Its only been two weeks since our last festival but selecting stock, loading Gilbert & packing for a week away feels like a daunting task. With an Autumnal nip in the air, it seems like Summer has vanished overnight and, as we've been to End Of The Road before, I know just how cold it can get. I need to dig out the vintage knitwear, mohair shawls & fake fur coats and thin out the dress rail, replacing the strappy, sheerer confections with heavier fabrics and long sleeves before we set off to Dorset first thing in the morning. So what am I doing? Writing a blog post and putting it off as long as I can.
Remember last week's car booted fabric stash? Well, I'm calling today's top a Cur-mono - it was a barkcloth curtain yesterday.
The three pieces above were vintage table linen but, with my catering days long gone and yesterday's bank holiday weather being the usual wash-out, I dusted off the sewing machine and got creating. I'm going to be brave and stick them on the Kinky rails this weekend. Hopefully a merry festival-goer will ignore my wonky seams and embrace my tablecloth tailoring.
The weekend weather was pretty decent so with so many car boot sales to chose from it would have been rude not to go to at least one (or four, in our case!)
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| Leather, hide & straw bags from the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. |
Decent finds were thin on the ground. The endless mountains of bobbled up, out of shape, greying piles of used high street clothing heaped on plastic sheeting was sickening. The money wasted on clothes so badly made that they can't even survive a couple of washes never fails to utterly appal me. I was brought up told to buy the best you can buy (second-hand if you can't afford to new), quality stands the test of time, and you won't be chucking stuff out after a few weeks of wear.
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| Marvellous vintage turbans |
Our few finds are all at least 40 years old and look at how good they still look. Can you imagine a Primark dress lasting till 2055?
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| Two exquisitely hand made 1970s maxis bought from the original seamstress |
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| An early 1960s shift dress and coat in a much sought after UK size 20 (but more like a 16 -18 by today's standards). |
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| A Scottish country dancing costume (velvet waistcoat, wool kilt), vintage English-made gents leather motorbike boots & a 1960s bikini |
Right, I'd better crack on with packing the stock and, the trickiest bit, deciding what I'm gonna wear.
Linking to Judith's Hat Attack #26
See you on the other side!
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| WEARING: Cur-mono worn with a vintage satin paisley print maxi skirt (pressie from the fabularse Helga 3 years ago). The Aztec platforms (£2), Floppy felt hat (20p) & Indian tribal necklace (£2) were all car boot sale buys this year. |
Linking to Judith's Hat Attack #26
See you on the other side!
Those tablecloths-turned-tops are divine.
ReplyDeleteDoubt Primarni will last until the end of 2015 - never mind 2050!
Looks like you got another great haul - nice one!
great stuff! and I adore your necklace! it looks so perfect
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love it so much when you wear a hat! it fits you so well!
Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
the white table cloth mini looks like a 1960's wedding dress. Well done. And all those purses!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm thrifting I don't even look at the cheap fast fashion stuff. By the time it hits the second hand store it's way past it's wear date. And the designer stuff is the same price. Ralph Lauren or Wal-Mart? Hmm.....
Liking the latest bit of curtain couture!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff as always ! Im thinking of getting a big floppy hat for myself ... i wonder if it fits me ore if i will look like a freak ...
ReplyDeletexxx
Don't know what it is, but I always liked plaid skirts. I'm sure you recall those rap around ones.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
How I love your tablecloth couture! How could they not be a hit at your next festival! I adore barkcloth, and the design of the Cur-mono is exquisite. Your black hat tops everything off to perfection. Thank you so much for sharing your beauty with Hat Attack!
ReplyDeleteYour tablecloth couture rocks,hope you have many sales. Enjoy x
ReplyDeleteI have two stacks of knitwear, one is tricel/polyester vintage and the other is modern crappy bobbly 21st century.
ReplyDeleteNo prizes for guessing which one will be scrapped. Xxx
Brilliant creations - I see you now specialise in alliterative curtain couture AND tablecloth tailoring. And I'm sure your seams plus the quality of the cloth will see these beauties lasting for decades ahead, rather than the short shelf life of the bobbly, nasty piles of tat you waded through at the car boot sales.
