I cannot wait to perform at this event! I will be doing a burlesque dance at the Saturday evening Dance to Victory and then a singing set on Sunday at the main event. Viv the Spiv, Swingtime Sweethearts and many more well known entertainers will be there!
Author Archives: Kitten von Mew
Battles For Victory this Weekend!
The Big O Festival 2016
I will be performing at a fantastic festival in Kent on 2nd July! It focuses on the 40’s to the 80’s, with live music, fashion, cars, vintage stalls and more!
Come and watch some of my 40’s singing and a family friendly fan dance! Don’t be shy I’m asking for photos with my fans too, I may even teach you a few moves!
The Big O Fest is FREE, so come and support a wonderful and diverse vintage event.
Friar Fest 2016
Thank you to everyone at Friar Fest for making me feel so welcome! Lovely crowd singing along, very helpful organisers and superb sound team (big up to their posh coffee machine!).
We had a wonderful time and wish we had been able to sample the food stalls as those stonebaked pizzas looked incredible!
Photo by John Whitehouse
2 photos by Sean Dean
Droitwich Standard clipping 10/06/16. Photo by Sean Dean
Rocket Originals Clothing
About 7 years back I purchased by first pair of Rocket Originals saddle shoes. It was such a relief to find flat footwear that was still vintage, looked good with skirts as well as trousers and were super comfy at events! They were also great for dancing in! This year I got some Veronica Sandals as I wanted something a little more glamorous, but still very practical. Usually very nervous about solid soled shoes, I was really surprised how comfortable these are and I cannot wait to prance around Greece in them this June!
Taken by Shona Van Beers, War & Peace 2010
At this year’s Stoneleigh Militaria I stumbled across their glorious stall and realised that I had been completely unaware that Rocket did clothing too! They had a lovely little selection of women’s tops and I will show you a couple now. Sometimes being a mum is messy work, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still want my vintage/ retro look. Rocket Originals’ knitwear is made of acrylic, fits like a dream and is easy to bung in the wash. I’ve twinned mine with Heyday trousers and Collectif capris!
Kaye was kind enough to answer a few questions for me…
You are famed for you vintage style shoes, what made you branch out into clothing?
It’s always been a mixture of footwear and clothing. We were first trading in 1988, and back then we sold vintage clothing we imported direct from the USA and bought from various dealers in the UK, a range of T Shirts which we screen printed ourselves and footwear. We started having our own brand of ladies footwear and knitwear manufactured in 2006, and men’s shirts from 2008.
Everyone knows what a sucker for knitwear I am, have you a favourite piece in your range?
We don’t really have favourites, we choose the patterns carefully so they’re all styles we really like. We particularly liked the Victory sweaters (free pattern still available on the V&A website). Another we’ve liked is our fairisle square neck style, which we had knitted in loads of colour variations.
There are so many amazing 40’s, 50’s and 60’s styles. How did you choose what to make?
We have trouble choosing what NOT to make! It’s easy really, out of our collection we pick the styles we like and think our customers would prefer. We have all our own brand of shoes and clothing made as ‘limited editions’ and bring out new stock rather than remaking the same styles, because there’s still such a lot to go at. There are so many vintage shoes and patterns etc that we have in our collection and want to copy, and we’re always looking for more.
I had a pair of your super saddle shoes and couldn’t believe the comfort and quality! Do you have a favourite style?
We have loads of favourite styles. We love our saddle shoes (copied from a vintage American pair we bought), our recent Gibson style, and also have a lot of favourites among the ladies wedges. Some of the men’s shoes are hand made in England and we like them for their quality.
What is your favourite era and why?
Our favourite era is early 50’s American. But we love anything from the 40’s and 50’s for lots of reasons, be it music, clothing, cars and furnishings. We also love art deco homes and furniture and that was the style for our last home, but our current one is mid century modern.
So make sure you head on over to the Rocket Originals website or visit their stall at events. From sandals to stripey sweaters, they really do compliment your vintage wardrobe beautifully!
