Any Old Thursday…

Me with my first find (Steve’s old leather jacket), Steve with his Jones Sewing machine and reference prints.

Steve and I took this past Thursday off for a change and used the lovely winter sunshine as an excuse to mooch around Spitalfields Market. I figured it’s always fun if not a bit hit and miss. I started the day right by rummaging in the back of Steve’s closet and scoring this leather jacket for free! It’s fine, he doesn’t wear it anymore anyway…er. Bit of breakfast then onto the market.

Crowning glory – soon to be made into pillows

The first thing I found was this regal bit of crown printed fabric. I talked the girl down to £4 and am well pleased with both the amount I have to play with and the Westwood style repeating motif. I’m going to pick up a couple of pillow forms this week and make throw pillows out of it. Not sure what I’ll do with the rest yet.

Jones Family C.S. Machine manufactured around 1914

Steve’s big find for the day was this beautiful, but in need of a clean up, Jones Family Sewing Machine. He’s always wanted one and at £30 this was a steal especially as it’s in working condition! He bought it purely for aesthetic purposes due to the incredible painted decals but a little research also turned up a few neat facts. Brothers John and William Jones started Jones Family Sewing Machines around 1860 and it still survives today under a name most sewers recognize: Brother Sewing Machines. This particular model, dated around 1914, has ‘As supplied to Her Majesty Queen Alexandra’ on the shoulder decal. The story is that the Princess of Wales used to sew on one of Jones’ machines and was so impressed with it she sent a testimonial to the brothers praising the machine’s reliability and quality. They, it appears, were equally impressed with her, putting her name on this machine.

Sweet Sounds – songs to fall in love with 

I have always had a soft spot for musicals thanks to my grandmother, and in turn the sheet music from the same era. Sadly I can not read music but I sure appreciate the dreamy covers. I always stop into a little shop on Church Street to admire the framed ones they have for sale but these are more my price range at £5 for three. Amazingly I almost missed the ‘You Were Never Lovelier’ one!! Steve’s sharp eye caught it and I’m beyond thrilled. It’s been a favourite for ages and of course the name behind this blog. 

Tropical birds and human anatomy

The market is always full of old prints. Before cameras carefully made drawings were the only way to share knowledge of new species of plant and animals as well as the growing understanding of how our own bodies worked. Now they are collectible as wall art or in Steve’s case reference for his artwork.

Not a bad take for an afternoon hun?

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