Bike tra la la

A very hot day today!  Gave my bike its promised mini  makeover - just painted it with leftover sample pot paint and reused blue bunting from the garden (Dom didn't  like it as he had to stoop to go under it).  A new seat cover - just a very rough triangle shape and elastic threaded - the fabric will easily 'mould' itself to the shape of the seat (especially with a heavy weight on top of it......cough, cough). You may recall the fabric from my old trunk makeover.

I could not see a thing  on the camera when I took these photos so not the best - I might have had the setting on night vision by mistake! The paint is pale blue - by late afternoon I have already decided to go a bit darker....

Cannot decide whether I should redo the basket too - what do you think?  If you preferred it how it was before I will paint it back tomorrow.

Painted the bike in the garden in order to conceal paint drippings.  Excellent that it was soooo sunny as the paint was dry as soon as I finished painting (no hairdryer needed - which is what I usually do in my haste to complete something!).  Whizzed indoors to get my faithful Vacco Vacuum flask.  Then thought about the children's vintage picnic thermos set.....I used to 'force' the children to use this on all picnics.  Teeny vacuum flasks (filled with squash) and sandwich box - all in its purpose built wicker basket. Have you ever read 'Mrs Armitage on wheels'?  Then you will understand my friend....

Remember a previous posting about 'smallness'?  There is something so charming about it all I think. A second after taking this photo the bike tipped over and I thought that Vacco was done for!!  All intact though.  Removed Vacco for following photo...

Okay - so thermos - check

sandwiches - check

cushion - check

sun brolly - check

beach bucket - check

larger size bucket (for big fish) - check

Big bucket courtesy of Mr Langfords (see previous postings regarding the wonderments at Mr Langfords!) a few years ago.  You never know what Mr Langfords will have in store! I have one or two buckets...bucket blog planned....

A pleasing clash of patterns - in my eyes at least. 

Made this little bag last night (finished at 22.30 to be exact) - I was going to try and sell this then realised that the sewing machine had skipped a stitch, wretched machine it really does need to go to the menders before I chuck it out the window (or into the sea!).  I like the buckle and spent a goodly amount of time threading it up and down just because!

Added a bit of lily gilding on the reverse - 

This type of bag is perfecto for keys and purse I find

Will be making panniers for the bike but will have to spend an age deciding on the fabric first - I will keep you posted! 

My old bike is relatively famous - you may remember that my photographs of it were featured on the display screens at the Royal Festival Hall and Southbank for last years Vintage Festival in London.  Also few months ago I was cycling into town and was stopped by a young man who admired my bike (I clutched my bag a little tighter at this point).  Fear not - he was asking if I could possibly stay to be interviewed for an article about pollution and cyclists.  I said that I must press on to the post office but if they were still there when I returned I will stop.  Well strange things happen to me sometimes - turned out it was the BBC and they were filming a piece for the South Today news.  Laura Trant (those of you in the south may have seen her) interviewed me and we got chatting about my bags.....the cameraman got a little tetchy because there was too much vintage bag chat!!  To cut a long'ish story short my interview was on the lunch time and evening news and there I was cycling around on my bike! Who knew!!! Best of all is when I hear pleasant comments about my bike when tra la la'ing. Mind you when I parked it at the supermarket today I was next to a bike that had been completely decoupaged.........now there's an idea!!!!

Just remembered that my vintage maps were featured at Southbank too - along with a few other bits and bobs from our house! Anyone planning to go to the next event at Boughton?  One of my sisters lives nearby so thought we could stay there but I cannot figure out if you have to pay to go in or just pay for 'events'.  Anyone any the wiser as I would love to go but far too much money.  If free to go to shops etc perhaps we could organise a 'meet' - I will be wearing a black hat and a red rose...oh and plus some clothes!!!

Oh dear now I see this photo I am thinking.....oh dear, oh dear....

 I wish you warmth and sunshine

PS Still planning giveaway - decisions, decisions! PPS thank you again for not posting on Pinterest - I sense that Pinterest has lost interest