Tuesday 29 September 2009

FAIR DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Just thought I'd give you a list of the fairs that Rag Rescue and Oddities Antiques will be visiting over the next week or so.

Why not treat yourself to a day out and come and see me and have a chat.

October 2nd, 3rd, 4th


Stafford Bingley Hall - Bowmans Antiques Fair.
You wll find Rag Rescue on the balcony on the right of this photo.
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October 6th 7th


Lincolnshire Antiques and Home Show
shopping arcade 2
See the previous post for more details.
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October 8th 9th
Sir George Stephenson Building Furniture pitch 38

If you can't make it, don't worry

 All orders will be posted on 12th October after I return home.


Monday 28 September 2009

LINCOLNSHIRE ANTIQUES AND HOME SHOW - WHERE TO FIND RAG RESCUE


There are two large buildings on the Lincolnshire showground, the Epic Centre which is new and the Exhibition Centre. Between them are two rows of shopping arcades. On this plan you will find me in Shopping arcade 2 the second one on the left close to the Epic Centre.
I hope you can come and visit us to see our array of vintage fabrics and trims and antique items.
6th /7th October.


Don't forget that today is the last day for fast postage of orders. All orders placed after midnight tonight will be be wrapped on my return and posted on October 12th.
If you see something you like on the site whilst I am away, then secure it by placing an order then it won't get snapped up at the fairs.
You can always pay when I return by selecting 'bank transfer' or 'cheque' when at the checkout and I will send a paypal payment request to you on my return.

The RAG RESCUE site will remain open

Now I'm off to continue packing and attack the mountains of ironing, 9 days is a long time to be away especially when you don't know what the weather is going to be like.

Saturday 26 September 2009

ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAINING FOR FAST POSTAGE


Morecambe Bay

Only a few days left before I have to leave this behind and go on my travels.

Although the RAG RESCUE WEBSITE  remains open for orders

PLEASE NOTE THAT
 
ALL ORDERS PLACED AFTER MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER WILL NOT BE DISPATCHED UNTIL 12TH OCTOBER WHEN I RETURN.

On my return I will get back to posting orders immediately.

Friday 25 September 2009

A different kind of auction.

If you have managed to look at my blog or indeed sent me a cheque for an order you will see that our main business is called 'Oddities Antiques' and that 'Rag Rescue' is just one arm of it although they often combine especially as I am the buyer and tend to look for textiles first and antiques second - oops!. Last week we went to an auction that we had never been to before as it was a bygones and farm auction. I must say it was a brilliant day out. It was like going to a farming museum, huge old ploughs, pitch forks and spades, in fact everything that was to be found on a Victorian farm. It was wonderful not to see rows and rows of ceramics which is what we normally find at the auctions these days. Don't get me wrong, I love old ceramics, in fact I used to restore them until the chemicals and the hours and days of sanding down damaged my neck. Unfortunately there is a huge amount of ceramics out there at the moment and it isn't selling very well unless it the top end.

So back to the farm sale. Imagine, stand in a very cold concrete floored barn  and standing for 6 hours just waiting for your lots to turn up. Great folk there though, mostly farmers, many with there dogs, all in working clothes and wellies and only a hand full of dealers. We even were approached by a farmer to view his bygones at his farm, must have been because we were new faces, must remember to get in touch. The amazing thing was that amongst all of the farm equipment was lots of wood, old beams, hundreds of years old and can you imagine, they went for £5.00, we couldn't believe it. There were also some oak panels, one huge long one and five smaller ones and together they went for £5.00 as well. My advice to anyone who is restoring a house is to get along to these farm auctions that are scattered around the country.

We didn't buy many of the farming implements although husband was set on buying a huge old peat cutting spade which I managed to win. It is so heavy I can't even lift it, but that is why he comes to the fairs to do all of the heavy work, bless him.We concentrated on the 'bygones' and I must say we did rather well.
Now this is where the businesses combine. I got carried away with my textile hat and bought this. ..........


It is seen here after being cleaned and cursed about for absolutely hours. The brass has been cleaned suffuciently to make it shine but not too much to reduce the patina. It stands on my old chest because if it was put on the floor we would never pick it up again, it is so heavy. What a beautiful piece and what a find.
But what is it you ask. It is a yarn tester from the mills of Lanacashire for testing the strength of the cotton or any yarn really. A small but important part of the manufacturing process involves making certain the yarn is strong enough, particularly for the warp, apparently.
I think it would make such a good centre piece in a house and such a talking point. People can even play with it, for when the wheel is turned the mechanism begins to move the pointer on the dial and the bar on the lower left moves along.

