Tuesday 5 November 2013

Serendipity

 Serendipity - (noun) The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.  (According to my dictionary, first used by Horace Walpole in 1754.) 
I didn't have a good start to my day yesterday.  I managed to break, no, actually, I didn't break anything.  What happened was that a posy bowl, rather precariously balanced on top of another posy bowl, (note to self: try not to precariously balance things in the cupboard.  Reply to self: yes, but you try fitting everything in!) decided to escape from the cupboard and fell, smashing pieces from a rather nice Cath Kidston plate given to me by an ex-pupil in my Reception class, many moons ago when I was teaching.  The posy bowl remained intact.  Being of a rather philosophical nature, I said "oh well, these things happen" and binned the plate.  Then off I went into town.  (Bear with me, this is coming to a point in a minute).  Last week, I had noticed a rather nice plate in a charity shop, I had picked it up and admired it and then put it back, deciding that it was pretty but 1) It was priced at £2.00 and 2) I didn't really need it.  (I bet you can see where this rambling tale is going.)
However, yesterday I was thinking about the plate and decided to call in and see if it was still there.  If is wasn't, I reasoned, then I wasn't meant to have it and would happily go on my way, (but I was really hoping it would still be waiting for me).  It was still there and even better, it was reduced to 50p!
 Right, I thought, I am obviously meant to have it, especially as I have just broken a plate this very morning.  So, here it is.  Johnson Brothers, probably 1950s/1960s or later.
 I just love this little doodly floral pattern and am seriously considering using it for some embroidery.  I especially like the little seed head things.  Also in the same reduced section, I noticed two blue and white china plates.  I do like a nice bit of blue and white pattern, so of course, these had to come home with me too.
 The only pattern marking is 'Mimosa', but no maker's mark and an internet search has revealed nothing about it so far.  Pretty, though isn't it?
Here's a close up of the floral edging (probably the Mimosa from the pattern name). So, serendipity strikes again and I am very happy to have replaced my one plate with three!

16 comments:

  1. Most certainly sirendipiry!! I love the pretty plate and yes I think it will make for a lovely stitching project. Xoxo

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    1. Thanks, Hannapat. I love it too - just another embroidery project to add to the pile of ideas!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. What a beautiful and appropiate word!
    Love the tiny flowers....
    Best wishes from Mirjam.

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    1. Thanks, Mirjam. It really was the perfect word for me yesterday. I am thinking about a polymer clay project using those little flowers for inspiration, perhaps...
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Very happy serendipity, Ellie! What happy finds! I love the blue and white design especially. E x

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    1. Thanks, E. I do like the blue and white patterns, but as yet, haven't discovered anything about them. They are really pretty and I just couldn't leave them in the shop now, could I?!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Serendipity indeed! Your new plates are so very pretty! I LOVE the first one and completely agree about the stitching...I'm actually itching to give it a go myself, those seed heads would be so simple but so sweet! Thank you for the inspiration! :-) Chrissie x

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    1. Thanks, Chrissie. Since joining in with Stitching Sundays, I have found that I am looking at patterns with a view to embroidery! Enjoy all your projects.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Isn't it great when that sort of thing happens?! Love the edging on the 'mimosa' plate x Jane

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    1. Thanks, Jane. it was just meant to be, I think! I was so pleased to find the plate there and the two blue and white ones were a lovely added bonus. I am thinkingthat I ought to use the mimosa design for something too...
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  6. The first plate looks exactly like a piece of embroidered linen on an embroidery hoop, very pretty.

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    1. Thanks, Toffeeapple. The design does look like a piece of embroidery - perhaps I'll be able to turn it into just that (although possibly I may have to simplify it just a bit so that my beginner's embroidery skills can manage it!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  7. What a sweet post Ellie! I thought your first pic was an embroidery you had done and hooped already; it's beautiful and ideally suited to such, I think! Love your other plates too - what lovely finds: certainly serendipity! Hugs, Joy xo

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    1. Thanks, Joy. I wish I could say it was an example of my embroidery! I am quite inspired by the pattern though, so perhaps that will become a project. Definitely serendipitous finds!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  8. I absolutely 100% believe in serendipity!!

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    1. Thanks, Anne. Me too! To be truthful, I actually prefer the new plates to the Cath Kidston one which got broken!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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