The Gentle Art Of Domesticity

Jane Brocket delights in domesticity. Lively, curious, and creative, she takes inspiration from her surroundings, from art, literature, and nature, and expresses her passion through the gentle arts of needlework, cooking, gardening, and homemaking--and now through her writing. In "The Gentle Art of Domesticity" Brocket celebrates everything that is, and can be, wonderful about home life. This gorgeous and unusual book, full of whimsy, warmth, and a wealth of stunning photographs, helps us to see domesticity with new eyes. Whether she's knitting a tea cozy or baking jam tarts, crocheting a blanket or sewing an apron, Brocket fills her home with beauty, color, and fun. She transforms day-to-day domesticity into a realm of possibilities, both practical and imaginative--and encourages us to do the same in our own lives. Rather than categorize readers as quilters or embroiderers, bakers or gardeners, Brocket embraces the idea that they may be all of these, and more. The key to practicing any of the domestic arts, she says, is to recognize the value of homemaking, overlooked skills, and ordinary things. This book's glorious synthesis of style, DIY projects, and philosophical musings inspires us not only to emulate Brocket's handmade creations but also to share her enjoyment of the simple pleasures of home.

15 projects inspired by the beauty of simple elements of European style. From the author of the best-seller, The Gentle Art of Domesticity. Stunning, scenic photography throughout this hardbound book. Instructions are written with a warm and inviting tone. Design tips will help you build confidence and learn how to discover extraordinary ideas in ordinary things. Jane Brockett has the knack for turning the simple into the sublime. She shares her personal experience with you every step of the way--from her dreams about days gone by, through the search for the perfect fabrics, to how she designs a quilt to convey a mood or sentiment. The photos of her quilts in delightful natural settings make you want to step right into the picture. Jane's instructions are descriptive and straightforward; quilters and non-quilters alike will be enticed and enchanted by every project.

With an emphasis on Jane Brocket's 'gentle' approach to craft, this book celebrates the simple act and very enjoyable pleasures of stitching. In a collection of more than 40 projects, Jane will show you how to make simple, stylish, and eye-catching pieces for your home. Whatever you choose to make, from quilts and samplers to needlepoint pin cushions and stitched greetings cards, Jane's unique take on stitching will ensure that the creative process is as enjoyable as seeing the finished object. The author's text and photographs outline her inspiration for each project, and includes her top tips on the best places to find fabrics, ribbon, buttons and everything else you need to create beautiful, gentle stitching. With techniques as varied as Japanese Sashiko, kantha quilting, traditional cross stitch and modern day 'crinoline ladies’, there is something here for every keen stitcher. Word count: 50,000

An investigation into the societal impact of intelligent, high-achieving women who are honing traditional homemaking skills traces emerging trends in sophisticated crafting, cooking and farming that are reshaping the roles of women.

"We must do something," said Alice.... "Yes, but what shall we do?" said Dicky.... "Let's read all the books again. We shall get lots of ideas out of them." -The Story of the Treasure Seekers E. Nesbit With the delightful activities and delicious recipes in Turkish Delight & Treasure Hunts you'll learn how to follow in the footsteps of your favorite childhood heroes, from the Borrowers and Alice in Wonderland to the Ingalls family and Winnie-the-Pooh. Whether you're young or not-so-young, learn how to: * Make Turkish Delight, like the treat served in Narnia * Create Laura Ingalls Wilder's exciting Sugar on Snow * Master the art of breakfast in bed with Paddington Bear * Play your own version of croquet, as Alice in Wonderland does * Learn poems by heart, like Anne of Green Gables * Watch a spider spin her web, like E. B. White's Charlotte * Enjoy Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin's favorite pastime- Poohsticks

It's fun to jump in puddles in spring, eat ice cream in summer, pick apples in fall, and build snowmen in winter. What do YOU do during the four seasons?

A fresh, unstuffy guide to the stained-glass windows of England's churches, including a list of the top 50 places to see outstanding examples. The magical qualities of stained glass have an enduring appeal, but church windows tend to be ignored as a form of creative and artistic expression. Yet churches are accessible treasure trove of history, art and craftsmanship. No other set of historic buildings with such superb and important architectural and artists assets is as easy to visit. How to Look at Stained Glass is the companion guide that's needed to make sense of and enjoy the vast array of stained-glass windows in the churches of England. This fresh, unstuffy guide: - Uses an A-Z format to reveal a multitude of fascinating details - all the way from apples to zig-zags - Explores stained glass by themes, patterns, designs and effects - Requires no previous historical, artistic or religious knowledge - Covers all the major periods and styles, from medieval to modern, Victorian to postwar, eighteenth century to Arts and Crafts, figurative to abstract - Examines the fascinating and evolving iconography of stained glass - Makes looking at gloriously colourful, artistically important windows both entertaining and rewarding - Features a list of the top 50 places to see outstanding examples - Offers a useful index of churches by county

A classic bestselling resource for every household, Home Comforts helps you manage everyday chores, find creative solutions to domestic dilemmas, and enhance the experience of life at home. “Home Comforts is to the house what Joy of Cooking is to food.” —USA TODAY Home Comforts is an engaging and comprehensive book about housekeeping. It is a lively and readable guide for both beginners and experts in all the domestic arts. From keeping surfaces free of germs, watering plants, removing stains, folding a fitted sheet, cleaning china, tuning a piano, lighting a fire, setting the dining room table—this guide covers everything that people might want to do for themselves in their homes. Further topics include: making up a bed with hospital corners, expert recommendations for safe food storage, reading care labels (and sometimes carefully disregarding them), keeping your home free of dust mites and other allergens, this is a practical, good-humored, philosophical guidebook to the art and science of household management.

Seeing brightly colored flowers, hearing nuts go "crunch," and feeling cold ice cream on your tongue?we use our senses to explore the world. How many ways to use your senses can you find in this book?

Dotty, stripy, straight and swirly—patterns are all around us. How many different patterns can you find pictured in this book?