Me!
Wanna see what I bought?
Clockwise from top right: Gloriously kitsch 1950s vinyl place mats (£1), 3 groovy dressmaking patterns (50p each), 1980s bejewelled & blingy suede belt (50p), Mona Lisa tea towel (£1), 1973 David Bowie song book for the guitar (70p), English-made velvet-lined leather binocular case (50p), Tribal neck piece (£2), Fake fur jacket by right-on, ethical label, Komodo, for which the seller originally asked £8 but agreed to £5 after I promised it a happy & hippy new life with lots of festivals and road trips in our camper van.
Drying your dishes on most iconic woman's face in art history? So wrong! Luckily the lady selling her felt the same way and Mona Lisa had languished in her kitchen drawer unused for over forty years. As soon as I got home I set to work remaking my new tea towel into...ta-dah.....
a halter neck top!
My excitement knew no bounds when the postman delivered a parcel from my new blogging pal, the hilarious and very lovely Tamera.
The funniest retro craft magazines ever. As Tamera says in her letter, "Wow, did we craft some tacky crap in the 70's!"
1960s and 1970s patterns so fabulous I was nearly wetting myself with excitement!
Not just Jiffy but Super Jiffy! Dressmaking so straightforward you can do it drunk.
I don't know which one to try making first, they are all perfect!
A fantastic 1950s/1960s cocktail tablecloth which is crying out to be up-cycled into something funky plus some fab retro frog fasteners.
These gorgeous Afghani tribal tassel-y thingys which will be made good use of.
A retro beaded pendant and some fab wooden parrot earrings (I used to hanker after these as a teen)
How lucky am I?
 |
| Revamped tea towel worn with a 1970s C&A maxi (75p, car boot sale) and a pile of second-hand bangles. |
Have a very happy Thursday.
See you soon.
That coat... *faints*
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you turned another tea towel into a totally wearable top, lol. I love it, we just need a bit of sunshine for it now. I love that coat too, it's fab. Xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous top - can we have a tutorial please.
ReplyDeleteIf I had 10% of your retro coolness I could die a happy woman.
ReplyDeleteC
xxx
Haha! Your resourcefulness knows no bounds. Wonderful tea towel top! Love how you saved the Mona Lisa from a fate of drying dishes! That furry coat is amazing too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful finds, wonderful YOU. Love, love the parrots earrings so much, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Wow you have done it again ;-) That top is amazing no many could that style but you do it with perfection. What a brilliant idea. I adore that coat that is gorgeous you scored again with all your lovely buys. Look forward to seeing what you make next with all those lovely patterns. dee xxx
ReplyDeleteLoving the top!! What a great idea.xx.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Vix! Superb finds especially Mona. I was reading down and hoping you'd make something fab from her and so you did.
ReplyDeletexxxxx
Awsome top from tea towel. Only You! I love the negotiating tactics, of promising hippy days out for the fur jacket and they knock 40% off!! I often give a discount if i really feel its going to a good home, but festivals and camper vans!!!
ReplyDeleteTamaras parcel, is jaw droppingly suited to you. I can't wait to see where you pick up the fabrics for the new patterns. Tarpaulin? Scaffold net? roof felt? ;)
When I scrolled down and saw what you did with Mona, there was an audible gasp of joy! :D Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely treats. The jacket is just gorgeous. Made for you! :) XOXO
Marvellous finds, especially that fake fur coat! So nice :) I love the look here!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that top, it has made me wonder if I can find Van Gogh's night sky, wouldn't that be a cool top to make. lol
ReplyDeleteV
xxx
Okay, now we know why Ms. Lisa has that quirky smile on her face...! Genius up-cycle. That faux fur coat is a treasure. And what gorgeous gifts from Tamera. I think I might have actually sewn that Simplicity Jiffy kaftan in the 70s...the sleeve even says Canada on it.
ReplyDeleteSo many brilliant finds and gifts!
ReplyDeleteConverting the Mona Lisa tea towel (yay it was never used!)into a very sexy top is genius!
Is that tribal necklace made from teeth?!
that coat is soooooo gorgeous, And I love how you turned your tea towel into a halterneck top!! How did you do that Vix?
ReplyDeletexo
Love the parrot earrings. Wish I coud make garments like you, unfortunately I chose cooking over needlework at school. I would love to be able to run something up on the machine :-(
ReplyDeleteThe fake fur paisley coat is ace! There's a car boot round the corner from us, behind Sainsburys I keep meaning to go but there's always a queue to get in.
