Friday 4 October 2013

Things To Make & Do



This was how I was originally dressed when I popped into town this morning. 


It's the first outing for my 1960s brushed denim and suede Beau Jac of California jacket I found in a charity shop back in August.


Bloody hell, was it warm out! By the time we'd stomped the mile into town, toured the chazzas and endured the weirdness that is Maplin (a strange, male-dominated shop specialising in electronic components) the jacket was stuffed in my bag and I'd stripped down to my maxi.

Hand made maxi worn with vintage jacket (£3.49, SENSE), leather Gladstone bag (20p, jumble sale, 2009) and stack heeled leather boots (£2, Sally Army), feather earrings(darling Desiree) and neon green nail paint (Em)

A perfect excuse to show off my latest creation. 


My friend, Yvonne, gave me this beautifully wrapped box of vintage cottons & notions at the weekend, 


which inspired me to crack open the groovy 1970s Maudella pattern from Curtise and use the amazing vintage fabric Em gave me.


Even the buttons came from Dee


Buttonholes are one thing that frighten the bejaysus out of me so I cheated and used press studs instead.


Did I mention chazzas? Jon found some cool vintage men's stuff today but there wasn't much to interest me. Not that I minded, I've not only had two parcels of joy this week (thanks to Gisela and Lakota) but also found this pile of kitsch madness earlier in the week.


The reason behind our trip to the land of the geeks?  Jon's made himself a suitcase boom-box from a jumble sale-d 1950s Spartan case and some bits and pieces he'd picked up for a song on eBay and he needed some bits to make it all work.


And work it does, we're blasting out to Uptown Top Ranking right now.


He's not just a pretty face.


It's a night in with Peaky Blinders tonight accompanied by rum & coke and home-made pizza, taking it easy before hitting the town tomorrow.

Have a fab weekend! 

71 comments:

  1. Gorgeous gorgeous dress! Gorgeous girl! Have a great weekend! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You made such a pretty dress with that cool Maudella pattern....love the colours & how it flows!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You two are so darn talented and creative. I see a new sideline for Jon as a suitcase/boom box maker. Along with his painted handbag enterprise. Your new maxi is gorgeous, the pattern, the color, the style, everything. Glad it's still warm enough for you to show it off.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Peaky blinders for us as well tonight :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great dress and i want the speakers!
    Have a great weekend you amazing woman!
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. You've made the frock already, you star! I recognised the pattern as soon as you showed the back, it looks wonderful in that gorgeous fabric from Em.
    It's so hard to know what to wear at the moment, it's chilly and raining one minute, the sun's out the next. Your denim jacket is fabulous, doesn't it make you wonder how a California-made 1960s piece found its way to a Walsall chazza? I'd love to know the story.

    You and Jon are such a creative and handy pair, you turn your hands to all sorts. The suitcase boom box looks brilliant, and Uptown Top Ranking is a perfect tune!
    Enjoy your rum and coke (drunk from Ena, I hope) and check your weather owl tomorrow before you go out, then you'll know if you need a jacket or not!
    Love you! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. You and Jon are certainly clever cookies ever so resourceful aren't you. The maxi, the fabric and the cross over back and button detail are wonderful. I'm a sucker for features like that. Would love to find a big bag like yours to use as a nappy bag. But large vintage bags over this way are hard to come by and fetch a price.

    How terrific is Jon's handy work, will it be getting an outing out on the next fair festival you do?

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is a truly amazing boom box! You'll be able to sell those via Kinky Melon as fast as Jon can make them. And I love the dress, too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous dress, as always...

    Love the Ena Sharples shot glass too - what a find!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You two are such a talented pair - while you're whipping up a storm on the sewing machine he's fiddling with electricals and making beauts like that.

    Enjoy a well-earned rest tonight! :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fab dress and yep its been warm enough for that here today as well.

    Love Jon's make - seriously smart :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just walked back from my local chazza, and sweated up what I was wearing. Damn it, it's October! Jon and I had the same luck; lots of men's wear!

    That dress is a beauty. Snaps butonholes, as long as it looks nice, who cares?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Before I get started on this awesome post.....you met Michael Lang??? Wow! A real hero! Now could you and Jon (my husband is also a Jon) get any more creative?? I actually think I made that dress pattern in the 70's...out of a flowery print. Oh I wish I still had it. Criss cross straps are so cute don't you think? You just keep getting cuter and cuter cuter....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Don't you love home made pizza !
    I always kick a huge smile out of the "Hippies use the back door" sign .
    My mum use to make me denim elephant leg bell bottoms when I was a teen ~ I thought they were the coolest ... so did our cat ~he use to hide under em when I'd sit down.
    You look fabulous and super fun loving in your outfit of the day , as always,
    xox Willow

    ReplyDelete
  15. I used to have a dress made in exactly the same fabric as yours. My mum nabbed it. I love the Ena Sharples shot glass and the radio. How handy to have a techie boyfriend xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. will have to be careful Mr Bah Humbug doesnt spot the boombox ...you just know we'd be at Maplins

