TERRIFIC TWINWOOD........

Now I don't want to shout it out too loud but yesterday was my birthday.....A HUGE birthday, and had it not been for two things I might have been a bit depressed. First there were the wonderful cards, presents, flowers and well wishes of my family and friends, rounded off by the most scrumptious impromptu party (in the sunshine) and secondly I felt a real spring chicken after watching 'Fabulous Fashionistas', a program about 6 women with an average age of 80 who completely destroyed any preconceived ideas you might have had about growing old........

However on our little jaunt (was it really 4 weeks ago) to the Twinwood Festival I didn't feel quite so young watching the incredible dancing talent on show! Jitterbug, Charleston, Jive my word did those guys and gals go!

The tickets were bought for us as a Christmas present by our DD and her family and at the time it seemed so far away, but my how those months galloped by and especially the last one when we were still trying to find what to wear.

I love vintage especially the 1940s and 50s, but would never pretend that I could always tell real vintage clothing or accessories. Of course we do have the Internet now and that's where I went for my inspiration. DH was lucky to have a genuine 1940s double breasted suit which I had found in a charity shop some time ago, and a genuine trilby and braces. so his outfit just needed the finishing touches. However for myself and my SIL it was just a case of trawling through books and Internet images and hoping that we would achieve a reasonable look, without it costing us a small fortune.
In the end I made a dress from an authentic 1940s pattern, and even made a hat from a 1940s pamphlet!. I didn't wear the hat however as it was made from felt and the weather forecast was not good, but it will keep.

Well I am chuffed to say that our menfolk must have cut the mustard as they were photographed several times and are now on the Simply Twinwood facebook site and all four of us were captured by a lady for her job, where she helped the elderly by taking photographs at vintage festivals and getting them to reminisce about their past experiences.

The weekend started very badly weather wise with some torrential rain on the Saturday, but our tickets were for Sunday and a rather misty and miserable morning soon gave way to the most glorious hot and sunny day, and though I am sure we would still have enjoyed the event there is no denying that being able to lounge on the grass listening to the big band sound, the incredible singing acts and watch the amazing dancing really made the day. A doubledecker bus took us from the car parks to the arenas and was the perfect start to a perfect day.

There were fabulous vintage stalls, a veritable fashion parade of different costumes, vintage cars, superb music and plenty of places to eat and drink.

As a teenager of the sixties you would think music festivals would be old hat, but I confess this is the first I have ever been to and I was a bit nervous, however the whole thing was just so brilliantly managed and the atmosphere so friendly I am already planning my outfit for when we go again!!.......

So if you haven't been and want a great vintage music filled day out I can certainly recommend it.

Have a great week

TTFN

                                                                           Jenny xx  

THOUGH WE'VE GOT TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE SUMMER...

OK sorry to mess with the words of a brilliant song, but we have haven't we. Autumn a season I love is already upon us, but for once we have had a summer worth remembering.......

So what did you do for the summer

How did you fill up your days

Did you get bored as the days turned to weeks

Or fill them in all kinds of ways..

We did, we had an adventure

We climbed trees and played in the park

We picnicked inside as the rain tumbled down

Pretending the bed was our Ark

We baked cakes, played board games and giggled (lots)
Made erupting volcanoes on trays
And now that its gone we've the pictures
To remind us of fun summer days........

And so you see although I have certainly taken a vacation from blogging, it has had nothing to do with having nothing to share with you. In fact I am bursting at the seams (not a pretty sight) with all I have to tell, (think bedroom makeover complete....... well virtually ...and fantastic visit to the Twinwood Festival) and well you will see that I will be back very shortly to share these with you.....as well as jam making....chutney making...Autumn wardrobe additions.....and dare I say it ....a tutorial for a Christmas banner....I did whisper ....honest...

Have a lovely week, embrace the changing season, at least we are having some this year!

TTFN

Jenny xx