~Baby Shower & Cardigan~

Today I went to a Baby Shower; my first one - I didn't know what to expect but it was lovely.  It was a vintage afternoon tea, with some added 'guess the baby' photo games and opening of gifts. and was hosted by some friends for their sister/daughter whose baby is due on 21st April.   I thought it was very much an American tradition we had adopted, but reading about it on the tinterweb, it appears that worldwide we have always had these kind of events in every culture, though they may evolve and change over time.  In the late 19th Century apparently Victorians held afternoon tea parties for expectant mothers - I didn't know that!
I made the Puerperium cardigan (newborn - 6 weeks) which is a free Ravelry pattern I read about last year on Country Rose blog here

I made the short sleeved version (as I ran out of time!) but you can do a long straight or tapered sleeve.  It's knitted top down in one piece with sleeves knitted last 'in the round' which I did on my preferred 2 bendy pins. I have to be honest and say I didn't enjoy it at first -  faffing about with stitch markers, but actually it'll be lots easier next time as you can see where to increase and don't really need the markers past a certain point.
It only took less than 3 25gram balls of Yorkshire-spun Erika Knight British Blue Wool in 'Milk' (appropriate eh?)
I bought mine from Wool & Buttons see here  £3.95 for 25g.  After washing and blocking you can see the lustre of the wool, it's really soft like mohair.

I've already started another version in pink and I'm much quicker this time round!

~Charity shop finds~

I'm just having a sort out and photographing some things to put on eBay - which makes me think I must get with it and upgrade to a decent phone to take my photos with, as my digital camera is on it's unreliable last legs. I though I'd share a couple of bits I've found lately from charity shops.  I've not been looking in very many in recent weeks as I am trying to simplify my life.  Therefore it follows I must sell some things - the 'one in one out' principle at least!
This lovely pink glass vase was £1.50 from a charity shop in Hornsea

I'm loving the pink china and glass thing at the minute.  I do have some Grindley Petalware cups and saucers already, and I spotted this gorgeous art deco shape Wedgewood Blush Rose jug for £3.50 again in Hornsea

...and finally, this pair of glass candlesticks for £2.75 in Selby British Heart Foundation in Selby

I needed a new pair as I broke one of my others trying to clean candle wax off it.
Have a lovely weekend x

~Judy's Vintage Digest~

If you get a chance, please have a look at Issue 2 of the fab online read 'Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair Vintage Digest' here, or click on the link in my sidebar. So happy to have my little blog on Page 33, as the chosen blog for York on the Vintage Bloggers Map...

I was contacted back in January by the very talented group of final year students from the University of Huddersfield working with Judy's to produce the vintage digest for their final year project.  As I'm sure you know, Judy's Affordable Vintage Fairs are held up and down the UK see Judy's website for upcoming events.  
I'm impressed with the content - it's far more informative and well-written than many other vintage magazines I've read.  I love the layout, graphics and I'm smitten by the paper-scrunching sound when you turn the online pages...
I love the article on vintage afternoon teas and also about Glass Onions vintage wholesalers in Barnsley.
The next Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair Leeds date is 22nd March at The Corn Exchange 10.30 - 6pm and the next York date is 23rd March at The Hospitium, Museum Gardens 10.30 - 4.30 (see you there York vintage lovers).