Moving onto something new: Magpie&Hen

So, incase anyone still reads my poor neglected blog, I thought I'd update you on what I'm up to. Unfortunately, I slowly got out of the habit of writing new blog posts, primarily due to time, but also because of my new obsession with Instagram and the speed of just snapping and posting a quick image from my phone whenever and wherever.

But I have been squirreling away for the past few months with a new exciting venture, and have now opened an Etsy shop, selling vintage kids toys, books, puzzles, clothes and textiles. This has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I have thrifted, hoarded and collected so many beautiful items that we just don't have room for them so I am (reluctantly) selling many of them.

The name Magpie&Hen combines my love of collecting/thrifting/searching for treasures with the fact that the items are, mainly, for children (referencing 'Mother Hen'). I am using my trained eye from a background in textile design and trend forecasting to bring an edited selection of vintage and retro objects that are often decorative or graphic, handmade and unusual, illustrative and nostalgic.

Please take a look over at my shop and see what treasures you can find (and remember from your childhood). And thanks for following Postcards from Battersea. For now, goodbye!

Vintage bespoke skirt

I was lucky enough to win a competition at the first ever Judy's Junior Vintage and Craft Fair last month, which included a unique made-to-measure skirt for Lily by Heavens to Betsy. These gorgeous handmade skirts are made up of five panels of re-loved vintage fabrics which you choose from a selection, and stitched together with a cute rainbow elastic waistband.

We were so excited when the package came - complete with a rosette corsage made from the fabric off-cuts (very clever idea) and creative label  - and Lily had to wear it immediately for her Diddi Dance class! It was also the outfit of choice for her 2nd birthday celebrations. We love it, thanks Heavens to Betsy!

Young@Hart

These pictures have been sitting on my desktop since the summer but I wanted to let you know about the great little selection of vintage clothes for children that can now be found at Vintage Hart (the tiny shop inside the White Hart pub in Crystal Palace). Young@Hart launched at the Crystal Palace festival and as its right on my doorstep, I can't help but pop in every so often or just stare through the window. They specialise in handmade dresses, bloomers and bibs made from vintage fabrics and also source some cute pieces from labels such as Adams, St Michael, Bhs.

Retro pattern clash

My close friends have recently moved out to the suburbs into a *slightly dated* house owned by the same family for 100 years. I had to get over there and document all of the fab crazy patterns on the walls and floors before they rip them up and throw them in the skip (I've already requested some of the vinyl wallpaper and the cute board with bird transfer motifs...I think the threadbare carpets are pushing it a bit!).

Hedge veg

One of my favourite things about walking along the narrow Guernsey streets was coming across 'hedge veg' - wooden boxes or plastic crates selling fresh local (excess) produce such as fruit, vegetables, eggs and flowers. There was something very quaint about the handmade signs and the use of piggy banks, enamel mugs and jam jars as honesty boxes. It was exciting to spot a box in the distance and find out what was inside.....the small pleasures!

I'm back......

Summer holidays and visits to grandparents and seeing friends and taking a break from this blog. But I'm back with lots more photos of what I've seen and done and documented.

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