Thursday 11 August 2011

Reasons To Be Cheerful



This amazing 1970's dress from the gorgeous Sarah was awaiting my return from the Big Chill on Monday afternoon. I wore it last night and managed not to spill curry or beer down it, which is a pretty good reason to be happy as I love it.



The rain scuppered this morning's car boot sale plans but no matter, I used my morning wisely and hung my latest patchwork curtains on the landing. Just looking at them makes me smile.

Brass pendants (car boot sale), 1966 Xmas decorations (from my first Xmas)

Hand made by me, sometimes I surprise myself with my needlework skills. There's everything from tea towels, table cloths, vintage sheets, torn dresses and curtains in here, all foraged from jumble sales, even the thread was second-hand.


I bet my evil home ecomonics teacher would be lost for words, my feeble attempt at making a nightie in the first form was so appaling she finished it off herself.


Look what my gorgeous Krista sent me, a heap of silver tribal jewellery, I love it all! The ring fits my big butcher's hands perfectly.


I won a vintage tapestry panel in the awesome Sandy's giveaway last week and it arrived this morning along with all these other goodies...scary children, huge earrings, blingy bangles, false eyelashes, a new purse and this Vikram Chandra book (she must be a bit of a witch as I mislaid this book in India a couple of years ago and I've been scouring the chazza shops for it ever since).


I transformed the panel into a cushion the minute I ripped the parcel open. I've used an offcut of turquoise barkcloth left over from the curtains.



What with my three fabulous parcels and the NHS finally stepping in to offer me some help with my Dad I'm feeling very cheerful.


Hope you're feeling jolly today.

69 comments:

  1. Fabulous post Vix,
    and a sound reminder that there is ALWAYS something to smile about x

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  2. You've made me happy already. Love the curtains.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  3. There's something so crisp about green and white together.

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  4. Love your dress and those curtains are wonderful! Have a great evening xxx

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  5. Great dress and well done on being so productive. Good to hear you'll get some support with your Dad x

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  6. Lovely dress, you look lovely as always and you have fabulous arms lol! xx

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  7. You have been a busy little bee. Just looking at those patchwork curtains has made me smile alright. I love them.

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  8. Dearest Vix,
    you lucky chicken getting so many fabby parcels, no wonder you are smiling ;)
    I'm glad to hear that you are getting some support from the NHS.
    I hope your dad is alright, give him a wee hug from me.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  9. I have yet another reason for you to be cheerful. You made my day with your comment on my blog, I smiled the biggest smile for months after reading it.
    What a gorgeous dress, the styling is such that even though it has a revealing bodice, the flowing long skirt balances this out, making for a very striking cut.
    SO many beautiful things arriving in the post, no wonder you're on such good terms with the postman - you're keeping him in a job!
    The stories which lie within those curtains could go on forever, they are a work of art, you should be exceptionally proud of your needle work.
    Thanks for giving me a reason to be cheerful! Lucy x

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  10. You gorgeous criatura,.
    lucky mama. Look at all those treasures.
    More creepy children frames.
    You look ravishing amor, especially love your stare in these fotos.
    Hope your dad gets all the help.
    Hugs

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  11. That's a beautiful dress from Sarah, the jewellery is SO you, in fact all the gifts are just perfect for you.

    Wow, the curtains look fantastic, , you've done a brilliant job with them. Love the cushion too. Clever you!

    I'm relieved you are getting some support for your dad; it's not easy to navigate your way through the NHS sometimes, you have to be persistent. Hope he's doing OK.
    PS. That final photo of you is GORGEOUS - you foxy Vixen you!! xxx

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  12. Lovely post, Vix. You've made me feel more cheerful just from dropping by. Have a top evening.
    xxxx

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  13. You know, that green may just be your signature colour. Gorgeous. Also the bling. SOOOOO envious.

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  14. I didn't realise your Dad was ill - hope he will be on the mend soon. I had a good giggle at your home economics tale - you've had the last laugh though!

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  15. Thank goodness you're getting some help with your Dad! What a relief!
    Now,feckme,missus,that frock is gorgeous and ever so SEXARAMA!!! Phwoar!Great choice by Sarah! Love all your other goodies too!!! Bloody hell! Krista totally has you pegged,that jewellery is divine!
    Love your beautiful face in that last pic,it's just too yummy!
    Love YOU!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  16. That silver bangle is gorgeous! I love those fun funky patchwork curtains, I can see a tea cup and saucer on one panel, that's fab. Xx

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  17. the dress is beautiful, it suits you perfectly!

    xoxo.

