Friday 14 October 2011

Magic Mushrooms


Not everything I buy is perfect, my lovely friends in the Salvation Army often save me things that are well past their best. It doesn't bother me, for a small donation and half-an-hour's labour they're almost as good as new and, as today's been so lovely,I've been able to sit outside and darn in the sunshine.


"Continental" wool turban by Moorcraft of England, sadly munched by moths.


I knew I had some matching wool in my kit.


Restored to it's original 1930s fabulousness. 


This piece of crochet was coming apart at the seams.



But with a little patience....


I have another poncho to add to my collection.


Especially for Dora and Sandy here's a bigger picture of yesterday's can-can costume. The top is boned with a lace-up front and the skirt is taffeta with net stiffening and a black and gold lace trim. I've no idea when I'll wear it but I do like to be prepared for any eventuality.

Victorian bone necklaces (Inherited), denim waistcoat (had forever), 1970s turquoise maxi & peacock feather earrings (The fabulous Helga)

We've switched Broadband providers and I've been offline for most of today, hopefully I can catch up with all I've missed in Blogland before tonight's jumble sale. 

Have a lovely weekend and see you soon.

61 comments:

  1. I love those wooden mushrooms , they are sooooo useful. My nan has one :-)

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  2. You are a clever thing Vix. That turban looks great on you.
    I do look at clothes in sales and if damaged weigh up whether it's worth saving.
    xx

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  3. I have a few things I need to mend. Also keeping an eye out for a vintage glass bowl as I broke one of a set of 6 today :( Unfortunately sentimental and vintage). I wish I had been like you and just sat outside and mended things (rather than gone near the crockery!!) I love crotchet items, but need to learn how to make them! Looking healthy and happy x

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  4. Those mending & crocheting skills are invaluable, aren't they? Hey, I SO like that blue skirt, Vix! The denim vest is PERfect with it!

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  5. I love the bohemian look you are rockin lady!! Good for you for being sooo handy, thats an awesome pncho!!


    Statements In Fashion: A Funky Little Fashion Blog

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  6. man, i wish i could rock a little vest like that with out getting arrested for exposure. i LOVE that vest. you look great!

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  7. I'm totally digging that turban and that can -can costume. You look super cute with those long black gloves and I love how chill you look sitting in the sun getting your mend on. That poncho is pretty sweet too! I hope you have a killer weekend my dear!

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  8. I can't help feeling sorry for some items in charity shops. I know clothes don't have emotions, but in my mind they do. I wonder about the places they've been, and their previous owners. As I'm nor very handy with a needle and thread, I can't bring them back to life. I'm so glad you can.
    The turban has a lovely shape, so much more elegant than todays knitted headwear. I'm a complete knitwear-addict, I always feel the cold, so I'm a fan of your ponchos.
    Gorgeous photos today, the light is perfect for outdoor shoots.
    I'm sure you'll have an opportunity to wear the beautifully made can-can outfit sooner or later, such a great fit.
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    Lucy x

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  9. Dearest Vix,
    YAY, to breathing new life into old things! I have an overflowing mending pile but I will tackle it one day, too busy trying to organise this blinking on-line shop at the mo though...I think it will take much longer than I initially thought. I love that hippy-tastic poncho!
    Have a fabulous Friday night & good luck at the jumble, I'm keeping my fingers crossed you find some spiffing stuff.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  10. You can't beat that make do and mend ethos and it looks like you did a fine job of the turban and poncho. Good luck with tonight's jumble!
    xxx

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  11. Hi Vix!

    Did know about those mushroms, very handy! but you have all sort of talents dear Vix - I can not get over your car booting, so original!

    I love the last pic you and all the rings - Lovely outfits, I missed a few posts

    Lots of love - Ariane xxxxx

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  12. the pic of you in that waistcoat is so wonderful!
    wishing you a wonderful weekend

    hippiebohoreloaded.

