Chaos in the sewing room

My life has been completely disrupted this week by the decision to have new spotlights fitted in the kitchen. Before lights can be installed some new electrical wiring must be done under the floor of the room directly above. And which room is above the kitchen? My sewing room! In order to lift the floor boards the carpet and hence all the furniture must be removed.

  
  
  
So now the entire contents of my sewing room is stacked in the hallway and what a jumbled mess it looks, albeit quite a colourful mess. 

All my craft books have left their shelves and are balanced in haphazard heaps and the sewing room is out of bounds for the next few days.

As there is no sewing happening at the moment I decided it would be a good opportunity to share a few books with you. I enjoy all my craft books so this little selection is chosen completely at random

This is a great favourite, 'The Book of Good Needlework'. It dates from the late 1930s and is typical of the period.

There are lots of embroidered tablecloths, tea cosies, tray cloths, napkins, cushion covers and dressing table mats. Everything in it reminds me of how my granny's house used to be and fills me with nostalgia.

'Samplers from the Victoria and Albert Museum' (Clare Browne and Jennifer Wearden). There are some superb samplers illustrated in this book that have inspired me over the years to stitch several of my own, but sadly nothing anywhere near as good as those in the book.

Who can resist dolls? I can't! 'The Dolls Dressmaker' (Venus A Dodge) and 'Making and Dressing Dolls House Dolls' (Sue Atkinson) both have wonderful illustrations that have tempted me time and again to create tiny garments.

By contrast I would never attempt to make any of the exquisite dresses in 'Fashion 18th - 20th Century'. The 700 pages (in full colour) reveal some of the most beautiful garments you'll ever see. The close-up details of the fabrics, embroidery and embellishments are mouth watering. Imagine wearing wonderful dresses like the ones above, but imagine the weight you'd be carrying around!

This isn't a close-up of the decoration on the dresses shown above but recent work delicately stitched with hand-dyed silk ribbon and thread. Isn't it sumptuous? It can be found in 'A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork' by Di van Niekerk. Instructions are included!

I've always loved the brightly coloured clothing worn by the Andean peoples of South America so I couldn't resist buying 'Andean Folk Knits' (Marcia Lewandowski).The 35 traditional patterns include a variety of bags, mittens, gloves, socks, hats and other accessories.

'Journals' (Pam Sussman). I knew I wanted this book as soon as I saw it. In contains some very inspirational ideas for making the prettiest journals from fabric, thread and a variety of embellishments. It makes me want to be a student again in a classroom buzzing with creative ideas and innovation.

I'm an avid collector of books about calligraphy and illuminated lettering. It formed part of my exam syllabus when I was at school and I've been enthusiastic about it ever since. I love the feel of a pen in my hand and making marks on paper with ink. I marvel at contemporary penmanship where lettering is used as an art form. This book 'More than Fine Writing' tells the story of Irene Wellington and the way in which she transformed modern calligraphy. How I should love to have a talent like hers.

'Painting with Gouache' (Michael Saunders) has recently joined my bookshelf. I haven't painted with gouache before but I'm assured it is a very versatile medium and there are various techniques I want to try. For example, it's possible to cover foreground areas (flowers in this case) with masking fluid in order to paint the background. When the background paint is completely dry you simply rub away the masking fluid to reveal the white flower shapes ready for painting. I'm really eager to give it a go.

But enough about craft books. Through my letterbox this week popped a lovely little mail order catalogue for clematis. I bought a plant from this company last year and was very pleased with it so I might treat myself to one or two more. The days are lengthening, birdsong is distinctly chirpier and the garden is beginning to beckon. But the weather isn't quite kind enough yet to spend long outside and so I content myself with browsing through catalogues and making numerous plans.

Meanwhile, I have some lovely clematis coloured wool and (keeping well away from men who are doing the rewiring work) I am knitting a little something and hope to have it ready to show you by next week. Watch this space (or should it be 'watch this blog').

Until next time,
Eli

Comments

[Martha]

Ah, but Eli, think of how wonderfully organized your sewing room will be when it all goes back! Plus, new kitchen lighting. In the end, you will be so pleased, I'm sure.
Beautiful books you own. I, too am partial to the knits from the Andean people. I love the colors.
Have a lovely weekend!

[Redwood House]

Hi Eli, what a wonderful selection of lovely books, I would love to browse through your book shelves it looks as if you have some really interesting volumns. I suppose having to empty your sewing room big time will give you the chance for a huge sort out I know my work room definately needs a day spent on organizing things.
Ohhh the thought of being in the garden clearing away the winter, and finding little shoots on plants and bushes, taking tea in the wendy house (as we call it)can't wait I love the spring well I think everyone must do, I do feel as if we have had a proper winter this year which I have actually enjoyed, on that note a cuppa infront the woodburner is awaiting me so...
Bye for now
Jan

[natalie jo]

So sorry to hear of your household misadventures. At least you'll get a jump start on "spring cleaning" your sewing room and I imagine you'll find some buried treasures in the process too! Loved your craft book show and tell, you've got quite a varied collection there! The Book of Good Needlework looks delightful but the page from the Di van Niekerk book is the most amazing needlework I think I've ever seen.
All the best, natalie jo

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

You have a wonderful collection of books. Thank you so much for sharing them! I do hope you will be able to have your sewing room back in order again soon!

I love clematis. I purchased one last year, but planted where it received entirely too much sun and it died, so I will try again this year in a much shadier spot. I look forward to seeing yours and what you are knitting.

Love, Paula