Noras Novelty Print

Over Christmas I spent time much like the rest of us; too much wine, lots of food and plenty of TV. One evening my family and I visited my cousins house, where I was lucky enough to have a wine fuelled evening of bingo and talking all things fifties. My cousins live with their Nanna, Nora, who is my Uncles Wife's Mother- get it?! In the Fifties she was a hairdressers apprentice in seaside town Southport, near to where I grew up.

Unfortunately I don't see my family as often as I would like due to living at the other end of the country, so when the Lancashire lot get together there is a lot of catching up to be done! It was so wonderful to hear her stories of growing up in that time. Nowadays, Southport has turned into a slightly run down seaside town but in its day it was a true resort. Even Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte lived there before returning to France to become their Emperor. During his reign in France, he caused much of the medieval centre of Paris to be replaced with broad tree-lined boulevards, covered walkways and arcades, just like Lord Street in Southport.

The next day I woke up to a parcel at the door from Nora. I opened it to discover the most beautiful late 1940's/early 1950's novelty print fabric and a card from her...

"Dear Hannah, 

Loved talking to you last night, made me think of my younger days, then I remembered my yard of material which I saved up for, for weeks when I was an apprentice hairdresser in Southport for 10 Shillings a week (50p now). I think you will recognise the name. I would love you to have it as a reminder of late 40's and 50's fashion.

Love, Nora"

I was so touched to receive this wonderful, thoughtful gift. To think that she has held on to it for such a long time to reminisce back to her younger days is so sweet, and I intend to frame it to preserve it as well as possible. This has really kick started my obsession with Novelty Print since Christmas. I would love to find out anything else about the fabric, if anyone know of a good source please let me know!

Hannah xxx 

Homeward Bound

So long surrounded by dress, suit or shoe inspiration, my desire to have a bedroom reflecting my love of vintage sometimes gets put on the backburner. Continuously visiting flea markets, vintage fairs and charity shops definitely has it perks and every now and then, I snap up a bargain for 'my dream bedroom'. It then ends up sat in the cupboard...how sad.

Whilst my dreams feature an old hospital steel framed bed, Utility Wardrobe and fifties dressing table, I will have to settle with some pretty pictures, mirrors and bed linen for now. I have been wracking my brains for crafty, cheap and creative ways to revamp my bedroom and I think it could be instantly improved by some of my following ideas...

 

• I have a plan to make a duvet cover and pillow case for myself with some beautiful fabric. A thrifty option is to make is reversible, perhaps atomic on one side and a ditzy floral pattern on the other?! An even cheaper option is to just make the panel in the middle with the expensive fabric. I have been admiring the fabrics on 20th Century Cloth and Sanderson.

 

 

 

• Another option is to make some cushions. I love the idea of a simple cushion like in the picture below, with a beautiful forties, dress making pattern esque lady on one, and slick male dreamboat on the other! The bobbles around the outside are so cute. I am tempted to purchase from lovely Brighton based designer, Lisa of Foxy Flamingo who makes beautiful cushions!

 

...Sigh!

 

• I love the idea of using a retro drinks tray or serving tray as a way to store my perfume, rings and bits and bobs. A quick look on Ebay reveals many suitable trays!

 

• A vintage vanity case or suitcase can be easily picked up in charity shops or flea markets and would be an ideal way to store hats, stockings, gloves and more goodies!

• I currently store my headscarves and scarfs in a tall glass. This was picked up from Snoopers Paradise in Kensington Gardens for about £10, and is an efficient and pretty way to store and display your finery! Another option is the tall glass sweet jars!

 

I am busy trying to hunt down trinkets for my new display cabinet, which you can see above. I plan to display my hats in there along with hopefully lots of fabulous finds.

I would love to hear about any of your vintage finds perfect for furnishing your bedroom! Please inspire me more, and maybe I will brave a picture when the transformation is complete.

 

Hannah xxx