If you didn’t already know, I’m a bit of a book fiend. I like to think I have a bigger selection of quilting books than anyone I know – I am dismayed when I find otherwise! As well as having read every craft book I have cover to cover, I also read novels at a rapid rate. Here is where I’m going to tell you about new books I’ve found that I think you might enjoy.
For this first review, I have chosen a book that reflects our featured articles of hand and English paper piecing!
Jane Austen’s Sewing Box
Craft Projects & Stories from Jane Austen’s Novels
by Jennifer Forrest
Being a big fan of Jane Austen’s novels, I was thrilled recently when I found this sweet, stripey little book about Jane’s sewing life.
While most of us have heard about Jane’s famous quilt,
which you can see and download a free pattern to make here . I have never seen her sewing approached from this direction before, and it’s great fun.
The book gives an introduction which talks about the world in which Jane lived, and uses quotes from her books as reference. Those of you who already love Austen will love the familiar quotes she has picked, such as this from Northanger Abbey:
“Dress was her passion. She had a most harmless delight in being fine.”
Don’t we all.
The book runs through projects that were typical of the period, and while I don’t have am immediate desire to make a cravat or a bonnet, the huswife and workbag are very sweet and the reticule is just lovely. Each project is referenced back through the books, for example in the case of the workbag pattern:
“She (Lady Middleton) saw with maternal complacency all the impertinent encroachments and mischievous tricks to which her cousins submitted. She saw their sashes untied, their hair pulled about their ears, their workbags searched, and their knives and scissors stolen away, and felt no doubt of its being a reciprocal enjoyment. It suggested no other surprise than that Elinor and Marianne should sit composedly by, without claiming a share in what was passing”
Sense and Sensibility
The book is beautifully produced and full of lovely plates of women in period costume and nicely styled photography.
There is also a comprehensive section describing the materials you might need to make the projects, some of which are not things we would usually use for crafting in this day and age.
I had a great time reading this book – settle down with a cup of tea (made in a pot please, not with a bag – one has one’s standards!) and take yourself back to a quieter time. Even if you never made a project from this book it is pure browsing pleasure.
Have you read any of Jane Austen’s novels? If you haven’t I recommend you begin with Pride and Prejudice. Please read it before you watch any movies, the books are so much better. Having said that, I also HIGHLY recommend the BBC teleseries of P&P, with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy – six hours of unbridled romantic politeness guaranteed to have you on the edge of your pouffe.
Follow up P&P with Sense and Sensibility. Mind you there are Jane Austen enthusiasts who would scowl upon my choices, however, they are mine to make as I see fit!
If you would like to read some Jane Austen related blogs, try these:
AustenBlog Jane Austen Today Jane Austen’s World Reading Jane Austen Shop local! Jane’s Austen’s Sewing Box by Jennifer Forrest, is published by Murdoch Books and is available at these interesting Australian online bookshops:
The ABC Shop – Jennifer’s book as well as the movies and BBC series Readings – Jennifer’s book and Jane’s novels Shearer’s Bookshop – Jennifer’s book and Jane’s novels