ReplyDeleteKustom Kulture at the Lincolnshire Showground this weekend , our only weekend away this year, it's a bit of a trial run to see how Mr Bah Humbug copes camping , now he's a wee bit crippled. I'm just glad that I won't have to listen to another jam tribute band
ReplyDeleteYour outfit today reminds of autumn, love these golden-brownish-yellow shades! Those vintage turbans are just awesome!
ReplyDeleteI could easily see you in that vintage bikini. I love those vintage motorcycle boots. I used to own a purse similar to the ones you found (on the left, saddle bag shaped) in the 1970s
ReplyDeleteI'm sending good selling vibes on your next show.
ReplyDeleteThe new pieces you created are fabulous! Plus one-of-a-kind originals. Does it get better than that?
You scored some lovely handbags. The car boot sales sure are popular over there. What fun! Although at this point in time is it starting to feel a bit more like work? Or is the thrill still there?
Love the floppy hat. Perfect for an early fall.
bisous
Suzanne
I love the colour combo you're rocking today!
ReplyDeleteI so wish we had that many car boots down here ...
M x
Four boot sales sounds like heaven to me. I adore the 60's shift dress and coat.
ReplyDeleteSafe trip to Dorset. we just came back from there.
Thinking of you...xxxx
At least you got one or two beauties!
ReplyDeleteYour Curmono and curtain couture are beautifully made, am sure they will be a hit! Esp if someone is cold and wants to buy a stylish cover-up!
I do buy things from Primark sometimes (there has been one in Romford since I was 16ish, when it just sold basics) but I am very picky and the things I buy, I choose carefully and wear and keep for a long while-100% cotton cardigans or a light cotton summer dress when I can find them, basics and a few hats, I don't buy chiffony polyester.I buy with the intent of keeping, not wearing for one session. Much prefer the thrill of the chazzer!! I actually bought a Primark dress in there last week for £2 but it was just what I wanted-another dress with a black collar!Xx
Have fun and I.hope for some great sales. X
Curmono should be in the dictionary, but they'd need a whole new subheading called Vix. Haha. Outstanding sewing feats and I'm sure these new curmonos will be snapped up immediately! If you autograph them you'll get more.
ReplyDeleteFour sales. I can't believe all the car boots sales advertised. We don't have that tradition here which is a pity. We usually get yard sales of individual homeowners and you have to go to each house scattered across town.
You are so right - I can't see much of this new clothing lasting more than a few years let alone 40! You can't beat vintage fabrics and quality. Have fun on the road and sell lots!
I love your cur-mono. Thanks to you, Vix, I honestly cannot look at curtains without thinking about how nice they'd look on my bod. When did clothing constuction start to get so flimsy. The 80's??? I love stuff from the 60's at it just blows my mind how sturdy the fabric was. Strong zippers, reinforced seams, lining!! Things you can wash in detergent and throw on the clothesline in a wind storm and they still look smashing. Those were/are the days.
ReplyDeleteYou've invented the cur-mono? Woohoo, hope they sell like hot... well, hot cur-monos! What a fantastic way to use those tablecloths and curtains, you're a sewing superstar. (And putting me to shame, I have done NOWT in terms of sewing for weeks...)
ReplyDeleteOh man, you don't need to tell me about the dreadful state of most secondhand high street clothing, I see it all the time in the bags of donations that come through the door of my chazza. Washed out, bobbled, shapeless, broken zips, faded, and doubtless most of it bought this year. It is a damning indictment of our shopping habits.
On the bright side, those of us who care to look can still find amazing pieces - original, well-made, and if they are 40 years old, so much the better! You found some great bags, and those maxi dresses are gorgeous.
Have a fab time at The End of the Road - get that stock sorted, take your thermals and a supply of cider and you'll be rocking! I'll be watching X Factor and grimacing at the pointlessness of Grimmy, while looking forward to our Saturday night text fests later in the autumn!
Love you! xxxx
Your tablecloth tailoring is a triumph Vix, I love them all and I'm sure they will fly off the rails in Dorset even if the purchaser is as sober as a judge! So sorry to hear about Ginger Alan, that skirt you are wearing today is a sartorial tribute to your furry ginger friend.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you. xxxxxxxxxx
Great bits there Vix ,love your outfit adore you in a hat ! best wishes xxx
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ReplyDeleteI also love putting things to do, and spend time at the computer! I find this apparel delicious as a warm autumn afternoon scented with exotic spices! Here today it was too hot, when I come home I feel the skin burning, poor me! How many other good things, the bags are all nice, but my favorites are the heart-shaped and that the dromedary (or camel ?!)!