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  18. Flamin' Nora, those curtains you made are stunning. What a brilliant use of jumble sale fabric. My needlework teacher was a vile old witch too - must be a requirement of the job!!

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  19. I love your curtains! I would love to make a table cloth with this concept. I've been collecting cloth napkins for a while in hopes of achieving a similar look. You did a fantastic job!

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  20. Love the labradorite piece!!!!!! And the dress is fab!

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  21. What lovely presents and I really like your patchwork curtains. As per usual you look fabulous and I'm glad you're getting help for you and your dad. xx

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  22. Excellent pressies, love the stripey dress, v pretty :)

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  23. your curtains are inspired....as a teenager I went through a bit of a patchwork phase using loads of Laura Ashley remnants to construct a cover for my bean bag!!x

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  24. Lovely dress and jewellery - you're a lucky girl! Curtains look great. I failed my sewing machine test aged 9 - and can still hardly sew a button on (oh dear!). xx

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  25. I ca't even sew a button so am very impressed with those curtains, they look amazing! As you do, the dress is a beauty. Very lucky to come home to all those goodies!
    Sophie
    x

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  26. That dress really suits you, I love the colour on you.. and that jewellery is to die for !! xx

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  27. Spots and stripes - perfect! And the cushion and patchwork curtain - flippin fab x

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  28. I love those curtains. I have so many scraps of material and I have been trying to think of something to make with them, some definite inspiration here.

    Such a lovely dress and a very happy post.

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  29. whouuu, so pretty dress, so summery and cute!
    Love your patchwork curtains, it's a nice and colorful idea, and it also made me smile!!
    And I'm also loving all that silver pieces, really beautiful: more silver is never enough!!
    besos

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  30. Those curtains provide a great view no matter what the weather outside the window! The dress is another stunner.

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  31. i love your drapes. you are so smart and crafty. i just spent a fortune on drapes and now i'm poor (again.) i need to learn from you.
    your's are loaded with personality and charm.

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  32. Vix, love you posts and think you have an amazing style (rather unique). You actually have inspired me to look for vintage stuff the things you find are fabulous :-) your new follower x

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  33. I love that dress on you. It is breathtaking. :) I also love your curtains. They are so pretty. xo

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  34. Wow, wow and wow again!

    Firstly - that dress is so gorgeous and looks stunning on, it's figure hugging in all the right places! That last picture of you gorgeous!

    Secondly - those hand made curtains are amazing! I absolutely love them! Your home economics teacher probably couldn't have done better herself.. So pretty!

    Thirdly - I love the jewels that Krista sent! They are divine and absolutely bang on your style!

    I found the book in a AgeUK and immediately thought of you! That is kinda spooky! I thought the earrings would go nicely with your American Indian/Pocahontas outfit!

    Lastly - I can't believe you have already made use of the tapestry! The cushion you made from it looks so charming and cute! Well done you crafty devil! xxx

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  35. Dearest Vix, the dress is fabulous and you look absolutely gorgeous in it.

    What amazing parcels! The jewellery is stunning, love the parcel from Sandy and the cushion and your curtains!!

    I've missed you. I called you the other day but your mobile was on answerphone and I didn't have your landline in my crappy temporary phone. I'll try you tomorrow. Love you loads xx

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  36. That dress looks perfect on you.
    I love the curtains you did they are sooo lovely its like a feast of vintage fabrics all in one.. almost explodes the mind! hehe
    The silver tribal jewelry is gorgeous!!
    Also I think I have the same bangle as you the bottom one in the pic with the scary children photos. lol

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  37. how fab getting all those goodies in the post.. very exciting!!..
    that dress is gorgeous, your curtains are so lovely as well.. knowing that you've made them aswell is so much better a real sense of achievement!!

    charl
    x

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  38. I'm so happy you love the jewelry it totally suits you my dear. That dress is hot on you and I love the last picture of you looking over your shoulder! Look at all those goodies, feeling the love I bet!

    Your curtains are killer and when the light comes through you can really see how utterly divine they truly are. That tapestry pillow is also adorable, you are the queen of up cycling!

    I hope you get the help you need with you Dad. What is the NHS?

    Take care sweets!