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  13. you are so talented vix - i love your knitted garments!

    Jules

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  14. Good for you, Vix. I really must attack my ever growing pile of stuff that needs darning or mending *groan*. Worth doing though. Loving the ponchos btw. Good luck at the jumble tonight. I've got two to go to tomorrow. Hurrah!

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  15. I don't have a darning "mushroom", I use an old "Leggs" egg for darning. I get older dresses for dirt cheap as everyone else shys away from them because of the small holes. -T

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  16. Ooh, it is lovely!
    And i must say, i lOVE your boobies ;)
    They are the perfect size you vixen!
    Have a terrific weekend!
    xxx
    Reva

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  17. I'm not sure it's fair that you're stylish AND practical.

    Have a great weekend, no need to wish you luck at the jumble but I will do anyway!

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  18. oooo oooo ooo That turban is fabulous. I don't have the slightest clue how to darn. I know I will need to in the future so I best be looking for some videos on it.
    Cute poncho too glad you were able to restore both items back to greatness.

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  19. Hahaha, you say cancan, I say serving wench! That definitely needs to be worn next time you dish up some pizza for Jon xx

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  20. You always look so gorgeous in that little denim waistcoat! The Victorian bone necklaces are absolutely stunning! I bet they are very rare to come across!

    The poncho is a brilliant new addition! I have a couple crochet granny blankets with a few small holes in but I have no idea how to crochet!

    The can-can costume is gorgeous! My favourite part has to be the skirt, it's beautiful! I'm sure you will find a reason to wear it! xxx

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  21. That can can dress is lovely on you and I love the turban on you too.

    You are so lucky they have so many jumble sales were you live there is hardly any where I am xx

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  22. Gorge colours in your skirt!xx

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  23. I've been mending in the sunshine too today, there must be something in the air. love that turban

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  24. Beautiful poncho! I love being able to fix things instead of tossing them out. We're in such a disposable time now and it seems silly to toss something that's so easy to repair. You look awesome in that turban btw

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  25. Fab turban! Good work with the mending. The can can outfit is hilarious - you are now truly prepared for any ocassion. I hope you get the chance to wear it soon x

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  26. Fab job with the mending. Your poncho is great, and your turban looks very warm and very stylish, I love them both. I soaked some curtains in Vanish yesterday to avoid having to get rid of them. I love them but had managed to squiert red paint all over one of them... Long story. But after 5 hours soaking and a good wash, they're as good as new. Yay!!!!

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  27. Being able to mend things is a highly useful skill for vintage fans, you can get things cheap and restore them. A dodgy hem or seam certainly doesn't put me off!

    Great hat and you always seem to have just the right threads and tools in your stash.

    'Bonne chance' at the jumble x

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  28. OMG! Very bordello - I bloody love it!

    I know how to darn but it is a bit of a lost art now days!

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  29. Rumpelstiltskin rumpelstiltskin! Look at you bringing those lovely thing back to life. I need to take a pointer from you and attack that pile of broken things in the corner of my room.

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  30. I've never really got on too well with darning - I give it a go but it always looks a bit of a mess when I've finished. Unlike your mending which has turned out great. Love the colours of that crochet poncho of yours.

    Yearn, a Friday evening jumble sale - it's years since I've had the pleasure of going to one of those. Happy jumbling, Vix.

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  31. Some of my favourite scores have been frocks in need of repairs! Goodness,no,you can't look past something wonderful just because theres a few things needs fixing;if you're capable,the price is always worth it!
    That turban is super smoove!! I do love a turban,there's something about them!I should try making one,I suspect there's not much to it!!
    LOVE YOU!!!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  32. The Magic mushrooms made me smile.

    Amazing what you can do with a little patience. And that turban is fantastic.