We are still suffering the heat ( no joke true pain, ahhhhhhhhhhh)It is cooling to see you in all your shiny gorgeousness
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Good lord that heart shaped straw bag is stunning! What a great find. I shall be in Dorset myself this weekend so here's hoping the weather gets much better. x
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite ready for Autumn attire yet! You are so right about the short life of the stuff we get in the high street, I am also from the old school, a few good quality things are always worth investing in and if they are second time around, all the better for it - especially where leather, hand knits and pure linen or wool is concerned. Betty
ReplyDeleteYou were on a roll with your sewing Vix! I love that purple/pink one with the fringing and I love that you're planning on selling some of the items you've made - wonky seams be dammed, what you've made will last longer than anything from the horrible high street stores!! I'm loving that floppy hat and it was the first day of spring for us yesterday, which means rain, hopefully it will get warmer soon though!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's dreadful, clothing lasting only a few washes. Our parents and grandparents would be disgusted! You found some fine treasures as per always, and your tablecloth-fabric tops look fantastic. Have a bit of a rest before the weekend, xox.
ReplyDeleteThe white cur-mono is exquisite, but I long to try on the 60s dress and coat. I've a pair of 30-year-old leather boots that would wear well with this timeless duo!
ReplyDeleteHave you considered a DIY curtain couture corner for Kinky Melon? A stack of cut fabric, a simple pattern, and a few display models?
Love your tablecloth creations, I am sure they will be snapped up. So true what you say about the sad state of high street fashion, most of it only lasts a couple of washes, a criminal waste really.Enjoy the last of Summer as Autumn creeps in.
ReplyDeleteYour curmonos are absolutely delicious! I hope you price them so you get a decent wage for sewing them (and don't forget your other costs, thread etc.). Check and compare prices on Etsy.
ReplyDeleteUgh, high street clothing (or here in Canada - mall clothing). It's all the same stuff, with very little imagination put into it. Sometimes when I people-watch I despair as the general public is content to turn themselves into identikit clones.
I'm absolutely in love with your frugal, colorful ensemble. I paid $60 for a similar hat. I wish I could find 20p bargoons like you.
Now enough distractions, go stock that rail!
happy thrifting ;)
Love your hand made Curmonos! I have to get cracking on sewing for fall, but it's been too hot for sewing. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think you will have any troubles with tops you made selling......once again I love the blue/green one with the fringe and would happily buy it in an instant.
ReplyDeleteThese bright colours look gorgeous on you. The motorbike boots are a dream! x
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you are going to sell what you have made PLEASE put kinky labels on them so people know there 1 off Vix originals they will fly. I love the White one its gorgeous as it that 60's brown twin set shame its not a size 12 I would have been buying it from you, you know me and 60s sets love them. Great finds those bags are lovely to. Have a fabulous time, dee xx
ReplyDeleteThat Petite Francaise set! I love it!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I like about getting so much from charity shops is that it frees up cash to buy decent-quality new stuff. Boden do some great things. It's still fairly pricy even though I wait for items to go into the sale before purchasing, but when a modern dress comes with a decent-quality lining AND lingerie loops in the straps for clipping over bra straps, it's hard not to be impressed. If I bought everything new, I'd be stuck at the cheaper end of the high street, wasting my money.
that dainty flower maxi! that dress&coat set!!! divine!
ReplyDeletefinding pearls in a mountain of rubbish. like you it always makes me sad to see all this bad made, only for fast buying and faster trow out produced clothing (and other stuff like furniture etc.)
so much resources get waisted, not to speak about the blood, sweat and tears of the makers.
but your golden ensemble is just fab - you would match the late summer flowers in my garden :-) and i have to steal the design of the curtomo! that sleeves are gorgeous!
happy trading!
xxxxx
The table cloth tops are fab, I once made a skirt out of a white damask table cloth that belonged to my grandmother (I was like 18). A long A line style that went with everything. You always inspire me with what you make out of everyday household linens. Sorry your summer has disappeared, it can only mean it is heading my way. Promise to take good care of her for you until next time.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love your new range of cur-monos! Well done for inventing them! :) Bet you had a lovely time running those up on your free weekend. I did some sewing last weekend and it was so nice to be making something. The End of the Road sounds like a great festival and of course Dorset is beautiful. Hope you get lovely weather and plenty of customers. Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteYour tablecloth tops are ace ... and hopefully your next festival will be too :0)
ReplyDeletexx
If Scarlet could do it with drapes, you can do it even better with tablecloths!
