Friday 28 February 2014

Hostess With The Mostest



 That's a proper dinner party dress, I thought, when I unfolded this vintage maxi from Linda's parcel of joy, already picturing my hair piled high in a huge topknot, draped across the kitchen table, sharing my favourite recipe for dhal fry served up in my groovy collection of retro tableware.


Talk about the best laid plans and all that.... this morning, as well as my roots, I've managed to dye my forehead a lovely shade of Superdrug's Natural Black, which no amount of nail polish remover has managed to shift - so there's fat chance of an elegant up-do.


And, if I'm not battling with a cat (or three) for possession of the kitchen table,


it's Jon with his Novum Deluxe IV sewing machine and a pile of vintage old men trousers to be skinnied up. There's precious room for me, Sixties ceramics and South Indian delicacies.

Jon, Walsall's answer to Billy Idol

If you're wondering about his sewing talents they hark back to his punk days. He couldn't afford Vivienne Westwood's prices so, like me, he used his mum's Singer to customise stuff he'd bought from jumble sales. We really are a match made in heaven!


In the absence of kitchen space you'll have to make do with my corner of the lounge, the bit not littered with salted peanuts, biscuit crumbs, cat hair and clippings from VW Camper magazine. You'll notice my chair is strategically placed next to the bar (those knitted poodles house the Lidl rum & value cola, I'm such a classy bird).

1970s Crimplene hostess dress worn with Ultraviolet opaques (Xmas, 2010), orange suede platforms (Helga the great) and an Urban Outfitters neon & perspex belt (present from Liz, 2011), Beaded earrings (Auroville Ashram, Pondicherry, India 2011)
Plans for the weekend? Ours will no doubt involve real ale, curry and avoiding the forecast snow as much as humanely possible.

Have a good one & see you soon!

PS Check out our friend Jo's amazing portraits of Curtise, Sandra and me.


77 comments:

  1. That is a lovely dress.

    Perhaps a head-scarf might do the trick of hiding the scalp dye.

    What a talented gentleman he is!
    I think all men should learn to customise their own clothing.

    Your cat is adorable :)
    Three seems like quite a lot to, but that's just me being used to having oe cat for so long. And now two.

    I had a peek at those portraits, they're perfect and look just like you three gals!

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'mm hoping it doesn't snow before Amber's due home xx

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  2. Oops! So many typos. I forgot to check my spelling in my excitement! xx

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  3. milk
    toothpaste
    neat washing up liquid all remove Fudge paintbox overdye if that helps ....

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  4. Goegeous as always !
    Love men who can handle a sewing machine - and my man can for the same resons as your man ! Children of the punk era ....
    xxx

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  5. Cute kitty alert! I bet it's no hardship sharing table space with cute cats and your talented Jon.

    Hope you manage to salvage your forehead from the dye disaster!
    Love the dress I am sure you will be able to give it it's dinner party debut.

    I so love your colourful chandelier I fall in love with it every time it features on your blog.

    Have a great weekend.

    P x

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  6. You look fantastic! I love that little throw rug and your colourful chandelier makes me want to paint mine...

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  7. I really mustn't speed read...I thought you'd said Jon was skinning up. Yeah, OK.
    His machine looks much like my ancient Frister and Rossman, do we get to see what he produced on it next time? Try toothpaste on your bonce, it's supposed to remove fake tan gone wrong, so might work, if all else fails wear one of those groovy wide headbands. Love your description of Not Your Bit of the Lounge...sounds much like somewhere else I know, ahem.
    Jumble sale joy tomorrow..yippee.
    Enjoy the curry and beer. xxx

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  8. What an absolute delight to have a peek at parts of your home I've not seen before. Everything looks so interesting and cool. How I love your chandelier ... it's gorgeous. As are you, in appearance and personality. Have a great weekend my friend. xo

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  9. Ooh, I'm comment 9, I never get to be under 20 on your posts!! Love that dress, what a super shape and pattern! I always wanted a vintage globe bar! X

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  10. You are indeed a match made in heaven, love.
    I do love to see a chap at a sewing machine.
    Bugger there's nothing as annoying as a dyed forehead...maybe dyed ears...I find that Lidl make up wipes shift it with a bit of a scrub.
    I often think what it would be like to be with a bloke who had to buy new shit all the time, never fixed or made anything and then I realise it would never, ever have happened!
    I've already begun the weekend with a drop of Captain Morgan. Have a great one.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxx

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  11. Grrreat to see Jon in action at the sewing machine! I think it's just brilliant he was decidated enough to customise his own clothes. And you look gorgeous! Best bit this time for me is the luscious stack of vintage vanity cases next to your wardrobe - looks divine together like that. xx

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  12. Look at you hanging with your chandelier!!!!! Just gorgeous as always. No wonder Jo was inspired. And Jon at the sewing machine! Melts my heart. And I thought most punk rockers just used safety pins to keep their clothes together.

