A rather special auction

 Following on from the Collectors Sale at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury last November the phone was soon ringing. Eager clients with costume, accessories, lace, fans and feathers wishing to discuss the possibility of parting with their collections.

 Many of the items consigned to the next sale have been worn, loved and then stored away by generations.

 As well as fashionable costume, there are also trimmings, textiles and cases of old sewing patterns.....

 These bolts of fine chiffon came from the well known tailors and purveyors of quality bespoke traditional country clothing, Huntsman of Savile Row. Alongside these textiles there will be jackets and suits made from Harris tweed in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as funky tweed coats. One of the best things about this collection is that the sizing is approximately a UK 14, a rarity in the world of Vintage!

Gentlemen will not be left out as there are vintage suits, jackets, ties, cravats and coats included in the sale.

 The on-line catalogue can be seen here. The sale is on Tuesday 26th February. Viewing is on Saturday 23rd February from 9.30 to 1 pm. Monday the 25th February from 9.30 to 6 pm and on the morning of the sale. Online bidding is available, please contact the Bristol office to register.

Please vote for us!

 Just before Christmas, Clare and I had an exciting opportunity to assist and stage a photo-shoot for the front cover of the magazine Pretty Nostalgic.

 We all met up in Frome at The Cheese and Grain with our Vintage props, fabric, dresses, flowers and cup-cakes to put together a truly vintage image......It is the venue where we run our Vintage Bazaar, so an ideal choice!

 Local friends and business's assisted with lending items and soon the photo-shoot was taking place. It required patient and precise work to get it looking just right.

 My lovely old wind-up gramophone took centre-stage, to create a nostalgic and forgotten attic feel to everything.

 These sumptuous cushions are from The Weekend Bohemian.

 The end result is on the front cover of The January copy of Pretty Nostalgic, and inside the magazine is the chance to vote for your favourite Vintage Market. of course, it is up to you, but if you have visited The Vintage Bazaar in Frome, Clare and I would love you to vote for us.... pretty please!

The Spring Vintage Season awaits...

Happy New Year to you. It has been a lovely few relatively quiet weeks at "Washerwoman HQ". Since Christmas I have been sorting out my workroom and stock in readiness for the Spring Vintage Season.

 I discovered things that I had bought a while ago... in an old box were these gorgeous catalogues which are great for reference. I have kept a few, but will be taking the rest with me to the Vintage and Antique Fairs in the next few weeks.

 My favourite page is this one showing the different designs of the pinnies. Each design has a name, you can choose "Ida, Grace, Iris, Pearl or Minnie" to brighten up your housework day!

 More formal attire here.....

 I also discovered this charming photography envelope. Such a simple thing, but so evocative of the time.

 Of course I had squirreled away a stash of old photographs. They are my weakness and I usually buy them at Flea markets both in the UK and France. The time has come to thin out my collection, so have scanned some of them so that I can part with them at sales. I will have a few with me at Ardingly Antiques Fair this week.

 The same can be said for my collection of knitting patterns. These usually sell well at The Honiton Textile fair , the next one is on Tuesday February 5th in the Mackarness Hall in the centre of the town.

See you somewhere soon! Lizzie x