New on my bookshelf - The Seamstress by Maria Duenas

I heard a good feedback about this book somewhere so when I accidentally came across it in the bookshop the other day, I thought it will be a good read for the holidays. 

Set in the 1930s and 1940s is a story of a young woman before and during the war and her escapades across the globe in Spain, England and Morocco. Her life is thrown into chaos, first by love, then betrayal. "Abandoned and alone, all she has are her skills as a seamstress, a talent that could not only save her but may influence the course of a war...."

Sounds like a book that I might enjoy!

Have you read it? 

Do you have a book that you love to recommend for my holiday reading? 

New on my bookshelf...

I love new books and I love buying them from the bookshops. Nowadays, they feel so special when bought from the brick and mortar shops, don't you think? 


 To be honest, my bookshelves need a serious destash but these ones will take a proud front row spot: 
My recent purchase - "River cottage VEG every day" cookbook that I mentioned in my post here. I already wrote down 5 recipes that I will try in the next few days. The book is perfect for my new lifestyle and there is no recipe that I wouldn't try. Although, I might give a parsnip and ginger soup a miss... 

Last year, while on holiday, I had some time to catch up on my reading and the book of my choice was "The Shelly beach Writer's Group" by June Loves. This year, with my holidays coming up, I am going to read a second book by the same author called"The festival by the sea" which is a sequel of the first one.  I am really looking forward to reading it, I immensely enjoyed the first one! 


What's new on your bookshelf?

New on my bookshelf: Zakka Style

This book has been on my wish list for a while and I am thrilled to have it in my collection now! I've been admiring Zakka designs for many years and many of my creations are inspired by this charming and unique sewing style. 

The obsession started when I found I heart linen blog by Rashida. I bought her first book and I bought her fabric and they keep me inspired to be brave with my colour combinations and discover my own zakka-style crafting. You can see my projects with her fabric here and here.  

I was fascinated by the way the fabric is combined with linen, how the colours are used and little cute details that add certain "zakka" to the item. 

Have a peak inside the book here.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! 

Inspiring books, new addition

I love stopping by our local second hand bookshop in the mornings! They make great coffee and you can browse and read books while waiting. 

This morning I found two great books that I cannot wait to read! First one, "Minxy Vintage, How to customize and wear vintage clothing" by Kelly Doust, is a great book with some interesting ways to decoration and modifying vintage clothing to fit your style. It's so inspiring and such a beautiful publication too. It went straight to the Books that inspire Plushka section on my side bar.  I've got a few vintage pieces that I am looking forward to updating and styling by following Kelly's advise. 

Second book, "Le Testament Francais" by Andrei Makine, really intrigued me when I read the introduction! It's about Russia and France, nostalgia and being proud of your heritage... So far it sound something that I'll enjoy reading. I will certainly let you know what I think after finishing it:) 

What are you reading at the moment? 

Have a great Friday! 

Things I am loving...just before taking a break

Between orders, packing for London, making flags for a bunting swap (yes, I signed up for my first swap. More details tomorrow;), organizing everything at work, tiding up my Madeit shop before I go etc etc etc...

I am loving that there is still time in a day to take a few cute pictures of my robins from Christmas collection:

There is always time for a good book to read, especially if it is as nicely made and as creative as a book by Dottie Angel that was my first purchase from the adorable Lark shop. 

Finally, there is always time, usually late in the evening, for a little cross-stitch. 

What are you loving this week? 

Weekend project planning...

Today, I decided that it's time to write a list of projects to make for myself, home and friends. It's been too long since I made something for a house and organized me, who just loves lists and planning, demanded a projects list:) I had a look at my books for some helpful tutorials and tips. So far I found 4 that I am going to use:

1. "Chic on a Shoestring" by Mary Jane Baxter: I found a few projects there to make for myself. I like the idea of recycling one of Mr Plushkin's ties to make a cute wallet, using vintage lace to decorate my old jumper etc... I will definitely share all those projects with you so stay tuned!

2. "In stitches" by Amy Butler: There are some great projects for the bathroom and kitchen that I like. They are very easy and I can use my Amy Butler's fabrics too.

3. "Home Sewn- 30 projects for every room in the house" by Kaari Meng: Great book that inspire and as I love French country style, I've picked a travel bag and basket liners projects that look like very simple and easy to make. 

4. "Applique Your Way - 35 pretty Sewing projects and patterns" by Kayte Jerry: Love, love, love this book! Just too many projects to list! Appliques on skirts, coasters, felt decorations.... I cannot wait to start on these ones:) 

I will make a tie wallet and bed runner first as I planned on making them for ages. Hopefully, getting a project list together will help me to get through them faster without getting sidetracked. Although, I doubt it;)

Happy Saturday!  

