Vintage Summer

If you could feel the dry heat right outside of my door you would understand why I feel so lucky to have a few stems of these gorgeous pale pink peonies inside. They do not grow in this climate, and if they did it would be a big challenge for someone like me who loves a garden, but who doesn't garden, to produce any.

I took the advice of Michele at The Nest at Finch Rest, and am keeping them in the fridge overnight or when I am not at home. They are loving it! And I, of course, am loving them for a little longer! Thank you Michele!

I also thought I would share a couple of cheery vintage aprons that I found at one of my routine stops yesterday. The first is a faded pink cotton pique with a polished cotton rosebud chintz pocket for flair. So cottagey!

Don't you just love pretty pockets?

But before I show the second apron I want to show you a small painted cement garden figure of a sleeping lion that I also found at the same market.

The figure is only about eight inches in length. It's quite old, and very well done. Though it has taken a beating, it is amazingly soft to touch and rather finely rendered. I will keep it close by. Perhaps on a desk top.

I think it has long been treasured indoors, and I, myself, am already irrationally attached to it. It already feels like my personal lucky lion.

The second apron reminds me of my pink peonies. It was made by an excellent seamstress out of three different materials. The skirt and printed trim are two of the obvious ones. 

The third fabric is found at the waistband in a white organdy rather than the fine cotton of the rest of the piece.

The small details like the tiny ric rac so carefully applied, the pinked seams, and the scalloped hem, always enchant me when I find them in such a commonplace object. One that is actually designed for work, and protection.

But the most interesting aspect to me is that the two ties are also different on each side! One in white, and the other in the floral print. It's only a guess, but I imagine that the seamstress was economizing beautifully and originally with what was at hand. I only noticed the differences when I took the time to iron.

I love the enchantments of vintage objects.

 They sing their siren song to me, and I am taken in every time.

Or rather, they are taken in. . . .

I hope you're enjoying a vintage summer!

Happy weekending ahead!

Jacqueline 

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