ReplyDeletePlease promise you tie double-knots in your halter-top!!! That's very brave... and very excellent.
ReplyDeleteI reckon there's a tv programme crying out to be made: you whizz round the car boot, return to the campervan in the car park, where all your sewing kit is set up, and within 30 minutes you produce a stunning upcycled piece - "Vix's Versions". Come on channel 4! xx
ha ha, 'dressmaking so straightforward you can do it drunk' :) I love the cocktail tablecloth and the patterns - red version of Simplicity 8259 is my fave.
ReplyDeleteThat top is amazing! Such a nifty idea, and I can't believe you found such an amazing print for it. I love all your patterns too - I know why you're having such a hard time deciding which one to try first!
ReplyDeleteYour Monnalisa top is better than Leonardo's !!I love it with the black maxi skirt!This was a super lucky car boot sale, the fur coat is spectacular, I've never seen a print more beautiful than that!!And as you know I like the Bowie song book:woooow! I'd love to find parrot earrings too and can't wait to see what you'll make from those amazing patterns!!
ReplyDeleteKisses xxxxx
You've had some beautiful blogging gifts lately, jealous, much?!! I'm so jealous of your carboot finds too and the way you can turn a teatowel into a fab halter neck top just like that. Love all of it xxx
ReplyDeleteMona looks awesome on you.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket you scored at the carboot sale, looks incredible. Looking at all the patterns you were gifted I kept thinking I wanted one of everything printed on the packets
I cannot believe you up-cycled the Mona Lisa tea towel into that fantastic top! How brilliant! I don't think I could wipe my dishes with her either, and this is beautiful =)
ReplyDeleteAlso love the cocktail tablecloth. Can't wait to see what you do with it!
xx
emsipop.blogspot.co.uk
Oh Vix I would have given you the fabulous coat if I knew it was about to have a second life like that. It's a dream.
ReplyDeleteThe parcel is filled with the most splendid treasure in deed, the patterns are superb and the cocktail tablecloth is just wanting to be something else.
I hope you have the most scrumptious weekend.
Love v
Woah! That is one gigantic parcel of awesome and so completely suited to your taste!! Tribal, crafts, patterns and jewellery - definitely a parcel to make Vix smile!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that the top you are sporting was once a tea towel!! Your craftiness knows no bounds! You'd probably be able to make something amazing out of a teabag! xxx
I want the coat, we all want the coat! I also want the table cloth and the 50s place mats! You get so many lovely things, not that you don't deserve them of course! The top is fantastic, Lisa will never have her face rubbed on dirty dishes
ReplyDeleteYet again some incredible finds Vix. How ever do you do it?
ReplyDeleteI am loving the tea towel top, so much nicer than having wipe dishes on Mona's face!
As for your parcel, well... Those are the kind of easy patterns I need, cause even sober I need a lot of help to make things!
X x
PS I will be posting the recipe shortly for you.
X x
How fantastic to have Mona Lisa smiling enigmatically from your chest! Only you could carry that off.
ReplyDeleteI remember every single one of those patterns must be from 1977-78.
Do you think you're getting great stuff at boot sales now or do you think it's not as good as it used to be?
I have always felt great tea towels are such a waste, I’m loving the re-vamp and the fact you’ve found some great finds in such gloomy weather! xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat finds!!! The halterneck top idea was really good! I found these 1970's calendar tea towels over at British Red Cross a few months ago, unused and I am thinking of framing them when I have my own kitchen again in the future, they look too good to be destroyed for drying the dishes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great haul! well done you and as for the halter top...wowser! :D
ReplyDeleteI would be wetting myself with excitement if I got those sewing patterns through the post. How fab are they?!
ReplyDeleteShe really does look like the 'cat that's got the cream' as she rests her head on your bosoms!! Love it. Brought a smile to my face today ...
ReplyDeleteM xx
Mona Lisa turns up at car boots?! Wow that lady gets everywhere! Love what you've done with the top - wear her with pride!
ReplyDeleteJealous of those crafty 70s mag and patterns! I find them less tacky than the endless UTTERLY USELESS knitted fruit that's currently the vogue to craft.
