Restoration Project Part 3- Bleaching Silk

So I have had one busy day, I really wish some parents remembered that zoo keepers are there to look after animals not children but it was a crazy day with animals being squeezed, trampled, stolen, chased, poked with sticks and even smuggled in. Never had both of us had such a bad day at work! I however couldnt resist getting my photos sorted for my blog post to show you how I have been going with my dress!

So after rinsing yet again in another soak and white vinegar (also great for removing suds) I still saw so many stains, so I thought sod it I will commit the ultimate sin, using bleach on silk! I tested an area on the hem with a cotton bud and came up perfect.

My scientific brain told me if I worked super quick then gave it a rinse in a bath full of a silk protein based conditioner it would be okay. Guess what? Nearly perfect! I will re cotton bud the remaining stains and give it another go but hardly any markings left, and still soft and beautiful. It needs an iron but will save that till totally stain free. So there we go, myth busted, I bleached silk.

1930s Wedding Dress-Nearly Restored!

So I have a few more items I have fully restored-my 30s taffeta dress was badly marked but seemed like a natural dye I soaked it ( in wool mix for about 6 hours) and although lightened the colour it evened out all the marks...

30s Taffeta Dress & 60s Cheerleader Sweater

..and the sweater I used good old oxygen stain spray (home brand!) and works a treat on polyester and acrylics!

So Many PRETTY SKIRTS!

Next up some great skirts I found, the first one is the best handmade skirt! It is from the 60s and some bohemian lady had crafted out of different squares of fabrics-some look quite 40s and it fastens with a metal zip. Next is a very chic Austin Reed pure silk golfing skirt, with really nice pocket detail at sides, and lastly a fantastic 80s one with cartoon horses and button up bustle piece at the back-so unusual!

70s Young Edwardian Dress and Diane Freis 80s Dress

Next is a 70s dress by Young Edwardian (American Biba inspired) with velvet trimmed matching belt, and a gorgeous boho Diane Freis flutter sleeve dress, and a nice little mod stripy dress (below)-cheaper than a cheap coffee!

70s Caramel Candy Stripe Dress

Victor Costa 80s/90s Linen Crop Jacket

I just love the super bright colours in this, bought it for $2 in a crumpled mess but looks so nice all pressed!
Finally a cute little orange purse for 50 cents!

Check out everyones finds and play along over at Sophies and thanks for visiting and joining in the fun!

Vintage Logos for Je T'aime Vintage

Well its been a busy day as drove back from my holiday but when I got back I found my vintage printing blocks had arrived so made me motivated to do my finds for the week too. I thought they would be perfect for printing on my envelopes and labels. I was so pleased to find an Eiffel tower one too! So many, I cant choose a favourite-which is yours?

Vintage Letterpress Printing Blocks

Books of 1929-1941 Hollywood Portraits and Vintage Glamour Girl Book

A couple of amazing books I picked up, I wish I had all those classy outfits, I love the third swimsuit on the right!

Vintage Sewing Patterns 1940s-1960s

I totally scored with these $2 a piece vintage sewing patterns, 5 from the 40s, rest from 50s and some home journals from the early 60s!

Ecstasy Creations 1940s Lace Crepe Dolman Sleeve Dress

This dress was my favourite find! So beautiful, you can see how the bodice is cut on the second picture with 2 pieces hanging down and dolman sleeves, so flattering pretty and classic, totally perfect condition and well stored-the marks are from my grubby mirror and not on the dress! I am sure this is late 40s.

60s Floral Dress with 60s Coral Mod Swing Coat & 1940s Sage Pleated Dress

Isn't the coat just so groovy! I love the collar and big buttons, best statement mod piece for Spring and Autumn. Nice pleating all the way round so looks so pretty at the back! Works well with the floral 60s dress I found, and then another 40s piece in a delicate sage green colour and sharp knife pleats on skirt!

....and all the rest!

Very well fitted and flattering 70s ruffle sleeve maxi dress-sorry about the blurry pic, knew I should have taken more! Super bright Lisa Ho rose button shirt with 80s skirt, preppy pastel skirt /nautical knit with rhinestone studded embroidery & lapel jacket style buttons from David Jones and lastly a 50s dress I got stuck in for 20 minutes before giving up trying to get on!

90s Bijoux Denim Rose Jacket and 80s White Culottes

Really loving this little piece of 90s American denim paired with some awesome shorts-a total outfit for well under $10!

Hand Knitted Socks From Mum-My 'Special Tweet'!

...and last but by no means least my extra special tweet for when I arrives home, some socks hand knitted by my mum, and so warm and comfy, I am getting the most amazing hand knitted sock collection! Thanks Mum!

Well thats all I have time for right now, all my finds from before I left are still packed up ready to clean and sort so will have lots more things to show you next week! Hope you have all been having fun and cant wait to catch up on what everyone else has been discovering!

Thanks so much for visiting!

PS. Due to holiday wedding dress restoration continues next week!

St Patrick's Day Vintage Burlesque Costume

Yet again have been a lazy blogger-and the only reason I sort of got this in on time for St Patricks day is because I am on QLD time. First blog in a while as on holiday in Noosa and was working lots before had to get all my Easter goodies ready! Found some excellent pieces on holiday from the 40s-70s so cant wait to share them all when I get back but there is a nice pool and a sauna here so time better spent elsewhere!

However here is my little nod to St. Patricks Day, I dont think will be wearing this till I return home as a little too hot but its one of my favourite pieces!

Vintage 40s/50s MGM Irish Burlesque Costume

Really pretty layering under the bodice,and back does up with velcro, I guess for speedy costume changes! Not sure what film it was from due to verbal history-but did used to have a certificate with it (long gone) and labels would match what was told!

So Happy St Patricks Day and check out my finds either this weekend or next-depends how tired I am!