ReplyDeleteYour sewing skills blow my mind! xo
ReplyDeleteThose tops you've made are great, I'm sure they'll be snapped up! x
ReplyDeleteYour cur-monos are fantastic! Some lucky shoppers are going to love theirs.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the cheaply made clothing ... The thrift store I usually go to is in a huge building, 3/4 of which is jammed with rail after rail of crappy clothing. Most trips I don't even bother taking a look because I so rarely find anything I want to take home. So I walk the perimeter and find my things in housewares and linens .... For some reason I usually manage to find some great vintage in those areas. But the clothes? Forget about it!
I hope your weekend goes well and that it isn't too cold! We've had the opposite here, with the hottest day of the year occurring yesterday.
Love that shift dress and coat , have a great time both trading and fun xxx
ReplyDeletefabulous entertainment! and love your sewing!, your tops are looking really cool and funky (they've even got fringes!).
ReplyDeleteAnd all those awesome ol'good clothes!, quality as its best!
besos
hi Dear Friend Excellent working.
ReplyDeletehttp://auratrends.co.uk/search
Firstly...how many boot sales?!! We're lucky to get one and they'll be shutting down that bugger when they build on the site. Anyway, I can look at your buys instead. Love the bags and those boots.
ReplyDeleteYour table cloth tops are stupendous I bet they've sold.
God, I hate cheap , high street shmutter that never lasts. Like you I grew up having good quality that lasted such as my winter coat that was expected to last me years and then would be passed on to someone else. I loathe badly made crap and nasty jumpers are top of that list.
Have a terrific time and a snifter or two will keep out the chill of an evening!
Loves ya.
xxxxxxx
Your tablecloth tops are divine! As are those fantastic car boot purchases for your stockroom, a friend had one of those saddlebags in the very early Eighties, she used it for years and loved it.
ReplyDeleteYour curmono is pretty! I rock that proudly.
ReplyDeleteHey Vix! Maybe thin pickin' but you did get some lovely treasures. Yet again, you've brought me to a happy memory place. Thank you! I remember making a cross between a poncho and a top very similar to the blue flowered garment. Even had the same fringe along the edges!
ReplyDeleteYour colours are perfect for September!
The tablecloth tops are ace. It's bloody freezing! x
ReplyDeleteYour Cur-mono is a brilliant idea, and I'll be you a quid (that's a pound, right?) that those curtain/table cloth re-jigs sell this weekend. Can't believe there are so many car boot sales on a weekend. I wish we had that tradition here, but if we did, most likely they would be all junk. Fast fashion is a way of life for so many women here and the thrift stores are stuffed to the rafters with crap that didn't last two washings.
ReplyDeleteEven though I know that you prefer summer, you look very good in theese autumn colours and I adooore you when you are dressed in your Purple cape.
ReplyDeleteI luv the curtain kimono tops. Especially the one you're wearing with the alluring side slits up the sleeves. The others would look great with the skirts you made not so long ago. What a match-up. I'm sure they'd "go" quickly. Have a great time out there. Next thing you know it'll be India!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Autumn-welcoming outfit! I know you miss the heat of summer, but you style Fall just as brilliantly. I'm sure your tablecloth creations will go as fast as hot pirozhki (Russian expression, insert any name of cozy little pastry instead of pirozhki). Oh the quality issues. You are so right about it. The quality is very, very inconsistent in modern lines of clothing, even within one brand. It does not happen often with the clothes I buy, but lately one of the striking skirts started tearing apart after only a few wears, so disappointing. On the bright side, I found a vintage blouse yesterday that fits me! I'm over the moon. Will try to remove the yellow stain, but if it does not remove, will still wear it. Just mask it somehow.
ReplyDeleteyou are like a ray of light in this fabulous outfit. I do like those sleeves..and my, do you always have amazing dresses to show us....and no I can't imagine most things sold at stores lasting until 2050 but that is a guess because today's clothes is of lesser quality- all the more reasons to treasure vintage!
ReplyDeleteAaaaaaah, this heart shaped wicker purse is to die for beautiful!!!!
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