French fabrics - pink roses, peonies & birds

Our family had many holidays in France and for around 10 years had a holiday home there around the Pont Aven area. (Actually a large static mobile home but a holiday home sounds so much better!)

I bought some French fabrics (currently listed for auction on eBay) during one of those trips to France many years ago.

I have held onto them for a long time now trying to decide where to use them in my house but have finally decided to let them go. Two are curtains and could be used as such. Or could be used for crafts - blinds, cushions, upholstery etc.  The fabric has been stored for a long time and will need cleaning and there is a little sun fading to the edges, the linings are old and faded - but personally I like the tea-stain look of old textiles.  Very shabby chic, old French chateau!

This bird fabric is glorious - in fact, maybe I don't want to sell them after all!

And this one is a profusion of pink roses and purple flowers.

The latest auction purchases - Old Bleach to Paisley

Last week took me back to Yorkshire for the Vintage Costume, Textiles, Dolls and Teddy Bears sale.  I don't buy dolls - I hope the doll collectors out there forgive me if I say that I find old dolls a bit scarey.... I think it's the eyes that seem to follow you about and they often have a very self-satisfied smile on their faces. However, I was very glad that I am not a doll buyer as this sale had some very expensive ones....

This Jules Steiner doll  was estimated in the catalogue at £400 - £600 but actually sold for £4900.. when commission is added on that will be £5780!

These 19th Century Miniature Dolls were estimated at £120 - £180 but sold for £2100. 

This German wooden toy laundry set, including mangle, clothes stands, wooden buckets, in a pine box did appeal to me - I'm glad I have an automatic washing amchine to wash all my linens now however! I need it to wash all the white linens that I bought. Several unused linens with the original paper labels

I also bought a box with a number of Christening dresses and a beadwork and tapestry screen

And an antique paisley shawl and other shawls including the edging from a paisley shawl - perfect for crafts. 

And finally, two Durham quilts... one plain pink and the other a pink patchwork one