Monday 3 March 2008

Show and Tell : Thrift to Fantasy

Tomorrow we have a slightly different craft morning. We are not going to put on our aprons!

Instead of making and doing, we're going to sit cosily, with a cuppa and have ....
'Show and Tell' ;-) !!

So I've decided that I'm going to take my companions on a little trip to New Zealand.
Well, kind of!


Thrift to Fantasy, written by Rosemary Mcleod, is probably the nicest book that I own.

In it, she shows pictures of so many lovely domestic handcrafts, in New Zealand, from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.




It is, as she says, that most domestic arts leave little evidence in any tangible form, whereas needlework, although fragile, does survive to tell a tale. And this book is such an amazing tale.


With illustrations on every page, you get the beautiful crafts, you get the social history behind these crafts... and you can't fail to end up feeling so inspired!
I hope that these tasters inspire you and that if you do manage to buy or borrow the book, you will not be disappointed!


Anyway, that's a sneak peek at my 'Show and Tell'. I'm looking forward to seeing what the others bring along!!

8 comments:

  1. What an enchanting book Sal.. I particularly like the collection of gollies...
    I really am going to have to learn how to sew.. I am missing out on so much. Patience is a virtue though and not one I possess in large quantities!
    Enjoy your show and tell and thank you for showing us.
    Michelexx

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  2. Thanks for the show and tell, I really enjoyed it! I am going to have to hunt that book down as this is the second mention of it I;ve read and it's too enticing! Thanks
    Kimx

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  3. The book looks gorgeous, might have to do a little searching for it ;)

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  4. That is a wonderful book. The embroideries are beautiful!

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  5. Sal, I almost feel I could touch these vintage creations - what a delightful book. Love the woman in the dress - if only we could still look like that!!!!

    Are you familiar with Alison at her blog Tread Softly in New Zealand? (http://sotreadsoftly.typepad.com/) She's English but lives there now and sews the most wonderful things - lots of linen paired with vintage cottons which I love. You might enjoy 'visiting her' when you have time.

    Enjoyed hearing back from Terry and will write him soon. Glad you had a good lunch at the Redcliffe - I hung out a lot in Paignton in my teens as several of my best friends from Torquay Grammar lived over there!

    Have a fun time tomorrow, wish I could join in!

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  6. Sal, my first time stopping by, found you through Lisa...love your blog....I've just read through your most recent posts...sweet! ;)

    I've noticed many of your "Fave Links" appeal to me, I'll be back to read more of you and check out some of your favorites

    Nice meeting you, Chris

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  7. That book is gorgeous! Thanks for showing it! :D

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  8. Good for people to know.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment! ;-)