The Real Deal.

Hullo All!


Some of you may remember me showing you the patch that I embroidered for my quilt? Well, if not, here's a snap of what I'm on about to jog your memory.

"My Attempt!"

Here's the link to the original post

 

Well, forget about my measly attempt because the real deal arrived in parcel form a couple of Fridays back!

It certainly puts my embroidery to shame-  It's so neatly worked. (pah!) It took all my strength not to show you then and I'm glad I can finally let it loose on the interweb now.

So, what do you think?

I know nothing about the original owner, except that it also came with the sweetest little aluminium frame. I'm pretty certain that they belong together; due to the fact that both frames have the same thick, black tape on the back! I know, this hardly confirms anything, but the tape used isn't the sort that is usually used on such items. My ma says it's 'mans tape' and thinks it was embroidered by a chap and I must say, I rather like this theory! I like to imagine that the chap in the frame is also the chap who embroidered it! Oooh, perhaps he did it while convalescing or perhaps 'he' did it whilst in the confinement of his P.O.W. camp, and then gave it to his beloved?!!! OK, maybe its a little fanciful, but the Red Cross did ask for people to send items to keep the POW boys busy...who knows?!

These embroideries could be worked and framed like my one or used to decorate different household and personal items (more ideas can bee seen in this snap). I particually like the Radio Times cover.... I want, I want, I want!

And the frame that came with the embroidery...

^ What I call a dish with a fine head of hair!
This little frame is only 3 x 4 inches and is super cute.
I love the fact that this frame has printed inside the words...

"Real Aluminium
British Make "

A real sign of the times!


 

All in all, it was a very lovely little bundle to receive and will be very much treasured by me!

 

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Oh, and here are some very silly snaps of me with some of my my pin-ups- John Gregson, David Niven, Bing and yes that's Arthur Askey in the background! Tommy Trinder and Roger Moore are also on my wall of fame, but unfortunately I'm sitting in front of them!
I hate to think what the original owner would say or think if he saw me wearing his "best blue" like this... ah well... Sorry Mr. R.A.F chappy!

 

Happy R.A.F Friday All,

Have a wonderful weekend...

 

Tups xxx

 

 

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RAF Fridays so far...

 

The Apprentice and the Sweetheart.
R.A.F. Friday Christmas Special

R.A.F War Pictures

Nothing but Patches
It's a Piece of Cake
Mrs Pickup's
Knitting for the R.A.F
Love Is In The Air
Double Trouble
One Mans Photo's
The Rings
Here Comes The Bride...
The Other Box
The Box
Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

Shine On Victory Moon

 

Tickety's Tip Top Tunes

 

 

Hello ducks, here's this weeks tip top tune for you!

 

So to the Sheet...

 

(extremely envious of her curly top!)

 

To the Music....

 

Now I'm afraid I cannot find Ivy's version on the tube, but did find this rendition by Issy Boon-

so the Issy Boon version it is!

If you ask me (go on ask me) Youtube is naff- pages and pages of rubbish. I very rarely come across any of the tunes I actually want!

 

Anyway, enough of the moaning... to the tune, again...

 

 

 

And here's a short clip of Ivy and her all girl band, just to give you an idea how her band sounded... isn't she marvellous!

 

 

 

 

Tickety xxx

 

 

 

 

 



Knit and be in Fashion!

Well Folks, here’s you chance to be in fashion this Autumn/Winter and still be your vintage self!

Get out those pins and knit this very dashing pullover for yourself, your chap, or why not knit two and be matching….. snazzy!

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As seen in the Ralph Lauren A/W 2012 collection, in the BBC’s wonderful drama, ‘The Best of Men’, and in the TBT collection!

 

 

 

 

 Looks rather nice teamed with a blue shirt...

(screen capture from the BBC)

 

Some of me bits...

Pattern Date

1947.

The instructions...

Look! There is even a complete pattern for some socks for the chaps too ; )

 

 

I would love to see your finished pullovers... if you decide to knit it that is!

Cheerio

 

Tupney xxx

 

RAF Friday- The Rings

More Sweetheart jewellery, but this time RINGS!

I acquired this one in Pickering. I was surprised no one bought it as I found it in a nearly empty cabinet after the war weekend- ah well their loss eh!