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  13. Oooh! This maxi IS quite nice & striking without being OTT! :)
    Loving your gorgeous hair & that belt & fabric-covered bangle!
    And that chandelier!!! Va va voom! <3 <3 <3

    P.S.: Thanks for dropping by on my blog dear! I'm following you! And thanks for loving Howrah Bridge too! We do ship worldwide you know! :)

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  14. That is indeed a proper dinner party frock, a real beauty! Just like its new owner, dyed forehead or not - nothing distracts from your gorgeousness, love!
    Oh Jon, in his Billy Idol Days, how wonderful - and a man who is a dab hand at the sewing machine is a fine catch! You two ARE a match made in heaven.
    Lovely to see Miss Polly Piglet - our cats access all areas too, I've given up shoo-ing them off the kitchen table (except when we have guests, when I feel I have to.) Willow has even learnt how to hook the fridge door open so we have to put a chair in front of it now to prevent thieving... Crumbs and cat hair, sounds just like our house too!
    Off for a curry myself tonight, snap. Snow? NO!
    Love you! xxxxx

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  15. such a pretty dress. vix is your kitchen cabinets and floor original to the house? it is so lovely.

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  16. What do you mean, forecast snow? (checks weather forecast) phew, none around here, thank the gods. Although with my chest infection I seriously doubt it that I'll leave the house any time before Monday.
    That dress looks like it was made for you! You always look fab :)
    Hugs x

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  17. Ah the perils of a dyed forehead - I know that very well! You're right about you both being the perfect match with your crafty skills xxx

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  18. the dress is black on top!!!!! ;-)
    ahh - the old days of punk. because there was no way to get our hands on the designer stuff - in our eastern hemisphere all the boys could use a sewing machine. some made made really gorgeous stuff!
    <3

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  19. Go Jon on the sewing! I do like seeing a man doing something unexpected. I know a guy that made his wifes wedding dress and his suit, amazing too. Lovely dress and good luck with your weather, I have woken to another sunny day.

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  20. Snow?? actually I wouldn't mind a bit! your maxi is gorgeous, what a lovely gift! dying hair is a pain though isn't it! I end up with it in my ears - your chandalier is just amazing, Jons sewing machine is like mine (I knackered it last year)Have a fab weekend! and isn't Jo amazing!x x x

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  21. Lovely frock - I'm sure you'll look great in it despite the forehead.
    Love the picture of Jon at his sewing machine - good for him, I'm very impressed.xxx

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  22. I'm most impressed that Jon can use a sewing machine too. Only recently a good friend of mine (male, of course) was astonished that I could use a sewing machine - let alone him!! Also, just a thought, have you tried surgical spirit to remove the hair dye on your forehead.

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  23. Ale & curry, sounds fab! Have a good one x

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  24. You look magnificent as always! I loved the clear belt too - very cool addition!

    I read quite a few posts in your blog and loved all of them! I read a lot about your house and your DIY stuff. You are such a rare combination of practicality and absolutely madly inspired creativity! And such a wonderful storyteller too! I didn't know about your hip. You are amazing and very inspiring!

    You and Jon do look like a perfect match (and I read that you are together for 20 some years - wow! I would love to hear the story!).

    Soooooo endlessly happy that I "met" you and Curtise. You both are rare souls, and I enjoy every visit to your blogs! :)

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  25. Beautiful dress. Have a fab weekend.

    X x

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  26. That's why I leave the colouring of my hair to an expert, or I'd end up with a purple forehead for sure ;) That is a splendid hostess dress, even if you don't have a fancy hairdo and table. Love the shot of Jon at the sewing machine; you two really were meant for each other!

    When I had cats I tried to keep them off the table but then I would come home and there they would be, so I gave up.

    Have a wonderful weekend you two.

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  27. You look lovely, I dyed the back of my ears red last night -lovely
    Twiggy

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  28. gorgeous dress! Love a man that sews! dave is better at it than me, though i am determined to catch up in 2014!

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  29. Your naughty tortie puss is clearly sympathetic, the look says it all.

    I used to bleach my hair to buggary, then backcomb and lacquer it. Put a dye on it called 'oyster' - I remember after all these years. All the little beads of lacquer turned purple. I looked as though I had a headful of purple nits - had to dye it back to mouse to disguise the horror of it!

    I will never forget the moment I looked into the mirror and saw my worst nightmare.

