VINTAGE BEADS, BUTTONS AND SEWING THREADS

Technology, I love it, until it stops working. I was in the middle of printing out a Rag Rescue voucher for a customer and the printer broke, the air was blue. I suppose I've had it a while and used it constantly but I could scream. Now I have to buy a new one, fortunately I've been able to reserve one on line for pick up tomorrow, but what a pain.
Still life goes on even with these little mishaps.
I went to a car boot this morning and bought a couple of plants for my garden. I was so pleased to find an evening primrose plant. I can't wait to go in the garden now, as apparently the perfume is supposed to be very strong in he evening. So off I go.

All items above will be listed automatically in the morning.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE AT RAG RESCUE

Tomorrows listings include more vintage fabric squares, vintage appliques, vintage fabric, a buckle, some wonderful old Russian goldwork embroidery, an antique lace wedding veil and a Victorian fabric strip roll, which is like a mini jelly roll.

I have also started selling Gift vouchers at Rag Rescue. This was the idea of a customer and is in its infancy at the moment but being looked at by my web designer.
The Gift vouchers start at £10.00 and rise in increments of £5.00.

I am hoping that this will be automated very soon but in the meantime you can order a voucher by sending me the value you want through the contact page. All details of the process at the moment are listed under FAQ on the website.
I think this is a great idea for family and friends birthday and Christmas presents.
I have already designed the vouchers and the cards that they will be housed in and
taken my first order.

Keep those ideas flowing.

RAG RESCUE NEW LISTING WEEK

Saturday is the first of eight days of listing new items at the RAG RESCUE WEBSITE
I will be back home tomorrow morning with mum in tow.
All this weeks orders will be posted on Monday.

I have just had a great idea from a customer about supplying Vouchers for Rag Rescue. I think this is a great idea, so if you are interested then please contact me. They are ideal for birthday or Christmas presents.

FAMILY EMERGENCY

I'm afraid I am going to have to go away for a few days to my mothers. Hopefully I will be back on Saturday.

As far as the Rag rescue website is concerned it will be left open and
I will still be taking orders.

I have managed to buy myself mobile broadband connection for my laptop so I will never have to stop taking orders again.
Rag Rescue will now travel with laptop.

I have always put off buying mobile broadband connection as for me it was so expensive and you had to pat monthly and commit for 1-2years.
However
Vodaphone are now doing pay as you go mobile connection. The dongle came with 30hours of free surfing and to top up is only £15 so that was so much better for my needs.
Just thought I'd let you all know because if you have always felt, like me,t hat it wasn't worth paying for something you was only going to use once in a while then you might have another think.

So whilst away I can answer emails, any items bought will automatically be put on hold. There of course be a delay in my normal prompt posting but I will keep you informed on this, next Monday at the latest.

Freecycle - keeping items out of landfill

If you have looked at my website you will know that I am dedicated to keeping items out of landfill. I thought I would introduce you to 'Freecycle' It is a worldwide organisation dedicated to this cause.

'The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,767 groups with 6,883,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on “Browse Groups” above the search box. '

We have had so many brilliant items from our group in Lancaster such as sofa's, carpets, storage boxes, bubble wrap, sets of drawers and even a Victorian mahogany mirror which sites proudly on my mahogany chest of drawers in the bedroom. We have also been able to give away an old bed, chairs and lots of unwanted items.

Why not look for your local group and see what you can find or give away your unwanted items.
We are lucky here in Lancaster as we also have a 'Swap shop' online.
Their motto is
"There's no such thing as junk, only stuff that hasn't found the right person"
My husband is going to pick up a set of plastic drawers tomorrow - free. Should be ideal for putting the trims in.

Have fun and reduce those mountains of landfills

THE END OF MY WORKING DAY.

