Jenny Handley Crochet Pattern Model

Jenny Handley was born in 1947 to Jimmy Handley and Dinah Sheridan Jenny like her parents became an actor starring in the James Bond film   On her majesty's Secret Service, the private life of Sherlock Holmes, hammer horror film Scar of Dracula, and The Flesh and Blood Show. 

She also appeared in tv series Department S, The Persuaders, The Adventurer, Softly Softly, Taskforce, Man about the house and Return of the Saint.

I remember her in the childrens programme "Magpie" Hanley appeared on that particular programme from 1974 - 1980. She also co-presented Saturday Night at the Mill and appeared in Countdown.

Jenny also trained as a nanny and worked as a model, below she is on the cover of a 1960's crochet pattern.

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-sirdar-crochet-pattern-2471-ladies-jacket-bust-34-40-139885022.htm

In Praise of Fountain Pens

In Praise of Fountain Pens

In this increasingly digital world, it is still nice to put pen to paper, even it is only to write my shopping list!
In an increasingly throwaway society, it is even more pleasing to write your shopping list, or a letter, or your Christmas cards, with something that has been around for a few decades. With the right care, it could well be around for a few decades more.
Enter the vintage fountain pen. I always loved using a fountain pen as a lad and ever since I have always owned anything between one and several. Even my scrawl looks beautiful when written with such an instrument.
With an occasional service (a strip down, a clean and perhaps a new ink sac) these pens will last for years and should never end up in landfill.
I am not one of those pen snobs who has to track down a Mont Blanc and show off to the world about it (not that I could afford one anyway).
I'm talking about the pens those of us of a certain age grew up with... the Platignums, the Parkers, the Conway Stewarts. An everyday pen between 10 and 50 years old is serviceable and easy to maintain and continues to provide a pleasant writing experience. So much more enjoyable than a throwaway biro!
If you fancy revisiting the fountain pen, or are looking for an unusual gift, keep an eye on my "Desk Drawer" store, at ebid. net (link below). 
I usually have a range of serviced fountain pens between 10 and 50 years old, and from £5 up to about £30. Like all used items, they are not always blemish free but I always test them before sale to ensure they are fit for the purpose they were made for all those years ago. I also stock related items, like mechanical pencils, ink wells and ink blotters.

Happy writing!

Chris


http://desk-drawer.ebid.net/

http://rame-retro-store.ebid.net/

Vintage Ceramics

A small selection of the vintage ceramics in my Fire Horse Vintage HQ shop:-

Small, Crown Devon vase, with dots and dashes pattern, £10

Small vase or bowl, marked "Old English Masters" featuring a lady's portrait, £20

Pretty, floral tea plate, £8

Two tiny, posy vases, £15

Two delicate pin dishes, with lilac flower pattern, £16
These pieces work beautifully with shabby chic, country-style interiors.

Posted by Julia * Fire Horse Vintage * Fire Horse Textiles *

YDC (Your Donation Counts) charity auctions on eBid 24 - 28 May

Bargains galore with the proceeds going to Mary Ann Evans Hospice, in memory of YDC supporter Gillian who sadly passed away in April.

Royal Worcester Bone China Vase or Holder ..... contains 2 sachets of hair and body wash and a tablet of guest-sized soap.

  
Lilac scented hand made soy wax tealights & holder

 

around the world in 80 postcards

Diamante musical note brooch


To view the whole selection click here

 

Spring Colour in the garden

Vintage Collectables - Wade Whimsies

I remember these little figures fondly from my childhood, so when I came across a set of them recently, I couldn't resist!

Honey Brown Guinea Pig, £8.00

Corgi Dog, £6.00

Blue Persian Kitten, £5.00

Pink Pig, £5.00

Brown Goose, £3.75


Posted by Julia * Fire Horse Vintage * Fire Horse Textiles *

Standing Wool Hanging Decorations and Trivets

I have been experimenting with a new (to me) technique called 'Standing Wool', and of the sub group 'Beaded'.

Circles Wall Hanging - Shades of Green


This traditional construction technique dates back to as early as the 1870s in America. Rugs were often made with strips of worn out clothing, blankets etc. I first learnt about it through Diana Blake Gray's website, Rugmakers' Homestead.

Black and Yellow Wool Trivet


I am currently making a small bedside rug from a recycled woollen blanket and have made some trivets and wall hangings from re-purposed fabrics and craft felt, respectively.

It is quite time-consuming as each strip has to be cut, coiled and hand sewn. Before that you have to decide on the colour combinations to use and the thickness and type of fabric; size and thickness of the 'beads'; and where the piece will be used.

Standing Wool Trivet - Pastel Shades

The size of the 'beads' can be varied to create a free-form design, but if you are sewing a string of 'beads' from the centre in a spiral, they will tend to form a hexagonal shape like honeycomb.

Circle Wall Decoration - Shades of Grey and Tangerine


I find it a very appealing technique, with great potential for large and small projects. Watch this space!

Little Cloud Hanging Decoration - Shades of Grey, Lemon Yellow and White

Posted by Julia * Fire Horse Textiles * Fire Horse Vintage *