Crafty and Chatham

Hello readers, how are you?  Hope you're all really well.   The Munchkin has gone back to school of course, and I've been making the most of some free time.  Last week, I headed to Chelsea to the first Decorative Living Fair to be held there (rather than in Kent).  I picked up some pretty goodies, of the vintage variety, of course.  There was definitely room for more stalls so I hope they will persevere with this event and it will go from strength to strength, I'm sure, just like the fabulous fair in Eridge.

There has still been lots of family time, of course.  For us,  it's been a case of another weekend, another Forties do.  Still, as the season starts to draw to a close, we're making the most of it.  I took the opportunity to wear my favourite '40s ensemble in Autumnal colours.

We were fortunate in that this event is relatively nearby, held just over the border in Kent,  at the former Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham.  If you are a fan of "Call the Midwife" on tv, you will recognise this place as the backdrop.

The vintage village was a sight to behold, always my favourite as a fan of home front history, and one lady always makes a brilliant effort and this time had a Ministry of Food display.  So many covetable kitchen items!

Mr HenHouse fancied going to the theatre...

... predictably, the Munchkin was to be found in the sweet shop!

That evening, we quickly changed outfits, something more suitable for jiving of course, and headed off to see a favourite singer perform at the fantastic Rivoli Ballroom, which is Grade II listed and a perfectly preserved example of a 1950's ballroom.  What a night!

So I was quite happy to have a little quiet time and sit down to craft on Monday morning.  I had a date with lots of felty anemones.

I've recently been very lucky (and eagle eyed) and picked up quite a bit of authentic make do and mend jewellery for my collection.  It has now branched out from felt; it seems I cannot resist leather, bell wire or nuts, either!!

On a similar vintagey note, my Spy in the North (aka my wonderful Mum), has been thrifting on my behalf and has recently had a run of luck with the embroidered cloths, culminating in this beauty.

I wasted no time in using it as a prop for photographing my latest makes.  Inspired by my collection of original wartime jewellery, a new posy brooch has been born.  Anyone can follow a pattern but I like to come up with something different every now and then.  Ok, so actually a few posies have been born!  I can never stop at one, not when there are all those delicious Autumnal colours to play with.

I picked up this yummy hand knitted top at the '40s event on Saturday.  It looks pretty nice accessorised with a posy, I think.

This black crepe dress I bought at the event at Crich Tramway looks less "like you're going to a funeral" (the Munchkin's words!) with a bit of colour from the felty buttercups.

I've just been doctoring this tweed jacket with some vintage buttons, now a posy.

Ok, I got carried away with the photos!

I'll leave you with a pic of my furry friend, Jacky Ginge, who is never sad to see a little photo session underway, not when it means he can sneak into the otherwise locked guest room behind me. (The light is good in here.)  Cosy!

Should you be feeling in need of a pretty posy, you will find a veritable plethora of the same in my little Etsy shop.

Thanks for reading.  Something different next time, promise! Xxx