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  39. Oh wow, those curtains are stunning, bet you see new things each time you look! I love your cushion work too, it's so pretty and fits right in.
    Good to hear you're getting help with Dad, it's stressful coping alone with elderly parents! Hugs xx
    Kandi xx

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  40. This dress is seriously amazing, I really love the bust-line! Also loving the tribal jewellery you were sent - Jealous!! :D xx

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  41. My heart literally skipped a beat at the sight of your patchwork curtains - you made more!!!! Patchwork curtains are the only curtains worth hanging and I love your knobs (ooh-err!). Then I saw your gifted jewellery. More palpitations. What an incredible collection. Then, the tapestry and extra goodies from Sandy. I'm getting a pain down my left arm now. Sarah's stripey dress. I'm dying. xoxoxo

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  42. A very nice post indeed, but now I keep thinking if Ian Drury and the Blockheads! Alas, I have silver envy....

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  43. Wow the curtains turned out fabulous!! I love how you pieced them all together from vintage finds!! The dress is super cute as well!! The jewelry is very pretty also! Wow you have a magical mailbox I think!! Enjoy all your new treasures! Not so bad for a rainy day!! :) ~Love Heather

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  44. You look absolutely beautiful in this green. I'm not seeing butcher's hands though.

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  45. Once again a post filled with so many things to admire.

    1)you are looking very sexy in that maxi dress. I love the color. 2)I've always admired your patchwork curtains and now you've gone and made some more 3)what a lucky girl, the jewelry is gorgeous! 4)more scary kids - Yikes! Is there any more room on the Wall of Misery for them? and finally 5)What a great job you did with the tapestry, I love that pillow. Is there no end to your sewing talent?

    Vix, I don't know what NHS is but I hope your dad is doing well. Hugs to you and yours.

    xo, Bonnie

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  47. I ABSOLUTELY love that Silver jewelry!!!! You are so lucky ;)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  48. You are very lucky and loved!
    Those packages are amazing, I'm in love with all the accessories from Krista and the dress from Sarah.

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  49. The curtains are fab, well done for finishing them, I DO love patchworking. Your dress is lovely too, well done again for not spilling stuff on it :)

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  50. I am seriously in awe with your curtains! They look fab!! And I'm loving your dress and all your other goodies!!! :)

    Julia @ Retro Jules

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  51. Oh amor, you look amazing in that dress! I'm so glad you like it. That jewellery is SO you and those curtains are INCREDIBLE! You're so clever. I'm super pleased that you are getting some help with your Dad - it must be such a relief for you.

    Loveandfrocks, Sarah xxx

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  52. Glad things are on the up so definitely a reason to be cheerful. Along with that lush stack of jewellery!! Wow!!
    Lovely dress, I wearing more and more layers as the week goes on, come on sun!!

    xx

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  53. That dress fits you like a dream, you look great! :)

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  54. Lovely dress, and jewellery! You certainly have been keeping yourself busy, the curtainsa are a treat. Must be a relief to finally be getting help with your dad. Love ya babe!

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  55. There are always reasons to be cheerful I agree! You certainly have many, but you make your life happy by working at it, something a lot of people could learn from!

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  56. Your talents are endless. Love the dress and the curtains are a work of art.

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  57. @ My lovely pals Krista and Bonnie - NHS stands for the national Health Service, sorry to assume you'd know. x

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  58. Love that last photo of you...... the fabric of your dress is beautiful with the two patterns.

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  59. Glad you are getting some help with dad.

    You are quite adept with a sewing needle, lady. I made a wrap-around skirt in home economics and it fell apart the first time I wore it. I took HUGE stitches. Laugh. I hate sewing. I also scream (literally) in frustration when I try and get the thread in the eye of the needle. I have NO patience at all.

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  60. Gorgeous maxi! It is always good when you manage to not spill things on yourself, isn't it? I spilled soup all down the front of my white work shirt yesterday, what a grub.

    I'm so glad that you're finally getting help with your Dad! Excellent news.

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  61. Your patchwork curtains are so unique in every way, you should be very proud of your latest creation. So good to see Sandy’s tapestry panel in good use too xxx

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  62. *wolf whistle* you are HOT HOT HOT in that dress Vix! MEOW! Love your pathwork curtains. I made curtains for our lounge room and makes me smile when I look at them. Even though they have an uneven hem. x

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  63. this dress is really so adorable, well i have to say i love all your outfits, so summer of love and i really wish i would have your wardrobe ;) well i´m a new follower now and can´t wait to see new outfitposts;)
    love and kiss,mary

    http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com

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  64. hot mamma!!! loving the Indian silver jewelry

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  65. Loving the needlework skillz Vix :)

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Lots of love, Vix