Well the clouds have come over again so no sunset tonight. Still all is not lost, it is lovely and warm so Ludo and I will walk up the lane to the church. The lane is covered in foliage and climbing in amongst it all is this beautiful honeysuckle. Early in the morning and late in the evening, the aroma is divine, quite a heady perfume but very pleasing. Last night it was bell ringing practise and my ears were still ringing when I returned home. In usual style Ludo ignored the deafening sound, caught sight of a squirrel and tried to take chase although the squirrel had run up a tree on the other side of a tall fence. Ludo looked at me enquiringly as if to say why can't I go there. He them just stood crying....We moved on quickly and he soon forgot about the squirrel and gave chase to the seagulls who immediately flew up to the church roof out of his reach.

Off we go again, I wonder what he will give chase to tonight.

THE START OF MY WORKING DAY.

As my hubby is away it means that I get to walk Ludo our dog. I rose at 5am as my internal clock is still on fair times and by 5.10 amI was out of the door in the sunshine. This time I remembered to take my camera with me, I must have been wide awake as I normally forget.
Our walk took us through the churchyard and into the large Morecambe cemetery. The photo above shows the lovely old hall entrance, unfortunately long pulled down to make make way for the Town Hall. I just love looking through this arch way as you can see the bay and the Cumbrian mountains in the far distance on a clear day.
After a strenuous game of ball we then passed the boat yard and came to the front, crossed the road which was unbelieveably quiet, but I suppose it would be at that time in the morning, and went along to the beach, yet another game of ball. In order to get my breath back I stopped to take more photo's.

I usually like the bay better when the tide is in, but this morning it looked so magical with mist hanging over the mountains and the sun emphasising the ruts and hollows made in the mud by the boats.
On my return journey I stood talking for ages with a man and his retriever who seemed to have so much energy and was charging everywhere in the sunshine, the dog not my new friend.
An hour had passed when I returned home and I felt so exhilerated, perhaps I should make the effort every morning.
I was hoping to take some photo's of the sunset this evening as Morecambe Bay is famous for them, but the sun seems to have lost its battle with the clouds. Perhaps tomorrow evening.

VINTAGE FABRIC SQUARES

For the last day of listing this week I've been sorting through my vintage fabric and cut many new squares. These squares have proved so popular of late as crafters have been busy using them for cushion making and bags, lavender bags and appliqué work adding them to skirts, jeans and Summer tops cutting them into wonderful shapes.

Hubby is away at the moment for a few days at another fair but I've stopped behind to prepare for the next set of listings. I shall enjoy walking Ludo my dog on the beach and in the woods, weather permitting and although I love my hubby dearly it is always good to have some space when you are in each others company 24/7.

Family problems may take me away next week for a few days but the site will remain open if I have to go away quickly. It will just mean that posting will be delayed by a few days.
I'll keep you all informed on this blog.

MORE BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE FABRIC AND EMBROIDERIES.

Something to cheer us all up during this rainy week. Helping us to keep a smile on our face when Summer seems to have hidden away for a while.

Ten new scrapbags each containing 4 different fabrics and 10 lovely vintage embroideries just waiting to be appliquéd onto your garment, cushion, bag or your latest project.

All these being listed tomorrow morning, 7am BST

WEDNESDAY'S LISTINGS AT RAG RESCUE

Lots of vintage appliqués, ribbons, embroideries and buttons coming up tomorrow. Also lots of linen thread reels and antique wax flower buds for those restoration tasks of antique wax wedding headdresses.

Listing tomorrow (Wednesday 10th June at 7am BST) Japan 15.00hrs

VINTAGE FABRICS LISTED TOMORROW

40 new items being listed tomorrow Tuesday 9th June at 7.30am BST

WEBSITE OPEN AGAIN.

Just to let everyone know that I am back home and that Rag rescue website is open once again.

Unfortunately on my return home on SaturdayI found that there was a problem with my telephone line at the exchange and they have only just connected me again.

Technology is great until it stops working.

I now have a mammoth task of getting the new listings ready for tomorrow. I will however do my best to place a multi-picture on this blog this evening and hopefully get all the emails off to my customers.

NEWARK INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE FAIR

Rag rescue will be standing at the Newark International Antique Fair on Thursday and Friday 4th and 5th June.
You will be able to find us in the New Sir George Stephenson building. In the building there are two very large rising doors, one at each end. We are right infront of the rising door at the very end of the building. Our door is usually closed although if there is no wind and the weather is warm it may be open.

