I have been a bit naughty these last few week whilst the weather's been very unspringlike (blame the weather you see), and have spent more time and money buying a few books on amazon and ebay than I should have.
Today the last of the books I'd adored ordered arrived - and that was a genuine, (freudian?) mis-type which I thought I'd leave in - my mouth dropped open when I saw what I'd typed!!!.
So, first up
Now I hadn't followed Elspeth Thompson's blog for very long before finding one day, with great shock and sadness, that she had tragically died. I hadn't known her books and I had no idea she had written and collaborated so many design books, particularly with Tricia Guild of Designers Guild, whose fabric designs and colours are always so incredible.
So although I look forward to reading this, the experience will be tinged with sadness for the author.
This another book I have been meaning to buy - having always had a thrifty bent of mind, I'm sure I shall enjoy this - has anyone else read this??
If anyone else is of a thrify leaning, Daryl's last couple of posts will be of particular interest over at Vermont Cottage. Yesterday she blogged about decorating ona budget, today she blogs about clothes on a budget, a subject close to my heart being a real clothes lover without the budget to match my tastes!
On that subject, this book arrived yesterday - it has been on my want list for a little while, and I gave in on it as I couldn't resist the idea of wearing a little skirt like the one on the front cover!
That skirt is gorgeous to my mind!
I love the simple design with the original mix of fabrics, and couldn't help but think what a brilliant way of using thrifted fabrics rather than having to buy a couple of yards of new fabric - you can mix new with old or completely use recycled fabrics and create a totally unique skirt! Or, if you have the budget for it, as suggested in the book you could treat yourself to 4 or 5 fabrics from a matching range.
You can play around with the detailing or keep it simple
There are also some great tunic tops and tunic dresses in the book - again, a fairly straightforward but extremely flattering style for all shapes and sizes, as is the skirt - no unflattering gathered waist.
And best of all, the basic patterns are included at the back of the book - it's all there ready for you to get sewing!
So I am looking forward to having a go at making a skirt or two for my daughter and myself, along with some tunic tops and dresses.
Also bought this a few weeks ago - the new series of Gardener's World with Monty hosting starts this Friday evening, so I understand - something to look forward to.
And then for a little light bedtime reading, there's this book which I bougt a few weeks back - I rarely watch TV as I find I'd rather read, sew or crochet in the evening - am finding this a tad boring at the moment I must confess, as I am still in the early part of the book where he seems to be obsessing about childhood bedtime memories - I have hopes that such a classic book must improve!!
Also some new fabric arrived
and a sweet little vintage scarf from eBay which, when I finally get around to setting up a small online shop, will probably go into my Vintage section.
Hope you all have a great day, I'd better go get on with mine!!!
