Mummy work

A six-year-old boy and his friends are looking at his family picture album. When he gets to his parents' wedding portraits he says, 'And this is the day that Mummy came to work for us.'

This quote really made me laugh. Especially after the half-term 'ha-ha holiday'. Next time I'll post my husband's funniest quote. Quite a contrast.

I've got some new books lately and I'm enjoying them like spring in Siberia.

My favourite is:

Now maybe this isn't for everyone, but if you love exquisite clothing from other periods and cultures this book is a dream.

It shows you details from excellent examples of clothing and gives very clear line drawings of the garments structures.

This is an example of a Croatian Woman's blouse from the late 19th century. First a page with this sleeve detail.

and then these fantastic line drawings along with a description.

Every page is an inspiration.

And while I'm on the subject of inspiring ethnic textiles, I have been completely enraptured by the collection of Chinese embroidery at this site. Just look at this beautiful hat.

I can hardly contain my enthusiasm!!

Thanks for all your suggestions about coping with blog overload. I feel much better. I now realize that like me, you all struggle to keep up with reading blogs as well as writing them. I won't contribute to blog pollution. I will try to keep my blogs interesting and succinct, regular but not overwhelming.

I love sharing my world with you all. Keep writing to me. I try to answer all I can.

Comments

[tongue in cheek]

around the world with your eye for rich detail is a wonderful way to travel...i love the hat...and the deep colorful textures, life is such, wools, cottons, silk, lace.. all blended together

[Ulla]

Ohhh, I can see I need this book! I have a small collection of the wonderful Chinese baby hats, and have one very similar to the photo you posted... I just posted a photo of 3 dog hats you might like to see, yesterday. They were used as Tailsmen for the babies, believed to protect them from evil spirits and endow them with wisdom, health etc... Thanks for sharing.

[kathreen]

this book looks devine - love the cover

[Kirsty]

Oooh, just my kind of book. I bought some cards from the V&A recently and your favourite is one of them! Very yummy indeed.

[Shannon]

Have you seen Max Tilke's Costume Patterns and Designs? It is out of print, and very expensive, but it is invaluable for details, paterns, and inspirations. If you scroll down here:
http://www.yarnsplus.com/news/archives/issue35.htm#Book
you can see some of the plates from the book.
I just came across your blog and am enjoying it.

[tinker]

Love the quote and the bits of eye candy, too :>)

[Gina]

I'd wear that coat!

[michelle parrish]

Hi love the site. I work in whitstable and would love to get involved with you all. I own a shop there but the joy of shopkeeping keeps me from making anything these days....you have just inspired me to make time. Love to hear from you. Michelle