Rocket Originals white Veronica Sandals worn with Heyday skirt and blouse
Circus Themed Baby Bedroom
It didn’t actually start off with this theme! We had a seaside idea in mind, but I got over excited in Ikea after spotting the bed canopy and everything else seemed to fall in place! You may recognise the awesome metal suitcase shelves that we used to have in the bathroom of our previous house. They are perfect in Betsy’s room and are now adorned with vintage Ladybird books and toys! The bedding set is from Asda Living and came with a quilt, bumper and a couple of sheets. I adore the retro lion and tiger cushions, mini suitcases and melamine plates! They are from Dotcomgiftshop and tie everything in together! The elephant cushion was a recent buy from Sass & Belle. It is so funny and they do a zebra wearing a cowboy hat too!
After scouring the internet for a hot air balloon light, I decided to make my own. The ones I found were either too expensive or had teddy bears, bows and pearls everywhere. I am so pleased with how it turned out that I am now taking commissions! I even made little peg people of Richard, Betsy and I! If you would like one with your choice of theme (Imagine a steampunk version!), then message me for details.
So here it is, I hope you like it! Her room is very small, but I tried to fill it with lots of cheery things and sensory objects!
Birmingham Comicon 2016
Yesterday I ventured to the NEC’s MCM Comicon Expo! I used to go to the Film Memorabilia Show all the time and really loved to see all the original movie props, tons of movie celebs and browse the stalls. I must admit that if it hadn’t been for Warwick Davis, people watching and the illustrators and artists, I would have left early. It is definitely not what I had hoped for, more of a large market place with a handful of celebrity signings, but the atmosphere is good and the people dressed up really do make an effort. It is now a mixture of movie, anime and gaming, so that my area (movie) is much more diluted. I think I will have a scout around at some other movie memorabilia shows to attend at another point, maybe some that are purely horror or Sci Fi maybe.
That said, we had a lovely time and hooked up with Mr Burt for a browse of the stalls! I got to meet one of my all time favourite actors Warwick Davis, who made my day! Not only did he get his son to take a picture of us together on his phone, but then in his live Q&A said that the best thing he had seen was the girl in the Leia costume riding an Ewok! Huzzah! Warwick also said that I should enter the costume competition at the Star Wars Celebration in London. Would have loved to do this, but just don’t have the funds to go unfortunately!
So anyway, here are some photos of our day. I made Mr Mew’s Mugatu top and Betsy is supposed to be his pet poodle. I did make her an Ewok outfit, but she just wouldn’t keep the hood on and it way way too hot to wear anyway!
Broken China Jewelry and Prize Draw!
Bracelet and Ring
I have such a fascination and love for vintage teacups. Hubby continuously has to stop me from picking them up at carboot sales! I also have a passion for collecting king’s coronation (George and Edward) china as I love the detail that goes into the painting and transfers! So vivid!
So combine this with one of my other great loves, jewellery, and you have my world pretty much exploding with excitement!
Vintage Belle Broken China Jewelry is a USA based shop and she makes everything in 925 sterling silver. From Beatrix Potter to willow pattern, there are so many gorgeous pieces, you will find it hard to choose!
At Christmas I was lucky enough to receive a pair of earrings with a little pearl dangle, a swallow heart pendant, a rose china ring and an amazing charm bracelet using hallmarks. Unfortunately she only posts within the USA, but if you have a pal or relative in America, get your broken china jewellery sent directly to them!
I was so impressed with that I had to contact Diana and ask her some questions…
What made you think of combining porcelain with jewellery and did you take a class?
While I was in college I worked for a company that made broken china jewelry using the copper tape and solder technique (similar to how some stained glass is assembled). I loved the creativity of making the jewelry and the concept of enjoying old china in a new way. After college I worked as an accountant for several years, but I missed the creative outlet the jewelry provided, so I decided to start my own business. I knew I wanted to use sterling silver and create settings that were more akin to fine jewelry, so back to school I went! I took lessons in fine jewelry making and learned to torch solder and use lost wax casting to create the settings I wanted. Today I am so grateful to be able to offer pieces that match my vision of high-quality combined with simple, lovely styling.
Have you a favourite piece you have created? Any rare porcelain used?
I don’t have a single favorite piece, but I am partial to the vintage bluebirds. They have such a fun history! The popularity of the bluebird china rose to its peak during the 1920s. The optimistic outlook prevailing in America in the 1920s naturally aligned with blue birds as symbols of hope and happiness, and bluebird china rose to prominence alongside the optimism of the people. Many were given away as “premiums” by retailers or could be obtained with coupons earned from purchasing other products. What started out as give-away items are now coveted by collectors.
Swallow pendant in sterling silver
Are you a fan of vintage? If so do you like any particular eras?
