Friday 30 March 2012

Pimp My Jumble


I bought this handmade crochet cardi from yesterday's jumble sale. It may be beautifully made but I'd rather go naked than wear beige. Time for a bit of do-it-yourself.


My friend, Miss Rayne, sent a parcel of these Dylon dyes from a now defunct local craft shop. I've revived several of Jon's skanky tee shirts with great success so I thought I'd try revamping my latest find.


A vast improvement, even if I do say so myself.


By weird coincidence I spotted this on the Free People website, an almost identical cardi currently slashed in price down from £105.64 to a mere £62.85. 


Mine was a much more reasonable 40p, the £62.45 I saved pays for fourteen nights accommodation for the two of us in Goa.

Here's more of yesterday's jumble sale finds:
Clockwise from top left: M-1943 fishtail parka, English-made grosgrain and ribbon handbag, 1970s Aztec sweater, Indian pendant, ruffled vest with shop tags still attached, French Connection silk corset top, British-made maroon leather satchel.

There's a jumble sale tomorrow morning then that's it until May.


Jumble sale cardi worn with Van Allen maxi dress (£10 eBay, 2009), vintage platform boots(£4.99, PDSA), beaded peacock bag (50p, car boot sale) and a Krista-licious handmade pendant


We're having a quiet night in tonight with rum & coke and Jon's home-made pizza. We've got a month of madness to look forward to so best save our energy for India (or at least until tomorrow night).

Have a fabulous weekend and see you soon.

85 comments:

  1. That looks fab! Even better than the website version.
    Gorgeous hair as well lady.
    Enjoy your night, me and Andy are doing beers and curry out.
    x

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  2. You are such a cool cat Vix!
    I've been wanting to die address for ages, do you just chuck it in the washing machine with the dye?

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  3. All your clothes are fabulous I love it when you post a blog then we can have a sneak peak at your wardrobe.what a nice gift especially because the dyes I find are quite expensive.what a coincidence I'makin home made pizza,Johnnys favourite dish! Mmmm rum it's gotta be dark rum though for me,I'm having a few cheeky Tia marias tonight that's been tucked away for months xx

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  4. Oh I love the crochet card.. and I suit beige.. LOL xx..but its great turquoise too xx

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  5. I love how you dyed your crochet cardie - I love that colour on you!!!! If i don't speak before. Have a fab time in Goa! XO

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  6. I've got a similar cardi in white that I haven't worn yet. Your dye job just turned out beautifully--a fine mint.

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  7. I absolutely love what you've done to the cardigan! It looks so much nicer. Love the dress too, & your hair looks so pretty up! Have a lovely weekend :) XO

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  8. "I'd rather go naked than wear beige"... I couldn't agree more! That mint shade is a vast improvement and looks so lovely with that colorful dress. Your eye make up is looking particularly good today too. I am coveting your jumble sale bags, particularly the raspberry coloured one. I have lots of things I've kept hold of so I can dye them but I never seem to get around to it. I'm always put off by the mess and fuss but you make it look so easy x

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  9. Wow awesome saving on the crochet! Loving your dress too :)

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  10. this is great! i love it even more than the one selling for more. i have so much to learn from you! and the maxi's just keep coming, don't they? omg, so jealous. xo janet

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  11. Wow your crochet cardigan is gorgeous i love the colour change those dyes are great i have never dyed anything in my life but i may have to try sometime. Great finds love the bags. You look beautiful as always. Have a great weekend, dee xxx

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  12. That's a really nice cardy, made nicer with a bit of dye :)

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  13. FABULOUS MAKEOVER, LOVE THE COLOUR!

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  14. so great idea to dye that crochet cardi! (and I'm still laughing about that 'I'd rather go naked than wear beige', yeah, I agree with that!!)
    Really lovely effect to wear a crochet cardi over a colorful dress, nice layering!
    And also wish you enjoy your weekend!
    besos

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  15. That cardi looks AMAZING! Just lovely. I'm in love w/ the Aztec sweater, too..gorgeous finds..

    Have a fabulous night in! XO

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  16. very impressive!!! And I really like your maxi!

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  17. I love your blog, Vix! I'v always being silently admiring your style, its the first time I'v commented:)

    I loved it how you died the cardi mint green! Beautiful!XO

    Do tell me if you like my post at:

    http://www.shubhisrevels.blogspot.in/

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  18. It looks 100% better, Just TODAY I've dyed a white skirt tangerine and Mum got me a fab orange & white tie dye top from the charity shop so SNAP.

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  19. LOVE the colour you dyed it! x

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  20. I much prefer mint green to beige! You always find amazing things at jumbles too. I love the aztec jumper so much! xxx

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  21. I love your math! - x minus y equals paying for Goa-ing. This is the kind of math problem we should be taught in school! Your cardi rescue has definitely brought new life to BEIGE. You have inspired me completely to resuscitate a bit of languishing beige in my closet. I love how the circles in your cardi are echoed in your dress and bag. Magnificent.

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  22. Hi! I like vintage very much, I like your blog, I follow you! :)))

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  23. I've been seeing crocheted jackets all over this spring! A timely find and love the new color so much better than beige!

