Summer Frocks

The frocks in the shops just aren't cutting it.

(the ones I can afford anyway!)

I've found me some inspiration...

Australian Home Journal, September 1964.

Ditto

(btw, this style/cut/whatever of frock is called a "skimmer")

Australian Home Journal, February 1965.

Ditto

Australian Home Journal, October 1964.

I'm talking the little number on the right here, NOT the even littler number on the left! Although a long time ago (in another universe!), I unbelievably...

wore midriff tops!

(what's with those shorts?)

(This pic was taken outside our first real home, ie not a share house, in East Brunswick, Melbourne - if you're interested...)

As above

Ditto

I've found me some gorgeous retro fabric

Now all I've got to do is learn to sew!

And in about ten years when I've got the hang of that, I'll learn to crochet, and make me some matching handbags!

Seriously that is sooooo not going to happen so if you'd like the little Myart books, send me a note and they're yours...I'm more interested in those breeze blocks anyway!

x

On A Roll

Ahem.

Happy Australia Day

Thanks for your encouraging/lovely comments on yesterday's post.

 (and some very funny ones on Polony*)

No need to comment on this one x

* a.k.a. Fritz, Devon, Luncheon, and Belgium - thanks Rachel

Getting Back On The Horse

or trying to...

I haven't got much, just a few snaps I've taken recently in an attempt to master my fancy (for me), new camera.
A lack-lustre return - but I figure if I want to keep blogging, I've got to start SOMEwhere, and I reckon posting a few pics is better than nothing. 

Anth's Mum gave us these scales years ago. They hail from an old servo (petrol station) in Rhynie, a little town in the Clare Valley, South Australia. They were probably used to weigh slices of Polony, or Fritz as it's called there. Why is it called Fritz? Did a bloke called Fritz invent it? Beats me, but I don't think so. I have no idea why it was called Polony either. You? Neither word is particularly appetising. Nor is the stuff itself (especially when it dries up around the edges) My kids would rather starve than eat it! (I can hear their gagging sounds now), but I loved my polony and tomato sauce sandwiches when I was little.

Something sweet to temper the 'f' word with.

You could do this with your Christmas lights too (if you haven't packed them away). Please check if it's safe first, because I'm not sure it is, and (obviously!) I'd hate to be responsible for your house burning down. I think led lights would be the go here.

Our new plywood steps. We've been busy. So much to show and tell if I can get my act together here. The vase on our table is West German, not as handsome as some, but it was only 12 bucks. The placemats are by bonnie and neil, not sure if I've mentioned that before. They help keep the Parker looking good, that's for sure.   

This baby, and it really is a baby (7 cm, I measured) is the smallest West German I've found, it had a teeny, tiny price tag too. One dollar. I found it yesterday at an op-shop, en route to have lunch with my Mum.

I've never seen anything quite like/as lovely as this little floor mat, have you? It reminds me of a great big multi-coloured Dahlia. Handmade from old tee shirts.

Anth gave me the apple ice bucket for Christmas a few years ago. It's a bit battered and bruised but I don't mind that. It's lovely re-discovering old treasures you've forgotten you had. We've done alot of that lately. 

Concrete in our jungle.

Ouch flower macrame, vintage Japanese pottery.

 

Want to learn to make your own? Pop over to Pippa's Knot School for an easy step-by-step how to and get stringy with it. I am. While you're there, read Pippa's post on artistic integrity, it's all about respect in my opinion.

 

Well, I've got a long way to go, camera and blog wise. Both need more practice. We'll see...

 

Wondering if I should hit the publish button, take care and thanks for reading x

  

 

Pssst...Parker Lounge Suite For Sale...

but first things first...before I give you the dirt on this gorgeous lounge suite, I want to say Hello. I know it's been ages since my last proper post, but at the moment I've got NOTHINK! I've always really enjoyed writing this blog, so
this feeling of antipathy I have developed toward it (almost overnight!) has really surprised me. For now I'll just blame it on the weather, and my teenage daughters, who are driving me crazy(!) and be done with it.

Now let's get on to more interesting things ie that Parker Lounge Suite.
 
If I was in the market for a vintage Australian lounge suite (especially if my budget was more Ikea than fancy-schmancy mid century furniture shop) I'd be giving this one some serious consideration.

Let me introduce

The Stuart...

 

a fully upholstered lounge suite designed by Tony Parker (Jack Parker's son) in the early 1960's for Parker Furniture. This suite consists of two arm chairs and a four seater lounge, it is in excellent condition and has been owned by the same family since purchase, in 1967. Kylie and Adam are settling up their parents estate and contacted me in the hope that they can find a new home for it where it will be loved and appreciated. The asking price is $1500, a bargain in my opinion - you'd never get quality (or style) at a price like that these days. Wouldn't it look awesome in your 70's split level (or otherwise?)
 

Kylie and Adam are also selling their parents radiogram, I believe the cabinetry was made by Parker too.  

     

 

    

If you're interested (and I really hope one of you is) email Kylie kvcb70@icloud.com or Adam adam@urbanendeavour.com.au. They would be delighted to hear from you, supply more pics and maybe even chat about price...

Okay, that's it from me for now. I'll be back when I've got something worth saying.

Here's a pic of one of my old treasures, finally rescued from her cobwebby home in the shed. Isn't she lovely, just look at that neck!

 

x

p.s. the Parker is located here in the West, as is Adam. He should probably be your first port of call if you're interested.

NEWSFLASH! 17th April 2013 Parker $500!


  
 






          

Happy New Year

"we go around and around in this world, and here we go again..."

from The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler.



Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2013 is kind to you.

Resuming normal transmission soon........ish.

x