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!

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!).

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.

Vintage quilting

Lily's new summer-weight sleeping bag with cute vintage-style toy patterns, softly quilted fabric and a gathered waist. One of my latest thrifted finds.

Summer florals

This post seemed much more relevant yesterday when the sun was shining (today it is pouring down!)....a little collection of floral dresses from both mine and Lily's wardrobes. Vintage, handmade, thrifted, high street and designer.

Retro bedlinen

A recent find at Hayes Lane market in Crystal Palace. I'm not sure if its particularly old, but it's bright and fun, and will look fab when L finally gets her 'big' bed (not for a while I hope!). Oh yeah, it's a single duvet cover for anyone that's wondering.

Baby gifts

Two cushions I've recently made as gifts for friends and family to celebrate their new baby boys. Past season Liberty florals backed with John Lewis Noah's Animals and added applique and embroidery details. I hope they like them!

Raggy-Tag + Liberty

A patriotic baby-related post for the Jubilee weekend! I love this Raggy-Tag snuggle blanket made with Liberty Roses cotton front and a pink velour reverse. Made in England, the blanket features brightly coloured ribbon tags, including the Liberty crown logo and the Union Jack.