Treasure hunting

I was browsing around one of my favourite markets some time ago when I found the lace I used for this cardigan. I found it in a beautiful engraved brown wooden box which happened to be full of interesting treasure: lace, ribbon, hand embroidery… and an old headless doll!

I love the Jamison Car Boot market. To most people it’s a derelict junk sale. To me it is an exciting treasure hunt.  The variety is bazzar. From fresh home grown fruit and veg to furniture to war medals, I never know what I’ll find. I most recently bought an old 1930’s armchair. It needs a whole lotta love and vision- the tapestry style upholstery is worn away with the padding and springs bursting through. It just has so much character with its sweeping wooden armrests and stubby feet. I have another little arm chair which has been waiting to be re-upholstered for months so I’ll get stuck into it this week end and post some befor and after photos. My partner is going to lose it if I keep filling the apartment with decrepit furniture ! (Just wait till I make them beautiful… He won’t even recognise them !)

The car park setting at the supermarket is by no means romantic or artesian, but I’m grateful for the ability to see the beauty in it J

Refashioned Jacket Tips

I dug this jacket out from last winter; it’s one of my first refashion jackets. I didn’t sell this one because of a number of reasons.

1. I tried to wash it:
Generally old suit jackets don’t wash well. I think it must have had that musty op shop smell, I remember the colour running heaps and once it was dry I realised the lining had shrunk. The lining pulled where it was sewn to the self, so to save it I unpicked the wrist and hem and finished the edges unattached to each other.

The centre back in the lining has also started to pull apart from wear because it became too small between the shoulders.

TIP: I often use carpet cleaner spray or spot clean with Sard soap and lots of elbow grease. Avoid washing the whole jacket. Sunlight and fresh air works a treat for getting rid of that mothball smell.

2. Pilling
Due to the nature of the fabric it requires constant de-pilling, this was also made worse by washing. When I’m op shopping it’s always something I have to be conscious of- I’ve learnt to tell when some garments just need a tidy up, but some will need constant de-pilling.

TIP: I’ve found the easiest way to remove pill balls is to use a good razor in a back and forth motion then use a lint brush to clean up left over fluff.

3. Simple changes can make a big difference.
You don’t have to be a sewing pro to refashion; all I did to restyle this piece is add a belt and some gross grain trim. I usually get carried away with tailoring the garment to the waist, and pulling it apart to create something unusual, but you can easily make something your own by adding a brooch, belt or changing buttons.