Crown Lynn black

 

an early birthday present to myself is this lovely Crown Lynn #553 Black Boat Vase. It has a hairline crack on the back. This doesn't bother me. I love imperfect pieces. I'm just happy to find this as I've been wanting some black Crown Lynn items for a while. They are much harder to find than the white. Miss 17 has her eye on this and tells me that when she leaves home, this vase is going with her. Hmm, I'm not so sure that that's going to happen!

sew coincidental

Recently while sourcing stock for Retrovision, I came across a retro sewing box. Having a quick look inside, I thought of all the sewing love that the owner must have felt. It was filled with everything that any sewer would need. Feeling sentimental and nostalgic I bought it. Then when I was getting it out of the car, I got a closer look at the handwritten name on the top.

It reads "Norma's sewing box." That's sew coincidental!

sewing for my bloke

Mr B hasn't been very lucky when it comes to my sewing output. The only item I ever made for him was a long sleeve shirt way back in January 1989. That's almost 25 years ago!

He recently cleaned out his wardrobe (he's a shirt & jeans kind of bloke) and I realized that it was time to end the sewing drought and tackle some menswear sewing. On the list are: well fitted shirts (both short & long sleeves), a smart jacket for semi casual wear and straight slim cut trousers.

Where to go to for inspiration? definitely not the local menswear stores. I mean I don't see my bloke wanting to wear tiny floral print shirts or loud, screaming graphic prints and stripes/plaid/checks are boring... so on the weekend I made a trip out to Designer Textiles and found some really great shirt fabric. I deliberately stayed away from stripes, plaid and checks (there was plenty of those to choose from ) - instead opting for a grey-blue soft cotton.

I'm using Burda 7045 which was featured in an episode of The Great British Sewing Bee. Apparently according to the pattern reviews I've read - even with all its fiddly bits, this shirt can be made in about 4 hours. As you all know, I'm all for a quick sew. Wish me luck as I break my menswear sewing drought.

retro caravan dreaming...

1972 Anglo Capri 15-6 caravan

1964 Vauxhall Velox



I've been dreaming of a retro caravan being towed by a vintage car. On my wish-list is a 1960s-1970s retro caravan (like the Anglo Capri above) being towed by a 1960s car (like the Vauxhall Velox above). I dream a lot about finding a reasonably, sound retro caravan that still has it's original interior and upholstery and getting it restored & roadworthy with a solid, dependable vintage car to tow it.

A couple of weeks ago, I met someone who had fulfilled her dream of acquiring a retro caravan. She found her caravan in Gisborne. Hers is a full on do-up project that the previous owner had given up on. The caravan had sat in a carport for about 4 years before he decided to sell it. Hearing her caravan story rekindled my retro caravan dreams.

Mr B is getting enthused by the idea - he has all the contacts to get the structural work done. I'm more than capable of sourcing all the retro goodness for the interior. Where are we going to park it he asks? hmmm, I'm not too sure about that yet. Guess, I'd better start dreaming about the practical stuff too...

stitch or ditch?

the driving force behind the latest de-stash is the departure of the Mopod which I've been using as a sewing space since our house renovations last year. My sewing space is shrinking dramatically into storage containers. The Mopod is leaving so that our backyard is ready for the installation of a temporary swimming pool for the summer.

My method for de-stashing this time is: Stitch or ditch?????

Is it working? sort of... I've got 3 fabric piles on the go:  STITCH? DITCH? & I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!

5th blog anniversary

I've only just remembered that this blog is 5 years old - thanks for taking the time to visit here and read, follow, link, leave comments and email me. I really appreciate it!

pink October 2013

 

October is breast cancer awareness month. Due to censorship, many NZ women won't see this video about real breast cancer symptoms. Please share this video with the special women in your lives. 

auckland fabric-a-brac november 2013

 

remember how for the last couple of years I've been de-stashing at the Auckland Fabric-a-brac events? Well I did ok earlier this year at the March event. Yet I still find myself swamped with fabric. So I've booked a table and will be at the November event, again shamelessly selling off the stash of fabrics and other sewing & craft related goodies. Come by, say hi, I'd love to meet you...