Fingers crossed we sell it in the next few weeks. Needless to say it won't be going to Stafford Bingley Hall Fair with us next week as we are on the balcony and I don't think that hubby would enjoy carrying it up two flights of stairs and nor would his back.
I keep you informed as to whether we sell it or not.
First stop next week - 2nd, 3rd and 4th October

The we FOLLOW THE SWALLOW TO
LINCOLN (NOT SWINDERBY)



Thursday 24 September 2009

LAST SEPTEMBER WEBSITE UPDATES - VINTAGE SQUARES



Tomorrow will be the last update of the Rag Rescue website in September.
There are now over 1200 items on the site so plenty to browse through.

Next week I start on the marathon long run of nine days of fairs. I leave home next Wednesday to stay with mum overnight, unload some stock and then travel back north to Stafford to exhibit at Bingley Hall. I leave Stafford on Sunday evening and then travel east to Lincoln for the new Swallow fair (ex Swinderby, not to be confused with the IACF Swinderby) I stay there until Wednesday and then on to Newark on Thursday for two days. Fortunately for me this run of 9 days only happens once a year, thank goodness.

Rag Rescue website will remain open and I will still be taking orders via my laptop. It worked well last time and  many of my website customers visited me at the fairs, which was great to meet everyone in the flesh so to speak.

Do come along if you possibly can. I take most items with me that are on the site apart from the larger fabrics, which I don't have space for, but there will be lots more haberdashery and trims to see.

I will continue to write new posts on this blog until Monday and keep you all updated with what I'm doing, apart from catching up on my sleep, but also giving details of where you will be able to find me at the fairs and order details whilst I'm away.

Wednesday 23 September 2009

VINTAGE FABRIC SQUARES FOR ALL YOUR CRAFTING NEEDS



Listing at

RAG RESCUE

tomorrow.

I'd just like to tell you that I made another blunder, as the square centre bottom was listed today by mistake. Today you can see it in the 'new listings' category but tomorrow it will be found in the 'sizes 6" 'category.

Ooops!

Tuesday 22 September 2009

VINTAGE FABRIC SCRAPBAGS - DAY 2







These are the last listing of scrapbags until mid October.

It might be an idea to order them now as I have three fairs coming up and when they are gone,I won't have time to make any more until next month.


Thank to everyone who has emailed me to wish me a Happy Birthday. I'm looking forward to this evenings celebrations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND FINALLY NEW ITEMS ARE LISTED.


My wonderful website technician has sorted out the problem which apparently was of my own doing...oops!

All new listings are now on the website


So now I can carry on with the days celebrations, well work actually but the celebrations will come along this evening.

Monday 21 September 2009

VINTAGE FABRICS - AUTUMNAL FLOWERS AND ANIMALS




These fabrics came from a 1940's curtain that was damaged along the edges and faded in parts. I managed to save many of these wonderful flowers and animals. Don't you just love the animals? I think the reindeer is my favourite what with Christmas looming on the horizon.
All being listed on the RAG RESCUE website tomorrow morning. It is a good job that my new listings go online automatically as I wouldn't have liked to get up at 7am tomorrow morning as it is my birthday, but I'm not sure if I really want to be another year older. Still they say that you are only as old as you feel.

If you are looking for a great day out on either the either 6th or 7th October then


TO THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND FOR THE
ANTIQUES AND HOME SHOW




WE WILL BE THERE.

Saturday 19 September 2009

VINTAGE FABRICS IN ABUNDANCE AT RAG RESCUE NEXT WEEK



This picture I hope will wet your appetites for next weeks glorious array of vintage fabrics which will be listed on a daily basis next week.

This week will be the last updates on the site until mid October as the fairs are looming.


Listing begin on Monday 21st September at every day at 7am BST


Thursday 17 September 2009

Red coloured vintage fabrics

These wonderful vintage fabrics will be listed tomorrow morning at 7am BST.
Ideal for all of your Christmas crafts.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

VINTAGE FABRICS - DAY 2

Beautiful vintage fabric squares and strip rolls being added to the website tomorrow Thursday 17th September at 7am BST

Tuesday 15 September 2009

VICTORIAN FABRICS

Tomorrow is the 1st day of 8 days of listing vintage fabrics.
All of these Victorian fabrics have been painstakingly taken from damaged Victorian quilts. They have been tested for their strength and all are in good condition, ready to use in your crafts or designs.
FOLLOW THE SWALLOW 
TO THE LINCOLNSHIRE ANTIQUE AND HOME SHOW ON THE 
6TH AND 7TH OCTOBER.
RAG RESCUE WILL BE THERE

Monday 14 September 2009

VINTAGE BUTTONS AND BITS AND BOBS


 
I couldn't resit putting on these wonderful antique button sets, pictures and bits and bobs before I start 8 days of listing more vintage fabrics.
Don't you just love the little gloves, they are so very tiny, you can't imagine that from a photograph. They are actually tradesmen's samples.
All will be listed tomorrow morning, so don't forget to check out the 'New Listing' part of the site from 7am onwards.

Sunday 13 September 2009

VINTAGE BEADWORK.

 
Lots of lovely old beadwork fringing. It can be used as a whole or in small pieces to add as embellishments to garments, cushions, cards etc.

