Thursday 11 November 2021

A Little Bird Told Me

February 2020, toothache, temporary filling, a crown would be needed [NHS cost £300]so I decided that proceeds from my Etsy Sales would now go to my Tooth Fund. I reluctantly realised I needed to downsize my collection of vintage table linens and put much of it up for sale. The Pandemic arrived in March, but in the following twelve months I raised the money. Then we moved in April - to discover the shortage of dentists [NHS and private] in East Anglia, and the realisation that if I ever did get a crown, it would be from a private practice and cost about £3000! I need another £2000+

I only a have a few tablecloths left, and most have damaged edges, holes or stains. They will not sell as they are. So I came up with an idea - why not cut the good bits of fabric out and make something with them? 

I have made some "Oiseaux des fêtes"

Here's their story...

"For centuries, people have celebrated by sharing meals together – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas… Family and friends would gather to share food and love. Traditionally a special cloth was spread across the table, usually white, often trimmed with lace or embroidery. 

When it became old, stained or torn, it was replaced – and the old cloths were often discarded. 

These little oiseaux des fêtes [birds of the feasts] have been handmade using the salvaged parts of the fabric, where possible incorporating original stitching and trimmings, together with fresh embroidery and beading. 

The birds serve as a reminder to us of those happy times, and of our nearest and dearest who are far away.

Each bird is unique, decorated on both sides, with a ribbon hanging loop.

Every bird comes in a voile gift bag, along with an explanatory tag telling the story."

I have advertised them in my Etsy Shop this week. I have no idea whether or not they will sell. But I have really enjoyed making them.

I'm hoping people will send them to family members who they will be unable to visit this Christmas.

I have only made eighteen so far. Maybe if sales take off, I shall make a lot more.  There is plenty of fabric available. [My Etsy shop is here. This is shameless advertising!]

"Oiseaux des fêtes"





19 comments:

  1. They look lovely! Can I ask also where you got your display "tree"? I could use one of those!

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    1. It came from IKEA years ago. It gets used for all sorts of displays and things (and helpfully comes apart to pack flat)

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  2. How lovely and what a lovely story to go with them. I wish your tooth fund well, perhaps you could make some 'tooth fairies' next with tiny bits of fabric and lace. It would be very appropriate.

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  3. I recently had a crown fitted at our local private dental practice. It necessitated 3 visits. The cost was £539.


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    1. That's really encouraging. Where do you live? Maybe with my bus pass and seniors Railcard, it would be cheaper to register with your dentist and travel to her practice!!

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  4. Beautiful, perfect for a little additional present. I'd like blue birds please.

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  5. I live on the outskirts of Leeds. A bit far for you perhaps? Utterly appalled at what you are being quoted and thankful that I no longer live in Norfolk!!

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  6. These are exquisite and I hope they will raise much money for your tooth fund. I've seen saved textiles used for lavender bags but the birds are really sweet and novel.

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    1. Thank you. People have been very kind and a few of my blog friends have already ordered some this morning.

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  7. What a clever idea. Tooth fairies would be so appropriate too.

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  8. Those are very cute, Angela. With Christmas approaching, maybe you can make a few stockings, too, in addition to the birds and tooth fairies. I do hope that you will be able to get your crown soon, though! Good luck!

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  9. Thank you all for your kind words [and especially thank you to those who have placed orders!]

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  10. Sob, you've sold out! Do hope you'll be able to make soon more soon, they're beautiful x

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    1. Dear Unknown - there will be more birds flying in on Monday!

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  11. I received mine today. It is really pretty. Thank you very much.
    Pam

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