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  24. I agree that yours look so much better and i love the colour too.

    You do find some great things. Enjoy your jumble tomorrow.

    X x

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  25. Your crochet cardi looks wonderful now you've dyed it - what a brilliant idea and that's a gorgeous summery colour you chose. I'm particularly liking the look of that Aztec jumper you found at the jumble too.

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  26. Gorgeous shade - well done on cash saved! Rum & coke plus pizza sounds perfect. xx

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  27. Wow you are amazing I would have never thought to dye it I agree I hate the beige on me as well I have seen this type of sweater before at the thrift store I am so going to try this out!! Thanks for sharing Bon Voyage! love Heather

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  28. Two words that will never go together - Vix and beige! It's just so not you! The cool minty green is perfect for the cardigan and for you, and the Van Allen maxi is beautiful, I'd wear it in a heartbeat!
    Great finds - the pendant is fabulous, as are both bags.
    And I am highly impressed by your high high hair today!
    Enjoy your night in with Jon's legendary pizza and a few cheeky rum and cokes. No chazzin' for a month sounds a shame but you'll be somewhere more exotic to compensate. Think I should pop down to Walsall to pick up all the goodies which haven't been snaffled cos you're away! xxxxxxx

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  29. Wow that's an impressive change for the better! Love the new minty colour x

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  30. What a gorgeous transformation amor!
    Mmmm rum and coke and Jon's famous pizza sounds delish.
    Hey, your jumble finds go good with your trip to India.
    Aztec sweater and the satchel bag.
    that rhinestone brooch matches your true turqoise frock your wearing now.
    besones

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  31. You look gorgeous in this outfit Vix and the cardi is SO much better apres dye, clever you. Incredibly brilliant JS buys! Love your up-do, I have to use a doughnut for mine but bet you can do without.

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  32. Great job!!
    And you founded great peaces on sale, vintage crossbody bag is beautifull!

    You look amazing on every pic!
    A didn't understand-India? You ate going there or?

    :*:*

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  33. I thought you were readying for a trip...So, how in the WORLD do you have time to shop (btw, what is a jumble sale?) AND re-vamp your finds? I'm with you on the beige thing. #1. It is a drab and boring color for clothing. #2. I look perfectly WRETCHED in beige! It's Friday...it MUST be pizza night. I'll have a beer with mine :-).

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  34. Vixie, I would not have believed you could dye crochet, but you take the biscuit! When I dye, I mainly use black, so little room for error, but your green is just delicious!

    I can't believe that's all you're paying for a fortnight in Goa - Incredible!

    You never cease to amaze! Long may you reign, and may the rain never fall upon you in Goa, babes!

    Fhi xxx

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  35. That is virtually identical to Free People's version - you are a GENIUS! Beautiful dress and jumbley finds too - love the red satchel xx

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  36. That's much better!
    I'm endlessly amazed at the prices of new clothing.I just don't get it! Hurrah for the sanity of the jumble!
    That frock is scrummy,and you are looking simply divine with your hair up today!Every time you turn up in Goa,they must heave a sigh of relief,as you must be the most glam Brit to ever grace their shores!
    Home made piza must be the theme of the week!!
    Love you long time!
    love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  37. It looks great. Yours is way better than the Free People one. The print on that maxi is gorgeous. Jumble sales sound like so much fun.

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  38. Your cardigan looks gorgeous, love the colour! xx

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  39. Ha, your maths are anything but jumbled, Vix. Loving the cardi - and we had homemade pizza today, too. It's the best! xoxo

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  40. That's a fantastic result, that looks so much better in that colour than in boring old beige. Excellent. xx

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  41. I love that cardi Vix! It's amazing what a little DIY know how can do (its also amazing how much people are willing to pay for new clothes - eep!!).

    Mmmm....homemade pizza, Rich does a pretty good homemade pizza but he hasn't made one for a while. Perhaps I should just tell him he's making dinner tonight?;)

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  42. Isn't something the prices they sell clothing for?
    Highway robbery i say!
    You do not have ro spend tons of money and you are the wonderful living proof my friend

    Have yourself a nice weekend

    Ariane xxxx

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  43. Hurray for Dye!! I love dying things and always end up rummaging through my clothes to see what else can change colour. I am not a fan of beige either. Vix you look absolutely stunning in these photos, I hope one day we meet. ♥

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  44. Love what you did with the crochet top - I`m not a big fan of cream colors either. I`m so excited for your trip!!!

    >'.'<

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  45. very nice! You instil confidence in dylon! I'm always dying things but it's been hit and miss, trouble is I need to get a bin to do it in as the dye always crumples in the folds..

    You look adorable! I love the tropical flower x

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  46. ohmygosh, it's so cool! you totally made it new and current! :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Fashion To Figure Giveaway: Win any item $30 or less
    Poshlocket Giveaway: Win a Shelly Fabric Choker

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  47. Once again you make something that was already cool over the top fab- I love this color on you and this dress is pretty bright and you know I love that! I love all you jumble scores but especially how little it all costs! You are always such an inspiration to me Vix!

