Tra la la...

Oh hi there!  Who me?  I've been here all along, didn't you notice?  I'm not one of those crap bloggers, who pops in every 6 months and promises to blog more often, oh no, not me! 

Ok that's enough...I'm giving up mentioning how long it's been since I was here last, apparently the more I talk about it the less I blog...it's been a whirlwind few months, so much has happened that I should have shared here but somehow I just wasn't in a blogging place.  Never mind, here's a quick catch up...

We got married (I drank a LOT of prosecco!)

 
I got a studio (here it is in the middle of a tidy-up!)

We went to Barcelona...it was brilliant!

I continued to be obsessed with vintage fabric (well that wasn't going to change was it?)

There, that's all the important stuff...to be honest although I haven't been here I feel like I keep in touch with a lot of you via Instagram and my Facebook page, but I do miss being here too.  At the risk of jinxing myself, I'm going to say I'll be back soon...I'm planning some big changes and an exciting announcement, so I really will see you again soon, I promise! 

Rachel xx

sew much fun...

Hello, how are you today? I hope you had a nice weekend, whatever the weather was like where you are!  It's just been cold and grey here, but on Sunday I had a day out and saw first hand just how much snow had been dumped on some other areas of the UK - for this time of year it really is insane.  It looked very pretty from the train, but there were moments when I wondered if I was going to get to my destination at all...but where was I going? And who with?  Well, that's the exciting bit.

A few weeks ago, back when my blogging mojo was still hiding under the sofa, I won another giveaway.  Since starting my blog I've won lots of lovely things from lots of lovely people, but this one was a bit different - rather than a pretty something or other, the prize was free tickets for 2 people to the Sewing for Pleasure Show at Birmingham NEC.  I won this rather fantastic prize over at Sew Scrumptious, so thank you very much to the lovely Louise for that!  

Of course I was delighted, but I was left with the dilemma of who that 2nd person should be...of my good friends who like sewing, one is heavily pregnant and not really up for traipsing round a sewing show on her swollen ankles, and one is currently breastfeeding.  Much as I love my friend's gorgeous baby Florence, I didn't think the addition of a 6 month old who has just started crawling would make for a relaxing day out! 

And then it hit me...the person that I probably chat to most about sewing, crafting, fabric etc is actually someone I've never met.  Sharon, AKA Modflowers, was my first ever online friend, on flickr before either of us had even thought of starting a blog.   And bless her, despite having a busy weekend planned with a trip to the Selvedge Spring Fair in London on the Saturday, she was keen to help me make the most of those free tickets.

So despite the snow, we both made it ... and what a feast for the eyes it was!


There was fabric...

and felt....

and quilts...

 

oh, and a bit more fabric!

 

We even had a chance to play on some seriously expensive quilting kit...

If you've seen Modflowers's blog post today, you may well recognise that skirt!  

To be honest the show was so big it was almost overwhelming, and we both ended up being quite restrained with our purchases.  My favourite stalls were The Eternal Maker, and Dots and Stripes...they both had some really gorgeous fabric that I haven't seen anywhere else.  Ironically, after all that colour, the only fabric I bought was some linen which was a lovely shade of...grey!  But as I'm sure you can imagine, I have plans for it which involve it being combined with lovely Heals fabrics in a rainbow of hues. 

The best thing about the day was spending a few hours with Sharon, who was as lovely in person as she comes across on her blog.  We laughed at the same things, and 'oohed' and 'aahed' over the same fabrics.  We got on like old friends, which I suppose we are in a way.   I was very glad that I'd asked her to join me for the day.  I hope she was too!

Here's hoping that by my next post, spring will have finally sprung.  In the meantime, I hope you have a good week. 

Rachel x

to market to market...

...to sell lots of lovely vintage fabric!  

I'll let you know how it goes...hope you have a lovely day!


Rachel x

a crafty community...

Hello! How are you today? I have been living in a land of germs again.  My poor boys have had a horrible virus which has had them laid up in bed for most of the week.  So sorry if you've commented and I haven't replied - I've been on 24/7 Mum duty which doesn't always leave much time for fun stuff like blogging!  I am going a bit stir crazy as I have hardly left the house since my lovely trip to the Vintage Fair on Sunday.  It's not too bad being stuck inside when it's raining, but today the sun has been shining...I want to go out and play!! 

Never mind...I have an exciting weekend planned.  This Sunday, rather than buying lovely things, I will be selling them.  If it goes well then once a month I will be spending a Sunday in my local craft shop, with a big pile of vintage fabric...what fun! 

It is a great shop, as well as selling all kinds of fantastic art and craft supplies Vicky, the super crafty owner, runs workshops, drop in sessions and courses, and gets involved in lots of community events such as our annual Lantern Parade. 

Here are some of the lovely things that she stocks for us lucky locals to play with...

ribbons and trims...

lots of lovely papers...

 

beads and bling...

gorgeous yarns...

and if we're ever stuck for inspiration she has a great stock of craft books and journals.

