The Gentle Art of Domesticity. Have you heard of this book by Jane Brocket of Yarnstorm? If you have, bless you. If you have not, listen to me very carefully. Run, don't walk to your local bookstore and search for this book. I've been wanting to purchase it for quite a while, and finally saw it at a bookstore this weekend. It was the only one left, and it was calling to me. "Take me hooooome.." it said. I don't often buy books from the bookstore. I usually look through the books I'm interested in and then buy them online at a much cheaper price. But this one I had to bring home. It's amazing. Jane is amazing.
This is not a book of patterns. It's a book of inspiration, and where to find it. Jane is a great writer. This girl's got smarts. She covers everything that has to do with the 'gentle arts', and how valuable and enriching they are to our lives. I can't say enough about this book. It's got tons of information, and really makes me feel good about the time and thought that I put into creating for my home and family. Whether I'm stitching a quilt, knitting socks, baking bread or scrubbing the floors. It's all meaningful, the large jobs and small.
And how could you not like a book that has a recipe in it for yummy Fairy buns?
These were quick, simple, and fun.
My own little domestic artist in the making gave me one of her specially made bookmarks for my new book.
I also finished a purse for each of my girls. I used Amy Butler's wonderful Frenchy Bags pattern. These were fun to make and I know the girls will get lots of use out of them.
Thank you all so much for the kind words, thoughts and prayers for my sister's baby boy. He is continuing to recover. I think I better get working on a special quilt just for him. He deserves something extra warm and cozy for all he's been through, and for his poofy cheeks.
Here's to the Gentle Arts. x
I love a good book review. I dislike buying promising books and being disappointed. Thank you. Great Frenchy bags. I must have been having a "dumb" day when I tried making one. I had to "walk away" from the project.
Posted by: Stephanie | April 30, 2009 at 04:38 AM
LOVE that book. I make scones almost everyday now. they're quickly becoming an obsession in this house, my boys, my brother and his wife upstairs, my friends, their kids. They're just as yummy with wheat flour and egg whites. I always make a double batch, so one egg and one white. Hey, it cuts a little fat, right?
The frenchy bags look great. Love her stuff.
Posted by: elizabeth of course | April 30, 2009 at 06:03 AM
I have not heard of that book, I will look for it, thanks for the tip and yes, those fairy buns looks so good! Cute bags!
Posted by: sheri howard | April 30, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Oh, I wish this book would be written in German. So it would be so much easier for me to read and to cook all the recipes. :o)
Sabine C.
Posted by: Sabine | April 30, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Cute new bags! I'm glad the baby is still on the mend :)
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | April 30, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Oh you did it again Sarah! The Amy Butler bags are to die for! Gorgeous! I know just the person who NEEDS one...or five of this pattern. I better get busy!
Love the book too and also love good recommendations for books. Thanks. Will look for it tomorrow on a shopping trip.
By the way...my latest post is on a ladies luncheon I planned and deco'd. I think you might like the Domesticity of it all!
God bless that sweet little one!
HOPE
Posted by: Hope | April 30, 2009 at 10:04 AM
It's a great book isn't it - I borrowed it from our library. I definately think Sweet Cheeks deserves one of your quilts..
Lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | April 30, 2009 at 01:43 PM
I have never heard of Fairy Buns before.. but they sure look good!
And all the bags are terrific. I particularly like your glass door knobs.
Posted by: Eileen | April 30, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Oooh, that fairy bun recipe might finally convince me to buy that book. I've always loved her flapjacks. Your purses are beautiful -- lucky, lucky girls!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 01, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Those bags are gorgeous.
I wonder if that fairy bun recipe is the one I'm looking for. I'll have to look and see if she changed her recipes for the American market.
Posted by: UK lass in US | May 03, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Fairy Buns... Frenchy Bags... and new blog-do... my eyes want to weep from all the cuteness!!!
Posted by: happy zombie | May 03, 2009 at 11:39 AM
So glad to hear the baby is doing well. Your new book looks like a fun read. Cute bags too.
Posted by: Carrie P. | May 03, 2009 at 03:46 PM
That book would make a great gift. Yummy fun stuff. Love the bags.
Posted by: Nanette | May 04, 2009 at 08:31 AM
What a wonderful post! The book looks fabulous. And those purses are awesome! ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | May 04, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I listened very carefully and will run to Barnes and Noble first thing in the morning!
I love the purses. Were they fast and easy? I was wondering if it would be a good project for my sew nite with Kassidy.
Posted by: Lori holt | May 04, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Hia Sarah, glad your nephew is recovering. How awful for you all. Love the bags for your daughters. I'm sure they will get a lot of use. Your cupcakes look delicious. I will keep my eye out for the book. Like you I shop on-line for them these days as the high street is so expensive.
Posted by: Melanie | May 05, 2009 at 04:55 AM
Ooo yay! Thanks for the tip...I'll run to the bookstore this evening.
The Frenchy Bags are beautiful...those lucky little girls.
xx
Posted by: lori | May 05, 2009 at 10:21 AM