    It was awesome catching up and seeing you before you jet off to Goa. I love u girl!
    Xoxo-
    Krista

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  48. Fab Fab Fab I love the crochet cardy & it's new colour. And I adore that maxi frock you're wearing. You must have an amazing clothing collection. xx

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  49. I feel like such an idiot - why am I so scared of dying clothes?? That cardi is FABULOUS! I love your gorgeous frock - the colours the colours!!! - and your hair is PERFECTION today, amor! The gorgeous colourful brooch is a fab find - and you just look amazing from head to toe. Love! Sarah xxx

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  50. The dye really spruced up that crochet cardigan. I love the new color. I haven't got to go thrifting in over a week I finally get to go tomorrow. I AM EXCITED! *WEEE*

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  51. You are farking amazing! The revamped turquoise version is so much better! What a find and the fact that your savings pay for 14 nights accommodation in Goa just tickles me even more! Well done gorgeous x

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  52. Looking gorgeous as usual, love the crocheted cardi especially the new colour. ♥

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  53. I love the maxi dress you are wearing. Well done with the home dye, looks stunning now, much better.Enjoy your rum and pizza, not long now until you two will be sunbathing :)

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  54. It looks amaze AND it's one of my fav colours. Bliss.

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  55. ewwww beige I don't blame you! Looks fabulous now, but then I wouldn't imagine anything less on you!

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  56. That looks lovely, like peppermint creams!

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  57. Fab transformation, that rich turquoise is just lovely and suits you so. I’ve been admiring a lot of home-dye projects lately and this post may have just spurred me on to create something of my own xxx

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  58. Looks awesome and goes so well with that dress!! I agree, beige just wouldn't cut it!!

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  59. That is amazing! I love the colour you chose.

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  60. That is amazing! I love the colour you chose.

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  61. I love the color that you chose for the crochet cardi! Very spring with the flower in you hair. I am drooling over the Indian pendant.

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  62. Your version is better than the Free People version in every way! And you look just stunning, as usual.

    Great finds; the grosgrain trim on the handbag really caught my eye and the Indian pendant is especially beautiful.

    Rum and coke with homemade pizza sounds perfect; I hope that you had a great night!

    xo, Anita

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  63. What an inspired colour change - just right for this sunny weather! Its crazy how much money you are always saving - just brilliant!

    I'm always so jealous of your home made pizza nights - can I get one delivered? xxx

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  64. Oh wow! It came together lovely! It is safe to say job well done!

    Love & Lollies... Jessa

    Confessions of the Cupcake Countessa

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  65. OOohhh I do love a bit of crochet, you have done a brilliant job of that it's a great colour and looks fab! Well done.
    Kandi xx

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  66. What a pretty top! It's much better in that shade of blue. Like you I find beige a bit lacklustre and would have overlooked that garment. I love the transformation you've made with just a bit of dye.

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  67. Crochet clothes are one of my fav' with lace clothes !! I have a top like this but in orange ! Thanks for inspiring. xoxox

    http://blogmoodeuse.blogspot.com

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  68. "I'd rather go naked than wear beige" - priceless, Vix!
    I love crochet cardigans, covering up without hiding.
    I'm do excited about Goa, it's as though I'm going.
    When you're back, I just know you'll be on a car boot, festival and mini dress roll. Can't wait.
    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

    Lucy c

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  69. Hi Vix, lovely little finds! The aqua green shade looks beautiful on you.
    x

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  70. A huge improvement!! I like your version better, either way...That sounds like my kind of night. And it sounds as though Jon makes awesome pizzas. Can I come over for dinner one night? I don't have an oven in my flat, so pizza has been off the menu for a while! I miss it dearly...

    Xx

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  71. A huge improvement!! I like your version better, either way...That sounds like my kind of night. And it sounds as though Jon makes awesome pizzas. Can I come over for dinner one night? I don't have an oven in my flat, so pizza has been off the menu for a while! I miss it dearly...

    Xx

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  72. You are such an inspiration..great cardi..

    Love your hairdo..*kisses*
    PS:love your beautiful finds

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  73. I feel like you just had homemade pizza you spoiled girl. What a freaking great idea to vamp up that beige number. You picked my favorite color too. Don't be surprised if you see me coloring something mint soon.

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  74. You are talented it looks fab.

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  76. Loving the maxi! A great fusion of colors! :)
    love,
    Rachana & Diana
    www.chpdzn.blogspot.com

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  77. Hello Vix, I'm back in the world of blogging now!

    I know which crochet top I prefer! I'm loving that Indian pendant you found at the jumble as well as the parker. Great finds :-D
    xxx

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  78. Beige is my most unfavourite colour, alongside camel and taupe! Your jazzed up version is far better and a steal at 40p! :)x

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  79. You're too funny Vix re the price difference! Love your fantastic cardi!

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  80. fantastic dye job! i ALWAYS dye beige too xxx

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  81. oh this mint green is so gorgous and it looks even better now! also your dress is sooo cute and amazing!
    love and kiss,mary

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  82. love the updated look!
    xx
    maya

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  83. Yay! Good to see you gave it a go with the Dylon. looks great Vix. -xo

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix