Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
About a year ago now, maybe, Jane sent me one of her favorite books, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson, published by the fantastically wonderful Persephone Books. I saw the preview for the movie on TV a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to see it. This sweet confection was so worth the wait and just what I needed! I highly recommend it. And I want hair just like Delycia's. Notice that the color of her suit here is Persephone grey? Double-delish.
Last week was crazy! I can't believe it's Monday already. Thank you again for all the orders — we have close to 200 to fill this week, so things will be busy busy around here. I closed all the orders on Friday afternoon, but I will make the kits and probably a few dolls available again after we catch up here. I want to make sure I can get everything out by the date I promised and we'll be hard pressed this time! So, when I'm all caught up I'll take an inventory and put at least the kits back in the shop. Thank you!
I have all sorts of catching-up things to do today. We need groceries desperately. I have to go to the library. But all I can think of is making a random-square patchwork quilt out of every one of these. Wouldn't that be the prettiest thing in the world? I can't stop thinking about it. Naturally, when I have absolutely no time for such things. Isn't that always the way. There must be a reason for that. As soon as your mind is occupied with something else, these little flowers come creeping in.
sooo true,lots of flowers... that's why i always have several different projects going on at one time! can't help it!
Posted by: samantha | March 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Excitingly enough, this book is now available in the US - http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Pettigrew-Lives-Persephone-Classics/dp/190646202X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206372742&sr=8-1. Persephone will be releasing US editions of some of their titles, so no more UK shipping costs. I also loved it, glad you did too!
Posted by: Lindsay | March 24, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Those fabrics are adorable, but whoa on the prices.
Posted by: Karissa | March 24, 2008 at 08:37 AM
yes, I saw the preview for this movie just yesterday! It looks fabulous...but I bet the book is even better!
Posted by: libby | March 24, 2008 at 08:49 AM
PLease do - that would be a lovely quilt. Just blame it all on your quilting Muse - when the muse is calling you have to oblige ;-) It's thanks to her that I always have a dozen different projects on the go, and there's nothing like deciding that you will finish everything before you start something new to have all those ideas flooding in, urging you to start something new!
Posted by: mathea | March 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Oh, and I love the book - can't wait for the film!
Posted by: mathea | March 24, 2008 at 08:59 AM
YAY, we loooved the movie; it was perfect on the rainy night that we saw it. I adore the Persephone books but can't justify the prices; I bought "The Making of a Marchioness" while I was in London on business but I'm afraid I'll have to settle for the US version of this one. I am glad they're issuing US editions but I wish they'd stuck with the plain grey cover!
Posted by: Kate F. | March 24, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Oh no... another movie to add to the list of movies that I want to see and Craig tolerates!!! I love your gorgeous photos on the last post... the colors are incredible. Your photography is so fantastic... and it's not just this new camera... it's you! I'm looking forward to receiving the doll kit... fun little diversion from some serious painting that'll be happening and another way to neglect my quilt in progress! Why is it we always want to do something other than the present work??
Posted by: bethany | March 24, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I was surprised and delighted to see you had posted about Miss Pettigrew! Last weekend I went on and on to my sister about how much I wanted to see that movie, and how excited I was about it. Unfortunately, we have local theater managers who apparently decide what "everyone" will want to see, and it quite often excludes the ones I want to see the most! Really irritating! Occasionally, months later, they will include something in their Independent Film Series which means they show for two days only. Thank goodness I was able to finally see Beyond The Sea and Miss Potter because of that series. No theater within 70 miles of me is showing Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Yet. We will see.
Posted by: HeidiAnn | March 24, 2008 at 09:25 AM
yes, that movie looks charming. i love persephone books, too.
i made my first tote bag from 4" pre-cut squares of liberty fabric i purchased on ebay. i don't remember the cost, but i'm pretty sure it was reasonable - that patchwork quilt is possible.
Posted by: cindy k | March 24, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Not only would that quilt be lovely, it would be oh-so-soft. Love that Liberty fabric!
Oops... I shouldn't be encouraging you, should I? Sorry!
Posted by: kelly | March 24, 2008 at 09:29 AM
The Liberty tana lawn is indeed lovely. However, I will offer you my disheartening experience quilting with it. I made a blue-and-white Irish Chain quilt with all tana lawn fabrics I had collected for years (and yes, it was still expensive in the early 90s!). The holes from my sewing machine needle pierced the fine fabric like the edges of a postage stamp and some of it has torn. Perhaps using a thinner needle than my usual one for cotton might have helped but I am wary of using the fabric again in a quilt. It's great for little girl's dresses, bags, etc.
Posted by: Kirsten | March 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Oh,I know! I always have a million things to do but my crafts keep calling.
Posted by: Knitsational | March 24, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I really, really, really want to see that movie. :)
Posted by: sizzle | March 24, 2008 at 09:53 AM
oh my, so many trusted posie commenter's reviews to consider prior to purchasing, needle selecting, reading or watching the above mentioned items in your post! good thing i stopped by as commenter #14 instead of #40 or i would never have accomplished a darn thing today what with the needed exploring. my first priority will be to acquaint myself with miss pettigrew whom i suspect and hope i am related to!
your friend, bird tweet robin from down the road
Posted by: tweet herself | March 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Miss Pettigrew was the first persephone book I bought a few years ago now and I love it.
I'm torn about seeing the film though. Someone else's interpretation never meets your own. Maybe if you see it you could advise on whether or not to watch.
Posted by: Patti | March 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I didn't even know it was a film!! I love the book!
Hope you had a lovely Easter!
Posted by: Jennie | March 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Hi Alicia...I can't wait to see this movie!!! I styled my hair like that on Saturday night when I attended an auction benefiting a high school jazz band...It was sooo much fun (the hairstyle, and the auction too)...It's very easy to do...Just use a relatively small curling iron, and put in ringlets by holding the iron vertically, rather than horizontally...You can curl in forward or backward...I did it forward) The fabrics are wonderful, but I do so wish they were a bit less expensive. Take care, and good luck with all the clothespin doll preparations...Katie
Posted by: hazelsvintagepretties | March 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Alicia ... for those of us just starting out to quilt, maybe a tutorial in quilting and binding? Hint, hint. :) Or maybe you can share one you know about. Thank you for being you, and for being our muse. xxoo
Posted by: Carolyn | March 24, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Hi there:
Multnomah County library has 8 copies of the book "in Process" (with 20 holds on it, unfortunately)
http://tinyurl.com/2khr2b
Posted by: arden | March 24, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I loved the book, and I'm waiting very impatiently for the movie to open here..We've got 3 movie theaters(owned by the same person), and two of them are showing "College Road Trip" right now, but no Miss Pettigrew..
Posted by: Betsy | March 24, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Those little flowers come creeping into my mind like weeds!
Posted by: Carrie | March 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM
hugs for Alicia, where art my Alicia?? Its been so long : )
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: blair | March 24, 2008 at 12:02 PM
So I bought pieces of that fabulous lawn from Purl a month ago and made portraits ala their project log. They hang in my guest room over a dark wicker bed with blue/pink/green and yellow paisley bedding from Ralph Lauren. Looks very cottage indeed.
Posted by: Mary Ann/ca | March 24, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Those Liberty fabrics are beautiful! I went there a few weeks ago and felt like buying everything, but came out with nothing as there was just too much to choose from. I'm a big fan of Persephone books, so I'll be on the lookout for Miss Petigrew.
Posted by: Helen | March 24, 2008 at 12:58 PM