Bookshelf Curtains

Anyone who knows me knows that I value my books above all of my other material possessions. I own more than one bookshelf in my home, and both are filling up fast. With all of these books I am always on the lookout for new ways on how to care for my books.

For those of you who have read my blog before, you will remember that I purchased books from my local thrift store where the spines had a line drawn in marker. I was on Google trying to find a way to rid my precious books of these unsightly marks when I stumbled across a webpage that explained how light was the #1 cause of damage to books. (I would have guessed children where the #1 cause) So, I set off to make to explore ways to keep the light, especially natural light, off of my books. That's when I came up with the idea for bookshelf curtains!

I stared with 2 yards of fabric, measured out the size I wanted the curtain to be, and cut. I know that the selvage is meant to be cut off, but I really don't mind it so much. I'm only going to fold all f the edges down and sew them so it makes no difference to me on projects like this one. I could have easily cut the fabric down so that I wouldn't have so much hangover, but I think some nice embroidery or applique on the top will bring it all together.

This fabric was featured in another blog as part of my "new stash", and I just can't get enough of it. The pattern is so simple and retro, while the texture is simply divine! I loved working with this fabric and even saved enough to make an adorable baby skirt, which I hope to post soon.

There is one area that is still up for debate. My husband pointed out that since the fabric is white, the light can still penetrate and reach my books. He suggested adding a liner to my fabric. Either cotton on the back, or lace in the front; something to give it that extra layer of protection. I, on the other hand, think it looks great just the way it is.

What are your thoughts on my new curtains? As always, your comments are welcome and appreciated. I look forward to reading what all you have to say. Happy crafting everyone!

New books

My son and I, I was reading Her Dark Curiosity

Although this post has nothing to do with crafting, I felt I still had to write it. Reading is all about imagination, and that is what we all need for our crafts. Well.... that, and creativity, but let's not over think things Haha. I do have to mention that these are not all of the new books I have acquired, just the ones I have photographed.

4 for $1.00

I purchased the above books at my local thrift store, and yes, I am appalled that they had the spines like this when I purchased them. The cashier informed me that there are people who bring in their books to read while others shop form time to time so they needed a way to prove that no one was stealing. I haven't found a way to remove the markings without damaging the books, so I plan to leave them like this until they wear off..... I hope.

Out of these books, I have already finished A Rogue of My Own and have been working on Harstairs House.

 These are the books I received for my Birthday / Mother's Day (they were only a few days apart this year). I have finished The Madman's Daughter as well as Another Stab at Life, and am currently working on The Mistress' House. 

Believe it or not, but the first two on this stack are from my local Family Dollar. Shepherd's book is from Amazon, and the last two are from Albiris. The last 3 are all used books, but you really can't tell as they are in excellent condition. I'm waiting for my last shipment of books to come in, and when they do, I promise to post more pictures.

New Stash

With all of my quilting projects tucked away inside my head, I decided I needed to get a bit more fabric if I was to continue uninterrupted in my work. So let's begin on our journey through my new stash of fabric.

I really hope you can see the texture in this cherry fabric. I purchased 2 yards of this for two reasons:

#1. It reminded me of those dresses the ladies wore in the 1950's

#2. I thought it would be perfect for my bookshelf curtains

Isn't this star fabric just adorable? I'm not sure if I want to use it for the backing of my next baby quilt or as part of a bag. Either way, I have 2 yards to do with as I please.

I purchased 2 yards of this fabric with my 12 year old son in mind. He's been very into astrology and all that goes with it so when my daughter pointed this out to me, I knew I  had to buy it for him.

This charm pack is called Lumina Jewel

What is with the above three photos? Well, my next project involves the 3 of them. I purchased a charm pack of solid black 5" squares and to complement them I purchased a charm pack of 5" squares from Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  The butterfly fabric is going to be the backing for these charm packs.

As for the lace.... my plan is to add it to the edge of my quilt under the binding. My Nana has warned me that this will make the quilt VERY dark, but I think I'm ok with that. All of the quilts I'm seeing these days are white and bright, I want something that is dark without being Halloween-y. With a Wiccan little sister and a "Walking Dead" crazed daughter, I wanted this to be inspired by them.

As always, your comments are appreciated and I look forward to your opinions on my work. Happy stitching all!