Vintage charm

 I recently unearthed some old tablecloths with amazingly intricate fine crochet work on the edges and some old doilies.  Having neither the patience nor the dexterity needed to use such fine thread or make it look anywhere near as neat, I decided to come up with a modern take on this vintage style.

These coasters are perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to any living area.  The beads provide some extra details to a beautiful style.  Who said practical couldn't be beautiful too?


With a variety of styles including hexagonal and square, neutral colours and black, and beads in a variety of styles and finishes, there would be something to suit anyone.  Commissions gladly taken to create the perfect set for any decor and for any occasion...

I love the millefiore beads as the colours and designs are so varied and provide a truly unique item....


I am also a great fan of unearthing treasures and revamping old items and these look great on my 'new' old table.  Kirstie Allsopp really has a lot to answer for but there is something so rewarding about breathing new life back into things.  Everytime we use our oak dining room table, I have the satisfaction of sitting down on a chair that I made a custom fit seat pad for with a bargain piece of fabric.  Perfect!  I will have to find a new project to revamp as think I can get to enjoy this.  


Has anyone else made any great vintage finds that they're proud of?  

The Perfect Cake...

Could this be just about the perfect cake?  


This is my solution to the problem of what type of cake to make and keep everyone happy when half the family want chocolate and the rest (that's me!) want a stripy cake.   Stripy cake is what my daughter calls a traditional Victoria sponge cake with jam and buttercream.  The jam in this case was plum.  


As usual in our house, the cake did not last long so perhaps not the perfect cake - this would need to be an everlasting cake that magically appears.  The frequency with which I have to make cakes is probably my own fault as I seem to have got it down to a fine art.  Obviously I was taught by a true baking genius.....my mum!!  The recipe is basic but with a few hidden tweaks but I'll keep those secrets close to my chest....


Have still been busy crafting and sewing a new skirt which I will finish and photo soon.