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Thursday, June 20, 2013

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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19 comments:

  1. I am in love with your lion! Years ago I found a concrete angel (cherub) and I loved her the moment I saw her. She stands on my dining room table. So beautiful.
    Thanks, Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

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  2. Hi J,
    All so so pretty in pink today:-) I love aprons too, and your newest are as pretty as can be. the rosebud pocket, darling! The Peonies... Ahhh!! I am guessing Sarah Bernheardt? stunning and so softly colored!
    Hugs,
    B

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  3. Such a pretty post, Jacqueline...LOVE your sleeping lion...I would be attached, too!

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  4. Sweet little aprons. I remember a time when any decent housewife would wear an apron over her dress while cooking and cleaning.

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  5. You know Jacqueline,the pretty non practical aprons were used to wear when serving tea to guests,so I read many years ago. In other words the apron for best. They are lovely finds. x

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  6. Love the lion- what a neat treasure! The aprons are sweet. The one with the non matching ties makes you wonder! Was she being creative or economical? I bet it's cute tied together. I know one thing- organza is not all that fun to sew. Those look so clean and the prints look vibrant! Nice finds!

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  7. Lovely! I just purchased 8 vintage aprons on Craigslist. They are made out of the lighter-weight cotton than is used today. So pretty...

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  8. What beautiful aprons and peonies! My peonies didn't produce a single blossom this year. Have any idea what I'm doing or not doing that would cause that? (What I'm doing is nothing, so it might be that I need to add something to the soil?)

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  9. Your pink vintage treasures and peonies are so pretty!!
    Those aprons are so fresh and sweet, perfect for summer!
    Mary Alice

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  10. The peonies are gorgeous. Love the aprons, too. So pretty in pink they all are.

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  11. I love your vintage aprons. I can never seem to pass any up and these are wonderful. Thanks for the tip on the peonies. Never would have though of that.
    Hugs,
    Laura

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  12. So so pretty. I just adore these aprons!

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  13. just the yummiest post..pinks ,flowers and apron(:)
    hugsp

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  14. Your aprons are so delicate and lovely. I love the fabrics. I also love your peonies. They are just spectacular.

    Have a wonderful Sunday.


    Janet
    rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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  15. Hello Jaqueline..
    You really have such a knack for beautiful posts.
    great photos of your lovely aprons..and your vases..i love the old lion.
    I think you might know i have had some problems with blogging.. but i am trying to get back again
    valrosa59blogspot.com
    vals alentejo.
    and also bloglovin..
    wishingyou a very happy day.

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  16. I am sorry this has taken so long but things have been very hectic, via my blog, I am trying to get caught but it is a slow process right now.

    I just love the aprons. You are right the pockets on that one are so charming. The peonies look so good. I read that tip too and plan on using it in our new home next spring when we start planting.

    Cynthia

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  17. I am besotted with lions, Jacqueline and I love the little recumbent beast you found. He certainly does look well loved and has found a wonderful home with you. (I can picture him with a small ring of pine or boxwood draped over his neck at the holidays.) Oh, and those aprons are so special... I haven't thought about polished cotton in years! And I agree with you about pockets. For me, no clothing -- indoor, outdoor, night or day time -- is complete without a pocket!

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  18. Hi, Jacq! I am delighted with your blog! I love decor and vintage items, handmade pieces, the beautiful crochet work, congratulations! Kisses from Brazil!

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