1930'S VINTAGE FABRIC PATCHWORK PATCHES

Well the garden has had a good watering my mother nature, so much so, that everthing looks a little dashed. The two thunderstorms we have just experienced over the last hour created torrential rain storms. Still I'm sure everything will feel the better for it even if I have to stake a few plants up. It is at times like these that I thank my lucky stars that I only have a small walled garden. Most of the time I miss the wonderful gardens I had when I lived in Rugby.

Well tomorrow I am starting to list some patches that I found in the patchwork and quilting treasure boxes, I talked about earlier last week.
I have left a good turn over so that they can be stitched onto your projects.
These 16 patches are from the 1930's and contain some wonderful floral fabrics both in a silky fabric and cotton.

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who have left comments on this blog or sent me messages via email or the feedback on the website. Working from home can be a lonely business sometimes, so thanks to all of you. I will always try to answer your comments the following morning before I start work.

VINTAGE FABRIC DAY INCLUDING MARCEL BOUSSAC

LOST AND NOW FOUND
Amongst the four large pieces of vintage fabric being listed tomorrow is a piece of Marcel Boussac fabric dated 1939

I remember this fabric from years ago when I lived in Rugby. I used to buy boxes full of fabric in those days. I remember thinking at the time what superb quality it was. My mother, a tailoress by trade, soon noticed the quality and said she would take it and make something for herself.
A few weeks ago I was sorting out mums fabrics and came across this piece again, she had put it away and forgotten all about it.
It wasn't until I was getting the listing ready that I noticed faint printing on the edge of the fabric. To my surprise it stated -
'boussac MCMLXXXIX'
Marcel Boussac (April 17, 1889 – March 21, 1980) was a French entrepreneur best known for his ownership of the Maison Dior . He was internationally famous from the 1930s.

This is a beautiful piece of unused fabric with a fabulous design, after all Marcel Boussac distinguished himself by the taste for quality, innovation and originality.
Mum was right even though she didn't know it.

I also have four pieces of quilting being listed tomorrow. Ideal for making cushion fronts from. I've already made one and it looks lovely on my office chair.

This fabric is marked - 'boussac MCMLXXXIX'

A beautiful piece of unused fabric with a fabulous design, after all Marcel Boussac distinguished himself by the taste for quality, innovation and originality.

ALL LISTING READY NOW - HERE WE GO

Just look at that lovely teddy, don't you adore him? I found him amongst the boxes of quilting bits. Like everything else in the box he is not finished. All the bits are machine stitched put want hand sewing together. The fabrics are fantastic, lovely old quilting.
Now who could resist him?

VINTAGE FABRIC QUILTING PIECES AND SQUARES PREVIEW

In my frenzy yesterday and pain from my frozen right shoulder, I forgot to post more photographs giving you a sneak preview of what is being listed next week.
I've decided to start the new listings tomorrow - Sunday 12th July.
Although the sun is shining beautifully here in the north west and I am very tempted to go and dip my toes in the sea, I've decided to press on with the rest of the listings so that I can rest my shoulder next week from intensive typing.
There will be 9 days of listings possibly 10 if I can get some more card for my scrapbags in time.
These will be the only listings for July as I have to prepare for the fairs at the beginning of August and whilst I am away I have the plumbers coming in to fix a new central heating system and do some work on my shower room.
I will still be taking orders whilst I'm away at the fairs as I won't be closing the website, more info to come at the end of the month.
I will be posting a combined picture here every day before the listing as normal starting this evening.
If you too have beautiful sunshine today, go out and enjoy yourselves it may not last.

PREPARING MORE VINTAGE FABRICS FOR LISTING

iI know I normally put new listings on the website every other week but well, last week it was too hot and I just had to watch the tennis and... well that's my excuse. As this week is much cooler I've been really busy in my workshop. I managed to get two boxes of quilted pieces from a house clearance a couple of months ago. I think the lady and her forebears had been trying to quilt, patch and repair for many years as there wasn't one complete quilt. Instead I found lots of beautiful Victorian and 1920's fabric, patches and incomplete patchwork. So I've been having a great time this week sorting through it and cutting out the damaged pieces, and washing and ironing the fabric. Today I took well over 150 photographs and have just finished jpegging them all. Now all I have to do is start the measuring and listing on the website. I think I should be done ready to start listing next Monday with a bit of luck.
I took a few photo's to show you as a preview so in the next couple of days you will see them here on my blog - just to wet your appetite.
Todays photo shows some of the lovely patches that were either seperate in the box or I've managed to save from a worn out quilt. Large ones in the forefront of the photo and beautiful 1920's fabric ones behind.
And this is only the start I haven't even delved into the second box yet.

VINTAGE FABRIC SCRAPBAG DESIGN IDEAS

SO YOU HAVE INVITED GUESTS AROUND FOR AN INFORMAL BAR-B-QUE OR PICNIC.............

Why not make some unique napkin holders made from a Rag Rescue scrapbag.
Each scrapbag has four colour coordinated vintage fabrics each piece long enough for this idea. So simple, quick to make, cheap at £3.50 for 4 and will be a talking point for your friends.

Take each piece and join along the long sides with the reverse side of the fabric facing outwards. Measure the length you want for your napkin when folded, tuck in the ends and hand sew together. Iron flat.

You can decorate them with a bow made of ribbon (available also on the Rag Rescue site) or why not use a pretty button or buckle similar to the ones shown below.

