Decisions, Decisions….

Tupney calling, and she is greatly in need of some help from her fellow vintage lovers, and any experts that have experience in attending weddings!!

***

I have two weddings to attend this year, and if you ask me they are like buses! If my memory serves me correctly, which I sometimes doubt, then I have only ever been to two family weddings. One of those was when I was a tot (bridesmaid, Laura Ashley, need I say more?), and the other was in the more recent of years. So with very little experience of such an occasion I am starting to panic for more reasons than one.
Firstly, I'm not keen on large gatherings (or even small gatherings for that matter- family or not), I just don't feel comfortable, being a naturally reserved (I'm friendly enough!), retiring, and socially awkward (haha) person! And secondly, which is why I'm writing this, what on earth do I wear?

The first wedding is at the end of this month, and the second is at the end of September, so no rush eh! Well time is a ticking and I thought it best that I start having a little "what shall one wear" session!

I shall start with the outfits for the first of the weddings....
(Sorry the photo quality is rubbish- I didn't have enough energy to sort out the conservatory, and I couldn't go outside because it was/is raining!)

The first possibility, with a selection of belts, hats and shoes...

.

1940's navy dress,

30's or early 40's navy suede/leather shoes,

40's navy felt halo type hat.

Red satin cummerbund.

or

1940's two-tone suede belt, with a simple 40's black beret style hat

or

this!

Another change of belt ans shoes...

 Maybe go without a hat? I'm not even sure how I'm going to do my hair yet- this is me four days into the set, and looking a little messy after trying on the me hats and glad rags...

A late 30's/40's turban hat is another possibility....

(Lovely hat, but it does make me look like a pixie.)

***

Outfit choice  no 2.

Mid to late 40's costume.

I love the peplum on this!

Again, I'm hat-less....

and how it looks with the same simple felt....

Outfit Choice no. 3.

Lastly this yellow, late 40's, crepe dress,

(I think it has shrunk in the wash, as I'm sure it was longer and bigger on the shoulders- I need to get this sorted)

teamed with the same Navy Halo hat and shoes seen in the top left photo...

Also I must find a belt, so I look like I have a waist!

I have been quite conservative with my selection of hats, just so I don't look too strange to the normal folk attending the wedding (I'm not sure they could handle a 40's tilt hat- must ease them in gently).

The only other worry I have is.... what  to wear over the top if it's chilly or stinky weather?

I s'pose I'll think of something nearer the deadline!!!

So Girls and Boys

what do you think?

(you can post on here or on me facebook page - that is, if you want to!)

Cheerio for now

Tickety Boo Tupney

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!).

***

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.

***

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

The 'Raspberry' Leaf Cardigan

The wartime pattern....

***

I’ve finally got round to taking some snaps of my latest and TOTALLY finished woolly wonder (Only about 8 unfinished projects left!). This is probably the woolly that I have most enjoyed knitting this year… well, so far anyway. I’m not sure why, but for some odd reason I felt at peace with it- Strange eh! Ok, I grant you, there were times when I had my moments (don’t we all), but on the whole I can safely say that it went without a hitch.

I was quite sure on the pattern I use and was equally steadfast about the wool I wanted to use too, so maybe that helped in the fact that I wasn’t constantly doubting myself and my choice of pattern (unfortunately I’m in the habit of doing this). So all in all it was a happy knit and I’m now one happy big knit!

So how did my cardigan turn out?

Well here it is- looking terrible against the backdrop as I couldn't find my less in your face curtains! (eek- pink and orange)

It also doesn't look as neat on me like it is on the mannequin, but that could just be me of course, also it could be the fact that we mere mortals are never, ever going to look anything like those glorious beauties (naturally I'm speaking for myself here as I know such people do still exist)!!!

***

Knitted from the exceedingly lovely wartime pattern  shown at the top of the page^

 I also used up this Raspberry coloured wool from my ever expanding stash.

here's the smug shot!

Here’s the demure one …

and the close up with my sweet peas (oh they smell so perdy!)

... the buttons...

and the back!

and the last!

That's it for now folks. I have another jumper to show, but I need to do a bit of diddling before that one hits this blog!

Back to the sewing machine, I guess.

Sincerely Yours

Tupney xxx

Coronation Crackers!!!

Tis here, Tis here!

The day of joyous jubilation's for Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has at last arrived!

If I wasn't to be stuck in a church, guarding my treasures, and poking anyone that touches me stuff with a stick (only joking... am I?), then I would be in the big city of Londinium with my sister (if she would have me!), waving flags with much merriment, and wearing my special hat, whilst all the little (and big) boats pass by on the Flotilla- Sounds rather nice, but ah well, back to reality- the church it is(see the last post for the reason why!)

(Pa said  the TV coverage on the flotilla starts at 13:30 tomorrow if you are like me and cannot be there!)

And so to the last bits n’ bobs from my ever growing collection of Corrie crackers...

First up is this colourful calendar- what day is it anyone... anything special happening perchance?

