So, here are some photos of my purchases at the Home and Antiques Fair. First, embroidered tablecloths. I love the idea of using something that someone spent hours creating. These ones are made using cotton or linen and apart from the odd tea stain, are in very good condition. I just can't resist textiles!
I bought this small coffee/chocolate cup in my favourite pattern 'Blue Italian' by Spode. It reminds me of my childhood visits to my friend Maria at her granny's house, as this was the very pattern the family used and it made a big impression on me. I could have bought lots of items as there was a stallholder who was selling part of his collection and I fell for a gorgeous big bowl in particular. However, I managed to restrain myself because it would have been expensive and we simply do not have the room at the moment. I contented myself with this little cup because it is small and I can use it for little flower posies.
A close up of the beautiful floral embroidery on one of the tablecloths.
I loved the big purple satin stitched flowers here.
This one was the first one I bought and features delicate blue embroidery and a cut-work/pulled thread design which must have been a real labour of love.
I have wanted a posy bowl ever since seeing one with some simple daisy-like flowers on Jane Brocket's blog (
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/) a while ago. Since then, I found one, but was still on the lookout for a larger one. This one is fabulous, with a lovely teal green against the grey.
More fabric pieces - big purple check cotton and some striped and checked furnishing cotton pieces in muted greens and blues that may become cushion covers, but I haven't quite decided yet.
Just to show you the posy bowl with a posy in it, here are some Rose 'Molineux' with Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' looking bright and cheerful.
I think this bowl will become a mainstay of mine because much as I love flowers, I am pretty useless at arranging them. This is perfect as it only needs the flower heads and looks pretty without me having to do a lot ( a bit like my mini milk bottle crate too).
All in all, a good day's shopping and spending, don't you think?
What a super haul, Ellie! Absolutely a good day's shopping and spending! Love the embroidered table linen - how lovely that it's gone somewhere where it will be appreciated all over again. Perhaps the long gone embroiderer will smile to herself a hidden smile of delight if such a thing is possible long after nimble fingers are laid to rest. And I look at your blue and white cup with longing - I love blue and white china! E x
ReplyDeleteDear E
DeleteThank you very much for your comment.
I hope the embroiderers will somehow know that their work is still appreciated - what a lovely thought. We use blue and white china (Pattern 'Yuan') as our every day china, but one day I shall have much more of the 'Blue Italian' and actually use it too. Just as a piece of trivia - Spode 'Blue Italian' china was used in the BBC adaptation of 'Persuasion' with Amanda Root as Anne. It is used at the Musgrave's house when Anne stays there and is subjected to the various moans from different members of the family about other members of the family. Yes, I have watched that adaptation far too much! (My favourite Austen novel and my favourite adaptation too).
Best wishes
Ellie
Such a lovely haul of goodies Ellie! I adore the vintage tablecloths, I am always on the lookout for these too. I cut them up for patchwork quilts, i love to reuse them in a different way. I have never come across a posy bowl before, what a wonderful way of arranging flowers.
ReplyDeleteGillian x
Dear Gillian
DeleteThank you for your comment.
It is a great idea to re-use the tablecloths for patchwork. I think my posy bowl will get a fair bit of use as it makes a simple collection of flowers look very pretty.
I am very pleased with my goodies and just need to use them all now.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ooh, lovely tableclothes. I never seem to find anything as nice, lucky you :D
ReplyDeleteDear Annie
DeleteThank you for your comment.
I definitely feel lucky with my purchases - usually I make plans about the sort of things I would like and then never find anything suitable! This time it all worked out beautifully.
Best wishes
Ellie