Books, books, books

I'm not just a crafty nerd, I'm also a book nerd. And recently I've been reading some great things.
Barbara Kingsover's "Animal, Vegatable, Miracle" is one of the most interesting books I've read in awhile. It chronicles her family's effort to eat only food which is grown locally and sustainably for a year, much of which was grown in their own garden. I think I esspecially loved it because I read it in the spring, when I was planning and planting my own garden.
New Knit Books! Erika' Knight's "Mens Knits" was a gift from my favorite (only) British friend. I probably wouldn't have bought it for myself, but I love it, and I'm sure I'll make more the the sweaters for myself than I will for my boyfriend- he's difficult. "Feminine Knits," by Lene Holme Samsoe. I really intended not to buy anymore knitting books until I had my WIPs and stash under control, but this book is full of such pretty, wearable pieces that I couldn't resist. And since I had a gift card I don't think it counts as something I bought.
"The Boleyn Inheritance" was very entertaining. I think Phillippa Gregory's books are not just interesting from a historical perspective, they're also great reads for just relaxing, and this one was almost as good as "The Other Boleyn Girl."
Currently I'm reading "My Life in France," written by Julia Child with her nephew. So far I'm loving it, she has such great descriptions, right down to how everything smelled.
And I also picked up "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe" which I've been meaning to read for awhile, even though the movie was terrible, and a book on how to be more productive. I hope it works.
Also, some of my favorite magazines have been great lately. I don't usually buy "Vogue Knitting", the style just seems a little "old" for me, but the spring/summer issue was full of wearable designs. I always love "Knitscene." The summer issue of "Interweave Crochet" is my favorite issue yet, with several piece I can't wait to make, when I have time... And the ultimate crafty, bookish magazine, "Piecework." I couldn't resist the idea of travel sized, historically inspired patterns, particularly the Norwegian Tree of Life Mittens.

Yay!! A box of pretty papers! Last week I got an order from one of my suppliers, and spent some time building up inventory. And I was glad I did, because today when I got an order (from a repeat customer!!) all I had to do was print a shipping label, invoice, pack it up and put it in the mailbox. No spending 45 min finding all my supplies, clearing a workspace, and throwing out the first few mistakes. Not only did it take less time to print and package many sets at once, but there was less waste (I almost always have a few unsellable prints) and significantly less stress. And I have a much better idea of what I have in stock, and what I need to order for my autumn designs. I think I'm going to try to devote a few afternoons to making stock every month. So much easier than making my card sets by the order.
And I was able to make my illustration into cards, before I didn't have the right color envelope. So I'll be listing a few new things in Scarlett Design this week.

Book Giveaway!! Kyuuto: Woolly Embroidery

Kyuuto: Woolly Embroidery, originally uploaded by the workroom.

I've been meaning to do this give away/ contest for awhile, but wanted to wait until after the holidays. I bought this book because I fell in love with some of the beautiful designs, but after some thought decided I already had enough hobbies and supplies cluttering my office and this would just be one more distraction.
Just leave me a by Jan 18, and one reader will receive this great book.

Book Review

On my recent trip to Boston I got a few great new books: "Art Forms in Nature", a book of Illustrations by Ernst Haeckel, a 19th century scientist, and "Kaleidoscope", a book of projects edited by Suzanne Simanaitis. I actually didn't find these books at a bookstore, but at Anthropologie and Paper Source. I am continually inspired by nature, and I love the way "Art Forms in Nature" displays the complexity and beauty of creatures and plants. Even otherwise icky things look beautiful in Haeckel's renderings. I think one of my favorite pages was of sea slugs. The entire book reminded me of the glass flowers on display at of Harvard's Museum of Natural History. Kaleidoscope contains several projects and essays by artists, mostly collagists and zine artists. Although this isn't my normal media of expression, I found the book so inspiring that I had to put it down to trace the shadow of tree branches on the wall (onto paper, not the actual wall, we live in an apartment). Its also filled with beautiful artwork, and I love the perspectives and processes of other artists. Definitely have a notebook handy when you read this one.

One recent book which I didn't particularly like was Celine Dupuy's "Simple Sewing with a French Twist." The syling and photography were beautiful, however I feel that many of the projects should have included patterns, not just poorly drawn illustrations. Also, some projects required that you already own the item you are making (new umbrella or hammock).
Some beautiful litlle purple and white flowers have been popping up in the yard.

A fabric ATC I made awhile back. At first I had difficulty deciding what to do with this one, but I finally decided to use several squares of varying shades of blue. Similar to Josef Albers "Homage to the Square" pieces.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste..."

Recently a close friend of the family died, and I was reminded of one of her favorite sayings;
"Ryan (or whomever she happened to be speaking to at the time), you are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars, and whether or not it is clear to you, your universe is unfolding as it should."
This quote comes from Max Ehrmann's poem "Desiderata." It seems that my recently deceased friend and I are not the only one who found inspiration in this poem, for I remember reading it off my grandparents wall as a teenager. Although I probably considered it bullshit hippy nonsense at the time, I now see it as one of the most eloquently stated personal philosophies I have come across.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Both my friend's death and my current endeavor to start my own business have forced my to wonder just what it is that I stand for. Not to mention I am increasingly dissatified with just how little I do to help the environment. So here are some other manifestos/ mission statements/ personal philosphies I love:

Jonathan Adler as posted on his company's wesite:
We believe that your home should make you happy.
We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right.
Unless the husband is gay.
We believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences.
We believe minimalism is a bummer.
We believe handcrafted tchotchkes are life-enhancing.
We believe tassels are the earrings of the home.
We believe in our muses: David Hicks, Alexander Girard,
Bonnie Cashin. Hans Coper, Gio Ponti, Andy Warhol, Leroy Neiman,
Yves Saint Laurent, and Madonna.
We believe in the innate chicness of red with brown.
We believe in being underdressed or overdressed always.
We believe in infantile, happy emblems like butterflies and hearts.
We believe celebrities should pay full price.
We believe in rustic modernism: Big Sur, A-Frame beach houses,
raw beams, and geodesic dome homes.
We believe in Palm Beach style:
Louis chairs, chinoiserie, Lilly Pulitzer, The Breakers circa '72.
We believe our designs are award winning even though
they've never actually won any.
We believe in Aid to Artisans.
We believe dogs should be allowed in stores and restaurants.
We believe in mantiques - suits of armour,
worn chesterfield sofas, heraldic tapestries.
We believe you should throw out your Blackberry
and go pick some actual blackberries.
We believe colors can't clash.
We believe in blowing your nest egg on our pots.
We believe our lamps will make you look younger and thinner.
We believe in irreverent luxury.

A messege I got in a going away card:
"Go surfing, wear flip-flops, and have fun."

Starbucks Mission statement:
Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.
The following six guiding principles will help us measure the appropriateness of our decisions:
Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.
Apply the highest standards of excellence to the purchasing, roasting and fresh delivery of our coffee.
Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time.
Contribute positively to our communities and our environment.
Recognize that profitability is essential to our future success.

And, although I don't agree with all her opinions, I highly recommend Inga Muscio's book, "Cunt: A Declaration of Independence."

I'd love to hear how you feel about this topic.

Lotta Jansdotter Doorstop

Our dog, Chewbacca, kept shutting himself in my studio when we wern't home, so I made this doorstop from a pattern in Lotta Jansdotter's simple sewing and a fabric scrap I have been toting around for about six years (I knew I'd find the perfect project for it someday!)