On the up side... I found it and its now in the TBT collection, but on the down side... its too big.

As you can imagine I'm heartily devastate, and if you have been following the previous RAF Fridays (?) then you will already know that I'm rather fond of these Perspex beauties! Perhaps it's best that it doesn't fit me, just in case I lost it or broke it....

The above ring was one of the things on my wish list and is my latest treasure- I shall be wearing this ring with great pride as I'm sure the original owner did. I cant get over how tiny the wings are- they really are teeny tiny! It's a silver one (stamped 925) with perfect enamelling too. : )  

Oh I'm a happy bunny- they never fail to put a smile on my face.

I also have plans to make my own ring from a RAF button, but I need to do a bit of designing and trial some settings first. You shall, no doubt, see the results at some point!

Here's to the weekend...



TTFN

Tupps x

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RAF Friday so far....

Here Comes The Bride...

The Other Box

The Box

Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

RAF Friday- Here comes the bride...

Yes I know, I’m a bad blogger- how could I miss RAF Friday last week I hear you cry…or is that my imagination again?…. I thought so!

Well ducks, I was just being grumpier than usual and it was one of those days/ weekends where everything seemed to be going wrong. Well after my week long blog vacation, I’m back, and I’m ready to start shoving more of my beloved treasures into the window of your computer screens! (It’s a sign of happier times in the house of Tupney)

I gave the option of snaps on general RAF, or wedding pics for this/last weeks RAF Friday and the majority ruled for the wedding ones, so weddings it will be.

I still can’t believe you turned your nose up at the first option- just think of all the lovely airmen, but I suppose you do get the best of both worlds with the wedding shots.

Wedding snaps = dashing RAF chap + lovely bride wearing pretty outfits.

General RAF snaps = dashing RAF chap(s) + aircraft + camel or cactus

(See for me, the choice is too difficult, but I must say I’m veering towards the aircraft and camel option myself, but don’t you worry, I’ll show them off in the many Fridays to come!)

So to the joyous wedding photos

here are two of my very first adopted photos- they were pence to buy!

This couple makes me just go “bless” – they look so young. I love her sweet outfit and snappy hat. And what about Mr and his waves- Mr Whippy or what! (Nice studio shot- great painted backdrop)

Her legs also make me giggle- they are just like mine, but shorter!

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 The second shows more lovely outfits, in particular the brides fab hat and the lovely pleated detail on her dress. Like the hat in the first picture, it’s not a hat that’s easily worn. I do rather like the outfit on the left (standing)- I would wear something like that myself!

Also what’s the lighter coloured uniform belt about- it’s not totally foreign to me as I have seen it before, but I’m not sure on what it is and why he is wearing it? (As most of you already know I’m not clued up on my uniforms! Haha wouldn’t it be awful in none of these were RAF!) Any info would be great on this- I should really ask my grandpapa! The bridegroom really reminds me of someone too, but I just can’t think who : (

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What a handsome couple these two make eh!

I love the fact she is wearing a pair of wings at her neck too, though her bouquet annoys me because I can’t see her outfit properly. Is it a dress, a coat or a costume of some kind?  I like what I can see, and what about that hat!

They had quite a large wedding party too. The happiness in the snap is lovely- I wonder what amused the Groom?

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 For a girl who loves her vintage and her wedding dress collection, these photos are invaluable for researching fashions of the time. Strangely, I’m more taken with the brides that have chosen not to wear the floor length gowns (I have far too many wedding dresses in my collection and I’m saying this- doesn’t make sense to me either!). Maybe it’s because I like the potential reasoning for their choice in outfit or maybe I just like my hats more?! I don’t know, but one thing I do know is how much I enjoy looking upon the happy and hopeful faces of the bride and groom. Does lead you to question of what became of them though, which soon depresses me, so we won't dwell on that.



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And here are two wedding snaps with the lovely gowns....



Another very beautiful Bride- lovely veil I thought, but what about him? Mr man doesn't look too chipper does he- cheer up fella....

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Well you can't say this chap isn't happy- what lovely smiles. The dresses are lovely, the bouquets are frothy and dreamy,  and Little Miss Bride has the loveliest dress with the most wonderful padded shoulders! This is a great snap for hairstyles too- I shall be trying them all!

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And as we are on the subject of weddings, I thought I would add this in too.....