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can't make up my mind what is more incredible you in this dress made BY YOU or Jon's friggin boom box! BLIMEY! They are both fantastic! The buttons on the back are such a sweet touch, screw button holes. Good thing we aren't neighbors because I would constantly be over trying to learn everything I could from you too. People sell the likes of what Jon made for $300 over here I wonder what Sarah paid for hers? I paid too much for mine and I'll leave it at that and I'm sure it doesn't sound as bad ass as Jon's. Much much more than a pretty face and pizza:)
    Love you both! Enjoy the weekend...what is this Peaky Blinders you speak of...hmm...
    XXOOOXXOOOXXOOXX



    ReplyDelete
  18. home made boom boxes, flaming wonderful creation, Maplins is the best name for any store! your frock is gorgeous, I love a cross over strap and the fabric is fab - the weather is bonkers, I've only worn my tights once so far - enjoy the rum and coke, and pizza, have a great weekend x x

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love, love, love that dress - gorgeous fabric! Also love the ENA Sharples shot glass.

    ReplyDelete
  20. My goodness ... you're both so creative and talented. I love your newly made maxi. It looks great on you. And how about that boombox? Brilliant.

    Also love the jacket lots and can't believe you bagged that bag for 20p.

    ReplyDelete
  21. OK I luurrvveee that dress! well done you miss crafty! I am also in love with that weather owl he's a cutie I am obsessed with owls :) X

    ReplyDelete
  22. wouuau, another wonderful creation!!, such a pretty maxi you've sewn!, and it fits you like a dream! (and yes, buttonholes are frightening!!)
    and I'm admiring that suitcase-boom-box, it rocks!
    wish you a Fabulous Weekend!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ahhh, so much awesomeness!! You're a DIY queen! Wicked dress, and that suitcase-boombox is beyond amazement!
    Loving your hair btw!!

    xo Noelle


    MakiMaki Vintage

    ReplyDelete
  24. love the dress , love the suitcase , so individual and love, love , love, peaky blinders , such an anti climax last night when it finished cant wait for next week xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. wooow i can´t believe it was that hot up there, i was freezing my ass of today here;) you look fabulous! i love this western jacket, the embroidery is soooo beautiful! and even if i´m jelous of the good weather i´m happy to see you now in all your fabulousness in that great maxi dress!
    love and kiss,mary

    ReplyDelete
  26. That dress is perfection, Vix and the box to keep the thread wowwwwwwww.
    Wonderful every single time, ahhhhhhhhhhhh
    happy weekend, my queen
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi my dear! Wow, that's such a gorgeous jacket and it goes so perfectly with your wonderful maxi dress too! Well done to Jon, he has done a fabulous job- so creative and original! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love a world that has such creativity in it. You guys are too cool, and that maxi is lovely, lovely.

    Love ya,
    Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jon is a genie-in-a-boombox and you are a genius in a fab frock. What a combination.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your dress is gorgeous, love the fabric and Jon's boom box is flippin genius! xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. beautiful dress!
    love this colors on you. and the combi with the cowboy shirt.
    here it is to cold now to wear bare shoulders, even in the sun.
    today we cleaned all the ovens to be prepared.....

    ReplyDelete
  32. Absolutely fantastic! That fabric just sang Vix too me and it's a proper blog chum collaboration with you doing the work mind you!
    Maplins! Don't get me started. I had a boyfriend who was in to CB radio many years ago and spent many an hour trapped in there!
    Have a fab weekend darling.
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  33. You really are blessed, Vix!

    Love the vintage practical gifts:-)

    X

    ReplyDelete
  34. You and Jon just have the best time. He's making a ghetto blaster out of a suitcase and you've magicked a fab frock out of donations. As soon as I saw that frock I thought, that's a Vix original. Jon is pretty darned clever. Bet you end up selling them on your stall. I reckon they would go like hot cakes.

    I know Maplins. Q's a devotee. It's double dutch to me. I suppose men do have to have SOME shops?

    All your chazza bits are fantastic, but the Dortmund vignette is amazing. OBD alert! I reckon you could sell Ena for a pretty penny. Can't believe you got that fabulous bag for 20p. Sale of the century! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Every time I see that "Hippies use back door" sign it makes me smile :-)
    Gorgeous dress... and I'm impressed with Jon's innovation!

    ReplyDelete
  36. You look totally gorgeous! Fancy you having such a lovely weather, I rather envy you. We're more or less freezing here :) And it's not even winter yet ...

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sounds perfect..........junking and creating during the day, meeting up for rum and coke and homemade pizza at night!

    That boombox is stinking clever!

    If your machine has a buttonhole attatchment it's pretty easy to make them.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Bloody nora, can't believe you knocked that frock up so soon, you've made a wonderful job of it.Isn't the fabric divine. What a talented pair you are, Jon's boom box is a masterpiece. Not sure I could down a shot of anything with Ena scowling at me! Wonder if there is a Minnie Caldwell too?
    Have a brilliant weekend. Xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  39. I've said on FB and I'll say it again. the little burro and the little owl fascinate me. And you of course, were looking like a goddess :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. That suitcase boom-box is an incredible idea, I love it! Looking gorgeous to in your lovely blue dress. xx

    ReplyDelete
  41. I know how you feel. Still feels like summer
    Lovely dress.
    Have a fab weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I believe a Nobel Prize for fabulousness is in order for both you and John- you look amazing as always and I love the clever crafty magic of you and Jon!

