Book Review on The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

I picked this up at the Goodwill. I liked the movie and thought why not read it? It was very similar to the movie and went in deeper to the horribleness of Miranda and her antics. I know nothing of fashion but I do know something about horrible bosses. I've had a couple through the years. It was obvious this was written for a city, mostly New York City, person and also someone who is into high fashion. I knew none of the streets or landmarks that were mentioned or the designers. What was really funny was the fact everyone at the office thought Andrea dressed so terribly because she was wearing Banana Republic and Abercrombie. I'll tell you I have been in these stores before and was in such sticker shock that I just walked back out.

Anyway, it was a good, well written book. Not one I am keeping or planning to read again, but if you liked the movie, fashion, or bad bosses and you need a quick read pick it up. 

Book Review-The Gentle Art of Domesticity

By Jane Brocket. This book review is really overdue. I read it several months ago when I spied it at the local library. I enjoyed reading this although I did not find it valuable enough to buy afterwards. Jane has a great voice that comes through very clearly and beautiful pictures. I didn't try any of her recipes or projects but it did give me some inspiration for my own. I also had to read it with a dictionary and I have a degree in English! Maybe it's because she's English. The quote I will take with me from this book is "It took me many years to realize that I was thoroughly domestic and only grudgingly domesticated." pg 8. Like Jane I enjoy the domestic arts of cooking, baking, sewing, and crafting. I do NOT enjoy cleaning and the general upkeep of a home and only do it to keep us from living in complete squalor. Many times I questioned myself on how some domestic arts I love and how others I loath. Am I a traditional fifties housewife or a feminist who believes my husband should do his share? How do I put both parts of myself together for a whole? Now I have the answer, I can be domestic without being domesticated. I can do the parts of keeping a home that I enjoy without sacrificing my personality. I can be a wild woman and a domestic diva without apologizing. So to Jane Brocket I say thanks! And if you ever write another book I'll certainly read that one too!

Book Review- How To Make an Amish Quilt

How To Make an Amish Quilt by Rachel & Kenneth Pellman, 1989, local library

I love learning about the Amish and their way of life. I could never be Amish because I like running water and central heat, but the simplicity of their lives and the lack of stress is seductive. I think most of us in the modern world could learn a lot from them. Like turning off the TV and computer and growing some of our own food.

How To Make An Amish Quilt was nice because it gives a little background about the Amish, some general quilting instructions, and also a look at their traditional quilts. It gives details on how to construct traditional quilts, with pictures of antiques to reference, and quilting templates for the actual quilting designs.

My favorites were the simpler quilts. I am currently in the middle of a house renewall but I plan to make the Diamond In The Square and Bars in the future. The most important piece of information I learned was the use of solid colors and a variety of strong colors including black to make these quilts dynamic. This was a revelation to me! The part of quilting that I have never liked and struggled with was picking fabric. You walk over to the quilting sections at the fabric store and you see pastels with small country flower patterns. Yuck! But hello, I can use solids and in strong colors like black and red. Yeah!!!