Her latest community project is a Crochet Coral Reef...this is a global project which was started by an organisation called the Institute for Figuring in Los Angeles but has now been taken up all over the world...this image is from a reef made in Latvia:

Last time I popped into the shop this was what Vicky had been working on:

Isn't it amazing? Lots of people are getting involved in making coral of all shapes and sizes, and she's also running drop-in needle felting workshops, where you are taught to needle felt for a tiny fee but the 'catch' is that you have to make a fish and leave it there to live in the reef... 

...as I'm sure you can imagine, it's the kind of shop I feel very at home in!

So I am really looking forward to Sunday.  I will be taking lots of fabrics with me to sell - scrap packs, fat quarters, patchwork squares and a few half metres and metres for those with a bigger project in mind. I'm also going to try to restock my vintage fabric-covered button stash by then - if my poorly boys give me a chance!  Of course if you're in Bristol then please pop in - it would be lovely to see you there and you'll get the chance to rummage through my fabric stash and take your pick of all the goodies!

I hope your week has been less full of illness than mine, and that you have a lovely weekend coming up.  Fingers crossed my kids will be well next week and I'll be able to catch up properly with all your blogs to see what you've been up to!

Rachel x

I've been busy making....

fabric covered buttons...

 

and pocket mirrors...

and lavender bags!

It's so fun using bits of my yummy fabric stash; I'm also working on some mini bunting and a few cushion covers which is keeping me very busy! 

I've got stalls booked at a couple of craft fairs, the first is this Saturday at our local secondary school.  I'll also be selling vintage fabric squares for patchwork, fat quarters and metre lengths of ribbon from my lovely local craft shop, so there'll be lots of gorgeous crafty bits for those that like to make things, and handmade gifts for those that don't.

I'm off to get the sewing machine out, only 2 more nights to go and still a lot to do!

Thanks to all of you for reading and commenting, and welcome to my new followers - it really does make my day to know that people enjoy popping in here, blogland is such a lovely place and it's nice to have a corner of it that I can call my own!

Hope you're having a good week,

Rachel x

I did some sewing, yay!!

Hello lovelies, how are you today?  

I have had a bit of a rollercoaster week, my Dad has been ill and urgently needed major surgery, which was really nerve wracking.  He is recovering and his health should be improved after a period of recuperation, so in the long run it's a good thing...scary though.  And then just when I was having trouble sleeping cause I was worrying about him, the rain started dripping through the ceiling...

But!  This Saturday we are collecting our new baby, Floyd the Miniature Schnauzer.  The excitement level in our house is reaching fever pitch - only 2 sleeps to go - it's like an early Christmas present for our whole family. 

In the meantime, before I bombard you all with pictures of Floyd, I thought I'd show you something I managed to make...yes, I made time for some sewing, and it felt good!   I've been playing with these bits of fabric for a while...

 

I love these fabrics so much, and some of them I've only got a little bit of - there are barkcloths, and collectible fabrics from Heals, and Scandinavian fabrics.  I wanted to try something a tad more ambitious than my usual squares or strips, so I went for a rectangular log cabin type of arrangement...and as with most things I make, I planned it carefully, but I still got to the end and saw things I might do differently if I could make it again.  But that is ok, that is how we learn...and now instead of having to open my cupboard to look at all these gorgeous patterns and colours, I get to enjoy them every day, which makes me really happy.   

Before I go I'd just like to welcome my new followers, and anyone who has popped in to read or comment...it still amazes me that people spend time here, reading my ramblings...thank you, you're all totally gorgeous. I just have to give a special welcome to my newest follower, Donna Flower(!) who if you love vintage fabric (and if you don't, what are you doing here?!) you will surely know of - she sells the most fabulous vintage fabrics and haberdashery, both online and on her stall at various vintage fairs.  I actually bought the top bit of the cushion cover above from her, and now she's following my blog! Sorry, I'll stop now...just had to get a bit excited about that!

I hope you're all having a good week, and haven't been ill, or flooded, and have maybe managed a moment or two of creative fun...

Rachel xx

vintage treats...

Helloooo, how are you today? I've had a busy few days, making the most of the weather to get out with F and the boys - hurrah for the sunshine!  

We all went to a car boot sale at the weekend, we haven't been for ages because M always gets carried away and we end up bringing a load of plastic tat home. But I fancied a rummage in the sunshine so off we went, and in fact the boys were great, each choosing something small and then getting engrossed with playing with their new toys.  Meanwhile I scanned the tables, looking for that elusive treasure...and then....

well, I do like tins, though I usually go for a bolder design, but it's pretty...

 

the designs around the sides are a bit more my style... R likes the 'funny dancing boy'...

I love the crazy pointy beards...

how much was it? £5 with the contents - I don't usually spend that much on one thing for myself at a boot sale, it doesn't really feel like a bargain price, but I could hardly say no! 

 

Most of the reels are wooden, and apart from their obvious use they are just beautiful objects. 

