Sunday 28 September 2014

Vintage Fairs

 
Yesterday, a friend and I headed off to sample the delights of two vintage fairs being held in Lincoln.  As she said, 'vintage fairs here are like buses, nothing for ages and then two turn up together!'  Above is a photos of the cathedral, just because I like it!
The first fair was held at the University of Lincoln, at The Engine Shed, a venue which used to be, yes, you've guessed it, an engine shed!  There were quite a few people there and we were there when it started.  It was a real trip down memory lane and the 1980s fashions with ruching, bows and dropped waists were very familiar. In fact, I owned several of those types of dresses!  There was also a plethora of crimplene but also some very nice 1950s and 1960s dresses too, though, sadly, not in my size.  The music was quite random though and didn't really fit so well with the vintage theme. I bought some material and hope that there is enough for me to make a tunic dress.
The next fair was organised by Britain does Vintage and was at the Drill Hall, a lovely theatre/music/comedy venue which used to be, yes, a Drill Hall!
 I must admit, of the two fairs, this was our favourite.  The music was suitably vintage too, ranging from the 1940s to the 1960s.  There were some beautiful 1950s dresses here too, and one in particular caught my eye.  It had red roses on it and a high collar at the front, then at the back, the collar dipped down and had a lovely bow with long tails which covered the zip. It had a full skirt and I could just imagine myself in it. Sadly, it wasn't my size though.
 The other thing we really liked about this fair was the tea room above the main hall.  It was decorated with patriotic and floral bunting and had proper china.  The ladies serving the refreshments were dressed in vintage clothes and the music was mainly from the 1940s - Glenn Miller featuring quite a bit.  In the photo above, you can see the cake I chose (and delicious it was too) and a little lemon pot which my friend bought as a Christmas present for a member of her family as she collects them.  I bought more material!
Here are the two rather different patterns I bought.  I'm not sure how vintage they are, but they were very good value. The Liberty-type pattern was from the first fair and the fabulous floral number was from the second. (I showed them to Chris, who said the one on the right was 'a bit loud').  He's probably right, but I like it!  The plan, as I mentioned, is to make them into tunic dresses, to be worn with leggings and ankle boots at this time of year.  However, I am seriously contemplating a few sewing lessons because I am not at all confident about making clothes and I think a bit of tuition from someone who knows what they are doing would help.  I really want to make some clothes, so watch this space...

9 comments:

  1. Vintage fairs are always a delight. Treasures and a pleasant saunter down memory lane...

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    1. Thanks, EC. I really enjoyed looking at all the clothes and crockery on offer. I just wish the dresses I liked had fitted me! Oh well, another reason to get making my own...
      Have a good week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Beautiful photo of the Cathedral Ellie. I remember walking to it with my sister during one of my visits and having a lovely tea at some tea rooms nearby . I wonder if they were the same,I'll just have to go again to see. I see you like markets and fairs as much as I do ...I also have been lucky this weekend to go to two here however that is the topic of my next post so I won't say more. Coincidental ....I've been considering crocheting myself a tunic to go over leggings for a wedding in the UK next year which I hope to attend. I'm convincing myself leggings and a tunic for a wedding can look posh too. I'm thinking I'll be able to post my swap goodies at the end of this week if nothing extra crops up. Is it too soon?

    keep well

    Amanda x

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    1. Thanks, Amanda. There are lots of tearooms on Steep Hill so perhaps you stopped off in one of those. I do like markets and fairs as you never know what you'll find. The tunics and leggings coincidence made me laugh! I'm nearly ready to swap and will get my skates on so we can post at the end of the week or very beginning of next week if that's OK with you?
      In the meantime, have a good rest of the week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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    2. No rush Ellie at all ....take as much time as you need!
      A

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  3. The fairs sound brilliant Ellie, especially the last one-sounds like they really added more to the flavour of the event with the music. The dress you describe sounds gorgeous and I love the fabric choices. They will make great tunic dresses. I wish we lived nearer as I would love to share sewing tips with you! I have always made skirts, dresses and tops and over the years must have saved such a lot, it's fun as well I am sure you will get hooked ! For patterns I use http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/ quite a lot as they have such a good range and offers on sometimes. http://www.habithat.co.uk/ have the usual patterns but also a good range of vintage styles, a bit different. Hope you enjoy sewing, it is very addictive!
    Alison xx

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    1. Thanks, Alison. I wish we lived nearer too, but I have had a lady recommended to me who lives about 15 minutes away and gives sewing lessons tailored to the individual, so I am going to get in touch and get something arranged. I really hope I get on OK as well - I have at least four things I would like to make, and have got the patterns and material too. Thanks for the pattern recommendations.
      Have a good rest of the week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Like you I don't really make clothes but those two fabrics will look fantastic stitched up into tunics. Do post some pictures when they're finished please xx

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    1. Thanks, Josie. I have taken the plunge and booked a sewing lesson next Monday night! I will definitely post some photos when I have successfully completed a tunic!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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