The Singer Treadle Sewing Machine/ Coffee Table With a Difference

Ever since I went to Krakow and visited a bar that had treadle sewing machines as their drinks tables I knew I had to have one. I just think they are so beautiful and a quirky alternative to a coffee or side table. However I had nowhere to put one which was a real shame because at that point they were going for only £25 on ebay.

Image found at travelpod.com

Fast forward a few years and I am soon going to have the space to own one, but they are being sold at around £150 pounds. I was chatting to Sara about this and she pointed out to me a second hand/ antique furniture shop in Kings Heath that had one. So about 30 minutes before we were going pottery painting we popped in to have a look. I'm not really sure what happened next  . . . heart pounding, palpitations, loss of common sense, temporary deafness . . . . but minutes later it was mine for only £55. I didn't even think how to get it into my car . . . luckily Fiestas have surprisingly roomy boots and Jude is freakishly strong.

It is not in the best condition but to me it is perfect with it's original cover and manual . . .*sigh* . . .

I'm actually surprised I managed any pottery painting that afternoon since I was so giddy with excitement!

Here it is the 1932 beauty that will soon become my side/ coffee table.

 

In the corner until we move house with temporary fabric feet to protect the floor.

Original manual.

 

The details . . . 

But wait there is more! This is not the first antique Singer sewing machine I own . . . . installment 2 to follow!

Childrens Books from Long Ago

One of my favourite books as a child was A Christmas Card by Paul Theroux. I remeber buying it WHSmiths with my Mum and we were looking getting the other one in the display called London Snow but the cover was damaged. It is only until know that I have got round to ordering it. Unfortunately it's out of print now but I have managed to get it very easily from Amazon.

                                                                                                   

 

Images courtesy of http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

This then got me thinking about other books I enjoyed as a child. Here are some of my favourites . . . do you remember any of these?

 

Found Here 

 

 here 

 

 here 

 and here 

Lastly the illustrations by Jill Barklem in the Brambly Hedge series are amazing, so much detail and imagination. Beautiful!

 

 From Here

What are your favourite children's books?

The Tutu on NYE

Finally I get round to writing a blog post . . .

 

It's only one photo - more were taken but they weren't the most flattering . . . A while ago I tweeted and  facebooked about ordering a net petticoat/crinoline. I actually got it from amazon in the fancy dress section and it is huge! However this thick wool skirt manages to tame it down. So here you are, finally it's been worn on New Years Eve. The other thing worth getting excited about is the flower in my hair. It's from Forever 21 and cost me a fiver. It's perfect because it's on an Alice band so it stays put all night - Even when playing Twister. Yes I played Twister in a full net tutu . . . .

I Hope you all had a great New Years Eve and wishing everyone much happiness in 2011!

Giraffe Bracelet

A couple of snaps from my iphone of my new giraffe bracelet from Forever 21. The first Forever 21 shop has opened in England at it happens to be in Birmingham. They seem to have some good stuff, although I find the three floors quite overwhelming.

I was in two minds (no pun intented for the two headed bangle ; )) whether to buy this but I was completely drawn to it . . . perhaps because I already own something similar shown here .

Le Tourbillon de la Vie

A little something for the weekend. I'm going to Leicester to see my family and make chutney. I hope you have a nice weekend whatever you've planned. x

I Have News

I really must do some outfit posts . . .but between the darker evenings and uni work it is quite tricky to get dressed up and find someone to take the pics. However I do have news . . . I have bought a ukulele. Seriously after taking up a new hobby of photography do I need anymore ways of putting off doing my research project?

Anyway this is a little something I came across when looking for this. She goes under the name of Scampi and has a facebook fan page. Pretty cool.



When I get that good I will show you, promise!

Mike Oldfield - In Dulci Jubilo

You're probably going to hate me for this but I promise it's a one off until December (or late November . . .). Every year my group of friends and I go out for a Christmas dinner and this evening my housemate has been organising the invitations and I've been picking my three courses. This has resulted in an overly festive feeling and I had to share one of my favourite carols in my favourite version. Apologies in advance and feel free to be bah humbug etc . . . 

Come on who doesn't love a bit of recorder and electric guitar? ; )

Staying on subject, I really want to do a post about Christmas Jumpers (think Scandinavian knits) do you have one and care to share it? I know you do. Don't be shy email it to me at magpiesneststyle@gmail.com

I will of course be showing mine . . .