The fair opens to the public on the Thursday at 9am.

Please note that I will not be taking any website orders from midnight tonight until I return from the fairs on Saturday or Sunday 6th/7th June.

SWINDERBY ANTIQUE AND HOME FAIR

I'm busy preparing for the fairs again. I thought I'd show you a few images from the Swinderby International Antiques and Home show website.
You can see more details Here

The fair is open to visitors on 2nd and 3rd June.

I will be leaving home on Saturday 30th May and will be away for a week.

AS FROM THURSDAY EVENING 28TH MAY I WILL NOT BE TAKING ANY ORDERS ON THE RAG RESCUE WEBSITE.
The website is now automated to stop orders whilst I am away as I may have sold items at the fairs. I will however clear items as soon as I can on my return and re-open for sales as quickly as possible.
If there is an item that you are particularly interested in at the moment please get your orders in either today or tomorrow so that I can post them before I leave.

This is a map of the site at Swinderby. If you are visiting you will find me in TENT TOWN Marquee B right at the back of the marquee, centre aisle.
I will have some of my Rag Rescue goods with me as well as my Oddities Antique items.

I just couldn't resist showing you this photo. It isn't my dog, but my Ludo will be with me at the fairs, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his human friends who bring him doggy treats all the way from America.

Tomorrow more photo's and explanations of the Newark International fair.

VINTAGE FABRIC PICK OF THE DAY no.3

Antique French fabric Art Nouveau design.

Such a wonderful Art Nouveau designed fabric.
Measures:- 30.5"/77cms wide x 60"/153cms long.

NOW REDUCED

You will find it here on the Rag Rescue website

VINTAGE FABRIC - PICK OF THE DAY no.2

Unused vintage Liberty fabric with roses.

This is superb unused old Liberty fabric. It still has the dressing in so I haven't washed it in case you want to use it in its stiffened state. If washed it will be beautifully soft.

NOW REDUCED IN PRICE

You will find it here on the Rag Rescue website

VINTAGE FABRIC - PICK OF THE DAY-no.1

1950s English sheer rosy fabric.


This fabric is very floaty and you can see through it.
Pink in colour and covered with bouquets of roses and other flowers.

A very unusual early vintage fabric ideal for drapery or for those swinging skirt/dress designs of the 1950's.

NOW REDUCED

START SEWING WITH VINTAGE FABRICS

Find tomorrow listings by clicking
here
after 7am tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow is the last day of listing new items until the week beginning the 11 June.
I need to replenish my stocks now for the International Antique and Home fairs at Swinderby and Newark which start at the beginning of June.
More about those fairs in later posts.


As of this evening there are 1302 items on the website. Obviosuly a lot of them are sold as I haven't had time to delete them all. I'm always in a dilemma when it comes to deleting items. Do I leave a certain number on to show how popular the site is or do I clear the sold items at once to reduce the searching time. It is a tricky one.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, from both new customers browsing the site for the first time and those wonderful buyers who come back time and time again.

You will see some changes in the coming months which hopefully will help you to find your wanted items quicker and to see all of your favourites at a glance. I've got a brilliant web designer now who has ideas flowing as fast as a river.

More vintage fabrics.

Sorry of about the lateness of this post. Above are the items being listed tomorrow at the
RAG RESCUE WEBSITE.

I had a day off today with my 3 year granddaughter.
The weather was very unsettled but she so wanted to go down to the beach.
Armed with bucket and spade, dog and hubby we set off a couple of miles down the road to the salt marshes on the edge of Morecambe Bay. Fortunately the rain had stopped but the wind was incredibly strong, especially the further we walked out into the bay.
I love the photo below I took of Molly. The poor little mite almost got blown away. I'm calling this photo LIFT OFF

JUST VINTAGE FABRICS

Just fabrics are being listed tomorrow, from Victorian through to 1960's. An array of vintage fabric squares and vintage fabric pieces.

