AUGUST BLOG WILL PUBLISH LATE EVENING AUGUST 9TH - SEE YOU THEN! RUTH
JULY BLOG 2015
Larkspur - July Flower Ruby - July Gem
Enjoy the July blog - Lots of Books to Peruse
I LOVE LUCY AND I'M SURE YOU WILL TOO
No, I'm not referring to Lucille Ball, but to Lucy Worsley who I accidently discovered on PBS hosting two different shows, Tales from the Royal Wardrobe and A Very British Murder, both of great interest to me (as so many things are). I was only a few minutes into the first show when I fell in love with the perky hostess. She was an absolute delight so full of energy, knowledge, and I knew immediately she was in love with history - her slant on history was so much fun. She made her research come alive. She's as cute as a button, early forties, with a devilish spark in her eyes and an aura of charisma that is palpable. Even if you are not a history buff you will love HER history. On her website she begins with, "Welcome! I'm Lucy Worsley, by day Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, and by night a writer of history books." She doesn't mention when she squeezes in making BBC series but somehow she does.
Lucy is currently overseeing the 12 million British Pound Sterling refurbishment of the Kensington Palace state apartments and gardens. Oh by the way, she is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London and a visiting professor at Kingston University.
If you want spend a delightful time watching television tune in PBS when she is on. By the way, during my research I discovered she has a number of other BBC series: If Walls Could Talk (four-part); The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain (three part); Elegence and Decadence: The Age of the Regency; and many others including ones on Henry VIII and When God Spoke English. Those I have not seen as yet on American TV but I'm hoping they become available soon.
She lives by the River Thames in south London with her husband, Mark Hines, an architect. They have no children. On that subject, Lucy says she has been "educated out of normal reproductive function." Besides, I must add, when would she have time.
Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with Lucy Worsley if not on PBS then her books. I've included a list of her books available:
The Courtiers: Splendor and Intrigue in the Georgian Court at Kensington Palace - This palace is now most famous as the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales, but the palace's glory days came between 1714 and 1760, during the reigns of George I and II. Then this palace was famous for skulduggery, intrigue, policking, etiquette, wigs and beauty spots, where fans whistled open like switchblades and unusual people were kept as curiosities. Our author charts the trajectory of the fantastically quarrelsome Hanovers and the last great gasp of British court life. Structured around the painting of courtiers and servants that line the walls of the King's Staircase of Kensington Palace - still to be seen today - Lucy Worsley goes behind closed door so we can meet a pushy young painter, a maid of honor with a secret marriage, a vice chamberlain with many vices, a bedchamber woman with a violent husband, two aging royal mistresses, and many more. The result is an indelible portrait of court life leading up to the famous reign of George III. $30.00
If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home - In her brilliantly and creatively researched book, Lucy Worsley takes us through the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen, covering the history of each room and exploring what people actually did in bed, in the bath, at the table, and at the stove. She gives us fun and accurate answers to such questions as: Why did medieval people sleep sitting up? When were the two "dirty centuries"? Why for centuries did rich people fear fruit? Why did the flushing toliet take two centuries to catch on? $17.00
The Story of Hampton Court Palace - This is one of the most famous and magnificent buildings in Britain. The original palace was begun by Cardinal Wolsey, but it soon atracted the attention of his Tudor king and became the centre of royal and political life for the next 200 years. Lucy Worsley with David Souden tell the stories of the people who have inhabited the palace over the last five centuries. Here Henry VIII and Mary II introduced French court etiquette, and Georgian kings and princes argued violently amid the splendid interiors. Along with the royal residents there was equally fascinating characters among courtiers and servants. Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in the nineteenth century, and millions have passed through. $34.95Coming out in paper this September by Lucy Worsley
Tea Fit For a Queen: Recipes and Drinks for Afternoon Tea - This is a beautiful gift book filled with recipes that have stood the test of time as well as fascinating anecdotes and tales. She reveals how the tradition of afternoon tea started in royal Britain. Over 40 charming recipes include everything from delicate finger sandwiches to Victorian sponge cake, Chelsea Buns and a Champagne Cocktail. In these pages learn about the infamous royals and their connections to the history of tea; why jam pennies were Queen Elizabeth II's favorite tea time treat and how mead cake came to be served duirng Henry VIII's reign. Discover what cake William and Catherine selected for their wedding and why orange-scented scones became a royal tradition at Kensington Palace. Yummie! $18.95
Due in November by Lucy Worsley
The Art of the English Murder: From Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock - She explains England's love affair with scandals, lurid murders and executions, exhibiting her exceptional knowledge of social and literary England. Done in three parts: Part I. How to Enjoy a Murder; Part II. Enter the Detective; Part III. The Golden Age and a Postscript: The Decline of the English Murder. $15.95
Potpourri of New Needlework Books
GREAT NEWS! SHARON G. HAS A NEW BOOK!
