Homeward bound

I wonder if anyone remembers this curtain fabric from the 1980s? The name is 'Clover' and my daughter had it in her bedroom when she was very small. She had wallpaper that matched and I papered not only the bedroom walls but also the wardrobe doors. It was all very girlie and pretty. My daughter has her own house now and is currently moving to a larger one and has decided that her old curtains would look just right in her new bedroom. So out of storage they came and yours truly has spent the last few days relining and altering them to fit the new window.

 

The wardrobe that I covered in matching paper all those years ago is now in my sewing room and holds my ever growing stash of fabric. The inside of each door is covered with another pattern from the 1980s which daughter loved to bits. Recognisable to many of you I'm sure is 'Strawberry Shortcake and Friends'.

 

 

My daughter's new house is larger than her current one so she'll be able to accommodate more of her possessions, especially books. She's always loved and collected books and the enormous bookcase in her old bedroom is full to overflowing.

 

I've selected a few favourites which bring back fond memories.

 

 

 

Not only does daughter have the books she also has all the figures and associated buildings etc.

 

Little Miss and Mr Men books (and TV programmes) are still popular with children several decades after they first put in an appearance.

 

 

Dick Bruna books are still loved

 

 

I'm sure the beautifully detailed Brambly Hedge illustrations will live forever. Daughter owns all the books and I have the matching china!

 

 

The Jolly Postman stories by Janet and Allan Ahlberg were huge favourites. Each book contains a series of envelopes with a card or letter inside that relates to the story. Absolutely wonderful.

 

 

Storybook life can seem more appealing than the daily goings on in real life don't you think. The Flutterby Patch playroom can provide such a life at times and you'll often find me having a few friendly words with my knitted dolls and bunnies. My daughter has retained her love of childhood playthings and also sells toy patterns. Her little knitted family has been living with my 'gang' since before Christmas (keeping well away from the mess of bathroom replacement and house decorating that has been going on at the new house). With so many inhabitants our playroom has been quite chaotic at times but great fun for all concerned.

 

But today has been a time of 'goodbyes'.

 

 

Lucy gives a final hug and kiss to her little white bunny friend.

 

 

Kate reassures this little panda that they'll meet again very soon.

 

 

 

Polly shares a few last minute secrets with her pig and kitten playmates.

 

And Lulu escorts two friends to the box boat that will carry them to their new home.

 

 

Getting into the box boat was great fun especially as the pirates insisted on climbing up a knotted rope.

 

 

Eventually everyone managed to squeeze on board and the voyage to the toys' new home could begin.

 

In typical storybook fashion Lucy and Polly stood on the quayside and waved a fond farewell with white cotton handkerchiefs.

 

  

Keep smiling girls, spring is just around the corner and there will be plenty of sunny days ahead and perhaps a trip to the 'new house' to visit old friends. Now won't that be fun!

 

The toys in the box boat are made from patterns sold from my daughter's 'Toyshelf' Etsy shop.