Tuesday 30 April 2013

WI haul.....strange but true!

I am yet to write a "haul" post as they're called, although I do love seeing what other people have been out buying.  I think the main thing that prevents me is that I don't often spend money on myself.  Not buying anything interesting anyway!  I'm not sure you'd be terribly interested to see the new deodorant I bought last week now would you?

At the last village WI meeting something a little unusual was occurring. Before you get too excited, there was no photography involved and no one was trying to saucily obscure their nipples with iced buns. Perish the thought!  I first noticed a kerfuffle (love that word) around one of the back tables when I arrived at the Village Hall.  I thought maybe they were gathered around The Cooking Cannon who was speaking that night, that perhaps he had a gaggle of admirers akin to Beliebers or whatever the beep they're called.  In truth it transpired that the recently deceased Lady Poshington-Posh (not her real name) of this Parish had left her sewing bits and bobs and material stash to the ladies of the Women's Institute.  I just think that's such a lovely and thoughtful thing to do!  This very sweet and terribly well to do lady had left all the things from her, frankly enormous, collection to be taken by anyone who took a fancy to them.  I nearly wet myself with excitement and joined in!

I am hugely pleased with what I brought home with me.  Here's a picture:


1 - I think this used to be a belt, but it looks really nice as a neck scarf, something I wear quite often as they make a plain black tshirt or jumper look so much more interesting.

2- This is a really light silky fabric with a wonderful intricate pattern.  There's quite a lot of it so I'm hoping enough for a summer skirt perhaps

3 - A really stunning piece of blue and mustard patterned silk.  Again there's lots of it, but I thought it might possibly be too light to make a skirt from this so number 4 would come in very handy

4 - A heavier gauge woven fabric in beautiful navy blue, hangs beautiful and doesn't crease.  Would be perfect for lining a skirt

5 - My FAVOURITE piece of fabric, two pieces of beautiful Blackwatch tartan.  I seriously, seriously love blackwatch tartan and I've wanted a simple pencil skirt in this material for such a long time.  I nearly fainted when I saw this on the table, there's just enough to make a skirt from it, provided there are no cock ups along the way.  This probably means I will have to get someone else to do it for me as I can't risk ending up with no skirt - or worse a mini!

6 - A little scrap of Liberty print material with little birds on, it's just beautiful, I couldn't leave it behind even though it was only the tiniest piece.  I thought I might attempt a Great British Sewing Bee style patch pocket or perhaps a false neckline on a top.

7 - Another little scrap of bright mustard almost velvetty fabric.  I felt the same was as I did about the Liberty print, it just shone out at me and I couldn't risk it ending it's days in a recycling bin.  I'm sure I'll find something nice to do with it.

8 - A wonderful long strip of tweed.  The fabulous thing about this lady is that she obviously had her clothes made for her and really invested in material.  This seems to be an off cut from a very large piece of tweed, I'd love to see what the original outfit looked like.  This will probably be used as a trim of some sort.  It's gorgeous.

9 - A little collection of elastic.  Anyone with a small child will know they pull their clothes about to the point where only adding extra elastic around necklines and cuffs can save them.  This will come in very handy!

All for the princely sum of £0.  That's right, no English pence.  I am thrilled.  I will try very hard to make something out of everything that I brought home and I will always think of the kind lady who left them to the WI.

Does anyone else have any little pearls in their fabric stash they'd like to share?  Or have you ever been given a marvellous freebie that has really made your day?

Love, love,

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28 comments:

  1. What a wonderful haul. It's always nice to get free fabrics and when they come with history attached it's even better.

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    1. I'm thrilled with it all! I hope I didn't make a show of myself getting over excited and jostling others out of the way to get to the good stuff!!

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  2. How wonderful!! Gorgeous fabrics-- can't wait to see what you make of them!

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  3. Oooh fabulous, Kate. FREE STUFF. Gosh, I'm getting over-excited for you just thinking about it. I like blackwatch tartan too. I used to have some trousers in that and a kilt. In fact, I've still got the kilt. xx

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    1. Ooooh a kilt! Lucky you!! I am most jealous :)

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  4. Oooo how beautiful are those fabrics. I do agree with you though, that tartan is just amazing and it's all free! x

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    1. Aren't they? I love a tartan!! I'm on the hunt for someone with better skills than me to make it into something!!

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  5. How lovely for that lady to gift all these beautiful things... What a score for you! Can't wait to see what you make with everything :) Lisa xx

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    1. Such a thoughtful thing to do isn't it? I love the idea of doing something like that.

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  6. Love the second fabric!
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  7. Wow! Free shopping is the BEST shopping (and I'm glad you decided to show us this instead of your deodorant) xx

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    1. Hahaha, I might tweet you a picture I'd my deodorant next time I buy one!! Just as a treat :)

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  8. wow that's amazing, it's the best when you come away with something like this xx ooh and love the tartan xx

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    1. I'm so chuffed!!! Just got to make sure I do something brilliant with them all now!!

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  9. ooh, congrats on your haul! when i first saw the pic my eye went straight to #5 and i thought, "ooh, i bet that's a fabulous British wool" and it sounds like it is! i have a polka dot polyester wrap dress i found at a clothing swap 5 years ago ($0) that is universally complimented every single time i wear it, so totally understand your thrill here. can't wait to see what you make of these pieces! it inspires me to pull my sewing basket down and maybe start a little project!

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    1. I want to see that dress! And you're spot on, it's a lovely heavy wool, tartan heaven!!! :) xx

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  10. Wht a fantastic haul! I love the word kerfuffle too - it's one of my favourites! Plus I live the way you described the woman! I can't wait to see how your skirt turns out - love that tartan :). Thank you for linking to PoCoLo :) xx

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    1. Thank you! I can't wait to turn it into something wearable!

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  11. i am useless at accessorizing ! i think i need some tips honey!

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    1. My one and I my rule is less is more, I tend to wear something plain and focus attention on one accessory :)

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  12. Kate, I love this! What a clever lady you are - wish I was a bit better with the sewing machine! Post lots of pics when you have made those pockets from the Liberty fabric! Bit jealous of the green fabric with black spots - love a bit of dotty in my life! #PoCoLo xxx

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    1. I'm going to have to liberate my sewing machine from the loft! And then find the presser foot, I know I put it somewhere safe! Lots of photos to follow I promise! :)

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  13. Wow!!!! What a hau to ring home, I bet you were all so excited! Look forward to seeing the final products! xx

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    1. I was bordering on doing an over excited lady wee I can tell you!!! :)

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  14. Looks like someone is going to be busy :-)

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  15. Yeeps! I'd better get organised!!!

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