ReplyDeleteI love your new coat, such fabulous colours. Great top, Mona Lisa looks much happier now. Great finds, altho not sure I'd wear the tribal tooth necklace
ReplyDeleteWell if Black Milk can use Van Gogh on their leggings to great effect, why not the Mona Lisa across your boobs, I say?! What a fabulous revamp of a tea towel!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your car boot treasures and gifts from fellow bloggers are wonderful. That coat is quite stunning, , I love the tablecloth from Tamera, all the patterns look right up your alley, and PLEASE say you are going to put a couple of tassle-y things on one of your legendary pimped-up bikini tops!!
Lucky you, it's obviously not raining in Walsall, been pissing down here, even the hardy folk of Chesterfield market were thin on the ground...
Oh and LOVE that maxi skirt! And YOU! xxxxxxx
Oh my mi Mona Lisa Vixcita!
ReplyDeleteYou look ravishing. Your fabulous knows no bounds.
That fur coat!
I used to won a prosti Mona Lisa dress, have no idea what happen to it.
besotes
You get my vote for best tea towel makeover......love the tribal teeth necklace.
ReplyDeleteHi there! The Mona Lisa tea towel halter top looks amazing and the fake fur was an astounding find, well done!! xx
ReplyDeleteMona Lisa has never been so lucky! What a lovely revamp, it looks killer! I must agree with others that jacket was the score of the day!!! It will have a much better life with you! All your pressies are sweet and thoughtful. I wish we had time for a sewing project when I come visit....you seamstress you! You are looking summery, sexy and oh so happy in these pixs. Me love you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKrista
A cornucopia of goodies!! I love your revamp of the tea towel. The patterns are incredible. I learned how to sew in the late 60's, so seeing the patterns brought back so many memories. I'm also coveting your bracelets and rings!!
ReplyDeleteHi Vix
ReplyDeleteHuge huge thanks for your comments, I have just read all the comments, figured out how to eventually.
Keep up the fantastic work, will be posting more.
x
Soooo much cool stuff! I love what you did with the tea towel, seriously, that is an awesome halter top!
ReplyDeleteOooh the tea towels are my favorite. the cocktail one is fabulous.... however I luuuuurve your Monalisa top idea. You really are a clever creative so & so!! xx
ReplyDeleteOnce again Vix your awsomeness knows no bounds!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I couldn't get away with wear a top with no back,(too big it wouldnt look pretty) I can live vicariously through you. I just LOVE this top. You truly do inspire me. I have done something today that I have wanted to for ages but kept telling myself not to be daft and I would look bloody stupid. I have dyed my hair red. Its a soft red but very noticable! And all because I love you and your attitude to life!
So thank you! For being you and being so inspiring.My other half has not long come home from India and brought me a beautiful bracelet which I really think it would be right up your street! I might just have to blog about it soon!
Have a rocking evening!
P x
Oh Vix, you make me wish I lived somewhere other than here, somewhere that believes in boot sales. Roll on when I can drive!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever got in touch with an agent? I'm quite sure you could get a craft book deal - rags to riches with the Vintage Vixen, or something like that. I'd buy it!
ReplyDeletexx
Wonderful idea for a tea towel and
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of that beautiful coat!! What a score!
stunning blog, I'm a new reader-follower :)
ReplyDeleteFeminine, sexy, original and stylish ... This top fit you wonderful
ReplyDeletewow mona lisa never looked better than on you;) i adore what you did with that fabulous towel darling!
ReplyDeletekiss,mary
Fabularsehole (I've been missing that word!) upcycling of the Mona Lisa tea towel and what brilliant car boot buys. xx
ReplyDeleteI want to come do drunk dress making with you. But ok that Mona Lisa halter took my breath away. I would offer you major dollars for that if I wore halters. they look strange on me ha. By far my fave thing Ive seen on a blog this week. Or in real life.
ReplyDeleteVix,you are KILLING me with the tea towel awesomeness!!! Mona definitely makes a lovely barely-there summer top. There's no way I can get away with backless anything any more. The coat is definitely swoon-worthy, as is the package of goodness. I'd swear I had the pattern for the wide sleeve blouses when I was younger. At the very least, I know I had one of those blouses!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that coat, it's amazing! Love what you've done with the tea- towel. Wish I could get out to the boot sales at the moment x
ReplyDeleteYou are positively GLOWING in these pics... summer really suits you!
ReplyDeleteJeez, I can't believe you found those patterns so cheaply. I have half of those bookmarked in Etsy to purchase for more than 10 times what you paid. I am so jealous!