See them on the 'NEW LISTINGS' page
tomorrow from 7amBST onwards

VINTAGE FABRICS AND 18TH C. PEWTER BUCKLES

Fabulous vintage fabrics and 18th century pewter buckles being listed tomorrow morning Sunday 17th May 7am BST

CLICK HERE
in the morning to see these new items that have been listed.

The vintage fabrics include squares and larger pieces.

ALL AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

MORE VINTAGE FABRIC AND SEWING ACCESSORIES

I'm afraid I got a little behind today with my preparations for listing so unfortunately only 10 new items will be listed tomorrow.
Business is very busy at the moment after the article in the Sew Hip magazine, not that I'm grumbling of course.

GIVEAWAY AT GINGERBREAD.

I have met so many wonderful friends through blogger by following their blogs.

GINGERBREAD is a wonderful blog. She writes some really interesting posts.

At the moment she is having a GIVEAWAY.
Now we all like these, so why not go along to THIS POST and leave a comment and you could be the lucky one to receive one of her knitted needle cases decorated with a ladybird, a collection of needles and two cross-stitch kits.

Good Luck everyone.

VINTAGE FABRIC WEEK

More fabric squares tomorrow in cotton, linen and silky fabrics, both English and French.
listing always at 7am BST to catch the early birds.
More squares as the week goes on with some larger fabric pieces and scrapbags if I manage to get around to making them.
Don't forget the 'wish list' if you want to wait and see if there is anything you might like on further days, save yourself the postage, just let me know on your first order.

RAG RESCUE

VINTAGE FABRIC FLORALS

Brrrrrrrrr!! it's been cold today, the wind seems to blow straight through you.
I cheered myself up by sorting through some more vintage fabric and found some lovely odd pieces with summery flowers on. The steam from the iron kept me warm and by the time I had cut out all of the squares I felt much more cheerful and warmer.
I cut a lot of squares out far more than I wanted to list today but they will be coming in the following days as I've extended my 'new listings' now until next Wednesday.

I've also added some ribbons, a very useful vintage hemmer clip for turning up your newly made skirts,dresses and jeans - really useful, another lovely silky rose and a great mother of pearl handled crochet hook.
All being listed on
RAG RESCUE website
tomorrow at 7am BST.

Have you seen the new SEW HIP magazine?
I'm really pleased with the article they have written about the RAG RESCUE WEBSITE.

VINTAGE FABRICS, VIOLETS AND ROSES

For those of you that have only just come across my blog, every day until next Wednesday you will see a multi-picture at the beginning of each listing. This is a preview of the next days listing on my Rag Rescue website.
You can subscribe to this blog by the link on the right hand site column.
Alternatively you can go to:-
RAG RESCUE WEBSITE
or go straight to the
NEW LISTINGS CATEGORY
You can reach these immediately by clicking on their links

I will be listing new items every day at 7am BST

VINTAGE FABRIC SQUARES

I feel very refreshed today as I had a lovely walk along the promenade in the sunshine. There was a cool wind blowing but it didn't seem to matter as the view of the Lake District mountains across the bay and the incoming tide with the numerous birds feeding hungrily was so enjoyable.

I've been busy replenishing the stock of vintage fabric squares for the website. The squares have been so popular over the past few weeks. I am also going to try to make some different scrapbags this week as they too have been very popular.
I have so much more time on my hands now that the website is fully automated and I am able to get out more and search for lovely items for you.
It is the fairs again at the beginning of June so I have decided to continue listing until the middle of next week. I am hoping that on my return there will be a new feature available enabling you to place items in a wish list alongside your cart. This is under construction at the moment, so watch this space.

MORE VINTAGE FABRICS AND SEW HIP NEWS

I prepared a lot of vintage fabric squares last week and the new listings for Monday contain many English and French fabric ones plus some vintage sewing cottons and trims.
Click here to be whisked away to the new listings page on the Rag Rescue website.