    X x

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  33. Love how you've managed to fix them up, I always find re-crocheting the frayed ends of crochet work really fiddly lol

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  34. Your rescued and rejuvenated turban and poncho look wonderful.
    And as always, you rock that waistcoat!!
    I've had internet connection gremlins today, so I too am catching up. Hope the jumble is productive - I'm sure it will be! Have a great weekend, love! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  35. Oh am super impressed with the repairs! Xx

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  36. Such beautiful photographs, and such wonderful mends, definitely worth the little extra effort to restore them back to their very best. I always feel obliged to take home a lost cause item, because more often than not they turn out to be the some of the best finds xxx

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  37. that turban is sooo cool and especially in that knit! I really need to figure out how to crochet/knit. I'm clueless!!

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  38. I have a bakelite one of those darning mushrooms the top screws off and the handle is hollow so that threads etc can be stored in there. My beautiful late dad was the darner in our house - he loved doing it and his darns were legendary for their neatness. xxx

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  39. Haven't got my head around how the mushroom works to darn but could sure do with a tutorial - Mr V is always putting holes through the elbows of his favourite jumpers. Love the Victorian bone necklace and that can-can dress is superb!

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  40. Vixcita,
    Best title ever magic mushroom MaMa.
    I love your side profile face fotos so much. I have a profile fetish problem.
    20's turban is like new. how you talented biatch. You can turn anything into a treasure. another cute poncho for the snugglying in chilly days.thanks for close up of prosti frock, looks so gorgeous on you. I'm sure Jon has some ideas for that nightie.
    besotes
    besotes

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  41. That turban is cool.Glad you were able to mend it.Love the can can outfit.You could always wear it for halloween.Soon as I saw it I thought of Dora too.xx

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  42. Love when you can fix something up and make it brand new again. Have a lovely weekend xxx

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  43. I love that you find cast offs that most do not want and give them a second life. I do the same thing. You look lovely Vix as always!

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  44. Those are two very nice things to have and definitely worth fixing!! Love the poncho :) Ha I love how you are keeping the can can costume on hand just to be prepared and your right you never know what life may bring!! :) It looks so relaxing sitting there darning!! It is still to hot here to sit outside ....I am curious to see how cool it gets here. ~have a great weekend Love Heather

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  45. What a nice way to mend your fab finds.....I love to sew outside too. Such a wonderful job you did on the turban & poncho!

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  46. Wow - I've never seen one of those mushrooms before and I have no idea what you are doing with it!

    That turban is stunning on you and you know I am always a sucker for a poncho.

    You're not only beautiful and fabulous, but you're also super clever!

    Sarah xxx

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  47. I really like the long skirt you are wearing and the poncho great repair job
    xx fee

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  48. So civilised, having jumbles during the day and evening! I wish!! Re your comment about a video of our fashion parade, I'll speak to Mikey and see if he can vid. a few minutes of it, I know everyone would love to see some.xx.

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  49. You clever creature! I love that turban. I'm surethat can can dress will get an outing at some point....x

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  50. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog giveaway post. Sending lvoe and big hugs, Em xx

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  51. Hi my dear-glad to see some TLC has restored your lovely pieces! Have a great weekend xx

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  52. re your comment on my blog, thanks so much hon. So sorry your Dad is not doing so well my thoughts are with you and him during such a difficult time :o(

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  53. Vix that mushroom is awesome!
    I've never seen those before. I love ponchos so much, they will never be out of style for me :)

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  54. Well mended, Vix (and so stylishly looking while doing it)! It might be Another, but I think this is an especially lovely poncho. X

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  55. I Loove those necklaces! The Victorian era is one of my Favorites!

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  56. this turban is absolutely worth it to get darned. so lovely - the perfect headdress for those cold days.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  57. magnifique comme d habitude ! ;O)

    Bon dimanche !

    http://surlelongchemindelacceptation.blogspot.com/

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  58. That poncho is exquisite - Adore the colours and cut. And I love your turban. I might have to do a sewing course soon;-)

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  59. The 1930's wool turban is fabulous! And you wear it well.

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Lots of love, Vix