One of my favorite places in the world is the library, any library, and I can get lost in one after just a few minutes and then realize I've spent hours browsing. I used to be embarrassed when I was a teenager and they called me a "bookworm," like it was a bad thing, but now I'm proud to be one. Also, I'm not 100 % sure, but I think I'm the only one from my high school graduating class who can call herself an author, so there, LOL.
My library. Heaven, to me. I spend a lot of time here.
I've always been just a little bit behind on anything new in the digital gadget craze, preferring to sit back, observe and then let them work out the kinks before I jump in and spend my money. Well, I said I never would, but I finally broke down and recently bought myself an electronic reader thingy - the Nook from Barnes & Noble. Yes, I know, everyone else has had a Kindle for years while I resisted. I bought a Nook because it was pretty cheap and I had a few B & N gift cards sitting around. I can't afford an iPad right now - we're looking at 2 kids in college later this year - and since I have a newerish laptop and iPod anyway, there didn't seem to be a good reason to spend the money for something that does what both of those gadgets do anyway.
While I resisted, I told myself I loved the feel of paper pages too much to use one of those things when I read. I still read real books, but I have to admit, the Nook is fun. Fun for travel and for when I'm in waiting situations - i.e., the doctor's office or the fitting room at any store in the mall with my daughter, while she's trying on clothes. Perfect.
I love that it's white and bright instead of dull gray and that it easily slips into my purse too. Unlike the Kindle, the Nook allows you to download e-books from the library for free. You know I love a bargain and the first thing I bought at the B & N store was a collection of 25 classic novels for $.99! Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, Emma. There are also hundreds of other free e-books out there.
Of course, I couldn't let it get scratched and because I didn't really fall in love with any of the ridiculously expensive leather cases for it, I made my own.
This is just a variation of the letter case/needle case in my book The Civil War Sewing Circle. I adjusted the pattern for the length and cut it an inch wider than the Nook on either side. Added a piece of batting instead of interfacing for more padding. Again, a perfect and cheap solution. I need to get a small piece of Velcro for the inside flap and then sew the decorative button on the front.
This was so easy, I think I'll make a few of them so I can coordinate them with . . . my daughter's outfits, LOL. I'm not the only "bookworm" in our family.
15 comments:
I'm a bookworm too - and the library is one of my favorite places to go, and I have a list of books a mile long that I want to read. I too, have resisted the electronic readers, but have been hearing lots of good stuff about them from people who feel and think the same way I do, so I might bite the bullet like you did and give one a try some day.
I totally agree on the cost thing. That's why I downloaded the free app for both kindle and nook. I love them. It's funny all the books you listed are the first ones I downloaded also, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, etc. Check out blog.booksontheknob.org she has freebies almost every day. Some are good and some not so much so read the description first. I love your case too. Very pretty!
Love your choice of books - but I'm just an old fashioned girl who likes the feel of a real book however..great cover though - good excuse to sew!! If you need one?
i was a hopeless bookworm as a kid too and i still love spending time at my local library. Actually, since i've grown up [lol] i've turned into an even bigger bibliophile, scary huh! old books / new books i just have to have them, resistance is futile lol!!
Now, i have to admit this 'nook' thing has got me just a tad intrigued...hmmmm i might just be tempted to add it to my birthday wishlist lol!!
btw i love the quilted case you made for yours :))
I love the library and now that they have the telus system, I can search for books from other libraries and have them sent to mine, so a real time saver.
Debbie
I love to read too. My husband bought me a Kindle and I absolutely love it. So nice to be able to download books on the run and you don't have to worry about where to store them! Love your little case you made for it!
Thanks for posting about libraries and your Nook, Kathleen. I'm another book and library person; I've been volunteering in my small local library (my childhood hometown, not the town I live in now) for 17 years; it's the best volunteer position ever. And for 4 years I've had a teenager volunteering with me on Friday afternoon.
Anyway, ebooks have been a big discussion in libraries for quite some time. On our small budget, we are finally able to offer free ebooks to our patrons; there are also other online sites for copyright-free ebooks.
And aren't we all lovers of quilting books? Libraries are a good source, especially if you can use Interlibrary Loan in your county or state.
Happy reading to you (that's how I spend my evenings, even though I could be hand quilting :),
Kathleen C in CT
Your volunteer work sounds lovely, Kathleen. Maybe someday that's what I'll do. Lately I'm afraid I am more of a reader than a quilter.
Another avid reader, I was a Librarian all through High School and have always loved libraries too!!! I have been thinking about getting a Kindle or Nook, I'll have to research their differences before I jump in! It would be a must to make ones own purse! Much nicer than the commercial ones, you did a nice job!!
I've been thinking of getting one of those readers, since my space for books is limited. I might treat myself to one for Christmas. That gives you plenty of time to make the cover for it. :-) The ones you made are so cute!
Super lovely blog!
xoxo,
colormenana.blogspot.com
oh I can get lost in a book store as well ah yes libraries and book stores always make me happy. I happen to be off to Barnes and Noble today!
My DD has the nook and loves it, she is away at college and a great way for her to still read for fun when she has time! Usually on the plane ride back and forth to school!
She loves she can get magazines on the nook too
kathie who is waiting for an I PAD!
A lovley case you made! I got an iPad in february and sewed a case for it myself instead of buying an ugly one! I love your blog, it's so inspiring. Greetings from Iceland!
I can't believe I bought a kindle! I love my print books and always will. However the e-readers do have a some built in bells and whistles that are wonderful too,ie built in dictionary/ thesaurus feature. The other thing that I thought was really cool was I could "listen" to a story while still putting a quilt together and that's what finally got me. To be able to do of my favorite things together.
Match all you want; just don't call her a bookworm.....nookworm?
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