Stitiching a ray of sunshine

This hand stitiched embroidery is a real treat. The fine detail on the face – from cushiony pink cheeks to luscious lashes – really showcases the embroiderers skill. This exapample comes from a pillowslip and though the date of creation is unknown I’m guessing around 1950-60.

Take me to the ball!

I love to imagine how many ritzy occasions these kid gloves must have attended. Though they look a little worse for wear now, they still retain their old-world charm. Like a lot of vintage gloves they are just too small for the modern hand, so unfortunately they won’t be going out much any more. I just adore the pearl button closure at the wrist and the teeny tiny handstitiched buttonhole. Charming!!

A designer at work…..

A great discovery here at a local market – the sketchings of an amateur dressmaker dating from about the 1950’s. These little bodice and sleeve patterns show how the dressmaker would have changed the positions of darts and seams to create different styles. They’re all in “fifth scale” – that is one fifth of actual size, a great way to test out design ideas without having to draft full size pieces. I believe that the designer was probably copying ideas she’d seen in a dressmaker’s instruction manuals and practicing her technique.

1940’s Glamour

Check out this delightful pair of size 5 high heels! A mini-masterpiece in finely cut suede, these 1940’s shoes are in perfect condition. They are lined and soled with leather too, with the label ‘Gold Cross’ stamped onto the inner. They have been beautifully cared for, and except for a little bit of marking on the soles, look like they’ve never been worn.

Pretty Lady

Isn’t she lovely? I picked up this oh-so-fine stitchin’ machine at an op-shop in Wonthaggi Victoria. The ‘Princess’ came with all her attachments and sews like she was born yesterday. I love her Cadillac good looks and chrome features.