Juki TR7 Industrial

 

another rescued machine - this time it's a Juki TR7 bought for $12.00. It was an impulse buy and I didn't test it. For what I paid, I figured that if it didn't work at least I'd get my money back for its scrap value. Well you can imagine my anticipation when it was plugged in.... it goes like the clappers with a very sweet sounding motor. In the drawer it had it's original manual and parts chart. Definitely a great buy! 

 

 

bernina industrie 740-11

sitting outside the local Salvation Army store was this donated sewing machine - Bernina Industrie 740-11. There's strict regulations in NZ when on-selling second hand electrical items and this beauty was on it's way to the scrap yard. Luckily we were able to rescue it for a modest sum of $9 (it's scrap value) before they got around to cutting the wiring. It's now at the sewing machine repair shop getting a full service. When it gets back, Miss 17 will be using it for her fashion sewing.

Fergus dressups

 

 

Fergus stayed home yesterday with our two teenagers. These photos prove that homework and studying wasn't all they did...

emerging designer competitions 2013

 

 

firstly is Miss 16's entry in the Sylvia Park Shopping Centre - emerging designers competition. Her dress is made up in duchess ivory satin with a lace overlay and features huge detailed ruffles made from 14 metres of organza.  It's on display for just under 3 weeks before the competition closes. Good luck to all the 100+ young designers taking part...



 

then next is Miss 16's entry in the Newmarket Business Association - young designers competition. Her dress is made up in a white cotton/spandex fabric and features a virtual garden of flowers made up of 11 metres of fabric. She burnt the edges of each individual flower. This is a heavy dress - probably weighs about 5-6kgs. Another great effort...

all retro

 

 

Yikes, it's been a month since I last blogged. Time flies when you're having fun. And I'm definitely enjoying our online store Retrovision. As you can see from the photos above, I'm trying to embrace all aspects of the retro experience. The Patti Playpals (the short hair Patti is from 1953 and the other is a reproduction) in the photos are gaining a following of their own. A couple of customers have commented on how they find them creepy and at the same time are intrigued as where they'll show up next. Have a great week everyone!

 

anything but quiet!

 

since we launched our RETROVISION STORE it has been anything but quiet! Despite the busy days and constant juggling, I even managed to do a little sewing with Miss 16's ball dress (which was a 6 hour sewing marathon the day before the ball) and Miss 6's pioneer outfit (which consisted of

a dress, apron and bonnet). I did take photos to post but sadly my camera kit was stolen. It's been a real pain having to sort out insurance for a replacement camera. When I get the chance, I'll post new photos of my latest sewing achievements.  



tree felling

For Queens Birthday weekend we travelled to the bach for some well deserved down time. The weather was beautiful (although a little chilly at times) and I managed to walk the dog on the beach everyday. Mr B and Sydney with the help of  our wonderful neighbours were able to fell the pine trees on our fence line. The trees were about 20 years old. They were dropping branches and there was a real risk of uprooting in high winds. It's not uncommon to see uprooted pines near our bach that are left to rot where they fell. 

The sleepout exterior is largely finished. The plumber, builders and electricians will be working towards getting their part of the project to completion. The adjoining blue shed now looks very shabby and rundown in comparison. Mr B will probably be inspired to keep tidying up once the sleepout is finished. 

more retro vision

our space is filling with some really great retro pieces. This formica cabinet was an exciting discovery. It will be a great space to display all those retro treasures. The picture was a find from the Salvation Army store. 

This retro dining suite travelled from Te Awamutu today. The table is in very good condition for its age and the red formica is nice and bright. The chairs have seen better days but are worth restoring to their former glory. A very nice set indeed!

sleepout continues

the sleepout is progressing well (the walls are up and the windows are in), the roof is on and the exterior cladding is going up. It's all looking good and we're on the hunt now for furnishings. Mr B and Sydney went down last week with our van loaded up with stuff for the builders. Our family is looking forward to using it. Very exciting...

