ethelberta eggshell
Tom's parents stopped by last night on their way home from a trip down South where they had found (among other gifts) some wonderful old books for me.
This is my favourite so far- 'Riding to Canonbie' by Cara Lockhart Smith (Bradbury Press, 1972) It's a book of poems about children with fanciful names, one for each letter of the alphabet. The poems are wonderfully rich, with lots of alliteration, and some are quite dark in nature.
The illustrations are amazing- all in black and white, and intricately detailed. These are the endpapers:
and here is a bit of the poem 'Ethelberta Eggshell':
(i love her clothes!)
Above is Catarina Carter, who lives in a windy castle.
Needless to say, I won't be chopping this one up.
I finished making a couple of dresses for my market stall today. I'm trying hard to put more effort into the local stall for spring- as I've felt as though my heart hasn't been in it lately.
These are little wrap dresses, made from sturdy linen/cotton. They can be worn either with the crossed side at the front or the back.
Now, I might go and join the small people around here... they're outside in the sun making another batch of garden soup.
Those line drawsings are fascinating, I used to love intricate illustrations as a kid.
ps - 50cent lolly bags are pretty small these days but the sherbies are still good.
Posted by: VictoriaE | August 15, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Do you remember me saying I'm hoping that I have a boy? Well after seeing those dresses, I can see the benefits of having a wee girl. The brown one is fantastic. Girlie, but not GIRLie if you know what I mean. They also look like they'd be fantastic for pregnant women ..
Posted by: kimberley | August 15, 2007 at 03:13 PM
what an amazing book! i'm going to have to see if i can round up a copy.
Posted by: kirsten | August 15, 2007 at 03:33 PM
I really like your dresses - girlie but subtle - sophisticated but comfy. : )
Posted by: Jenn | August 15, 2007 at 03:53 PM
What lovely pictures- I really like the depth acheived by using just two tones. Some inspiration for some new gocco prints? Lovely wee dresses too- a great extrapolation on the recyled cardigan :)
Posted by: Jessicah | August 15, 2007 at 05:33 PM
I absolutely LOVE those dresses! hope I get a girl one day ^_^
Posted by: Elisabeth | August 15, 2007 at 07:37 PM
Those are beautiful illustrations! Remember to 'feed' your artist self - that will get your heart back! can you manage a little date somewhere? it doesn't need to be big, but something you love to do. (when I'm tired coffee at the farm looking at the chickens is enough!) love xxx
Posted by: caireen | August 15, 2007 at 08:02 PM
your in laws seem to know you well. I am glad you are resisting cutting it up. When I see something so beautiful, I immediately want to chop it up into a collage:) give it 'new life'
-kimberlee
Posted by: kimberlee | August 15, 2007 at 08:33 PM
What a lovely book treasure! It is hard to believe that book was published thirtyfive years ago since the illustrations seem to have such a modern presence. I might need to change my name to Ethelberta. Are you guys starting to feel spring warmth yet?
Posted by: Emma | August 15, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Ah, I love black line drawings. Those illustrations are beautiful. Thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: Dawn | August 15, 2007 at 11:16 PM
Would you consider doing a tutorial on the little dresses or making up a pattern and selling it ? please say yes!
Posted by: lizzie | August 16, 2007 at 03:04 AM
Beautiful illustrations and I love the names! Ethelberta! Dresses are great - love pink/grey combination and brown/turq is a favourite of mine. You are so prolific you put me to shame!
Posted by: suzanne | August 16, 2007 at 09:25 AM
What a beautiful little book. And those smocks are terrific.
Posted by: Felicia | August 16, 2007 at 09:47 AM
how was the garden soup? love the dresses and that book is an absolute treasure!
Posted by: heidi | August 16, 2007 at 12:07 PM
beautiful book - thanks for sharing!
and those smocks are adorable!
xoxo
Posted by: meg | August 16, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Those dresses are so lovely!
Posted by: Chara Michele | August 17, 2007 at 04:36 AM
From another Meg!The book prints are unusually endearing, out of this world. Thank you. Can we have some more pictures? Meg Jewell, Dolly Dilettante
Posted by: Meg | August 17, 2007 at 10:49 AM
I love the dresses you made. Did you use a pattern? Or is it a secret? :)
Posted by: amy | August 17, 2007 at 04:02 PM
So beautiful.
Posted by: Nora | August 19, 2007 at 04:17 PM
that book is captivating. thank you for sharing these snippets! i remember my copy of the snow queen from childhood being drawn in a similar style... those haunting images are still with me (in a good way :) )
hope that the market stall energy makes a comeback. perhaps as warmer weather approaches?
xox
Posted by: amisha | September 01, 2007 at 12:48 AM