Friday 11 September 2015

My journalistic debut for In Retrospect magazine


I have become a 'reader' at the British Library, and a 'writer' for In Retrospect magazine.

The former feeds my need to look at vintage knitting patterns all day long. (It doesn't fulfill my need to own them, but I'm hoping that will follow, before I have to re-mortgage the house to pay for them).


The latter is something I have never done before, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever undertaken. Anyone who thinks writing is a doddle is either a natural, a genius, or has never tried. I have so much respect for good writing. Many of my friends make it look effortless, from music journalists to novelists.


Mat Keller asked me to write a piece about the music of the 1930s after hearing me play it at my house when he came to interview and photograph me for his Southern Retro series for In Retrospect magazine. He had also seen the Shellac Sisters in action at the Rivoli Ballroom several years ago. I kept jumping up and changing the song every 3 minutes, and I expect my passion for the hot dance music of the 1930s became apparent, if somewhat annoying. It was really important for me to have the music I love playing while being photographed wearing clothes from that time. (It helped with the nerves, as it was still too early for cocktails!)

Image Mat Keller for the Southern Retro Collection

Naturally I chose to wear knitteds. This is my cable jumper, a Copley's pattern from 1940, worn over my now threadbare 1940's day dress.

Image Mat Keller for the Southern Retro Collection

The hat is a design I haven't released yet, called 'Hat with a Tilted Brim'. It is crocheted in Fenella 2 ply wool, by Susan Crawford Vintage.

Image Mat Keller for the Southern Retro Collection

The wool cupboard, in its untidy state. (Did you notice the moth killer at the back? Oops.) Here I'm wearing a 30's full length floral dress, which is a favourite, and goes very well with my 'Draped Beret'.

Image Mat Keller for the Southern Retro Collection

Here I am on a typical day, lounging on the sofa, reading The Needlewoman, and deciding where to lunch (I wish). I'm wearing The Rose Jumper from A Stitch in Time Vol 1.

I got very nervous when the magazine arrived, but my article was there, as well as the Southern Retro interview. There was a lovely article by Miriam McDonald about vintage caravans, and why they make such a great holiday choice for accommodation. I also enjoyed her piece in the last issue about Jazz Age holidays, which included the hotel I long to visit - The Burgh Island Hotel.

It was grand meeting Mat, and we had a good chat about everything from babies to bakelite, and, of course, 78s and vintage knits.

Theodora.

6 comments:

  1. Oh. My. God! Is that your wool collection? That is amazing!! We're not exactly blessed with many good wool shops here in Belfast, so the most challenging bit of knitting a new sweater is finding something to knit it in. I can only fantasise about having that sort of yarn at my beck and call!

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    1. Thanks Mrs B, it has taken years to accumulate it all, and that wasn't the intention - most of it was on sale or vintage. I haven't bought any wool for months, and don't intend to until I make a big dent in it!

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  2. Aw, thank you for the nice comments! I really enjoyed your piece, I love the music of that era but don't know much about it.

    Writing does get easier, trust me. In fact, you get to the point where you just can't stop doing it... If you can do it on your blog, you can do it in a magazine.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Mim, glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed reading about all the different vintage holiday accommodation, especially those 30s barges.

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  3. You look lovely as always :) Jealous of your wool cupboard! x

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  4. Great photos. Am looking forward to getting a copy of the magazine and reading your's and Mim's pieces.

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