Isn't it lovely- I can't believe I'm jealous of an illustration!

Don't you think he looks like a young Roger Moore?

Don't ask me whats on page 11 either- as it's not there. I'm not a happy bunny- just look at the price I paid for the incomplete magazine! What am I going to do if I ever get married now eh? (unlikely as no man in the world is mad enough) Well I s'pose I will never know the secrets of being a beautiful bride- ah well ; )

I'm sorry that I cannot give you any information about the couples, they are all unknown and dateless I'm afraid.

So which is your favourite Bride, Groom or outfit?

Here's to the weekend...

Tupney xxx 

***

RAF Friday so far....

The Other Box

The Box

Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

RAF Friday- The Other Box

Fiddlesticks! Last week, when I wrote 'RAF Friday- The Box,' I had no idea that I was to find a real RAF box at the flea, and I'm certain that I would have thought of a different title if only I had known. Well anyway, inspiration and creativity is lacking at the moment, hence the lack lustre title, 'The Other Box'.

please ignore the dirtiness and the partly missing 'r' : )

This was the first thing I bought at the Flea, and I also picked up another hand made box from the same dealer, so I'm assuming they were made by the same chappy. Now, I'm no expert in the woodworking field, but I'm guessing he was better at the cutting out rather than the construction side- lets just say the box is a tad wonky! (yeah, like I could do any better! You should see my only attempt a woodwork- laughable) Nonetheless, it could fill a bucket a hundred times with its charm, and I'm very grateful to this lad, as I now have the honour of owning such a fine box.

Just look at it- wouldn't you love to receive this. I know I certainly would, perhaps without the 'mother' bit though. Please let’s start with my name, perhaps 'darling 'or 'you witch'- you know something more appropriate. ; ) I quite fancy having a box of my very own to put my trinkets in!

The Eagle and Kings crown- lovely isn’t it!

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The other box- looks to me like it's been made from a 30's sideboard!!!

I think you could buy these panels back in the day, so perhaps he made the box from those, rather than restyling the mothers sideboard ; )

 I seem to say this about everything that I own, but I really wish that he had put his name and date on the box somewhere. Honestly, he could have at least thought about where it may end up in the future- and the fact that we, the treasure hunters may want to know!

Photos are the worlds worst and most frustrating of this example- I suppose they never think it's going to leave the family, or that it would be of any interest to anyone else if they did,... but still, it's A-NNOYING!

Unfortunately I can now no longer look at these boxes in quite the same way, after Pops suggested that I could use the big one to put his ashes in (oh nice!), with in which, mum retorted " well I s'pose I'll be in the 'mother' one..." (again, lovely!). Mind you, I'm just as bad because years ago I told everyone that I wanted my cinders to be put in my 1950's ice bucket-It’s stylish, practical and nice to look at!

***

Moving on swiftly- I've shown this off before here, but I thought I'd show it off again, just because I can and because of it's relevance- being owned and worn by a mother at one point. Oh and because it has 'Jim', the RAF chap in it!

Hope you liked this weeks treasures.... now just need to sort out next weeks instalment. I'm thinking either photos or wedding snaps? Decisions, Decisions....

Ta ta all,

Have a lovely weekend,

Tupps xxx

***

RAF Friday so far....

The Box

Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

I spy with my little eye….

…. Something beginning with …. Copycat knitteds!

Well I’ll be darned; the fabulous, and rather popular hand knitted pattern of its day has found its way into the Ralph Lauren collection, but this time modelled by a gal!

I could hardly believe my eyes when Mammy came to show me the “Downton” effect that’s all so prominent in sissy’s latest copy of Vogue.

I’m a knitting pattern junkie, so things like this matter to me… well. To a degree it does! What really gets my goat about this, is that they haven’t even changed the colours- was it intentional or did the powers that be think that people (well the big knits!)  wouldn’t notice the pullover design has been taken form an original 40’s pattern?

I wrote a blog post about this pattern a while ago, so take a look and see the original pattern and pullover in all its glory…

And to the silly photo's...

haha, this one makes me giggle- I must have been distracted by something outside the window, forgetting that the self timer was on.... oh the concentration... or was I thinking about those pesky knitting pattern thieves!!!

Golly, does this mean that if I wore this mans pullover I could be considered fashionable for once in my life?