New on my bookshelf

While on holidays, I had some time to catch up on my reading. I read " The Shelly beach Writer's Group" by June Loves and really enjoyed it. It made me realize how time-poor I have been just before I left  so I decided to plot some changes into my daily routine after returning back. The first one had to be - read more. It helps me not only to unwind but to improve my English as well. 

Here are a few new books I am planning on reading:

"A House Somewhere: Tales of life abroad" by Don George

"A Family in Paris" by Jane Paech

I also got myself "A Cook's guide" by Donna Hay as cooking at home more often is one of those things that I've been trying to implement. This week I've done quite well so I am positive it will be accomplished!

I am committed to find a few hours a week for a quite time with a book. Will see how I go;)

Do you read an interesting book at the moment? Please, do share as I am always in the search for a good book to read!

My creative space...

It's Advent Blog-a-long day 10 and it's a great day to talk about Creative spaces by joining Kirsty's weekly theme.

I like my creative space as it is. It's certainly not a dream space to create in as it's just a corner in the living room. I always have to go through boxes trying to find things but it served me well this year.... However, new year requires assessment of what you take with you from the previous year and what would you like to change or renew. On my wish list is more spacious, bright and organized creative space. I found a few pictures for inspiration

Pictures found on weheartit

Picture found on i heart linen website

and start reading the book that I bought a while ago "Where women create" by Jo Packham.

Make sure you check this website for inspiration too!

What would you like to change/keep in your creative space next year?

Join the creative space fun with Kirsty!

P.S. Only a few days left till the end of Embroidered effects giveaway at feeling stitchy. If you like your embroidery do enter this one!

PP.S. Only 2 days left till I will draw a winner for my "Name me" giveaway! To enter for your chance to win pop over here.

Book Club

Today I joined my first Book Club! I am quite eager to start the book that I've chosen. Pip gave us a choice of three books:

1. My Life In France by Julia Child

2. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by John Safran Foer

3. My Sister's Keeper by Jodie Picoult

For the girl that loves France the first one is the obvious favourite! So that's my choice.

I also found a great review on this book by The New York Times here that made my choice even easier.

I am running to the book shop in a minute but, before I go, here are the books that I can recommend for the France crazy ladies like me:

1. How to be french by Margaret Ambrose - especially recommended for those who learn French language.

2. Almost French by Sarah Turnbull - great book about Australian girl who met a French guy and moved to Paris.

3. Two lipsticks and a lover by Helena Frith Powell - just really funny book about unlocking your inner French women:)

All three of them made it to my carefully selected library collection. If you read them or will read them, please let me know what you think. It would be great to know your review...

Enjoy your reading!

My Place & Yours....

On the shelf:


This is one of my favourite bookshelves in the house. I keep some of my sewing and embroidery books here including:



Amy Butler's Midwest Modern : A Fresh Design Spirit for the Modern Lifestyle

Eco Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles by India Flint
Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing by Anna Maria Horner



As well as a few cross-stitching secondhand books, cooking books and Paper craft and Knitting books that I hope one day will inspire me to start developing new skills.


At the front there is a button jar and two vintage bobbins with woolen threads that i bought at the Vintage show few days ago.

To play along, pop over to Meet me at Mike's.


*Remember to enter my GIVEAWAY,

just leave me a comment here (only 24 hours left to go)*

Today I felt inspired by dreams of Paris....

This afternoon I couldn’t resist stopping by the bookshop while waiting for my girlfriend. I told myself that I will just browse to kill some time but I ended up buying a copy of The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price. I cannot wait to catch a free moment in my week so I can read a few pages and look at the amazing pictures in this book by Emily Laxer.

I am totally in love with this little book!

For more photos and an extract from this book visit The little book room .....

or pick up your favourite book and read a page!

I hope your Wednesday has been wonderful and that despite the gloomy weather, you were still inspired on doing something creative.

Books that inspire!

I know that I probable have more than enough books already but who can resist beautifully written book?! So, I bought another one for my collection. It's called "Velvet Pears" by Susan Southam.

A lavishly illustrated and deeply personal story of the creation of an Australian country garden. Susan generously shares her life’s lessons and shows the essence of living simply and with the seasons, within a local community, with a sustainable lifestyle.

I can not wait to ready it from cover to cover!

"Made in France:Cross-stitch and Embroidery in Red, White and Blue" is a great find for those who just love beautiful simplicity of French style and can be found on Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Made-France-Cross-stitch-Embroidery-White/dp/1741963869

I will be posting other embroidery that I've done from this book later.