Something for the well dressed man about town, perhaps?

Cracking bit of neck wear, eh!

...And if you are inclined to be a bit weepy about such occasions (you should see me when I'm watching the remembrance service!) then you must have a hankie to hand!

And why not let it be a Coronation one!

Of course on such an occasion, one must have a hat...

...Will this one do?

This AMAZING hat and handmade apron was bought from a flea (about a year ago?), and the Lady who I bought it off said it was worn by Roy's (I think!) mother at their Birmingham street party!

I really want to wear this hat out tomorrow night, but Ma says she will disown me if I do- I think it's rather a natty hat myself!

Well that is it folks, the end of  22 weeks worth of Coronation crackers!

All over- no more- finito!

Actually, I have quite a few treasures form the '37 coronation and Edward VIII bits too- hey that's an idea.........

Well I'll love you and leave you-

all terrified at the thought of yet more Corrie crackers, no doubt!

But don't worry, I'm not that evil. Anyway, it's RAF week next- haha!

Tickety Boo Tupney

Officially all Jubileeeeeed out!

Coronation Crackers... Two days...

The Countdown!

Two days to go...

The Coronation and the BBC

"A guide to the sound and television broadcasting arrangements for the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953

issued by the British Broadcasting Corporation"

***

I literally jumped towards this booklet when I saw it, mainly because my Grandpa worked for the BBC and because he was at the Coronation too.

I think he was working with Raymond Baxter in Trafalgar Square on the day, as part of the BBC Outside Broadcast Unit, and knowing what Grandpa was like he was most probably doing something technical!

*News Just in.....My Gran said that if anything went wrong, he was there to put it right!*

See, what did I say, Technical!

I think I should put a picture of my Grandpa in this book, next to Raymond.

" the following pages tell the story of the part played by the BBC in enabling listeners and viewers throughout the world to participate in a moving and historic occasion"

....and to think, my Grandpappy was part of that!

They even give you a map, marking the route taken from Buckingham Palace and the return route also....
where there are BBC commentators and even where they have placed BBC Television cameras!

Oh and here is something for those who have not got a Television yet, but still want to see pictures of the Coronation...

A little less exciting than seeing the pageantry in all it's splendour on a 10 inch black and white screen perhaps!!!
 What about being a spectator in London- oh, I certainly wish I could time travel, though I'm sure I would have to stay overnight, just to do a bit of clothes shopping...maybe get my hair cut properly and perhaps, stock up on knitting patterns and wool! You know, the usual things one would do if you had the ability to time travel ;-P

I can't even begin to tell you how good these slides are-
I have three wheels in total and they are all in colour- Oo fancy!

***

And now for something completely different.

Two glass dishes.

I'm sure I had three... maybe there was an accident and someone hasn't had the heart to tell me yet!

Well, that or I only had two in the first place, though I'm quite adamant at the fact that I had three...

Maybe I am loosing my marbles?

Quite the good looking couple! Perfect for putting some celebratory nuts and nibbles on!

TTFN Ducks,

Tupney xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(^all of those kisses are to make up for the fact that I am boring you all xxx)

Coronation Crackers- the final countdown!

Yes it's the final count down!

And for today's instalment I have decided to group my crafty bits together....

***

First up, some Stitchcrafts and look (LOOK- I'm actually squealing inside at the moment!) who appears on the back *all sigh*

Yes, it's the extremely handsome Roger Moore!

of course I don't like Roger at all- no, not at all ;-D



^A nice fluffy bolero (I was thinking about knitting that!) and what about that mug- haven't found one like that yet.- I have seen a similar 37 one though....

Haven't got a gold Coronation coach either- well I nearly did, but I was stupid and didn't buy it!!!

.... and some single knitting pattern leaflets.

I want to knit them all!

I was thrilled when I came across this pattern, as I have the original cardigan!

Unfortunately it doesn't look it's best anymore as it shrank in the wash, and it now doesn't have a waist, it's too short in the body, blah, blah, blah (I have the original measurements to prove it!)

I think I will just have to knit another one to make up for the now, shrinky dink cardi.



I know I have monkey arms, but the sleeves weren't that short!!!



A needle booklet- I have a larger framed print of  'Liz on my bedroom wall!

Now the next one I'm not sure of the date, but I'm guessing it could have been  made in 53- maybe as a school project, showing the first Queen Elizabeth perhaps?

Isn't she cute- a bit moth nibbled, but cute nonetheless?

Oh, and she has bloomers and everything, though I didn't think they wore bloomers in them days!!!

I take it that modesty prevailed with the seamstress who made little Elizabeth- well most people do look up dolls skirts to see what undies they are wearing, don't they- don't they? (or is it just me!) Surely we couldn't have a queen caught wearing no nitters (Knickers to normal people!), could we now!

Well Cheerio Folks

Tomorrow’s instalment will be....

actually I have forgotten, so you will just have to wait!

I'm sure you can hardly contain your excitement, eh!

Tickety Boo Tupney xxx