It's About Darn Time! is now available in a spiral-bound format - a full page in size and full of great information on darning patterns. Here's a chance to learn from a pro who teaches and designs needlework as well as writes books. Her designs are wonderful so I included one of them so you can see her work. Her book should be to me by the time you read this. $49.95. But don't forget the 20% discount when you use the discount code (bro715). 
ANOTHER NEW BOOK - CAROLYN HEDGE BAIRD
I was informed Carolyn Hedge Baird had another book out for needlepointers called, Teeny, Tiny Stitches. It is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, spiral bound and is 204 pages - 160 pages of stitches. I think the cover speaks for itself! $29.95 We do carry all of her previous
BOOK ALERT!
One of my favorite books, The Art of Chinese Embroidery by Margaret Lee, a world-renown expert on this embroidery, is no longer distributed in the states. I have three copies left of this
Country Bumpkin - A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 - I'm so glad to see this great book reprinted by Search Press. It contains projects, detailed step-by-step instructions and photos. This book contains a complete comprehensive dictionary of embroidery stitches and techniques. It offers embroiderers a perfect way to add variety and interest to every new stitching project. Historical insights and beautiful embroideries add to the inspiration. $19.95 Due out end of Sept.
Country Bumpkin - A-Z of Goldwork with Silk Embroidery - This reprint of this classic by Search Press includes detailed step-by-step instructions and stunning photos. This book filled with practical expertise shows how to create beautiful goldwork embroideries, enhanced with silk embroidery. It also conveys the history and tradition of goldwork through the years and detailed information about the threads and equipment needed, with clearly illustrated instructions and many hints and tips to help you achieve the best results. $19.95. Due end of Sept.
Country Bumpkin - A-Z of Heirloom Sewing - Discover the delights of heirloom sewing, a collection of fine needlework techniques that imitate French hand sewing. The use of delicate fabrics trimmed with lace, ribbon and tucks are common characteristics of this beautiful technique. Pefect for adding that extra special touch to christening gowns, children's clothes, wedding dresses, and delicate garments, this book had methods for every skill level. Filled with detailed instructions and useful hints, this reference book offers over 700 clear step-by-step photos to help you achieve the perfect finish. $19.95 Due end of Sept.
Country Bumpkin - A-Z of Whitework - Whitework, as you know, is white on white embroidery where the texture of the stitchery, whether it be delicate or bold, creates the beauty and interest. Over 1000 step-by-step-by-step photos illustrate the creation of this beautiful embroidery that encompassing candlewicking, Mountmellick, cut work, applique, shadow work and net embroidery. Learn techniques the A-Z way. $19.95 Is now available.
Saito, Yoko - Yoko Saito's Houses, Houses, Houses - Using varying interpretations of quilted houses, from one-dimensional designs to silhouttes, in addition she teaches you how to design your own house block, there are 34 projects from which to choose. These include handbags, pouches, carry-all, tissue case, pencil case and wall hangings. $34.95 
Shore, Debbie - Half Yard Christmas - The author shows us how to create all the accessories you'll need in her latest addition to her best-selling Half Yard series. Featuring six themed chapters - rustic, traditional, contemporary, monochrone, Scandinavian and kids. Select your favorite Christmas style or mix and match throughout your home. With over 30 simple, stylish projects requiring only half yards of fabric you will be festive in no time. This book is ideal for beginners as well as providing inspiration to more experienced sewers. $19.95BOOK SALE - 30% off
This blog always offers you a 20% discount on all books but after the end of many seminars I have an abundance of certain titles that I would like to find good homes so I've offering a 30% discount on the titles I've listed below. Hope you can "adopt" some of them to include in your library.
AMY BUNGER TITLES
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| Sample of a Cookbook Chapter |
Chapter 1: Knot Quite A Book & Where to Begin (Knots)
Chapter 2: Make Mine a Scotch (Scotch stitches)
Chapter 3: X Marks the Spot (Cross stitches)
Chapter 4: Follow the Straight and Narrow (Parisian, Brick,
Bargello Basics, Diamond, etc.)
