Books are Expensive

If you, as a stranger, were to walk into my apartment, first you would ask why we don't replace our crappy Ikea rug?  (Answer: because Eleanor scratches it up and it's preferred she do that there than on the furniture.)  Then, you would notice the sheer amount of books we have.  Along one wall of our teeny living room, there are three seven-feet high, five-shelf bookcases, each one filled, with books stacked on top.  Along the back mirror (oh yes, we have three mirrored walls, aren't we lucky!), there is a three-shelf unit holding the record player, amp, and...more books.  There's a nine-square cubby in the dining room, which holds all of our cookbooks, more smaller books, and fabric.  Finally, there's a shelving unit next to my sewing machine which houses patterns, notions, paper towels, and sewing-related books.

So, even imaging that mental tour, it's pretty clear that we're at no loss for reading material.  I haven't read it all, but I've read most of the books, and I'm not going to give them away or sell them just because they're unread.  In fact, I'm here to tell you I'm going to do the opposite: add more to my collection...once I have money.  If someone could go ahead and buy things from my Etsy shop, I'd really appreciate it, because sister could use some cash.

However, I'd like to point out that all three of these books are patiently waiting in my Amazon cart, where I can click "Place My Order" once I get paid Saturday.  Pay periods are a fickle bitch.

First up is Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing.

I've read a few reviews and this book looks like a great resource for patterns and techniques both--kind of like the Colette sewing book.  I didn't do Gertie's Bombshell class, so I'm not super familiar with her instruction style or the fit of her garments, but from the reviews I've seen, I really can't wait to get this book!

Next is a book I have mixed feelings on, in that I really want it but I really don't need it: Heather Ross Prints.

Like any warm-blooded sewist, I love Heather Ross.  Naturally, I want access to her artwork and creative process.  However, I can't draw a stick figure, and I am not artistic in the least.  This would be a book I open up, pet, and then put back on the shelf--but I must have it.

Finally, I'm lusting after Little Stitches, by Aneela Hoey.

The embroidery designs in this book are so sweet I just want to die.  Little girls, birdies, hexagons, what have you, and all on transfer paper, which, really, is the best thing ever.  I want to embroider aprons, towels, bags with these.  And I want that pink everywhere.

Are you craving any new books right now?  The list could really go on for me: Stitched Gifts by Jessica Marquez comes out in a month, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof will be released in October, and there are plenty of books already out that I want, but I just haven't gotten around to buying yet.

Also, I'd like to note that I made the preliminary project list for 2013 today!  It seems so early, doesn't it?  But I have a feeling the last few months of 2012 will fly by, and I'll need to have a jumpstart.  Phew!

Hand Embroidery Wish List

Man, I have been so into hand embroidery lately.  I've never taken a class, but I owned Sublime Stitching once upon a time (like...ten years ago?  Eight years ago?  Whatever) and taught myself from there.  My mom even had the tea towels I made her on display when we were in Beaufort last month!  Moms are the best.

But, I gave it up once I started my last two years at Flagler, because I was a full-time student and working full-time.  Busy schedules just don't allow for crafting!  I actually didn't become interested again until last year.  I don't know what sparked it in me--boredom, maybe, or the need to spend more money--but I picked up some floss and a hoop and some patterns and just went to town.  And by "went to town," I mean, "started an apron and never finished."  Oh well.  Maybe I'll finish it in time for this fall?  Probably not.

Wednesday's Wish List

I should do these weekly.  Especially right before my birthday.  Yes.

Traveling With Pomegranates, by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor.  Light reading, am I right?  I haven't read a book since probably January because I just don't have the patience for it.  Even poetry!  Especially poetry.  I just want to read again, like a normal English major!

Lunch.  This picture was taken last night at California Pizza Kitchen, but because I have the leftovers for lunch, I figured I'd post it.  Also, it's 10:57 and I want lunch, but then again, I've been up since 6 after barely sleeping.  Oh yeah!

Some time to read my new magazines would be fantastic.  Garden & Gun and the Oxford American are two of my absolute favorite magazines--no more fashion magazines for me!--and I picked them up last weekend while Jake and Kali were here.  I skimmed them before sewing while they were gone Saturday night, but maybe this weekend I'll actually take the time to read the articles.  Hopefully they won't make me too sad.

You know what isn't in that picture?  Snow.  Sleet.  Rain clouds.  Frost.  That's because that picture was taken in warm weather.  Do you remember warm weather, mid-Atlantic region?  I know you must.  It's time to bring it back.