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  30. you're right, dear lady, you're a match made in heaven!, I've always thought a punk past makes a man really appealing!! (Mr.A. is involved in this, even though he don't know how to sew!)
    Your pretty maxi is obviously Fabulous and your home's corner looks amazing and colorful (love your lamp and kitschy poodles are adorable!!)
    have a nice weekend!
    besos

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  31. That maxi with the clear plastic belt is killing me softly. Linda obviously knew this would be perfect for you. The bottom pattern reminds me of a Christmas tree with subtle Indian motifs for the lower trim.

    It's kind of a good thing we don't thrift together. There could be some hair pulling and face scratching over some of the same pieces.

    Your chandelier is so funky! I almost expect belly dancers to come out from behind your patchwork drape.

    I love the shot Jon in his punk rocker days. Very cool photo.Billy Idol was just the coolest thing ever at the time. Especially his hair and his lip. Not his hairlip. LOL

    Your eyes look extra blue here. Maybe I need to try purple eyeshadow…

    Have an awesome weekend! I doubt you'll be visiting here anytime soon since we've been buried in snow for months on end now.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  32. That's one hell of a frock, I love that it is all plain and demure at the top and then mental and loud at the bottom.

    What better use for crochet poodles?

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  33. Liking the red and purple and I don't remember seeing that rug before, it's ace. Also I'm envying your purple tights, just like you were envying my yellow ones :)

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  34. I like your cozy cornerwith poodles and your dress is really fun. re the hair if you put a little Vaseline around forehead before tinting you will avoid hairline tint leakage. betty

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  35. I love it that Jon sews! I think it's one of those skills everybody should have (I would LOL). Not that you have to be able to whip up fancy stuff, just basic sewing skill.

    We'll be attending a retirement/scholarship fund raiser tomorrow afternoon. I hope it's not too bloody boring!!!

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  36. lovely dress miss Vix! You look gorgeous as always x

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  37. Love that hostess dress! I had a similar in the 70's and loved the hell out of it. And how great that Jon can sew - my own dear man cannot sew a button, although he can fix anything that breaks, so there is that. You look gorge, xox.

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  38. That is one fantastic dress! I love how you've done your makeup, it looks lovely. That's brilliant that Jon can use a sewing machine. You two do seem like the perfect match! Incredible chandelier too. I'd see ones very similar to yours over here and would dream of having one - they are beautiful!

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  39. YOu truly are a classy bird- well, I'd prefer the likes of you to just about anything! Love the dress and the glimpses of your awesome house and hubs. : ) Yes.

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  40. As usual, I have jewelry envy... but I also love love love your pretty little tortie kitty!

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  41. Your especially lovely maquillage -- pink shadow? -- more than offsets the ohdarnit! at the hair line. (Have you tried Pond's cold cream or whatever actors now use to remove grease paint?)

    Knitted poodles? Hand-knitted booze bottle covers?! One imagines an exceedingly jolly old auntie clicking those needles...


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  42. a man who was into Vivienne westwood rocks!
    and love the look here, this hair is gorgeous..

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  43. Sooo clever! Thank you!
    I think the two of you have carved out an idyllic life together. How both of you were so fortunate to find one another I don't know, but sharing your lives with us on the internet is like a little blast of sunshine. :)

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  44. You look so pretty in that outfit. Thanks for snapping a photo of Jon. I don't know who is cuter Jon or that cat! Both so cute. Love useful men, it's so sexy. ;-)

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  45. I fricking love that chandelier. I need that in my house immediately.

    I'm surprised at you saying dinner party dress. When did you need an occasion to wear anything? It's fab though.

    Enjoy your curry and ale! Hubby is off with his Brummie school mates this weekend. A bit of sewing and True Detective for me.

    Caroline
    xxx

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  46. Bloody hair dye! I have had that same problem way too many times. Love the dress and just have to ask...are you getting younger or have you discovered some secret elixir of youth? You are looking just radiant lately with lovely dewy fresh skin. Please tell me your secret because I appear to have the opposite problem. And how lucky are you to have your fella be able to sew, even if he does steal the kitchen table! XXX

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  47. Love this dress … specially with those stockings and shoes … just fab!!
    So glad you liked the portraits :0)
    xx

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  48. Aww you two really are a match made in heaven! You look fab - sod the hair dye! xxx

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  49. The dress is divine! Winter moon is right, I'm sure you can rustle up a groovy headscarf or a turban hat?
    Good to see a man sewing! His mum did a good job with him. Happy weekend. xxx

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  50. What a gorgeous dress Vix! I love the pattern on the skirt! And i dont mind you modelling in the lounge - i love to see a different part of your house - especially the beaded chandelier and patchwork curtain.
    So much i love in this post!