    ReplyDelete
  43. That dress is freakin' fantastic!! Just gorgeous!!

    You got some pretty cool goodies this week!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm SWOONING over that dress!! I want about a million maxis for summer and this one is just perfect and you made it with my favourite brand of vintage pattern too. I Love the fabric so much as well. Isn't John clever too - a boom box from a vintage suitcase! You could sell those in Wellington for a mint! Have a lovely weekend lovely lady xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  45. Fecking rock the hell ON!!!
    Foxy hot minxiness in that divoon frock-great pattern, great fabric, great job! AND an amzing boom box, plus so much tackarama goodness!!!
    EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
    It's enough to make a gal moist.
    We are having a stunner of a day here too! HUZZAH!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  46. Don't you look incredibly CHIC! Fine job on that maxi; what a stunner!

    Jon's creation is brilliant as well. Such the creative couple you are for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love love love that frock! The fabric is amazing & the cross over back is to die for! You are so clever, but so is Jon. That boom-box looks so good. It's kind of weird that we're both wearing sleeveless frocks on opposite sides of the world, in opposite seasons! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  48. I really like your new dress you have made! Great fabric,and how clever is Jon!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. You look great both with and without the jacket Vix, and I'm always in awe of your sewing skills, now I'm in awe of Jon's boom box making skills too! Love the sewing box your friend made you, how cute it is, and that Ena Sharples glass is class, there must have been a set at some point, with Annie Walker, Bet Lynch, Hilda Ogden! You've got me thinking of all those great old Corry characters now, Elsie Tanner too! A Mike Baldwin or Ken Barlow one just doesn't seem as appealing somehow, it was definitely the women who made Corry wasn't it. xx

    ReplyDelete
  50. if you might get tired of your beau jac-jacket one day, tell me please. i would take it right away. such an fantastic piece.
    ...oh and my man would love to have the boombox in a suitcase! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  51. You look gorge, John is very talented. I really do want you Ena Sharples glass, that is top. I wonder if you can find an Albert Tatlock on too ;)
    Twiggy x

    ReplyDelete
  52. excellent dress there Vix! I love this whole look, the floral embroidery on the yoke and cuffs is similar to the dress print! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  53. That boom-box is waaaaaay cool!

    ReplyDelete
  54. figure to die for! dress looks smokin hot on you gorgeous x

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love this mazi on you! Such a pretty print and the cross strap back shows off your fabulous back and arms!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Oh god Maplins, it is so bloody weird in there. There is nothing to look at, nothing! I have had some odd jobs in my time, articularly during student days. Mystery shopper being one of them. I can look interested in ANY shop display. Except in there.

    Anyway, rant over. Lovely dress - press studs are a good innvarion. I have a sewing machine that does button holes! You just show the machine the button (and make it a cup of tea). It is like magic, I tell you xxx

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have the suitcase. I have the bits. Now I have something to do with them all! You two are crafty geniuses!
    xo
    d

    ReplyDelete
  58. Squueeee!!! I had a dress just like this....and my Mom made one for herself too. Oh heavens, what a sweet memory. And, once you get the hang of doing buttonholes, nothing can stop you. There are little tips to making them easier. Just let me know if you want to hear! As cool as your 60's jacket is, I say thank goodness it got warm enough to take it off....

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow you and your Jon are both so talented! That dress is a dream, I'm amazed you whizzed it up and were wearing it the next day. Jon's boom box is brilliant, what a creative couple you are lovelies!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Such a gorgeous dress, I love your 'hippies use backdoor' sign!x

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm jealous of your neighbors. I guess that it flutters in their curtains when you leave your house.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am always astonished by how creative the two of you are - both the maxi and the boombox are brilliant! I love the pattern on the maxi - you look gorgeous in the blues and purples with your dark hair. The suitcase boombox coordinates nicely with the dress. Perhaps Jon could get a side business going if he can made a few more of those?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Your dress is great Vix, I just love the print of the fabric! x

    ReplyDelete
  64. Amor,
    Another fantastico,groovy dress!Wasn't the weather beautiful? this is coming from a biatch who hates the freaking heat.
    You two are super creative it hurts.
    I want more tact everyday. I been looking for a weather predictor burro.

    Besos

    ReplyDelete
  65. Love your dress and really, really want a boom box like that! M x

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am seriously impressed with that boom box travelling case.

    Very ingenious.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  67. What a great jacket! I used to have a weather owl like that somewhere. I wonder where he flew off to?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Beautiful dress, it is perfect on you! xo

    ReplyDelete
  69. Beautiful dress, it is perfect on you! xo

    ReplyDelete

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