On the way back from the knicker making workshop in Bath last week, I travelled with Shivani, Jane, Mela and Mr. Mela and what an interesting train ride it was. The topic somehow fell on books after I said I was sorry for Noah because I had no interest in reading to him. I'm sure some people will consider that a grave crime, punishable by death. I don't. I was not read to as a child, and I struggle to see how different my life would have been if I was. Sure, nightly dates with my step-mom might have resulted in me knowing the difference between Gryffindor and Slytherine before I was 3 years old, but apart from that, nada. Was there anyone else who was not read to as a child apart from Shivani and myself?
So the theory is that it could go 2 ways. Either you grow up having no interest in books, or you become a bookworm, forever trying to make up for all the lost time. Is that what is happening to me? I have this addiction ( I refuse to call it anything else) to buying books. It is even worse than my fabric buying addiction. I know, I know, I should seek medical help. Who knows, it might be clinically proven that addiction comes as a result of years of childhood deprivation. It might also explain this.
I recently ordered 15 books within 24 hours. I kid you not. 10 are here, 5 more are on their way. Do I need to go to the hospital? Does anyone else have this urge. The only other person I know who buys too many books, is Claire ( Sorry Claire, I am not going down alone). Mind you, all the Singer books were acquired for less than £3 each including posting. So no, I am not rich. Just an addict.
I saw a review of Bare Essentials Bras on theperfectnose's blog, and 2 minutes later I had ordered them from amazon. The prize is a bit steep, £42 for both books, but considering how expensive lingerie is, I don't mind. I having been looking for a good bra making book for some time, and wanted The Bra Maker's Manual, but at £70 I shall gladly pass. Maybe next year.
I love this next book. Vintage Couture Tailoring, by Thomas Von Nordheim
I saw it on Marina's blog, and immediately went to amazon. I know. I am pathetic. It is such a beautiful book. The pictures could have been brighter, but no problem. The information contained in them is just perfect. This is a book written by a master of his craft. I shall say no more. I will do a proper review later. The whole book is dedicated to making 1 single jacket using traditional tailoring methods. I need to read this book when Mr.Dibs is around, so he can hold his son while I enjoy this book with a chilled glass of wine. Here are some pictures:
Who knew you could pad a breast ( that sounds wrong right?)
I also was not read to as a child! Perhaps this is because I grew up in a South American country where books were expensive and libraries virtually non existent. The thing is I became a voracious reader after moving to Canada as a teenager. Books have become my guilty pleasure and like you, I also collect them, though I must confess that I’ve never ordered 15 of them in one sitting – pretty impressive!
ReplyDeletehahahahahaha. Not impressive when you later stare at your bank acocunt wondering if you are dreaming. It is the same thing in Cameroon. We pretty much did not have libraries.
DeleteI wasn't read to either, but I have loved reading since I can remember. I try not to buy books any more because I've been faced with the difficult decision of giving them away when I had to move from one country to another. The books I do collect now are cookery books. I have my eye on a Nigella Lawson "Bible" that's currently on sale at Waterstones.
ReplyDeleteNigella Laswon feel say e over dey. She cracks me up with her "come hither" style of cooking show.
DeleteYou're too funny Dibs.
ReplyDeleteI was read to as a child but I have your addiction as well. Those books look lovely. Maybe a quick trip to Amazon next?
ReplyDeleteI will not be blamed for any impromptu spending. lol
DeleteMe!? A book addict say it isn't sooo LOL! I was read to as a child - mainly by my Grandma when I was little and all of us Grandchildren would stay with her and Grandpa for the holidays. But, I also was an avid solo reader - and would devour whole novels in less than a day.
ReplyDeleteHow's the pencil skirt stuff going hun - is that project on hold for a while ?
(P.S. I literally just this second bought more books on Amazon after reading this post... I entirely blame you hehehe!)
Oh dear. I must remain blameless. lol. I have put the skirt on hold till I sew a dress for my friend's wedding.
DeleteI was read to as a child, but it made me lazy with my homework. the school would send home books for me to practice reading and I would exclaim to my mother 'I don't need to read 'cause i like you to read too me'!! I also wouldn't read books for a long time because they took long to finish!!
