His 'n' Hers - Patchwork Mugs

Continuing the patchwork theme, me and my other half found these great china mugs - give a lovely pop of colour to the kitchen and the shape is elegant too.  Tea always tastes best out of a china mug don't you think?

The one on the far side looks like Cathedral Window...

Before ...

I've had these photos trapped on my phone for ages now and have only just found out how to download them!  I'm in a semi-orderly state with my tidying and sorting of fabrics, yarns, books.  It's a slow job but I'm enjoying the whole process as I re-familiarise myself with the things I have to work with ...

Chelsea Plates

My latest find - there was a large collection of these for only a couple of pounds each - I only bought three. They are the commemorative plates brought out for The Chelsea Flower Show.  Made by a different china company each year, these are by Spode, Aynsley and Minton.  My favourite is the orchid one, though all the flower paintings are exquisite.  I think they will end up on my living room wall.

My little cottage jug

I think someone had taken an entire jug collection to one of the charity shops in Cambridge and I managed to get this cottage jug as well as the miniature Tower of London one - I already have a larger cottage garden one, seen in the background.  It's a bit sad really when I come across instances like this, as I often wonder what's happened to the previous owner ...  At least part of their collection is well loved in a new home.

Palissy Cup and Saucer Set

The latest addition to my collection of teacups, found half price (£3) on a bits and bobs table outside a little shop in Castle Acre, Norfolk. Palissy is the brand name of English firm A E Jones and Sons, Longton, Stoke on Trent. So named as a tribute to Frenchman Bernard Palissy, creator of Palissy ware in the 16th century, who struggled for 16 years to imitate Chinese porcelain. Postwar Palissy pottery markings use the words 'Palissy, England', which is how my set is labelled. The factory closed in 1989 and the whereabouts of the factory records is not known. It's therefore difficult to trace the origin of individual patterns. Sources: Ask.com, thepotteries.org, worcesterporcelainmuseum.org.

My 1970's mugs

Aren't these cute?  Found them at the weekend for £1.50.

My little 1970's jug ...

I found this while out shopping at the weekend, for just over a pound.  It's kinda cute isn't it?  I love the colour palette.  Fits in nicely with my jug collection ...

Orla Kiely - My latest jug

I wanted to own a piece of Orla Kiely work.  I already have the 'Pattern' book, which gives a great insight into her design process and an overview of products.  Here is the ideal addition to my jug collection.  There was just one left in the John Lewis sale, so I think it was waiting for me.  Lovely retro brown, with ochre and orange accents.

WILLIAM - by popular demand...

Well, here he is, TED's replacement!  He's got his own particular character, and I do have other bears, but William is the one I feel I can take about with me ... He looks a bit more serious and grown up than TED, not quite so young and cheeky, more like his older more sensible brother.  He's mine though ...

Beautiful Brooch

There's a gorgeous shop on Ely railway station called 'Rosie & Dolly'.  Do look in there if ever you get the chance.  It's an eclectic mix of jewellery, clothes, bags, hats, scarves, china, cards ...  Some are vintage, clothes are made up in fun prints.  It's just crammed full.  As I'm on holiday this week, I treated myself to this brooch.  At £6, I thought that was reasonable and the reverse reveals it was made in Vienna (& not Hong Kong).  It's resting on a card by Pip Design, a company I've never heard of before - they make china as well as cards.




The card envelopes are also decorated

  

My little 1930's jug




I like the colours in the flowers

  I love to collect old china, particularly 20's and 30's teacups and saucers, Royal memorabilia and little jugs etc...  I found this one for a couple of pounds in a charity shop last week.  I know it's from the 30's because my mum has a child's teacup and saucer done in the same lustre.

Another (pleasant) diversion ...

This little beauty arrived yesterday, all the way from Western Canada.  It's my 'Sweet Skunk' pincushion, which I won on the 30 days of pincushions giveaways at Sew Weekly.  It's made by 'Bluedaisies', and this is what they say at their Etsy shop:

'Welcome to Bluedaisies! There is a little bit of everything in here from vintage kitchenware, jewelry and accessories to items that I have handmade. Please enjoy your browsing and have fun!! :)  Please take a look at my Sugar Deer pin cushions. Their happy retro style is unique to Bluedaisies. I have always loved vintage pose dolls and retro styled deer - these are the resulting combination of the two :) They are colourful, functional and sweet - which is why I call them Sugar Deer - I will be listing more over the summer months :)' .

I think he'll be named 'Pepe Le Peu', after the cartoon skunk!

I've had some great things happen to me since I joined Sew Weekly ... thanks go to Mena.