ReplyDeleteThe coat, the tassels, the TEA TOWEL. I don't know how you do it. The car boot gods must love you.
everything you've purchased is fabulous, but my favorite is the fake fur jacket, so lovely pattern!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm admiring your new Monalisa top!, really gorgeous ladies!
besos
That top is so cool. Looks fab on your sexy body!
ReplyDelete∞ © tanvii.com ∞
I would SO buy a book or watch a program if it came on here in the US!!
ReplyDeleteThat coat is AMAZING!!! I live my fashion life vicariously thru you and the divine Helga. I may look somewhat on the fringes of conservative in real life..but inside I'm rocking a beaded hippy top, floral headdress and wild skirt!
Tamera
I typed out a detailed comment on my phone this morning, and lost it, aaaargh!
ReplyDeleteI praised your creativity, and wanted you to know that my mother thinks you should have your own TV show.
Looking forward to seeing what you create with inspiration from the patterns and embellishments icluded your fantastic parcel from eagle-eyed Tamera.
Mona Lisa has never looked so bloody pleased with herself!
Give me that coat - I'll take it on the school run and to the park (not a convincing better life for it, damn!).
Lots of love
Lucy x
MAGIC with TIN CANS? Oh, to be that kind of magician. I love the bar towel but the Mona Lisa made into a halter is THE BEST. Must tell you, you are such an international sensation that when I was visiting a local vintage clothing store I mentioned yours as one of the blog she MUST follow for fashion and she was already a fan - you are a star in Kentucky as well as car boot sales!
ReplyDeleteThat's a brilliant idea for using the tea-towel! Maybe I should do that with my Cath Kidston tea-towel! Love all the gifts too!x
ReplyDeletevix you re prob growing tired of me saying this so i will try to say it in a different way. woman - you are my hero. how's that? so original. the mona lisa tea towel into a halter just put me over the edge...
ReplyDeleteYour blog posts keep disappearing from my dashboard and reader...boo :(
ReplyDeleteLove the tea towel top!xo
Another brilliant creation by Vix! And the maxi skirt that you wear with it is fabulous. I am coveting the jacket with its soft colors; I'm sure that it will keep you warm if the next festival is as cold as the last.
ReplyDeleteThe gifts are lovely! I sewed in the late 50's and early 60's, so the patterns look familiar to me.
Oh, the new halter top is so...mysterious! I love it, as well as the fur coat! Tamera has spoiled you.
ReplyDeleteGreat top!! love it and oh you found lots of goodies ...great package from your new friend!! Shades of green are always beautiful on you ~love the black jewelry you wore as well ~Enjoy your weekend Love Heather
ReplyDeleteThat coat is fabulous. I would never have thought that your Mona Lisa halter started life as a teatowel. It looks great. Can't wait to see what amazing things you make with those patterns.
ReplyDeleteThat top is amazing, the perfect colours for you too! I also love the Komodo coat especially for campervan trips and festivals.
ReplyDeleteOoh the cocktail tablecloth is fabulous, I have to say I would be terribly unoriginal and just use it as a tablecloth while having cocktails. I also love the pattern for the maxi skirt in red gingham with flower applique - how much fun is that! x
ReplyDeletePenny Dreadful Vintage
Love the Gioconda top!
ReplyDeleteOMG that coat is absolutely fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLoving the Mona Lisa top, can you get her to change her expression by the way you move?
What a wonderful parcel to receive, I'd love to have a go at some of those patterns, and can't wait to see what you make.
I used to have parrot earrings similar to those Vix, I don't know where they got to!!
ReplyDeleteL xx
loving the re-vamped t-towel..... always love a good t-towel....you are the mona lisa!!x
ReplyDeleteTea towel halter sporting the mysterious grin of the Mona Lisa herself? Priceless.
ReplyDeleteMona was destined to languish on your chest rather than on a towel rail where she would be wasted! I adore the top you've made, you clever thing! Also love the coat and I know you'll wear it loads! You're such an inspiration Vix! Sorry for all the comments, haven't had time to have a good read this week so I am playing catch up xxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteWowzer, what a wonderful parcel from Tamera - you lucky duck. Loving the Komodo coat too - gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love your Mona Lisa Tea Towel Top!!! Fantastickle!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh wow that t-shirt is just amazing it looks gorgeous and just how talented are you?? x
ReplyDeleteWTF GIVE ME THAT TOP.
ReplyDeleteGreat stash, and exciting viewing for me; I owned that pattern (Simplicity 569) and made that top in my sewing class at school, and then those car place mats have exactly the same pattern on them as my favourite pencil case at school! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDelete