The Washerwoman

Thursday 11 December 2014

Seasons Greetings


A very Happy Christmas to all my followers. All the very best for the New Year too! Over the next few weeks I will be listing the 2015 Antique, Vintage and Collectors Fairs here on the blog. Just scroll down and they will be listed on the right hand side. Hope to see you somewhere soon. Lizzie x

Friday 7 November 2014

The Vintage Bazaar in Devizes, Saturday 29th November 2014


Ready for a bit of sparkle? If so, The Vintage Bazaar  Christmas Market in Devizes at The Corn Exchange, SN10 1HS is the place to be on Saturday 29th of November.


The event is open from 9.30 to 3.30. Admission is £2. There will be 1940's hats, bags, shoes, coats and dresses for sale.....


 ....As well as Vintage Christmas decorations...



Textiles, Linens and lace....and much more!


 For full stall-holder details, please visit The Vintage Bazaar blog or Facebook page by clicking the links highlighted here.

Monday 24 February 2014

The suitcase. A 1940's time capsule.


Last year I was fortunate enough to purchase this rare collection of 1940's children's clothes and shoes......


Having been packed away in a suitcase for almost 70 years, the shoes are lovingly polished to a conker-like shine.


Scuffed sandles, some with holes where the toes poked through.... It is poignant to imagine who the case of clothing belonged to, perhaps an evacuee sent away from the bombings in WW 2?


Bertie, my vintage mannequin models some of the garments.


Many items in the suitcase have the CC41 Utility labels which are found on clothing issued in the the war.


A tiny pair of leather gloves would have kept a child's hands warm and dry during a bitter Winter.



There is something charming about old clothing labels?




Knitwear has been darned..button holes repaired.


This tweed pinny has been made from an adults garment. Make and mend was a way of life in the war years. In contrast to the much-worn shoes, several hats are in pristine condition. Obviously much hated and never worn!


The little shoes are my favourite items.







 Here are details of the charming embroidery on the dressing gowns and the beautiful smocking on the dresses.


There are even sets of reins, complete with a small bell!


I will be taking a selection of Vintage Childrens' costume to The Vintage Bazaar in Devizes on Saturday 8th March. Doors open at 9.30. Admission £2 for adults.