Yesterday was very hectic as the new monthly 'SEW HIP' magazine had just arrived in the shops. I am very pleased with the article that has been written about the website especially as I was contacted only a day before I left for my bi-monthly jaunt to the Antique fairs and it was such a rush to get all of the questions answered in such a short time.
It is obvious that this new magazine is a big success and I can see why, as it is full of beautiful items to make, articles and inspirations.
The orders came in fast and furious yesterday, so there was no time for having a Sunday break. My husband managed to buy the magazine at a tiny newsagents in Morecambe but it is available on-line and shipping is worldwide.

LOTS MORE VINTAGE FABRICS

RAG RESCUE NEW LISTINGS
I've had quite a few good finds of vintage fabrics lately so you will see that this week there will be lots of vintage fabrics to choose from.
I'm starting tomorrow with a lots of vintage stripes and beautifully old vignettes of French toile fabrics. There are also some more of those lovely beaded jug covers to stop the flies eating your cream when you have your teas outside in the sunshine this Summer.

LAST DAY OF THE VINTAGE FABRIC SALE

Today is your last chance to buy vintage fabric pieces at a reduced price. This evening they will revert back to their normal price.

SEW HIP MAGAZINE

Have you seen the new 'SEW HIP' MAGAZINE? No. 7

RAG RESCUE is featured in issue 7
OUT NOW

VINTAGE FABRICS SALE - REDUCED PRICES

All vintage 'larger fabrics' have been reduced this week.

These SALE prices will only last until Friday evening when they will be returned to their normal price.

So don't miss out

SALE PRICES
FROM MONDAY 4TH - FRIDAY 8TH MAY

ENGLISH, FRENCH AND GERMAN VINTAGE FABRICS
AT REDUCED PRICES.

INCREASE YOUR VINTAGE STASH

Lots of lovely vintage items are being added to the RAG RESCUE WEBSITE tomorrow.
They include a number of stash bags - quilt pieces, quilt patches and new 'Create a picture' stash bags.
There is also a lovely piece of dress fabric, some buckles, lots of vintage hankies and hair nets as well as bells, French linen and 1950's net.
Also
THE PICK OF THE DAY
A superb 19th century French large tassel and matching braid.

This beautiful tassel and its matching braid were from the centre of the underside of a 'corona' above a bed. The fabric was attached to a wire hoop and the braid was stitched around it. The tassel hung from the centre. Unfortunately the fabric was too damaged to re-use but thankfully the tassel and braid are still in excellent condition with very little fading. The tassel is made from wool and the carved wooden shapes are covered in pure silk threads.

This would create a focal point over any bed in a corona or equally superb at the centre of swagged curtains or even on the end of a cushion or frame.

What ever its final destination I know that you will be pleased with this wonderful tassel and braid.
The top has a diameter of 6cms and the tassels hangs down12cms.

The braid is 98cms long and 3cms wide.

This is the last day of this weeks listings. The new items will go on-line at 7am BST tomorrow - Friday

VINTAGE HABERDASHERY

RAG RESCUE NEW LISTINGS ON THURSDAY

Just to let you know that Rag Rescue website feedback system is now in operation. If you enjoy looking at the site or indeed have had experience of buying from me, then please leave feedback.

VINTAGE FABRICS, BAGS AND HABERDASHERY

There is nothing nicer than a pretty Summer bag for those special occasions. Tomorrow I am listing three such bags, an Edwardian linen bag embroidered with violets that can be hung around the waist and a beautiful 1930's crochet bag lined with pink silk and embellished with ribbons.
I am placing these three bags in the 'Crafted Goods' category which soon will have its name changed to 'Vintage items'
For all you crafters out there that love to make there own bags I'm including some very large Victorian press studs and hooks and eyes. These are still in perfect condition as they are brass based and rustproof. I use the large press studs myself when I make felt bags.
Also included are some old boot buttons, ideal for toys, some beaded lampshade fringing and some more of those lovely scrapbags plus a pack of Victorian quilt fabrics.

VINTAGE FABRICS - SQUARES AND SCRAPBAGS

Tuesday morning will see a variety of vintage fabrics listed. Lots of six inch English fabric squares and gorgeous French and English fabrics in the form of scrapbags. there is also a wonderful needlecase made by Kirby Beard & Co. Ltd. Redditch.

