Monday 30 May 2011

I don't do vintage (very often)

Given the choice I'd live in a completely minimalist house looking out onto the ocean, flat roofs, lots of glass, clear surfaces and clean lines. I'm not a great one for clutter, I like plain white crockery, white linen, sometimes I turn a bit queasy when I go into a Cath Kidston shop, but I have been charmed by a couple of older items lately. Firstly I found this lovely old knitting pamphlet (I like that word) in a charity shop for 50p. It has some strange patterns for knitted ladies knickers B in the above photo, men's underpants both half and full length that decency prevents me from showing, a little bed jacket (C) that I quite fancy as a summer cardigan, great sock patterns, including footlets (G) and knee caps (H) and some sweet baby clothes. The book has been well used, it's practically falling to pieces but I like the fact it has served it's purpose and survived for a long time, probably from around 1950.Next my second cousin, after some heavy hints, has given me this lovely old patchwork quilt that belonged to her cousin's mother and it possibly about 80 years old. You may know I have aspirations to make a patchwork, I did get started about 3 years ago but never got very far. My cousin didn't seem to think it had any great value because it had some marks, she even suggested cutting off the border that is slightly faded. Perish the thought, I've given it a gentle wash and the colours have come up well, it really doesn't bother me that it's marked, that is to be expected of something so old and a sign of good use. I love the different shapes, squares, hexagons, oblongs, triangles, and I think the colours and mix of patterns are well thought out. It's currently on the old cast iron bed that was my grans and which Mr FF renovated with a new base and mattress some years ago.
Neither of these items fits my minimalist image, but I do like them and until I move into the glass and chrome structure I am enjoying having them around.

13 comments:

  1. It is the most wonderful quilt - you just can't replicate that wonderful patina of age. I often yearn after an empty white space but always end up surrounded by clutter!

    Pomona x

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm intriguesd as to what prevented you from showing the men's underwear! The thought of knitted knickers - itchy and scratchy! The quilt is super - I am so glad that you got it before it suffered the indignity of being cut up!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh that quilt is gorgeous! I'd love a vintage one or I'd love to make one, but that isn't really going to happen. I don't have enough hours in a day as it is! Ros

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is a lovely quilt with such a nice history. Somethings are worth given up minimalist ideals for! x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Every home should have a little something well-worn but well-loved from past generations. A thought, but not necessarily a theme!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I always wince when I see those old patterns for knitted knickers! But I do love your old quilt and am glad you've overcome your minimalist tendencies and found a home for it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh the horror of knitted knickers!!! I can't even begin to imagine and why would mens underwear be any more indecent than ladies? Just wondering!

    I love the old quilt. We had a couple that my hubby's grandma made but they were so heavy, no one could sleep with them!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. love the patchwork quilt jenny. i think you should take it with you to that minimalist, seaside home...contrasts are good.

    ReplyDelete
  9. WONDERFUL quilt, Jenny! Oh, I don't know, I think a patchwork quilt can fit into a minimalistic home decor--with lots of white or other neutrals in the room, the quilt can be a big highlight. Beautiful family heirloom you have there. I love a minimal space too, and try to keep things pared down at our place too. Your vintage knits is fun. Lovely to be back and catching up with you here after our travels. After being away from my studio for two weeks, I can' wait to dig into some creativity and knitting! I think we'll need the weekend to get over the jet lag and get back on track first. ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love that quilt too! I have only dabbled with patchwork, and made a couple of cushion covers, but that's as far as I got! I've got an ancient knitting book of my Gran's, and it always amuses me with the comments that are written alongside the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think its as you get a bit older you cling to a bit of nostalgia - thats my excuse anyway!! Lovely quilt. xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, I'd so like to be minimalist but I'm the exact opposite. Love that quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love that quilt - it looks quite old. And those patterns! I cannot imagine anyone actually knitting mens underpants! Surely not!

    But the baby clothes are very sweet, it was a shame the babies grew out of them so fast!

    ReplyDelete