ReplyDeleteThen I realised I learnt things by reading and bam, my addiction was born, and yes I too should probably come to the hospital with you! i've bought five books in the last month and just as many sewing related magazine in the same time!
now when should we go to the hospital....Haha!?
Lets see, if we both buy books this October, then I think a trip to A&E will be highly needed.
DeleteThe Vintage Couture Tailoring book looks really good. Honestly? I can't remember if I was read to as a child, but I'm fairly certain it happened as my mother taught me to read, using flash cards - an experience I remember vividly. That was the biggest gift she's ever given me, other than forcing me to take touch typing lessons one summer at age 16. However, I was baby number one and by baby number three, I think she'd lost enthusiasm. My youngest sister claims she never read a book straight through as a child, just comics. I'm just back from a book tour, where I saw children absolutely enchanted by reading aloud sessions. I'd say give it a go, Dibs! It can't hurt - when he's ready and you're ready. I have no children, though, so have no authority with which to speak!
ReplyDeleteOh God. If at baby number I am already not enthused, then I'm sure by the time subsequent babies come, I might see no point in sending them to school.
DeleteI devour books like a crazy lady though I must say I have been rather controlled since I started sewing with only 3 sewing books in my collection. In saying that, my birthday list is all about the sewing books. These look fantastic and who knew you could pad for a hollow back? Crazy things your learn!
ReplyDeleteexactly, who knew? Now I know why rich people always look good. They have been padded to within an inch of their lives.
DeleteI was read to as a child, but once I learned to read, I wanted to do the reading myself. An addict was born. From what I understand, reading to children is an "English" thing, my French Canadian sister-in-law was never read to as a child. Maybe it is a cultural thing.
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for books and book stores. We have a organization "Friends of the Library", that has an annual book sale. For three days. It is heaven. Most of the books are $1. One year our household spent $160 on books. That is right 160 books moved in to the house. I actually book days off in order to indulge my habit.
I really want a copy of The Vintage Couture Tailoring Book. I will have it.
8-D
Yes you will. lol.
Delete160 books? wow. That puts my meagre collection to shame.
Wow, look at these fun books!
ReplyDeleteOh you funny thing, but it rings true for me in terms of needing to own the books you encounter....i am trying restraint ....for now, but those do look useful. I have the singer overlock book and it is really good.....
ReplyDeleteThat is what I was saying to myself as I paid for them.
DeleteThank you so much for the inside picture of the tailoring book! I saw this on Marina's site too and hovered my mouse over the purchase button because I felt I needed to know more... Obviously I didn't need much to push me over the edge because they are ordered now! Happy reading ;)
ReplyDeletehahahhahaha. It does not take much does it?
DeleteI was read to as a child, even after I had learned to read (at 3,taught by my Mother using flashcards). I read to my daughter every day, sometimes twice a day.It turned out she is dyslexic and learning to read has been a major struggle. She is now an avid reader. I bought her a kindle as we no longer have the room for any more books! We are both book addicts and I am still a voracious reader. Amazon deliveries are very regular...
DeleteMy sister and I were never read to as children - and we couldn't have turned out more differently. I read constantly - I usually have at least 2 novels, an audiobook (for commuting) and various sewing books on the go at any one point. I think my sister has read one book - ever - and that was the novelisation of Back to the Future in about 1986!
ReplyDeletePadding for the back is just mental! My dad used to make up stories for us as children and either read them to us or just improvise on the spot. I can't wait to start reading to mine but I haven't decided whether it will be selfish reading to begin with (where I just read my own preferred books aloud to the baby hahah) or not. Perhaps you could do that? Read about the construction of bras to Noah - he gets soothed and you learn something new at the same time!
ReplyDeleteReading is awesome. Yes I was read to but not for long-I started reading to myself instead XD
ReplyDeleteThis might be a bad idea but have you checked out the Bunka series of textbooks? They're in English, cover all pattern drafting but also include all the steps for sewing/ tailoring whatever you've drafted. I have the set and it's my go-to for all things (coughburdacoughpatronescough) that replace detailed instructions with 'join A to B' then finish hems' 0o. XD I got them off Taeco on etsy-she finds used/ remainder books for pretty cheap and her shipping's fair (she's on mat leave at the mo' I think..).
I have those books on my wish list. was looking at them on yesassia, and for 4, I will have to pay about £120 i think. waiting impatiently for payday.
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