Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Amazon Got Me (but at least it's second hand...)

A while ago I had a little chat with various bloggers about how Amazon lured me into buying something from my Wishlist, when I'd innocently visited the site to pick up The Borrowers by Margery Sharp for Son 1 (which only cost a penny plus postage...) Well, my item of temptation has arrived and I have to say I am really pleased with it, as Pomona predicted I would be. Here it is:Almost the first page amazed me, because I spotted Cath using the strawberry print fabric of my Edinburgh tea cosy, which I'd always felt was very CK-esque.
There's Stanley, gazing at it...
Next up was a really super idea that I zoomed off to copy.
French lace on my French torchon! I would love to have some of those vintage patterned ones, too.
Then an idea I'm already well up on, although I can't show too much as it's for Christmas presents...
So, although I still think I was a bit weak to give in to Amazon's superb marketing tricks, I am really pleased with a second hand purchase which is clearly going to inspire me in many ways, and arrived just when I was facing a dull few days at home with coughing children and no sign of December's Country Living in the post box...

21 comments:

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hello Floss

I love that little book and although I've had it for a while, I never tire of it. The photos are so inspiring and pretty.
Nothing to feel guilty about, afterall it was second hand as you! Enjoy it..

Isabelle x

karenshopes said...

No one can resist a bit of Kath, you are forgiven
we would all have given in too.
Karen

Unknown said...

Well you couldn't possibly leave it there could you, that would have been a sin! suzie :) xxx

A Bun Can Dance said...

Hi Floss
Hey, don't give yourself a hard time about the 'amazon' megastore... your book is secondhand and that's what matters! I too have this little book which was a gift from my dear pal a few years back - I also have the big hard back 'Vintage Style' which shows a woollen blanket and fabric flowers on the cover. Both are lovely and provide great inspiration.
Your tea towel looks great with the lace added - so quick and easy, but effective!
I hope all is going well with your new student, by the way.
Happy days
Denise x

Lululiz said...

Great little book! I like the idea of cotton lace on tea towels and towels as well. My mum used to crochet lovely deep lace edgings for towels. Must dig them out and show you sometime.

Pomona said...

Secondhand is definitely OK! I buy a lot of secondhand books from Abebooks - they are a great resource. And it is providing with you with lots of ideas for make do and mend, too. So that's all right, then!

Pomona x

JuanitaTortilla said...

That is a very nice touch by adding lace to the tea towel. How such a simple idea can make a remarkable difference huh.

Hen said...

Vintage Style is my fave book of Cath's. Good stuff with the tea towel it looks great. I'd love some of those vintage flowery ones Cath has...
Hen x

Lola Nova said...

What lovely inspiration! Your lace edging looks grand.

Serenata said...

Looks like a very inspiring book. Must remember to keep and eye out for that. I love the tea towel it looks great - see you are already putting the book to good use.

Thank you for your lovely comments. The hospice were wonderful in helping my FIL when he went in last year.

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Isn't this a great little book and obviously inspirational for you!

Victoria xx

karen said...

Now how glad am I that I didn't choose that book to go in your swap parcel lol.
We all need a little treat now and then and afterall it was secomd hand so you didn't really cheat tooo much on your challenge.
(((hugs)))
karen

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Well it looks like we spent the evening making the same things!! Except the pinking shears drove me to dispare after a while. Not a good pair apparently. Might have to wait for a sale at the fabric shop.
Love that little book. It seems to have some really lovely ideas in it. You can't go past such a fab book so don't feel bad about it. It will mean you can make so many presents instead of buying them.

Josie-Mary said...

I had forgotten how good this book is....right I'm off to get mine out! Love the tea towels :) x

...Nina Nixon... said...

This is a beautiful little book and I loved it immediately though I really must dig it out and refresh my memory as I haven't had a look in ages.

Have a lovely evening,

Nina xxx

Jeannette StG said...

Oh well Floss, join the crowd, we all give in to temptation nowadays - especially if it's in an area where our passion lies! As long as you don't have to sell your car, it probably is okay:)

Michela said...

So elegant your torchon!
There's a little surprise for you, please check your e-mail asap!

Lace hearts said...

I do think the inspiration you'll get far outways the giving in to the clever marketing!
It's a lovely little book.
Your comment made me remember soups as well. I'd forgotten soups!

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

That looks like a wonderful book! I never thought to look in Amazon's second hand section, which is why I rarely purchase books that way. Looks like I may change my ways.

I hadn't known you lived in the States! I do highly recommend a trip to Plimoth Plantation some day. =)

Bobo Bun said...

Glad to see you gave into more than just cleaning the oven. Downstairs is looking more sparkly here, still as messy though. Love the edging you used on the towel.

Bobo x

LissyLou said...

I love that little book its so gorgeous x