And Sew On....

Me-made psychedelic blouse worn with Tarantella suede skirt (Babouskha) and 1960s wooden thong pendant (inherited from my Mum)

 You need to know how to sew if you're a vintage trader and not only because you spend a huge part of your life replacing zips & buttons, altering and mending stuff. I've sold so much from my own wardrobe this year that being able to whip up a few replacement pieces is essential. 

I've now only got one 1970s shirt left in my personal collection so when I wanted to wear a suede skirt this week I was a bit limited for choice. Luckily I'd got two great pieces of vintage fabric in my stash and although there wasn't very much of either, with a bit of a play around I managed to adapt a 1971 mini dress pattern into a shorter, zip-up blouse, redesigning the sleeves from the elasticated bells the pattern suggested into more dramatic trumpets.

Me-made 1970s novelty print blouse (fabric courtesy of Curtise) worn with suede skirt (as before) and Native American turquoise & copper pendant (inherited from my Mum)

These blouses would have been perfect with my other suede skirts in my collection but I've only gone and sold the lot. My olive green mini, made by Walsall leather company, Tarantella, in 1970 is currently being worn on repeat. You'll be sick of it by Spring. 

I mentioned taking it easy this week and that's pretty much what we've done but we have managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping, too. There might only be two vintage fairs left but we'll be needing stock for 2016 so, providing we don't sell out in Prestwich & Cardiff this weekend, we'll have some cool stuff to tempt the punters with next year.

Clockwise from top left: Quilted 1970s maxi; 1950s lame evening jacket; 1970s West German wool two-piece; 1960s psychedelic tunic;Austrian Dirndl; 1960s Tricel jacket; 1970s raincoat; 1970s Chamelle grab bag; 1970s painted & fringed suede jacket; 1960s barrel bag; 1960s suede fringed waistcoat; 1960s Starlight Room evening shoes; 1970s suede jerkin; 1960s Llama wool coat

There's a few things here I'm fighting the temptation to keep, the fringed waistcoat and the hand painted suede jacket to name but a couple. I know if I try them on it'll end in trouble. Fortunately for the Kinky stockroom the 1970s wool two-piece, made in Baden-Baden, is too big, but isn't it fabulous?

Clockwise from top left: Suede waistcoat; English-made slip-on shoes;1980s novelty print shirt;Tootal suede front cardi;1950s Brooks Brothers overcoat;1980s Paco wool cardi; 1950s English velour hat; 1960s Jamaican leisure shirt; 1980s Tiki print shirt; 1960s wool suit; 1970s windowpane check blazer; 1970s reporter mac; 1960s wool trilby; 1980s floral shirt; 1970s cord blazer

If it wasn't for John Grisham I'd have never heard of Brooks Brothers, the heroes of his books always seem to dress in their button-down shirts. I've no idea how this fab 1940s/1950s overcoat ended up in a charity shop in the West Midlands. The yellow leisure shirt, made for Ideal Clothing of Kingston, Jamaica looks like it should have had a starring role in Dr No. Jon's gutted that it's a bit snug on him.

I found this sweet little vintage doll on one of our chazzing adventures but I've gone off her after Jon pointed out her striking resemblance to Margaret Thatcher.

Right, better get the rest of the stock labelled and ready for a mad weekend and hopefully I'll see you on the other side.

PS I've been named as an Ageing Misfit and I'm one of Still Weird Zine's top ten of fashion bloggers who are "keeping it weird". Check it out, I'm in great company!