1930s Pattern Books for Home Goods
As I sorted through the 1930s pattern books from the Awesome Auction Haul, I found three books of patterns for home goods. The first two are table settings books from 1937, published by… Continue reading
Category Archive: Books
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Notes on Design Styles
I read a lot of books about defining one’s artistic style, and I just came across a very helpful guide, Joen Wolfrom’s Adventures in Design: Ultimate Visual Guide. This book specifically addresses design… Continue reading
Following the Trail of An Old Ax-head
Back in the fall, as I was walking around our place in the Hill Country, I came across an ax-head sticking out of the ground. Of course I wondered how long it had… Continue reading
Celebrating Public Domain Day
Every year at this time, I am eager to explore the works that are entering the public domain each year. For a list of 75 highlights of this year’s works, you can read… Continue reading
Tales Told by the Hemp-Dresser
Imagine yourself in rural France on a cool autumn evening in the 1840s. After the work of the harvest, what would you do for entertainment? You might find yourself outside in the dark,… Continue reading
From String to Spandex — Books about Textile History
Today we’re going to take a look at some books covering world-wide textile history. It is interesting to see how different authors organize and present this huge body of content. (I will link… Continue reading
Why Do Models Look So Bored?
Last week I spent a delightful morning watching videos from this spring’s fashion shows, picking out the styles I would be happy to wear if I were young, rich, and attending a gala… Continue reading
Locked Down in History — Beauty from Harsh Surroundings
A man is sentenced to prison for an indeterminate time, condemned to stay there until he can produce what he has promised, gold from lead. Even after four years in prison, with absolutely… Continue reading
Locked Down in History — Unraveling “The Queen’s Embroiderer”
I came across a book excerpt that described a French embroiderer in the court of Louis XIV – his techniques, materials, and customers¹. I quickly bought the book, The Queen’s Embroiderer by Joan… Continue reading
Locked Down in History — Venetian Convents
We’re all tired of the new restrictions on our lives, but of course, it could be worse! Lately I have read three books about people experiencing lock-ups they were powerless to escape, and… Continue reading