The Mannequin's Tale

When one has done no crafting, no thrifting and not been out all week the mannequin is a reliable standby. She doesn't have a name, I find it difficult to name something that doesn't have a head, so is simply referred to as The Mannequin (if I were pressed to name her, I think Delphine would be rather nice though).

The mannequin was a present from Mr. Bloom a couple of years ago. I think he bought it for some peace and quiet, since I never failed to point out to him whenever I saw one in a shop or magazine that I really, really wanted one. It wasn't my intention that Mr. Bloom should buy me one, I was just preparing him for the day when I lost my senses and spent a way too much money on a genuine vintage one.

We spotted this one and a wire one in a shop one day, of course I pointed them out saying how much I would like a mannequin. Mr. Bloom said he preferred this one to the wire one and I politely agreed, though I really preferred the wire one, little realizing the consequence of my casual reply.

In the weeks running up to Christmas there were secret phone calls and shopping trips which I wasn't allowed on. I knew it was to do with my present, but didn't have an inkling what it could be, despite trying my hardest to work it out, so on Christmas day it was a delightful surprise (it was collected at the last possible moment and hidden at my mum's house so I couldn't possibly find it).

Now she stands in the bedroom window, dressed up of course and I think she looks rather fine now.

As she already has a patterned body, this large piece of fringed lace was perfect just draped over her shoulders and tied around the waist. A pearl collar, some pink glass beads and a floral corsage as finishing touches.

Her 'hat' is actually an antique french lampshade cover. I have a pair of these, they didn't fit any of my lampshades, I'm not even sure what sort of lampshade they were intended for. They are so beautiful I couldn't not have them, I'm still trying to figure out a way of displaying the other one.

The mannequin has quite grown in my affections now, but there is a twist. After I had opened my present, Mr. Bloom told me that he'd had no end of trouble getting her. They weren't any in the shop when he went back so he'd had to order one. When she arrived he went to collect her to find they'd ordered the wire one but as he didn't think I'd like it as much he got them to send her back and get this one (aaargh!!!) There's a moral somewhere in this tale, but I've said too much already. If you should every bump into Mr. Bloom, please don't tell.

The mannequin shares the sunny window spot with dolly and bunny (now they could have names, but they don't) .

You've seen bunny before, but I didn't tell you she was 5p at a Car Boot Sale, can you believe that! Dolly was acquired a few years ago because of her sweet face and that mass of curly red hair. She did have fairy wings but they were really nasty bright pink net and wire, she looks much better without.

On the other side of the room, a tiny baby doll has found a home amongst my pink glass collection.

Mr. Bloom and I are popping out now to look for some tiles for our kitchen window-sill. I really don't want to go, but if I don't I might end up not getting the ones I really prefer (hee-hee!)

Have a lovely weekend,

Lucy x