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  51. Wait I just saw Daffs on your last post ~ are you telling me the U.K. is finally getting a bit of snow this weekend ?? I can fed ex you my hot pink Winter Parka . With the Winter we have had here in New England this year I bought a rainbow of Parkas at our thrifty ! ;)

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  52. You are the hostess with the mostest! This dress is cooler with that belt and all your Vixitude. I drooled overed your LR shoes the other day, phat! Your lounge shot has everything in it for a nice lil party, that's my girl.

    You and Jon are a match made in Cornicopia! You both have a captivating style and the sweetest personalities. There's only one pair of you two. Now I'm really missing you both!

    Enjoy your weekend, I hope the weather behaves. Yesterday was our last bit of sunshine, it was a gorgeous one too.
    Love you
    Xxxxxxxxxxxooooo

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  53. One more beautiful dress in your collection! You look fantastic and that colourful chandelier is something amazing. And the cat on the photo - such a beauty!

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  54. Dress looks great on you! love the tights and shoes with it xx

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  55. Great to catch up with your posts.
    Love your rug too.
    Have fun this weekend and fingers crossed there will be no snow.

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  56. Still looking fabulous as ever, Vix... nothing a couple of shampoos won't take away in time :-) In the meantime, your gorgeous eyes take centre stage anyway!
    That's one talented man you have there... definitely a keeper!

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  57. Yes, you are a match made in heaven. I don't know who to admire the most in this post, you looking gorgeous in the half of the sitting room which wouldn't be shut down by the health and safety executive or Jon with his punk hair and sewing skills. I think I'll just admire you both. I love your alcoholic poodles and had to laugh at your forehead. Q always calls me berlosconi when i do mine. Over here in the east, it was winter yesterday, spring today. Enjoy your curry and ale! Q's doing meggadarra at the moment, it smells delicious! Xxxxxxx

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  58. Ah, you look amazing as always, and your house is so inspiring, you should show it more often.

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  59. Definitely a perfect match - and what a great black and white image of Jon. In the absence of space at the kitchen table, wish I could invite you for dinner at mine instead.

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  60. I just found your blog and I have to say that I absolutely love your style!

    This outfit rocks, I love the colors! And what a pretty kitty :)

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  61. That dress is incredible Vix! It's like it was made for you. Also I love the photo of Jon sewing :) I DO want to come to your house for a dinner party sometime, up-do or not, I'm sure the dahl would be delicious!

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  62. I can just imagine your dinner parties; you whipping up veggie delights all while looking fabulous. That maxi looks great on you. I love your colourful chandelier too.

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  63. I couldn't take my eyes off your chandelier! I have major chandelier envy now too!

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  64. Hi my dear! That's a fabulous dress, you look great! Hope you're having a lovely weekend! xx

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  65. a match made in heaven! yes, you are ...
    .... and this is what i think about my john too. i never though i could find another flea market and thrift shopping addict like i am.

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  66. It's all go at yours! Cats, man sewing, hair dye for miles and shitloads of FABULARSE!!!!
    I wouldn't mind pulling up a chair to the other side of your wee bar and joining you for a few, the weather's turned right Wintery down here!
    Looking totally glam in that new maxi, how very DARE your minions conspire to thwart your hostessing fancies?! That Jon, he's SUCH a keeper!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  67. I love Jo's portrait of you, she has captured your essence beautifully. That amazing clear plastic belt with your dinner frock is amazing. I've missed Jon's recent spell as a fashion designer, he's amazing! I must look back on all the posts I've missed out on to see if I can spot a pair. xoxoxo

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  68. Man....you look fabulous in every colour....even brown looks fabulous on you!

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  69. You and Jon really are the perfect match! I just love your dress, hopefully once the dye has come off you can host a fabulous dinner party x

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  70. Hi Vix!

    OMG i love the candelabra, what a beauty!
    I love all the colors you wearing, you such a pleasure to see!
    Hope you had a nice weekend

    Arianexo

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  71. A guy that can use a sewing machine? YES!! That's the best thing ever.

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  72. I don't know if you've ever seen it, but I just watched it last week and loved the clothes/vibe of "Taking Woodstock". If you haven't watched it (it isn't new and I'm always very behind in pop culture), I highly recommend it - even just as eye candy!

    http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/ang-lee/#_

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  73. What an awesome dress! I love the pattern on the skirt (kind of matches the groovy chandelier)
    Very impressed with Jon's sewing skills!

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  74. You have a globe bar! I love those! I also love the old picture of Jon :)
    My step dad and uncle both sewed their own trousers back in the sixties/seventies xxx

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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