These 3 are proper strong button thread, the blue and brown are linen...

these 3 are the smoothest and shiniest cotton thread I've ever seen...

and this one you don't find in every sewing kit!

I never used to haggle at boot sales but I tend to pick up a little extra something and see if I can get it thrown in...in this case, I think I did quite well...

3 rather gorgeous pairs of knitting needles.  I don't really knit - my Grandmother taught me a bit when I was little but I could never remember how to cast on or off!  But I'd love to learn properly someday...

I found the background fabric on holiday, in a little vintage shop in St Ives called Beatengreen Boutique (I don't think their website's been updated in a while, but I always like to provide a link where possible).  It's a very bright and psychedelic pattern, here's a close-up:

If you like it I'm going to be listing a cushion-cover sized bit of it on Ebay soon, along with a few other favourite bits of fabric; I'll let you have a sneak peek at them soon!

Before I go I must just welcome my newest follower; I had an odd thing happen the other day when 6 followers just disappeared - did I lose them down the back of the sofa?! maybe they didn't like photos of flowers?! - but having the super talented Jane of teawagontales more than makes up for that little mishap!  If you've never perused her lovely blog or Etsy shop I recommend it, especially if this applies to you too...

Isn't that just perfect?  I so need that somewhere on my wall!

I hope you're enjoying your week , 

Rachel x

friday's favourite fabric

Hello lovelies, hope this Friday finds you happy and ready for a relaxing and reinvigorating weekend.  I've been busy with all the usual stuff this week - toddler playdates, dodging raindrops and wishing for sunshine, attempting to tame the chaos of our tiny house full of stuff, a teensy bit of sewing when the opportunity arose. 

Since my last post I've been avoiding looking at stuff to buy online, and whenever I feel like looking at gorgeous vintage fabric I open my cupboard and look at my lovely stash, and feel grateful for the abundance of deliciousness that I'm already lucky enough to have.  BUT...the lovely Tanya of Pomme De Jour made my resolve wobble earlier this week, when she showed me this...

oh dear.  All resolve melted, and I decided that one little treat was in order.  So now I'm back to being good, but it's a bit easier knowing that a piece of this scrumminess is on it's way to me in the post from France.  And for any of you also taken by it's charms, she has some left, and some of her other stock is on sale at a whopping 25% off - including these treats...

and these lovely bits of vintage goodness for the kitchen...

What can I say?  She is a temptress.  I think I was quite restrained in only getting one bit of fabric, no?  If you like what you see, pop over to the Pomme De Jour Etsy Shop, and don't forget to use the code Summerpomme at the checkout to get that 25% discount.  She also has an Ebay shop and a website with sales on too - I haven't looked recently at the stock in those shops, I'm being good remember?! 

Have a lovely weekend, and hello to my new followers, thanks for joining me in my Rainbow Vintage Home! 

Rachel xx

one of the reasons...

that I've been so lazy about blogging this week...

 

I woke up in sewing mode the other day, and didn't want to stop till I was finished...I still need to sew a backing on it, I'm thinking fleece for speed and ease, so that I can get on with the next one!  I've got a friend who's due to give birth any day now, so I want to get a lovely vintage fabric cot blanket made this weekend.

I am really pleased with it, it is not perfect but I have learnt loads in the process of making it. The fabrics are all vintage, and are pretty special - Heals, Marimekko, Graziela, Conran, Dekoplus, Tampella, Boras,scandinavian, barkcloth... the result of 2 years of slightly obsessive collecting (oh dear, I'm such a fabric geek!)!  I'll show you how it looks when it's finished, and hopefully the next one will be in progress soon.
 
If any of these fabrics jump out at you and make you wish you had a cushion cover or patchwork item for your home, let me know -  I would love to make something lovely for you out of some of my vintage fabric, email me at rainbowvintagehome@googlemail.com.  

Hope you've survived the half term reasonably unscathed, the weather here has been pretty vile but somehow we have come through smiling (so far - still 2 days to go!).

Hope you have a great weekend, love and thanks for taking the time to pop in, 

Rachel x

It's fabric day!

Hooray Hooray, it's fabric day!! Well, it is in my house anyway, thanks to the fabulous Modflowers - we have done a lovely birthday fabric swap, and I collected her parcel today (silly me was out when the postman came)...

She wrapped it so beautifully, and look what treasures I found when I opened the box of wonder...

Wowzers!! I am a a very happy fabric addict today, I can tell you.  I love that mini bunting so much, it's hanging in my kitchen doorway right now looking gorgeous.  

I'm hoping we can make fabric day an annual tradition, I'm sure by her next birthday I'll have squirrelled away a good few treats to share.  Thanks again Modflowers, it's all beautiful! If you haven't seen her blog, please pop over to have a look at it - she makes lovely things with all those gorgeous fabrics, and sells them in her Etsy shop, so you can get yourself a bit of Modflowers deliciousness too!

Rachel x