Posts filed under books

famous frocks

20120101-171426.jpg Embarking on new adventures! Just purchased this book, "Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for Recreating Fabulous Iconic Dresses" by Sara Alm & Hannah McDevitt. I just bought a sewing machine to learn how to make my own clothes as well doing some artistic material explorations if the machine can handle it. I've never made my own clothes before, but this book seems perfect. The are dresses from the 1930's-1980's I believe. Seeing some patterns for Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Jackie O, Diana Ross and more. Perfectly matched to my love of the retro and dresses. Ready to design!

Posted on January 1, 2012 and filed under books, fashion, handmade.

the time has come....

"The time has come," the Walrus said,"To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax-- Of cabbages--and kings-- And why the sea is boiling hot-- And whether pigs have wings."

 

~from "Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There" by Lewis Carroll

Posted on January 17, 2011 and filed under books, etc-, random words.

miep gies_100

The courageous secretary who helped Otto Frank hide his family & friends from Nazis during World War II as well as preserved the Diary of Anne Frank passed away yesterday at age 100.  I've always enjoyed reading the story of Anne Frank.  I still find it incredible that they were able to hide for so long and that Miep was able to sneak food and supplies to them--providing her help not to be a hero, but because she felt it was just human duty to help those in need.

If you haven't read the Diary of Anne Frank, definitely pick up a copy and try reading it.  I think it's worth reading.  The book chronicles Anne's time and experiences in hiding during the Holocaust before her and her family were taken to the concentration camps.  It's unfortunate that only her father, Otto Frank survived the camps.  Your efforts won't be forgotten Miep.

Posted on January 12, 2010 and filed under books, pop culture.

pride and prejudice and zombies

pride and prejudice and zombies There are some books whose opening lines stick in your head.  "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." 

Oh sorry wrong book...This one actually starts with "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains..."

Just finished reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.  Definitely give it a thumbs up.  I really liked it and found it really entertaining and funny.  I think whether you are a Jane Austen/Pride and Prejudice fan or not you'll still like this book.  The writing style is still very Jane Austen, but the way the topic of zombies is incorporated into the story line seems very natural and it works.  I had added amusement when reading it because I have read the original "Pride and Prejudice", so looking for the variations on the original content was pretty funny at times.  And as an added surprise...ILLUSTRATIONS!!  This is a fun read and I recommend it.  I was hooked from the first page.  Great twist on a classic!

the chronicles of narnia

chronicles of narnia Just finished reading the full series of books in the "Chronicles of Narnia" set by C.S. Lewis.  Been working on it for awhile off and on.  Great series!!  I never read all the books when I was younger, so this was a first for me.  The book I have has you read the books in chronological order according to Narnia Timelime as opposed to the order of publishing release. 

My favorites in the series were of course "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (a classic and fun) and "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (enjoyed it's portrals of a variety of myserterious lands and characters).  Favorite character: Reepicheep (both fun character and fun name to say).

Great books, Excellent series, amazingly talented author to come up with these lands.  I'm sure I will pick this series up again to read soon.  A definite must read for anyone.

Posted on August 17, 2009 and filed under books, etc-, pop culture.