Cheerio Folks

Tickety xxx

Wavy Navy Wednesday!

…actually isn’t “Wavy Navy” a name given to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve? Anyway, I'm not sure, but I'm unable to think up another name.  : ( So wavy navy it shall stay.

Don’t worry; this won’t be a regular spot on my blog, as I don’t have a lot of navy related treasures. So my deary-dos you can sigh a sigh to end all sighs ;)

I just thought I would share these two recent acquisitions from the weekend, before they get put away in the old cabinet with the rest of ‘em.

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In my opinion, this little swinging pendant brooch was quite a find- mother spotted it as I was too busy being transfixed by a portable hanging wardrobe at the time. Twas really nice as well, but far too pricey if you ask me. The wardrobe thingy, not the brooch!

This portrait of a handsome young sailor has been cut out, then sandwiched between some Perspex- you must all know how I like me Perspex jewellery by now, eh! Quite effective I thought.  Oh and what about his wavy locks? Well, I do like a nice wave me. : D

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The second is a little more common- and I’m only saying that because the seller had two! I picked the better of the two (naturally!) and went merrily on my way. As you can see its a ring…. with enamelling…. say’s “ Royal Navy”…not much more I can say, as it’s pretty and obvious what it is!

Ah, I didn’t tell you that it was silver, did I… and a bargain to boot! As you can imagine I was extremely pleased to find it, as I do have a hard time finding affordable ye olde rings that fit my slim fingers. I now have visions of wearing my RAF, ATS and RN rings all at once- haha! Well I can’t show my allegiance to only one of the services- it wouldn’t be fair!

By the way, I won’t really wear them all together! ; ) Yes I'm mad, but not that mad!

And before I forget, the weekend also sorted out my RAF Friday problem- big smiles.

I don't like to wish the week away as this year has gone quickly enough as it is, but I'm now looking forward to RAF Friday!

TTFN

Tickety xxx

RAF Friday- The Box

Well folks, I can’t wait any longer to show off this little box. I’ve had it for quite a while now, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I wanted to show it to the world- I was near bursting point I tell ye! This was a surprise from my Pops, which makes it extra special in my eyes... (So there are some advantages of him working away!)

Doesn’t look much from the outside, does it? Jewellery for men, eh? So Pops, you’ve been buying vintage cuff links for yourself and pretending they are a gift for me then? Whoa, hold your horses young Tupeny, I think you better look inside (That's me talking to myself again!). So look inside I did, and my oh my- someone fetch the smelling salts. ;) I could hardly believe my eyes…. A penny spitfire brooch AND a Perspex heart pendant. Not to mention that it was a New Zealand Perspex pendant too! There was a lot of oohing going on at this point, with a heavenly choir playing in the background!

 
This is where Pa buts in to say “Look in the lid my gal…”
which is then accompanied by even more 'oohing' while I marvel at the inscription…. Quite something isn’t it, she says as she proudly boasts! Sorry, I don't normally like to blow my own trumpet, but I think this is just the bee’s knees when it comes to sweetheart jewellery :)

Cute, huh. Shame I don't know who it belonged to though.

After marvelling at my little treasures, I decided to have a look under the tissue, and this is what I found- even Pops didn't know about this!

It's silver too!

I would like to take this opportunity to say how sorry I am for not keeping to my word last Friday. I was without internet connection for several days, and by the time it reappeared, well it was late (too bloomin’ late) and I was a little preoccupied with sorting for the Black Country. I hope this weeks RAF Friday doesn’t disappoint.

Tatty Bye

Tupney xxx

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RAF Friday so far....

Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

Miss Baked Bean and the Black Country...

Miss Baked Bean at the end of the Day with no Lippy on- shock horror!

Well Folks, I can now breathe a sigh of relief!  My little fashion exhibition for the 1940's evening at the Black Country Living Museum went, I’m glad to say, without too many hitches (naturally there were a few, but hey, they could have been worse!).