This is just one way to make a napkin holder. You could edge the fabric with lace or rather than sewing the ends together, just tuck in and add your buttons or a lovely tassel., then tie around the napkin. Toilet roll centres covered with the fabric by glue make sturdy napkin holders. If you find them unhygienic just pop them in the microwave for 30 secs, a trick I learnt from my teaching days. You can add any embellishment you wish and there are plenty to choose from at the Rag Rescue site.

Make your Bar-B-Que or picnic special.

VINTAGE FABRIC - TUESDAY PICKS OF THE DAY

Old eiderdown fabric.
4inch and 5inch squares available
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Beautiful French lilac flowered linen vintage fabric.

A large piece +5inch and 6 inch squares available
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Vintage fabric with a lovely roses design.

I have two pieces of this fabric and also some squares.
Lovely cotton mix with an eau de nil background and lovely roses.

A soft and silky feel to the fabric. Would look great as a blouse.

VINTAGE FABRIC- MONDAY PICK OF THE DAY

These long strips of fabric were found in a purchase I made of boxes of very old quilting fabrics and quilts. Some of the quilts had been stripped, saving me the job.

I suppose they are like a mini jelly roll but the same fabric.

Each strip roll contains I long length of between approx. 69inches to 75 inches long by 2.5" wide.

The images show some of the pattern along the length. Really shabby chic. Good strong fabric washed and ironed even though it didn't really need it.

You can now find Rag Rescue on Twitter.

RAG RESCUE SUMMER SALE

RAG RESCUE SUMMER SALE
STARTS TODAY
10% off all orders over £10.00

The 10% discount will not be shown on your invoice.

If you are paying by cheque or bank transfer I will send you an email with your final total which will include the discount. Please wait until you receive this.

If you pay by Paypal, please pay as normal and I will send you a refund as quickly as I can, via paypal.

The sale week begins today 29th June and will finish at midnight on July 5th

VINTAGE FABRIC SQUARES BEING ADDED TO RAG RESCUE WEBSITE

Mix and match fabric squares to make patchwork bags, cushions and bedcovers. Use them individually for lavender bags, tags, bag decorations.
See great ideas for patchwork in the next issue of
SEW HIP magazine out 31st July Issue 9

As it was the last day of mums holiday I took her to the wonderful village of Arnside. We walked slowly along the path on the edge of the estuary. The tide was out so there wasn't a problem. They have to blast out a siren when the tide comes in as it comes in so very fast. I forgot my camera as usual so this photo was taken last year.
Tomorrow morning will see me up early around 5am to start on the journey back to mums, over the penines. It should be a lovely journey as the weather is forecast fine, so the views should be spectacular.

I will be coming back home on Sunday morning, another early start so as to miss all of the holiday traffic and will answer any emails on my return.

Tomorrow is the last day of listing this session. Thank you for all of your orders.

VINTAGE FABRIC AND TRIMS

More fabric squares and trims listed tomorrow.

Mum was very ill in the night so we had to cancel our visit out today. She seems a little better now but she will have to take it steady for the rest of the day and tomorrow before her journey home on Saturday. It is a shame as I was going to take her to the Woolfest in Cumbria tomorrow, my highlight of the year where I can buy unusual wools for my felting. Never mind there is always another year and I can always use up the mountains of wool I already have. Fingers crossed she has a good night tonight.

That being said I've managed to catch up a little on the website today and have taken many sold items off from the vintage fabric squares and scrapbag categories. Hopefully that should quicken up your viewing.

THREE IMPORTANT ONES IN MY LIFE.

My husband Steve, my granddaughter Molly and my dog Ludo.

Life is great when you can walk down the road to play on the beach with those you love, especially when the weather is so fantastic.

I'm being very lazy this week in terms of work, just wrapping parcels and sending emails. It is so great when the weather is so glorious.

mum and I went shopping today and then walked along past the newly refurbished Midland Hotel and along the Jetty. The tide was in and the sea and sky was so blue. There was not a cloud in the sky. I came home and worked in the garden for two hours.

Now I have a confession. I haven't had time to do a preview today and I must get in the bath and soak my poor aching back. I always do too much gardening because I enjoy it so much. So tomorrows listings will be a surprise for you all.

Hopefully I get on top of everything tomorrow.

VINTAGE HAT SLIPPER AND SLEEVE TRIMS

BEING LISTED JUNE 24TH

MY DAY

Well the day started with beautiful sunshine. I arose early, answered emails, wrapped parcels and by 10am I was ready to go to our dear friends for lunch. We treated mum to the journey through the Trough of Bowland where the scenery is just spectacular. Tiny windy roads led up and down through moorland, forest and mountains. We sat out on the terrace of our friends house overlooking the sheep in the fields below. Lunch as usual was a special event. The weather was very hot and sultry until about 4am when the forecast storm developed. I have never seen it rain as hard as when I lived in Brazil. The rain came down in stair rods and carried on for at least half an hour without ceasing. We battened down the hatches until it had ended and sat chatting for another hour. Unfortunately as we got in the car the storm returned and I had to drive. The roads were totally flooded and at some points we just had to almost stop. I think the storm followed us all the way home, but on seeing Morecambe the blue skies appeared until we got out of the car and now it it raining hard again. What a shame and the storms haven't cleared the air, it is so hot, all windows and doors have been opened. I guess we will have an uncomfortable evening and night.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow as mum and I are off to Hawes.

VINTAGE FABRIC AT RAG RESCUE

Lots more vintage fabric in the form of squares, scrap bags and lingerie motifs, COMING TOMORROW. June 23rd.

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