Chapter 5: Ghosts and Gobelins (Gobelins and more)
Chapter 6: Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny (Alica's lace, basketweave)
Chapter 7: Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave (Roman, Spider
Detached Needleweaving, etc)
Chapter 8: The Old Ball and Chain (Lazy Daisy, Chain, Fly
stitch, French, etc.)
Chapter 10: Darn It! (Darning stitches)
Chapter 11: For Your Eyes Only (Eyelets and more)
Chapter 12: Exotic Places (Byzantine, Milanese, Hungarian, etc)
Chapter 14: Naughty or Nice (Christmas and Winter Scenes)
Chapter 15: Turn Over a New Leaf (stitches for leaves)
Chapter 16: Strange Bedfellows (Composite stitches)
Chapter 17: Encore, Encore! (Requested stitches)
Chapter 18: Play It Again Sam ( More Requested stitches)
Chapter 19: Jailhouse Rock (Bargello patterns)
Chapter 20: Midnight Lace (Blackwork)
Chapter 21: How Does Your Garden Grow!(Garden Stitches)
Chapter 23: Couch Potato (Laid Filling Patterns)
Hope you found something you need
From Her Visiting Chef chapters I have:
Chapter 1: Tony Minieri - All Tied Up - (Tied Stitches)
Chapter 2: Jay Patterson - Jay's Hints (Great Tips)
Chapter 4: Dede - Cookin' With Shadow Stitching
Chapter 5: Ann Caswell, Suzanne Howren, Beth Robertson -
Cooking with T3 (Menu of Stitches)
Chapter 6: Deborah Wilson - The Gold Standard - (Metal
Thread Stitches
If you need more info feel free to call
I also have three of Chottie Alderson's favorite pattern books on sale for 30% off listed price. Take a peek!
Chottie's Legacy Vol. 1 Canvas or Nue' $20.00
Two sections of this book are 1. Chottie's essay on Canvas or Nue, her directions and original graphs for several designs, color picture of each design and one graph and design never published before. 2. Consists of variations of her designs stitches lovingly by family and neighbors.
Lady Bug Picnic - $15.00 - I personally love this design and never tire of looking at it. It was created by Chottie in 1967 with the original worked in cross-stitch with DMC floss on white Aida fabric. The design is 146 stitches high and 105 stitches wide. The count of the Aida fabric determines the finished size. The largest being 10 count fabric - 14.60x10.50. The smallest being on 24 count fabric - 6.08x4.38. 
The Furth Sampler A Sampler from the Victorian Period $70.00 This sampler is a masterpiece designed for the advanced
stitcher. The finished size is 9 feet by 6 inches wide. The sampler packet comes with complete instructions with full-color pictures and 10 details. The Furth is a documented copy of a long, narrow needlepoint sampler worked in the 1860's by Elizabeth Furth of Vienna. This is an excellent example of Berlin Wool Work - 29 different patterns and designs are used with 29 different borders. Also includes a history of this rare sampler.
HISTORICAL FICTION
I thought this new book by James Wood, The Nearest Thing to Life, would be perfect here. His book is a memorable blend of memoir and criticism that is a master class on the connections between fiction and life. He argues that, of all the arts, fiction has a unique ability to describe the shape of our lives and to rescue the texture of those lives from death and historical oblivion. James Wood is a noted contributor to the New Yorker. $19.95
Historical Fiction - New writer Kate Riordan
I love to discover new writers and I'm so glad I found Kate. I am now reading her historical novel, Fiercombe Manor and very much enjoying it. How could I resist a book that begins, "Fiercombe Manor is a place of secrets. They fret among the uppermost branches of the beech trees and brood at the cold bottom of the stream that cleaves the valley in two. The past has seeped into the soil here like spilt blood. If you listen closely enough, you can almost hear what's gone on before, particularly on the stillest days." See what I mean? The story begins in 1933, when naive twenty-two year old Alice - pregnant and unmarried - is in disgrace and is banished to Fiercombe Manor where she will be watched by her mother's old friend, the housekeeper Mrs. Jelphs. Thirty years earlier, Pregnant Lady Elizabeth Stanton, owner of the mansion and now living overseas with her husband desperately hoped for the heir her husband desired. Tormented of what happened after the birth of a girl, Lady Stanton grows terrified that history will repeat itself.