RAG RESCUE NEW LISTINGS

Listing at 7am BST as usual.

ANTIQUE LACE AND VINTAGE ROSES

These items will be listed tomorrow morning at 7am BST

Sorry folks, this evening's blog post is short. I've been listing all day and have prepared 76 new items for listing this week.

Excitement at the Rag Rescue base camp

I have spent all yesterday in contact with my new web designer who is an absolute star. As you know I list every day for a week but have been having to list the items the previous day in order to upload them all at a set time the next morning.
I suggested that it would save me time if I could list and save the weeks items all in one swoop and somehow just itemise certain ones to list on a particular day.

Well, now I can do that.

In fact it is better than I imagined. Once I have listed and saved all of the weeks items, the computer does the rest, I don't even have to be near it.

Its magic!

No more getting up at 6am to get ready for listing I can stay in bed and know that my days items have been listed and if any orders have come in they will all have been put on hold.

How cool is that.

So today is the first day of this weeks listings. I haven't prepared too many just in case there is a hitch. For that reason I haven't done a preview photo - sorry.

There will be some more scrapbags and some hexagonal quilt patches for starters.

If everything goes well then the listing will start in earnest on Monday. I have some lovely vintage made items from the 1930s as well as vintage fabrics, haberdashery and embellishments.

COMBINED POSTAGE - 'WISH LIST' reduce you postal costs further.

ONE WAY OF REDUCING YOUR POSTAL COSTS FURTHER

I tend to list new items on alternate weeks.

Why not join our 'WISH LIST' scheme.

During a listing week you can place items on your 'WISH LIST' by ordering through the checkout system but instead of paying by Paypal immediately, select the 'Bank Transfer' option. Then just email me through the contact page to tell me that you would like a 'wish list' that week.
If you see items on further days during that week, follow the same process but there will be no need to email me again that week.
I will move any further orders onto your first one of the week.

By logging into the website, you will be able to keep a check on your weekly order in your account. At the end of the week I will send you a paypal invoice for your total including the postage cost.

I have been trialling this with a few customers and they are very pleased, how easy this is and grateful for the amount of postage/shipping they have saved.

Every little helps.

ROYAL MAIL increases are not affecting Rag Rescue shipping.

I thought I'd let you know the good news.
Although Royal Mail have increased their costs for postal services, I've decided that for this coming year anyway I will not increase the postal costs for UK buyers of the shipping costs for overseas buyers. The reason for this is that I try to keep my overall charges low, for both goods and postage, especially in these hard times.

New Image facility on Rag Rescue

I am so excited about my website. My new web designer has not only completed the automation of the site, giving me far less work to do but has also started to enhance the site. Previously when you went to a photograph of an item and clicked it to see a larger image you was taken to a new page and the image was on the left. I was never happy with that. Now you will find that the background fades and the pictures centrally and all on the same page.
Have a look and send me your thoughts please and any other ideas that will make your viewing easier. I have a few of my own but ideas coming from the other side of the fence, so to speak are always a help.

I will listing new items again towards the end of the week. This gives me time to sort out customers 'wish lists' and get them posted.

1960's fabrics and more.

I have heaps and heaps of 1960's dress/skirt/blouse making fabrics in my stash and I've just got around to listing it. It will appear in the 'New listings' category tomorrow morning at 8am BST.

You can mix and match it, use it for yourself or make children's clothes, dolls clothes, use it for cafe curtains, anything really. There are metres of it so you can buy just one metre or a whole length. Some of it is layered with the fabric separated with lovely vintage cotton lace and some has edging lace as well.

VINTAGE TASSELS,SEQUINS AND FABRICS

Tomorrow I will be listing a selection of vintage tassels and vintage sequins that came from an old haberdashery shop that closed in the late 1950's.
With these there will be vintage squares of fabric and superb Victorian fabrics sourced from old quilts.

Listing will be at 7.30am BST

Thank you to all of those customers who bought from me today, it makes getting out of bed early, worthwhile.