Vintage 1986

I have a bit of a thing for Blackbird Designs patterns.

I love the vintage-ness.

I love the sentimentality.

When I saw this pattern, I knew right away that I wanted to do it.

But who would I choose to remember with it?

Well I chose us!

1986 is the year we were married. I modified the pattern to add our initials and a heart. I chose the colour to remember the apricot theme we wanted to have at our wedding (rather than the pink we ended up having, due to influences stronger than our own!).

This pincushion was lined with calico and filled with silica sand. Another sturdy pincushion and serious paperweight!


Pattern: Vintage Pincushion
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Publication: Joyeux Noel http://blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/
Fabric: 32 Count Belfast Linen, "Mushroom"
Thread: Simply Shaker Sampler Threads, "Fragrant Cloves" 7026
Size: 8" x 3 1/2"

Cross Stitch Table Cloth

Talking of (almost vintage), back in Year 10, we had a major project that we worked on all year in Needlework. I can't remember now if we had to do a table cloth or if it could be some other stitchery item, but this is what I did.

It's a 25 count linen. The stitching is 20" square and the overall cloth is 51" square. I don't know where I got the pattern from or any other specifics of the designs, but the four scenes represent . . .

England


Ireland


Scotland


and Wales.


It was all counted thread work, including the zig zag border


and the hem.


I've only used the cloth a couple of times. But the other day I decided to use it while we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea. After all, what's the point of having these things if not to use them? Why save things "for best". I mean, if my family and I aren't "for best", then what is?

What is "Vintage" to You???

I only ask because I was browsing on Etsy (I love Etsy) in the "Vintage" category and right before my very eyes were a couple of pieces of jewelery just like some I'd owned in my younger days! Vintage!! I think not!!!

So, I asked around . . .

Husband (after some consideration) thinks vintage is about 30-40 years.

Daughter (with no hesitation) says 10 years! Oh to be so youthful! (While looking at my school photos she declares that she just loves those vintage photos!!!)

Me - I'm thinking my lovely teapot and plates are vintage. A gift from my great grandfather to my great aunt as a wedding gift. Then a gift to me. Sorry Aunty Shirl, but this is vintage to me.


And maybe my trusty old ironing board - made by my great uncle for my mother when she was married and then passed to me when I left home (and still as good today as ever) . . .



But something I've had from new? Not quite vintage yet, I say.

The www declares that vintage (while previously referred to the age of a wine) is now commonly used to "describe almost anything that is or can be old-fashioned" and "of old, recognized and enduring interest, importance or quality."

OK, so very dear teapot - Yes.

My school photos - No.

Jewelery from my youth - No.

From my mother's youth - Maybe.

Fabulous old cross stitch sampler patterns - Yes.


So, what is "vintage" to you?