Check out the photobombing chicken!

retrovision changes...

We have secured premises (a 5 minute walk from our home) and a vehicle for Retrovision. The new space is clean and very tidy on the inside and the exterior will need a freshen up. There's 110 squares metres of area   - that's plenty of room to set up a photography space, storage area and packaging station plus I'm thinking of establishing a studio space for myself. I've had the Mopod for almost a year and whilst it's been handy, it will be nice to have a larger space to work in.

more sleepout progress

the builders have made a great deal more progress...

costumes

I fashioned this dog costume (head, paws and tail) out of an  all-in-1 hat with scarf and hand warmers that cost $6, a cheap necklace $2, waistband elastic and black felt tip. It turned out really well and Miss 6 was more than happy to wear this to her school assembly performance.

Late last week Miss 6s teacher put out the call to talented sewing parents to help create bonnets and matching aprons for the class upcoming visit to Howick Historical Village. I was given the set in the photo above as a pattern reference and I'm going to try and make 4-6 similar sets. 

sleepout progress

View from front

View from rear

As you can see the sleepout floor is going down and the underfloor insulation is being put in. It's a simple rectangular shape with bathroom to the rear and will be extra accommodation for when family and friends come to visit. Most likely our teenagers will take it over as their retreat. Soon I'll be on the hunt for retro furniture. That's my favourite part...

winter coat

I have to show you my bargain coat by Jigsaw which I bought at an outlet store for $20. It fitted really well (like it was made just for me) - and when I put my hands in the pockets, I had that 'aha' moment. It was discounted because the machinist had sewn the left hand pocket on back to front. Unaltered I'd need to be a contortionist to make use of that pocket.  I came home and got to work straight away. About 30 minutes later, the pocket was facing the right way, lining all resewn and topstitching done, the coat is ready to be worn.

retrovision

Logo designed by Miss 16

We have been in the scrap metal & demolition haulage business for over 25 years. During that time we've seen so many things come and go that have been worth rescuing. In December 2010, Mr B and I were inspired to start Retrovision so that we could onsell our many finds as well as items from our personal collection. After a bit of a hiatus, we've relaunched our online sales on Trade Me again.

seriously secondhand

Mr B and I took a special trip across town to Junk & Disorderly yesterday. Mr B was picking up some war badges (he's a collector) and I was more than happy to tag along. What a worthwhile trip! There was lots and lots of retro and vintage loveliness to be viewed. It's a huge shop, so be prepared to be there a while as it does take a bit of time to see everything. I'll certainly be visiting the shop again when we're ready to furnish our bach sleepout.

vintage husqvarna 21e

I've always had an interest in vintage sewing machines and the Husqvarna 21e is the latest addition to my small collection. It's a beautifully crafted machine in an amazing retro mint green colour. Even if I never sew a stitch on it, I'm pleased to finally own one!

homemade bread

Nothing beats the yummy smell of freshly baked homemade bread, even if it is made via a breadmaker. I know exactly what the ingredients are. Best of all, my family enjoy every slice!

the early birds...

Early morning view from the deck of our bach

Meet Shaggy (a pied shag)

The local chooks meet Miss 6

Another wonderfully long weekend at the bach. This time we were visited by the early birds of the area. Firstly we had a young pied shag come walking up the steps and tapping on the glass sliding door with its beak. It appeared friendly and Miss 6 & I were able to walk it back to the beach about 120 metres from our deck. The shag happily walked along and dived in to the surf with great vigour then swam away.

Then the next day we were visited by the local chickens who have a lovely, cosy coop about 75 metres away and a very dutiful owner, yet they insist on coming down to see us for special tidbits and dusty sand baths under our deck.

tv nostalgia

I'm excited with the prospect of catching up with some good old tv nostalgia when the Jones channel launches on May 13th at 1pm here in NZ. It will be good to catch up with some my favourite  tv shows from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s - from Bonanza, Kojak, Wonder Woman, Happy Days... the list goes on!