Am I a fan of vintage? ABSOLUTELY! I love learning about history and appreciate all time periods, but if I had to pick a favorite I would say the Victorian Era. So much exquisite beauty was created during that time, even down to the tiniest detail. However, I also appreciate the clean lines and updated feel of Art Nouveau movement from the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Truly, I love it all!
Rings are available in sizes 6 to 11 and pendants do not include a chain, so why not pop them on a beautiful piece of ribbon instead? The traditional gift for 20th wedding anniversaries is china and in the USA pottery is a traditional 9th anniversary present too! From Valentine’s Day to Birthdays, it really does have you covered for events, favourite colours and favourite pottery. Spode, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and so many more fabulous pieces have been revamped as rings, brooches, pendants, earrings and bracelets.
I am giving away the beautiful ring that you can see in the pictures! It is a size 10, but could easily be sized down at a jewellers! For your chance to win, just rate this article and comment below! The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day!
Christmas 2015
Well I hope you all had a wonderful Yule! I was lucky enough to perform at a Masonic event in Birmingham again, singing Christmas crooners and vintage numbers. They put on a lavish banquet and we had a marvelous time!
Christmas Eve was spent in our favourite cafe The Forteas in Stratford upon Avon! I serenaded them with some more yuletide numbers and 40’s classics as people sat and enjoyed their afternoon tea. It was hard not to turn all my attention to Betsy as she was wearing an adorable Christmas dress and would light up whenever I turned to her. Her smile really does cut through the dullest day.
On Christmas Day, we spent time with the family and my sister flew back from the USA to be with us all. Betsy is still too young to appreciate the festive season, but she was still spoiled with some amazing gifts from family and friends. It will be fantastic next year (and years to come), when she can get excited over the twinkly lights and wrapping paper. I wonder what she will think of her first snowfall?
So here are a few pictures, I hope you enjoy them and forgive me for not posting anything for a while. Babies sure do take up all your time and energy and it is a rare thing to have the opportunity to sit at a computer nowadays!
Betsy Rose got this adorable deer hat from Aunty Siss!
Just before my performance at the Masonic Christmas event
Our wonderful day at The Forteas
Aunty Siss! She also bought Betsy that toadstool rattle!
A fantastic gift from Lil’ Siss! Star Wars Christmas jumpers!!!
Corpse Bride Wedding Dress
I thought I would do this blog post quickly before packing up my computer! We are moving house and I should be hard at work, packing boxes and stuffing bags!
Although mostly known for my 1940’s singing and burlesque, one of my most popular blog posts is actually about a Corpse Bride Halloween Costume I made some years back, based on the Tim Burton film. The original wedding gown was donated to me by a good friend and I set to work re-working it and creating accessories.
A lovely bride-to-be by the name of Mira got in touch earlier this year after seeing my dress, asking whether I could do the same for her. So she sent me some images of a few wedding gowns to choose from and pounced on a sweetheart bust, lace overlay number which she sent to me to work on. Over the coming months it went through 4 hand dyes. I added lace, vintage pearls, snipped the train, hand painted some detailing and hand stitched the slit, created a veil and headdress and even the bouquet and button hole to match!
I was not only eager to get it finish in time for her wedding, but was also rather pregnant so it was getting harder to pick up things if I dropped them on the floor! I was so proud of the dress and took pictures all the way through to show progress.
Miia’s wedding went beautifully and she sent me some pictures to show you all of her big day. Hopefully I will get to do more of these up-cycles and finger’s crossed some other themes like steampunk or Day of the Dead too!
I sprayed the bouquet with enamel paint, added jewels, covered wire and antique lace before adding hand painted accents.#
Corpse Bride Wedding Veil. I made this out of natural muslin and sprayed and hand painted it.
The gown and headdress. The headdress was handmade using covered wire and little flowers that were sprayed and painted.
Mira in the dress!
Welcome Betsy Rose!
Well, on 14th July at 3.44am, this little bundle forced her way into the world weighing 7lbs 10! I had her at the Lucina Birthing Centre in Coventry, which was the best decision I ever made. The midwives were fantastic and the rooms and facilities incredible. Midwife run wards like this are definitely the way forward!
So here she is, our beautiful, windy, bubbly baby; Betsy Rose May Von Mew…
Betsy and her Mama Mew
1940's Pin-Up Entertainer Kitten von Mew 