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I’ve shown my wares (haha) quite a few times, and I always have a moment before I arrive when I get all nervy, but for some reason this time, I really did have the jitters, though weeks before instead. I will quite honestly say that I was just plain scared, as I felt a tad under qualified to be part of such a wonderful place! I feel like I’m still in-between roles at the moment- not quite a reenactor, but a little more than the average member of the public!
In the end it turned out that my fears were unjustified, they were all extremely lovely and appreciative, and it was to be a lovely laid back event, with the most wonderful summers evening we have had this... well, soggy summer!
The Black Country Living Museum also makes the perfect location for this kind of event, as it really did look like you were back in the 40's (well, if you got rid of the public it did!). It was a shame that I was tied to my tables for most of the evening as I haven't been to the museum in about ten years and much has changed. I did manage to pop out now and then to have a shufty at what was going on, buy a few bits to add to my collection... got moved on by a policeman saying "Move along ladies, I know what you are waiting here for..." or something along those lines, then came back later saying he had half a crown (wink, wink)! You know, twas the usual evening out!!!

Well anyway that’s enough of my waffle. I say “To the pictures!”

I’m also adding a disclaimer here for the bad quality. The  early ones taken in the light aren’t very good- a little rushed, while the later ones were taken when it was much quieter, and much darker. You see, there were four light fittings in the school house, one for each of my fellow exhibitors/ friends, but it just so happenes that the light bulb over my corner was the one that didn’t work- bloomin’ typical! And look 'ere, I’m waffling again!

Excuses made…. To the pictures and this time I mean it…..

It's my usual way of showing off the stuff...."The pile it all in" and the "heaven forbid a piece of table cloth should show" look. Actually I don't pile it all in, however much it may look like it- a lot of angst was had whilst trying to decide where to put everything (I was inwardly panicking!). Also a lot of it stayed in boxes ; (

Matters were made worse by the fact that I was table-less for quite a bit of our set up time, resulting in Tupney still putting things out when the public arrived!

I really need to try and compact my exhibition, just in case I get asked to do another one somewhere,-this one only just fitted in the car! Still, it's an improvement on the 8 hours it took for me to fill a church once!

Some wedding dresses and Mini Rex in his rather lovely pinstripe jacket! To the right of him are some utility swimming trunks with the most moth holes ever seen on a single pair of trunks, aptly named "Leeknit", though I think it's Lee-knit really!!!

My super new display cases!

With some Board of Trade leaflets on "Make do and Mend", homemade jewellery, ration books...

Whilst the case on the right holds, make up in wartime packaging, more jewellery and wavers!

One of my favourite cases!

With some of my most precious bits in- including both an RAF and Merchant Navy instruction booklet for "Knitted Comforts"- may I say with their badges too!. A handmade POW ciggy case with adorable engraving, two RAF sweetheart rings, sweetheart compacts and brooches, war collection badges and a propaganda hankie.

Notice the lovely suit on the left- How come it fits Miss Busty here and not me anymore eh? I'm going to have to try and compact my shoulders and while I'm at it, shorten my arms too!

Some Kiddies bits.....

I had to strip Edmund of his Shirt (green), tie, zipper, and cap. Though I drew the line at his shorts, because the prospect of battling with two detachable legs in such a small space.... well it wasn’t worth the hassle! Special notes go to the utility Liberty bodice (bottom left) and the beyond cute, red leather, rabbit fur and sheepskin lined utility slippers (top left)- please someone make them bigger!

The washing line, with lots of utility undercrackers- you can't really see them, but I do rather like the peach bloomers with the elastic at both ends. Tupps says they are...
" comfy and roomy, with the added bonus of no drafts!".

Also the Smock is made from Horrockses Utility fabric. It may only be a smock, but it's extremely snappy and stylish on.

This darling little lace blouse was a gift, and is annoyingly a tad on the small size. If I can get the material, then it's one I would love to copy. Also, the gorgeous Utility Monks shoes on the left are Mammy’s (I could spit as they are too big for my tootsies!), but the cute utility bar strappy ones fit me fine- yay!

Another view (bored yet?)

And lastly, what I wore- the Miss Baked Bean dress,

Utility Wool Jacket for when it got chilly around town!

Black felt tilt hat, black suede shoes (not shown) for tottering around, Corde bag and my sturdy tan leather walkers for the sorting of bits!

Apparently I was showing too much knee, well, according to one lady I was.

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Right'o, that’s enough for today.

I have more to share (nothing to do with my display you will be glad to know!)

but I thought I would do it in two parts so to give you a comfort break ;)

Ta Ta

Tupney xxx