Friday 15 March 2013

It's half past March...


Hello again and thank you for calling in. 
 I hope to be blog visiting later today and replying to kind comments on previous post - thank you again. 
Also to reassure that though some embroideries are in drawers they are all used on a regular basis...I use old stuff a lot!

Can I  apologise that I have cocked up the format of this blog and everything is now all jumbled about - I have no idea what I have done or how this came about.  The 'behind the scenes staff' are working on this!! Ha ha.  Also adding a request for these photos not to be placed on pinterest (no pin codes have been in place since last year, requests, politeness also in place) - I realise that site is loved by many and I am the odd one out...always the way...


You may have gathered from reading this blog ("You mean we are supposed to READ it"!!) that I like china/fabric/tablecloths that marry up  with:
 a) the season
b) the day of the week
c) the WEATHER and so on.

 Due to this  certain 'things' are/can  only used/seen at certain times of the year/month/day in our house (Christmas/Easter being obvious ones).  Some things ('Auld Lang Syne cup) have a  very specific - blink and you miss it -  opportunity.  This will be clarified at the end of this post when I indeed  missed that slim window .....


So for me Spring ties in very neatly with bunting and embroidery - heralding the start of something fresh and growth anew.  Spring is simply the best time of the year I think and we have finally been able to get out into the garden and do some proper gardening. Spring is a time for getting on and doing stuff.  This includes a little bit of sewing - not so much because busy elsewhere - enough to keep me going.  

Disclaimer: Anything that involves cutting into the embroidery I use damaged cloths - sadly tablecloths often have burns (?!) and stains right in the middle when even a carefully placed teapot is not big enough to cover damaaaaje.



I cannot remember why I made this so long

Also 'old and damaged beyond recognition' books - something can be salvaged from them.  I have gone on before about using illustrations as paperweights but of course bunting is an easy thing to make too.

Somebody might recognise this bunting......made from a favourite old book of mine that was beyond repair save some of the old coloured illustrations.  This copy dates from the early 1900s



Cheering colours and I especially love illustrations that have lots of little 'sub' images to keep you entertained








A simple thing to make (you may have come across my Ladybird bunting 'tutorial' on the Mollie Makes blog last year) so the whole world can be buntingfied in a trice!


Each Spring for the past few years I have made a little bit of bunting from some vintage Beatrix Potter fabric.  Here you will find other things that I have made from this fabric for a previous Spring


And a few little Easter Egg gathering bags

As a close up of the bunting pictured  below is on Pinterest I notice (goodness knows why as it looks very ordinary in that photo) I thought that I would dig out a photo of the original in complete form! The original post was one of several that I deleted a while ago when Blogger was telling us that we had too many photos.   I don't think that I have this any more but would have to go drawer rummaging in order to check!  The reverse fabric was some very nice (if I say so myself) 50s sateen floral fabricos.




So it is indeed half past March and time is ticking 


Please ensure that you are using the correct tablecloth for this time of year...it is not half past February or indeed half past April but Half Past MARCH

 Pluheeze make some attempt to get it right.  

Along with 'bottom alignment' these are the essentials in life.....


No slacking here please - tsk, tsk... 

My 'slip' in previous years has been to read this as a quarter  past June- can you imagine my chagrin upon realising such a catastrophe!!!

Ha ha

In order to doubly emphasise the urge to use things at very particular times  here is one of my favourite cups (I am partial to a nice cup).  It must (treble emphasis... with bells...and extra whistles....comedic effect) only be used in the morning.  The cup clearly illustrates sun rise...not sun down....not mid-morning blazing sun...but sun rise.  



The day is broken by supping of the tea

Come on people you are with me on this.................aren't you?  

If we start using specific cups at the wrong part of the day that might just spell the end of the civilized world....

....oops too late


Anyway must go as  it is indeed time for tea

Time check...

PS: For those who like to know such detail this cup dates from around 1910 and should only really be used whilst holding out little finger at an angle to the cup body...

Standards Timothy...
Standards

64 comments:

  1. I have a very specific cup I use ONLY in the mornings, so It's not just you. Lovely post. I have lots of old linens that I need to make use of. Maybe a bunting is in my near future?

    Hope

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    1. Good for you - a 'just for mornings' cup sounds ideal
      I look forward to seeing your bunting fluttering in the breeze
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  2. It cheers me up to see all that lovely bunting. Although I don't have much of a 'stash' of Easter decorations I love to see vintage pieces ( I'm hoping you will show some?!If you have time) The idea of the book pages make me smile, I have ideas of my own bits of cropped writing- and most of it unrepeatable!
    Happy Bunting Flissx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for calling in - my local second hand book shops sells all books for 50p - some have beautiful illustrations so not too difficult to accrue too many!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  3. Jenny that tablecloth is the nicest one I have ever seen, where on earth do you get all this gorgeousness from?? I always have my breakfast cuppa from my EB Mrs Tiggywinkle mug and the afternoon cuppa in the "blue tit" one, hoping as I drink my tea and stuff a big cream cake into my little "gob" I might catch a glimpse of a wee birdy or two in the garden!! Lucey xx PS The buntings are gorgeous too....

