The Washerwoman

Friday 5 June 2009

Slight conflict of interest this week.....

Us women are generally pretty good at juggling our lives, but this week was a tricky one for the washerwoman.... On Monday I purchased over 120 vintage items of clothing, mainly dating from the 1940's and 1950's. Things that had been stored away for years and in need of dunking in soapy water & a blast of fresh air. Most of this week has been spent trying to prepare these great garments for the Bristol Archive Fair on Wednesday & the wonderful Vintage Fair in Bath on June 14th.
There is always a great sense of the past when you handle such items, and the wonderful old labels conjure up images of a very different way of life. For example Frothy nylon petticoats to be worn under a full skirt by "Harlie"..... a CC41 demure day dress from the 2nd World War...... a 50's "Harella" coat made from Moygashel..... a flamboyant "Hillora" floral creation, a cotton polka dot frock by "Rodney" or a "Trimwear" dressing gown with a CC41 label tucked inside..... the list is endless!

Here is the reason for conflict. I recently started a part time job as a nurse working in a great little rural practice with some very friendly people. There have not been quite enough hours in the day, or days in the week to achieve everything..... but luckily the weekend is almost upon us so the washerwoman can keep on washing... and ironing...and sewing on the odd stray button!
Enjoy the weekend everyboday!

15 comments:

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Are you sure you are not superwoman Lizzie?
How on earth do you pack it all in..
You have a lovely nature and I can just imagine you as a nurse! Great bedside manner!!

Michele xx

Clare said...

sounds like there's some super items..I'm so disappointed I can't make either fair!!!Darn it!

Country Cottage Chic said...

120???? That's a lot of washing! I love the green rose print.

What & where is the Bristol fair?

Jayne

jane and the happy crow said...

Cooo! No wonder you call yourself the Washerwoman! I hope you did not have to do all that lot by hand. I wish I could come to the fairs in June, especially the one in Bath. Thankyou for that little doll dress, I will have to do something with it soon, it would be hard to get on a doll as the neck doesnt undo but its so sweet. lots of love Jane xxxx

BusyLizzie said...

yes, 120 items its the truth!
The fair is in the Anson rooms on Wednesday evening.. if you scroll down a few posts all the details are there.
The green rose print is a very cute sun dress from the 50's... size 12 I think!
Lizzie xx

Corinne Phillips said...

I know the feeling - I often wish there was one extra day a week - I'm sure we could all do with it! Hope the Fair at Bristol goes well.

BusyLizzie said...

thanks for your comments. Glad you like the dolls dress Jane!.. and yes, mostly being washed by hand!!!!!
lizzie xx

hens teeth said...

Lordy, lordy woman, all by hand????
Take care of yourself and don't overdo it. x

Teena Vallerine said...

I could cope with the washing - but the ironing would finish me off! I have no idea how you do it all! Lucky little practice to have you to care for them! t.x

The fabric of my life said...

I don't know how you do it honey. You haven't mentioned being Supertaxi to The Boy!!!

It was lovely to see you today and to get some delicious fabric, thank you for that :-)

OhSoVintage said...

Wow, fancy finding 120 vintage dresses. That is a lot of washing and ironing but I love seeing something crumpled and a bit grubby transformed into a beautiful item again. You obviously have more than 24 hours in your day!

BusyLizzie said...

Thanks gals.. but I appear to have the usual 24 hours in my day.... and there are still some rather crumpled frocks to tackle before the fair tomorrow evening!
Lizzie xxx

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Just when you thought is was safe to blog... someone tells you .. you've been tagged...

Sorry Lizzie.. you'll have to drop by and collect your tag.. in between dressing wounds and washing vintage dresses..

Michele xxx

Sal said...

Crikey,when do you have time to breathe? I am amazed!
Don't overdo it now!!
;-)

Midsummer Stitches said...

Wow,they look great! You have been busy.Hoping to make the Bath fair on the 14th
Julia