Scotty Dogs

    

I love scotty dogs, or scottish terriers to be precise.  They are said to be extremely loyal, especially to one owner, and often stubborn – sounds just like me!  Although scotties have been in Australia since the 1800’s, for some reason they seem a perfect 50s dog. They look cute, and they are black (therefore chic), they’re a great size for suburban life, but they are not too delicate.  They are extremely photogenic, and pair nicely with the white highland terrier, and were often used in advertising in this way, as in this 50s ad for scotch whiskey.

  

They are used in many areas of design.  Here is a site with some great scotty collectables.

 

 

Some famous Scottie owners include: Humphrey Bogart (below left), Bette Davis, Julie Andrews, Liza Minellli, E.B. White, George W. Bush, Queen Victoria, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, Dorothy Lamour, Wallis Simpson , Eva Braun, and Shirley Temple (below right).

  

I do aim to own, or be owned by, a scottie one day.  I don’t think one would cope with my children at present, but maybe once they are older (or have left home!) and my little staffie (Staffordshire terrier) has left us.  For the present I will make do with my little collection – I have found the odd vintage scottie collectable in op shops, ebay and gift shops.

  

Vintage money box, small china model, cast iron model bought new in Melbourne recently.

If you love scottie dogs, Here is a free pattern for a 3D felt scottie dog.

Or if you live in England you may lie to apply adopt these three cuties. 

Find more about them and other scotttie dog info at this terrific English Blog - ScottishTerrier News.

Have a great 50s inspired day,Deb xxx

Self Stitched Challenge

 

I finally bought a new sewing machine, after my last one died a few years ago.  It’s an Elna and cost me $150 new.

Here is my first item – a little circle skirt for my youngest daughter.  I actually sewed the hem by hand, which took a while but the pattern itself was quite simple. You can view a video tutorial here

   

   

It has a simple elastic waist band and no side seams- great for twirling!

To commit to using my machine, and to get my monies worth,  I have joined the Self-stitched Sept 11 challenge.  It is for people who

“ wish to challenge themselves to wear their lovely handmade creations more than they currently tend to for the duration of September 2011. The signee decides the specifics of their own challenge, eg, what constitutes 'self-stitched', how many self-stitched garments they plan to wear each day, and so on. It is then up to them to try and stick to this throughout the month as best they can. It is not a competition, it doesn't matter if a participant isn't able to fulfil their pledge, life has a habit of getting in the way of good intentions!”

So -'I, Deb Clark (http://alittlebit50s.blogspot.com/), sign up as a participant of Self-Stitched-Sept '11. I endeavour to wear, or get one of my children wear a hand made or refashioned item each day for the duration of September 2011.'

I aim to take a photo each day as proof!

If you want to join, click on the ink here.

I have a few patterns and some fabric, so I’d better get sewing…………

Vintage Mix Masters

 

In my bid to be a glamorous 50s housewife, I have taken to making cakes.  I have come to the decision,like any good housewife of the time, that I need a mix master.

Now I could get a new one, or a slightly second hand one, but I am going to try and get a 1950s one.  How do you tell the difference between mix masters?

Sunbeam have been making mix masters since about the 1930s.   Here is an ad for a glamorous 1930s model (left), every brides dream wedding present, and one for a model from the 1940s – notice the curved handle.  It also had 10 speeds.

 

The first Sunbeam appliance to be made in Australia was the Mixmaster 9B, in 1948.

In 1957 the model 12 was released, and was the first Mixmaster to have twelve speeds.  Perfect for fluffing egg whites and whipping cream. Here is a copy of the booklet cover from 1957.

 

Models 11 and 12 were offered in yellow, turquoise, and pink, in addition to the standard white, and there were even a small number of chrome machines made in both model 10(left) and 12 (right).

  

I would love either of these! The model 12 continued until about 1967. For some reasons then the machines went with a different look and became boring and somewhat ugly (think Brady Bunch and Alice).  Thankfully the new machines introduced by Sunbeam Australia in 2002 have gone retro and look just as good as they did in the 40s and 50s.  They start at about $350 if you are interested.

 

I do LOVE red, so I think either one of these, preloved of course, or an original 50s white one. Originals start at about $40 on ebay, and up to about $300 for reconditioned ones, and postage is about $35.  I will keep you updated!

By the way, most of these photos are from the most amazing website on the history of the mix master called angelfire, which you can access here.