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!!

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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

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

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....

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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

Tickety's Tea Time Treats: Coffee Buns

I can’t quite remember exactly what my Pa said when I was innocently looking through one of my recipe books in the kitchen, but it was to the same effect as an ‘uh oh’, and a silent exclaim of ‘what on earth is she going to poison us with now?!!!’.

Well Pops I’ll tell you what I’m going to make- its Coffee bullets….. Ahem, I mean buns!

They are quite tasty- (perhaps a little sweet?) and are quick and easy to make.

I am unable to find a date on the ‘Woman and Home cookery book’, but the recipes still call for dried egg, tell of milk shortages and mention whale meat! So I would put it at wartime to the just post war years.

Because I am useless, and the fact that I baked them alooooong time ago (only now deciding to post!), I have totally forgotten what oven temperature I used and actually how long I baked them for- too long by the look of the picture! What can I say? Tupney and the kitchen just don't mix. (Well, I lie to a point as I can make a rather nice carrot soup and bake extremely yummy cheese straws!) Anyway, I would imagine it would have been at around 200°c in a modern fan oven, but if you decide to try these I would advise you to use your own better judgement on timings and temperature!



Blog of the Month at Va-Voom Vintage!

Arhhh, my pappy took that- shame my earring is wonky though...

A while ago the lovely Brittany over at Va-Voom Vintage asked me if I would like to be part of her blog of the month thingy, and I of course said oaky doke! (Anybody remember that children’s programme?) Well anyway, it finally happened after much stalling on my part- you see I had a few not so good weeks and very little enthusiasm (surprise, surprise!), but in the end we got there!

You have probably seen it already, but I thought I would share the link here too.

On another note I must say how embarrassing (but wonderful), it was to read all the AMAZING comments my blogger chums old and new wrote about it! It’s such and odd feeling to read such comments about yours truly that  aren’t actually directed to you- lets just say I went a little rosy!

Thank you again Brittany :)

Ta –ra me lovelies

Your Tuppy  xxx

Quick Curly Top Tupney Style.

Hullo Girls and Boys, Tupney here!

Today’s witterings will almost certainly not be of any interest to the men folk, so if you be a fella  (?) I tells ya look away now and go do some tinkering in the shed, build walls, read a newspaper or fiddle with an engine, as I'm about to talk about hair styling (groan!). You can, of course, stay and have a chuckle at the silly photos, if you like....

***

Well my girlie-wigs, I had my barnet cut on Monday and I decided not set it after the chop like I normally would (shock, horror!). Why? Well I wanted to have a nice curly top ready for the weekend’s happenings, so instead I did a bit of experimental hair twirling- otherwise known as pin curling to normal people!

Thankfully, but also annoyingly I have a lot of hair (My hair dresser says it grows like a bush- haha!) and the mere thought of pin curling my whole noggin fills me with dread, and in my desperation (I absolutely hate my normal hair by the way) I decided to pin curl just the front, then went to Bedfordshire.

Well anyway, I was quite pleased with the results and thought I would share the 'how to' as it takes no time at all, is fairly 40’s-ish and it also might help you out on those ‘cant be bothered days’ too!

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So you will need:

*A head, with hair- preferably a female one with shoulder length or longer hair. I got my fringe cut to my nose, which actually I was a bit worried about as I thought my nose was longer, but thankfully you can still work with a 6 inch fringe!
*A comb and your favourite brush.
*Kirby grips.
*Dinkie curlers  (in the end I used some rollers for the stubborn bits!)

***

Notes: I'm working with bone dry, clean hair. Naturally the results would be a lot crisper and longer lasting if done on towel dried hair, spritzed with setting lotion!

1.

2.

1. Just one to show what I'm working with!

2.Section the back from the front, separating from your ear straight up to your parting on both sides.

4.

3.

 3. Pull back the back and roll upwards...

4. ..and Pin!

Notes: if you want better curls, make the sections smaller, like you would if you were pin curling properly!

6.

5.

5.The finished roll...(hehe nearly crossed eyes in this one!)

6. Start sectioning off the front sides and rolling the pincurls up towards you parting- I made three on each side...

7.

8.

7. At the top make about four or five more pin curls, rolling either towards, or away from you parting depending on if you want a wave or would rather a roll!

8. The finished setting. You may be able to get away without the dinkies.

 Note: I have used dinkies on the very top- adding a couple of extra due to my new very short layers and heavy hair.

***

Now go off, have a shower, go to bed, waste time on the Internet, or if you are like me... get dressed!

In other words leave it for a while!

***

THE BRUSH OUT.

1.

2.

1.Brush all the left hand curls together- brushing up and out and smoothing the ends, then leave for the time being. Do the same on the other side.

2. Start brushing the top, pulling upwards and again, smoothing the ends.

Don't worry, the clown look wont last for long!

3.

4.

3.Brush the very front curls right back, then push back with whichever hand your brush isn't in. This should form the wave.

4. Still with your other hand holding the wave, keep combing and pulling until you get the desired look/ wave, then pin. If you have done this on dry hair you may need some brylcreem to smooth out the frizz!

5.

5.

5. Go back to the side parts and start backcombing- just enough to give you a little 'stay'. If you want more body in the side swishes (That's a technical term!!!) then keep on backcombing!

6.

7.

6. After backcombing keep each side piece in your hand and comb over a finger (not the chocolate variety!) to form an end curl and pin near the curl.

7. Brush out the back (I just kept on brushing downwards. I didn't bother to brush any of the curls back in.) Oh and my whole left arm seems to have disappeared- I was actually brushing if you see the mirror's reflection!

8.

8. With your fingers push down towards your face.

Spray with some hair spray and then admire your new hair-do

Yes I know. I didn't get a very good picture of the end result.... I had quite a nice front wave too- bloomin' typical! My excuse is that I was rushed for time!

So there you have it...

Tuppy's quick curly top!

Cheerio All

Tickety Boo Tupney xxx