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    1. Very pleased to read that you have a suitable range of cups for different times of the day!
      I can hear all the birds chirping like mad today!
      Many thanks for kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  4. i love your bunting, i have a few vintage ladybird books that have seen better days, you have inspired me to use them so they can be appreciated all over again !

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    1. Indeed - I have changed my thoughts over the last 10 years about such matters. If it is perfectly usable then we use it - if not we re-use it
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  5. Oooh i love the embroidery bunting, i have lots of damaged bits like this and couldn't think what to do with them, thanks for the inspiration, they will be cheering up or house soon (when i get round to hunting them down! )Catx

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    Replies
    1. The things that you could make are infinite - look forward to seeing them
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  6. I declare today (half past March) as the start of National Bunting Week, such beautiful bunting (and funting!) I fear a garland avalanche but my mug says 'Keep Calm, Drink Tea', so I'll do that. EE xx

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    Replies
    1. What a good idea - festooned everywhere!
      all the best
      Jenny

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  7. Lovely lovely bunting! Particularly love the Beatrix Potter. I am not biased. (I am). x

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    Replies
    1. A bit of favouritism perhaps?
      Ho ho
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  8. Lovely post. That tablecloth sure makes me smile!

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    Replies
    1. Ah yes - I have not really 'started' on tablecloths on this blog...I will get round to it
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  9. I love the bunting made with the children's theme. I have tried to decorate my sons room with a lot of vintage items. That banner would be a perfect match. I don't sew - so maybe I can come up with something ;) or I'll just have to finally learn! I was thinking about how sometimes people don't read and just look...I used to get so aggrivated w/ my grandmother because we had the same magazine subscription and when I'd ask her if she had seen a certain story she'd say "No - I must not have received mine yet". Then I started watching her "read" - she just flipped through the pages until she'd see a picture that caught her eye and so "oooh, isn't that pretty?" and then just keep flipping through. ;) Guess that's why we all tend to love picture books. I do so enjoy reading AND oogling your blog ;) Thanks for always so graciously sharing....

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    1. Oh you are kind - I hope that you picked up the link that I sent about 'no sew' bunting! All things are possible
      Have a lovely day
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  10. How long does half past March last? just till tomorrow???
    Thanks Jenny - a lovely post!

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    Replies
    1. Now quarter to April - goodness time flies!
      Best wishes and many thanks
      Jenny

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  11. YEY.... I declare today officially bunting hanging day, as I have just hug some in my kitchen (brought home from work) shhh ~Don't tell the OH...I am for ever sneaking in some thing I fall in LOVE with. YOURS is special Jenny as you are too! YOU are not on your own with pin interest as I like to be different too and it doesn't really do it for me either..Far to much I would rather chat about than just look at.... am afraid!! MARCHING on then....With kindest thoughts....Maria x

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    1. Horses for courses I reckon Maria - I have no problem with pinterset in theory just would rather my photographs stayed here....if not I am not sure if the blog bit is needed...
      Anyway we MUST GET ON
      Ha ha
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  12. So that's 4pm bunting (I'm worried about the giraffe's tongue by the way, that looks painful!)? And next weekend is a quarter to April?

    (Only here could that comment actually make sense! ;) )

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    Replies
    1. It does indeed make perfect sense - all 'bizarre' comments welcome!
      Best wishes
      Jenny
      PS - I have to take on board the quarter to April phrase - all calenders should be phrased that way

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  13. I have a number of random mugs in the cupboard that pair up with others of similar size and shape. When I make a cuppa for the two of us, it MUST be using matching mugs. And I always take the 'Prettier' one of the pair [or the one which is pink]
    And I have 'summer' tablecloths.
    And different aprons for different tasks - cake baking must be done in the best frilled one, Sunday lunch in my V&A floral, and general chores in my black Starbucks barista model.
    Such peculiar practices and inexplicable habits are part of the glue which holds things together.

