed in bits of old dress materials. For more info on how the dolls were made, click here.

Fox cushion

A recent craft project I set myself - I had seen a pattern for a patchwork quilt with a fox head in the centre, and used this design to create an appliqued patchwork panel that I stitched onto a plain cream cushion cover. I used a Liberty floral print alongside a plain blue cotton, with grey felt eye and nose details. L was very pleased with it!

Floor play

Texture, pattern, shape overlay. Accidental compositions.

Olympic torch

....came past our house this morning! I made L a little Olympic-themed top for the occasion, using some ribbon and gold foiled-leather.

Vintage homewares

My final post from Alexandra Nurseries (see other posts here and here) shows a few images from the shop/cafe which was just amazing! Vintage kitchen and garden products are beautifully merchandised alongside the odd ceramic jug, old puzzle and card games, gardening and nature books, tins, wooden toys, single china tea cups....and everything is for sale. The homemade cakes also look magical under huge decorative glass domes, alongside pitchers of water in cast-iron trays.