Gift for a Sweetheart

Earlier this week, the lovely Jessica from Chronically Vintage shared some of her favourite brooches from her collection. It has inspired me to finally get off my butt and photograph my sweetheart brooches, something I've been meaning to do for months.

I've been collecting sweetheart brooches for about three years now and the majority have been purchased from the US, mainly via eBay. I used to wear these brooches on occasion, but when I lost my beloved stirling silver 'V for Victory' pin - complete with morse code - somewhere between home and work, I decided they were better left in their box. I'd really like to display them somehow so if anyone has any nifty ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Not wearing my sweethearts means no one else gets to see them, so today I'd like to share some of my favourites with you. Enjoy!

An Airforce sweetheart

The Allied Forces - I very nearly lost this one too.

A much sort after American heart sweetheart.

My replacement V for Victory pin, the original was much nicer.

A Navy sweetheart.

And the most prized of my collection...
A rare Australian mother-of-pearl sweetheart pin.

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Tamara

Together Forever

Look what the postman delivered on Monday!

Meet Libby & Roy, the latest addition to my ever expanding collection of wire name brooches. So far, I only have female names so to find a couple joined together was pretty exciting. They're a little age weary but still in good condition and I think with a bit of careful cleaning they'll polish up nicely.

Aren't they sweet?!

- Tamara

SNAP!!

I'm so excited! 

Take a look at my latest pattern purchase...

Simplicity 3761

Does it look familiar at all?

Henrietta Dress Coat by Bernie Dexter.

I've been wanting a coat dress for years, but Bernie Dexter's version is well out of my budget so I'm going to make my own. Sadly, Mdblm has already dubed it 'The Flasher Coat' - guess I should be pleased he's taking an interest.

-Tamara

Blues in the Night

Late last night while time wasting on the interwebs, I came across this amazing 1930s blouse that I simply had to share.

This electric blue stunner is made from silk chiffon and features a lovely ruffled jabot, trimmed with pale grey lace, short neck ties and feminine puffed sleeves.

The blouse slips on over the head and fastens at the neck with a snap closure, while the waist tie in back takes care of the fullness in the bodice.

Sadly, it's quite small and while it will come close to fitting me, it's too big in the bust. Looking at the design there doesn't appear to be any way it could be taken in either. Plus, I wouldn't want to attempt to adjust it for fear of ruining this beautiful piece.

So dear readers, if your a petite woman like me and are looking for something really unique, it can be found on etsy at Violet's Vintage Emporium.

Happy shopping!

 

-Tamara

Hello Ladies!!

Today I'd like to introduce you to some of the lovely ladies in my wire name pin collection. I'm particularly attracted to old-fashioned names you don't hear anymore, or the just plain unusual. Things started with the demure Mildred, then came Lucille and...

Lola is a little grubby and her previous owner found her cavorting with the earrings when it came time to send her on, but she seems to have settled in quite well.

Romaine is one of my favourites! I've never met or even heard of anyone called Romaine so I've no idea of its origins, but she is so lovely and delicate I just had to have her.

Sylvia is a very recent addition to the collection and I adore her streamlined look.

Belle has been squashed at some point in her life but she's still a favourite - it was my grandfather's pet name for my grandmother, Isabelle. 

Anne is so pretty with her girly curls, she's perfect pinned to a floaty, feminine blouse or fluffy 50s sweater.

The beautifully kept Helga arrived last week and is the most recent addition to my collection.

Aren't they lovely?!!

- Tamara

But What is it Worth?

I have been watching a stunning, mid-1930s evening dress pattern on eBay this week and while I had intended on bidding, the price very quickly became too high for my modest budget. 

McCall 8013, circa 1934

As the days went by, the price climbed higher and higher and when the auction finally ended on Friday the final sale price was a whopping US$423.30!! Wow!! All I can say is the winning bidder must have really wanted it. I don't think I've ever seen a pattern sell for anything close to this amount. It is an amazing dress but is it really worth $400+?

What say you dear readers? Would you be prepared to pay this sort of money for a vintage pattern? I don't like to pay more than $20 for a vintage so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

- Tamara

Well hello Lucille! How do you do?

Look what arrived in the post yesterday courtesy of Ebay...

Isn't she adorable?!! Lucille is the latest addition to my ever growing collection of sweetheart brooches and wire name pins. I find the intricate twisting of a single piece of wire to make these brooches quite amazing. I also imagine some lonesome fellow painstakingly bending them into being, a real labour of love.

Looks like Mildred has some competition in the popularity stakes!