    Lenten blessings [maybe I should reserve my plainest mugs for Lent]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay - good for you. Yes indeed - I had quite forgotten about aprong.....oh no I feel that I may have to go and take some photos and I DO NOT HAVE TIME! Ha ha
      Look forward to seeing summer aprons.
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  14. Lovely post ... the buntings are adorable ... Bee xx

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  15. Hi Jenny a simply marvellous post,I am a lovely shade of green right now I sooooo!! envy the half past march tablecloth,where on earth did you find that?IF(tripley underlined!!!)you EVER decide to part with such a covetable item please bear me in mind!!!!!! I do agree that some china CAN only be used at certain times,I have only just unearthed my February cup and saucer,alas too late!Warm regards Pam (P.S I love Easter more than Christmas and can't wait to get my Easter things out,I may do that very thing on Sunday to make the most of it!

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    Replies
    1. Dear, dear Pam - I have had the cloth for a few years....I genuinely have misread the time for a while! I will indeed keep you in mind Pam. Tsk, tsk for not using Febuary cup at the right time! What on earth is going on Pam!! Please do better next time!!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  16. I love bunting it always makes me smile, that's a great idea reusing vintage material to make some.I visit Mr Langford's shop today what a place! I could have spent all day in there! I didn't see much fabric for sale there!
    Sarah x

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    1. Hello again
      I have a Mr Langford post all lined up - sometimes he has tablecloths....oh dear...and he will keep things for you if you ask! Oh dear again
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  17. Such a lot of gorgeous bunting! I have never made any but I do have a few old embroidered linens picked up from charity shops with no clear idea what I would do with them - I think bunting is the answer!

    While I don't restrict the time of day for certain mugs, I do have ones that are very definitely for tea (different ones again for herbal tea) or coffee or hot chocolate and get most upset if others don't understand this.

    gillian x

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    Replies
    1. Very good indeed Gillian - important details that.
      Bunting is one of lots and lots of ways of using otherwise pretty but difficult to use bits!
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  18. oh wow - I have severe bunting lust! that is bunting to die for!!!

    Nikki x

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    1. Thank you most kindly Nikki
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  19. Vintage fabric and bunting.....just heavenly! Exactly why I love my visits here, oh yes and the words too! :) x

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    1. Thank you for reading/looking at both dear Ada Bea
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  20. Loving the embroidered bunting. I turn my damaged cloths into lavender hearts but this is fantastic.
    Ellie
    x

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    1. Lavender hearts sound lovely too - I have those in with my knickers!
      Thank you for calling by
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  21. Fab bunting. I love it all.
    June

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    1. Thank you dear June - soon be June at this rate!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  22. Oh my i love the table cloth so much!

    Sara x

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    1. Glad that you like it - limited use though!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  23. You have inspired me to make some new spring bunting for my Easter party ...........I love your morning tea cup :)

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    1. Sounds a lovely idea - and simple to do to
      Have a lovely day
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  24. Beautiful, always beautiful Mrs.Custard x I feel inspiration for something Springy this dreary grey weekend x

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    1. Awww - thank you muchly. Feel that I may be 'bigging this up' sometimes.
      A bit of sun showing today
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  25. As always, your blog and its pictures have made me smile and feel happy- thank you my dear! Jane xx

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    1. Thank you dear Jane - a bit of brightness needed sometimes
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  26. You always come up trumps with such amazing items.

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    1. Everytime I read you name it makes me smile - we have a house full of old tat!
      Thank you for kindly words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  27. What a lot of bunting you 'got' Jenny and it's all fab u lous. I must cut up a few of my old tablecloths and make some - as ever, your blog doings are a joy to see and read....keep up the good work gal :)
    x

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    1. Dear Barabara - your cheering words keep me going
      Thank you muchly
      Best wishes
      jenny

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  28. Oh Jenny you are wonderful - I love that you have an official 'half past March' tablecloth! I have some vintage kids annuals that are falling apart, I think it's time I got over my terror of cutting up books and made some paper bunting. I'm off to make a cup of tea, but don't worry it will definitely be in an afternoon mug! Hope you have a lovely week. Rachel xx

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    1. You mean not everyone has one!!! Dearie me I might have to go into production. Look forward to seeing your bunting
      Please check your cups are correct at all times
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  29. I am with you, dear Jenny and that is one amazing mug. You have the best tablecloths, that's marvellous. I do like Pinterest but I know your wishes re pinning and respect them.
    Looking forward to seeing those chairs you told me about (please, no neons!)
    Hen xxx

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    1. Thank you kindly Hen and for calling in
      I will attempt chairs and the weekend - no neons!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  30. Lovely blog-post, making me smile first thing on a dull Tuesday morning! Lizzie

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    1. Thank you for calling in Lizzie
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  31. Replies
    1. It is rather nice - very thin bone china so I need to be alert when using it!
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  32. Embroidered bunting! How utterly beautiful and most Spring like - you've reminded me I must sort some out for the garden.

    Nina x

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    1. Hello Nina
      I look forward to seeing your bunting (sounds a bit odd written down!)
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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