A taster of listings on Rag Rescue this week.

Just thought you might like to see a sample of what is coming up this week.
Listing starts tomorrow at 7am and every day this week.

Saturday 12 September 2009

Preparing the listing of loads of fabrics all day

 
I just love stripping the fabrics from damaged old quilts so that they can be used again. Don't you just love the subtle colours.
My hubby tells me it was very hot outside whilst he was stripping down a huge old school blackboard easel. I hadn't noticed as I haven't stepped out of the door today. I have prepared all the listings for next week and the following Monday. So only 4 more days to do and I hope to have time tomorrow to go out in the sunshine. Perhaps I'll have a little walk along the beach, my favourite quiet beach where you walk down a tree lined lane past the horses and cows in the field and come to the salt marshes where often the sheep are grazing. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain.
I'll be back here tomorrow with the first of the listing previews - lots of beaded pieces.

Friday 11 September 2009

A DAY SPENT CUTTING VINTAGE FABRICS

What a busy day I've had. I got out lots of new fabric that I had recently acquired and spent a lovely day sorting through it, finding the damage and cutting it into squares, scrap bags and strip rolls.
There were 80 different squares to photograph with many having duplicates,  lots of scrapbags, some Victorian fabric pieces from old quilts etc. etc. All in all, I had to get the photo's ready for the site about 180 in total. Well that's ready now and all I have to do is start listing tomorrow on my admin ready for them to be listed over the next two weeks.
Keep an eye on this blog over the next few weeks as there are some wonderful pieces coming up. We start on Monday with those pieces of beadwork I promised a fews ago.
Well I'm off for a stiff drink now, I think I deserve it.
By the way as more and more postal strikes seem to be happening across the country, please let me know if you haven't received your orders in a reasonable time. So far so good, none have arrived late, so fingers crossed.
Listing start again on Monday so while you have a few days free from work why not have a good search around the site.

Thursday 10 September 2009

HABERDASHERY WEEK - DAY 5

Well it is the last day of threads tomorrow.
 
There will be 16 different coloured embroidery yarns made by Pearsall's. All except one are pre 1924 as thye have abels which read 'Wood |Pulp yarn'


In 1910 a new fibre was  manufactured  from regenerating wood pulp. It was not until 1924 that this new fibre was called rayon.Afer 1924 all yarns were labelled 'RAYON'



An embroidery yarn which has smoothness and sheen so typical of rayon thread.
 
 
 



Wednesday 9 September 2009

HABERDASHERY DAY 4 - USEFUL SEWING TOOLS

 
These useful items will be listed tomorrow Thursday 10th September.
A sewing kit, pinwheel, two folding button-hooks, a ladies mother of pearl handled button hook, a ladies buttoner for fastening tiny buttons on silk fabric, a gentelmans buttoner and the SOooo.. useful needlework book by Theresa Dillmont.
RAG RESCUE NOW ON FACEBOOK
and meet other people would enjoy Rag Rescue

Tuesday 8 September 2009

HABERDASHERY WEEK - DAY 3

 
These sewing threads are so popular. They pre-date 1960's and are on wooden bobbins.
Good strong thread and great colours.
Listed tomorrow Wednesday 9th day of the 9th month 2009
at 7am

HABERDASHERY WEEK - DAY 2

I'm afraid this post is rather late, my apologies to you all. I had a bad migraine yesterday evening and couldn't see the computer let alone type. Still I awoke early this morning and my vision was clear and no headache and feel really well.
 
These boxes of DMC threads were a real find. They are not only unused but still have their waxed wrapper on.These are the only colours I have but great for a collection or of course for your sewing or embroidery projects. Made in France.
These are due to be listed in about 20 minutes time.

Sunday 6 September 2009

HABERDASHERY WEEK - DAY 1

I have managed to acquire some wonderful old embroidery threads which are no longer in production.
The "espen-d'or rope embroidery threads" I am listing tomorrow, I have had before but it has taken me a year to find them again. These threads are getting very rare as most of them were thrown out when houses were cleared. I hope you can recycle them in to your projects.
 
 

Thursday 3 September 2009

RECYCLE LACE, IDENTIFY LACE, MAKE LACE - LACE WEEK - DAY 5

RECYCLE LACE - Lots of lace on the site with new pieces that have been added every day this week.
IDENTIFY LACE -Learn to identify lace and see how it is made by using one of the thread magnifyers being listed on the site. Can be used for linen and cotton threads in fabric.
MAKE LACE - Collect lace bobbins and teach yourself how to make lace. A wonderful embroidery book is coming up next week with details on making lace.
Or just collect the lace bobbins. The ones you can see in the picture are antique turned wooden ones with the original spangle beads.
Use the bobbins in your hat designs, really unusual and eye catching.
Or  - have a go at tambour lace with the wonderful old tambour hook available. Great rose design.

All being added onto the site tomorrow Friday 4th September at 7am BST