Alice decides to uncover that families tragic secrets but nothing prepares her for what she discovers. Can she escape the tragic fate of the other women who have lived in Fiercombe Valley. Curious? I am hooked. $15.99
As you probably guessed this takes place in England where our author is from.
I've included a selection of historical novels below:
Baker, Jo - Longbourn - If you are a Jane Austen fan with a pronounced predilection for Pride and Prejudice you will love this author's ingenious book about the Bennets' with Elizabeth and her sisters fussing over balls and husbands, while, Sarah, their orphaned housemaid, is beginning to chafe against the boundaries of her class. When a new footman arrives at Longbourn under mysterious circumstances, the carefully choreographed world she has known all her life threatens to be completely, perhaps irrevocably upended. This book has received many awards and high praise. $15.95
Gregory, Philippa - The King's Curse - This is the story of lady-in-waiting Margaret Pole and her unique view of King Henry VIII's stratospheric rise to power in Tudor England. Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York (the White Princess) and daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, is married off to a steady and kind Lancaster supporter - Sir Richard Pole. Her life is interrupted by the arrival of Arthur, the young Prince of Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon. When Arthur dies and Katherine marries Henry, Margaret becomes the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. Great reviews. $7.99
King, Lily - Euphoria - Lauded on the cover of the New York Times Book Reviews and winner of the 2014 New England Book Award for fiction, King's nationally bestselling breakout novel tells of three young, gifted anthropologists of the 1930's caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens their bonds, their careers, and ultimately their lives. $16.00
Parker, Kate - The Counterfeit Lady - Who would suspect antiquarian bookseller Georgia Fenchurch of leading a double life - as a private investigator for the clandestine Archivist Society in Victoria London? When England's national security is compromised Georgia must pose as a titled lady to root out a spy. $15.00
Rosen, Renee - What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age - On the night of the Great Fire, as 17 year-old Delia watches the flames rise and consume Chicago, she can't imagine how much her life, her city, and her whole world are about to change. Nor can she guess that the agent of that change will not simply be the fire, but more so the man she meets that night. $15.00
Treger, Louisa - The Lodger - With an artistic take on the life and loves of author H.G. Wells. Treger's work is a beautifully intimate novel that is at once an introduction to one of the most important writers of the 20th century and a compelling story of one woman tormented by unconventional desires. $24.99
Sunderesan, Indu - The Twentieth Wife - Based on the life of an actual empress of the Mughal empire, the woman for whom the Taj Mahal was built. This best-selling author brings the woman and the times to life. $16.00
Sundersan, Indu - The Feast of Roses - When clever and ambitious Mehrunnisa boosts her status from twentieth wife in the emperor's harem to Empress she must contend with the greed, love, power, and bitter rivalries that go with her position. She rules from behind the veil, securing her status by forming a junta of sorts with her father, brother, and stepson - and risking it all, even her daughter to get what she wants. But she never loses the love of the man who bestows this power upon her. She was his 20th wife and last and the only one he loved. $15.00
IN CASE YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH RUTH KERN BOOKS I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR BUSINESS. WE'VE BEEN IN THE NEEDLEWORK BOOK BUSINESS FOR OVER 23 YEARS. FOR OVER 21 YEARS WE HAVE SET UP BOOKSHOPS FOR THE ANG AND EGA
WE OFFER A FREE SEARCH FOR OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS AND WE DO STOCK LOTS OF OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS AT OUR SHOP. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A TITLE GIVE US A TRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A WEBSITE THAT IS BEING UPDATED BUT IS STILL PLENTY USEABLE. ruthkernbooks.com
Questions? CALL US MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: 602-943-0738 BETWEEN 9AM TO 6PM ARIZONA TIME. (WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO NEVER CHANGE OUR CLOCKS FORWARD OR BACKWARD.) OR IF YOU RATHER E-MAIL ME: rkern3@mindspring.com or rkernbooks3@gmail.com. To reach me by mail: Ruth Kern Books, 7235 N. 9th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021.
IMPORTANT! DON'T FORGET TO FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE IN THIS BLOG THAT GIVES YOU A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY BOOK YOU ORDER FROM US.
HAVE A GREAT LIFE! KEEP PLENTY OF TIME AVAILABLE FOR STITCHING AND READING!
