This is a ‘big fish’ story. You know the ones? The most amazing thing happened! I caught a giant mermaid and let it go- honestly- it happened- Bill Murray helped me haul it into the boat- we’re buds! I swear!
Last week was the giant amazing fabulous used book sale in Greenville and I’ve been preparing for months! Auditioning tote bags, making lists, clearing shelf space. Preparing the husband with author flash cards so he can dive when he sees a particular book.
Elizabeth George: Inspector Thomas Lynley!
It’s a book sale not for the faint of heart.
My Outfit- after much consideration, I went sleeveless. Simplicity 1884:
I’ve made this one before- its comfortable and quick- I love a pattern that has minimal front and back seams so my gaudy fabrics aren’t too diced up. I skip the bow and added a wise owl- for my smarty-pants book sale theme.
Another plus- no dangling sleeves to create drag while book shopping. I need full arm extension and rabbit punch moves! No excess fabric for other shoppers to grab at and haul you away from the prize tomes. 3/4 tunic length so no time waisted hauling it down over my hips after I body slam and use an old lady as a pommel horse to get to a pristine Deanna Raybourn!
Book shoppers at this sale are not those sweet sleepy book club ladies that just want to talk about Edward and Bella. These chicks are hardcore!
Hell hath no fury like a spinster with a wheelie cart defending her Janet Oake books from attack. It’s not for sissies, folks. Elbows are sharp and flying at the large print Nicholas Sparks table.
So why is this a fish story? I forgot the bleeding camera!? So only a few phone shots are available- nothing of little me looking lovely.
So you must listen to me tell you of my battle scars- the way I hyper-extended my arm like Mrs incredible to reach the only copy of a Gore Vidal I didn’t have. The way I vaulted across the table and dive caught a Michael Connelly just as the guy with his t-shirt tucked into his sweatpants dropped it.
Well, the siege lasted 2 hours- from the time the volunteer greeted us (in my mind he really said,’At my signal, unleash hell’) to our exit- bloodied and with spoils rivaled only by a Mongol raiding party! This is from my phone:
Here’s Bruder- he is pretending he is me at the noir table:
He gets me. He does.
The to-read shelf is most happy now.
Photo credits: little me, pattern review. All images remain the property of the original owners.
Pretty Grievances 
I have passed this pattern by in my stash repeatedly. No more! The fabric you used is wonderful. Sounds to me like you had a great time at the book sales. Hope no one got hurt!!!
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We were well-behaved, I swear! The husband was promised Indian Buffet if he behaved!
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Just the words BOOK SALE made me glance to my shoes by the door ready to launch myself into action. Totally get this …..
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It is a wonderful thing- all the proceeds go to the literacy organization- nothing like book lust with a cause!
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Hilarious! Something like the 40% off sales at the local fabric store. (The only one NOT a quilting boutique in our small city). I hope you have enough reading material to last you awhile. I am pretty partial to James D, Doss myself. Humour, mystery and native american lore all in one.
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I will check him out!
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I live in a tiny place where the library book sale is utterly laughable….but we do have one of the best used book stores in the world, and it is *not* quite so competitive…….
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I wait all year for this sale- it’s so nice being around other readers- feeling the sense of community- until one of those bitches grabs a Raymond Chandler out from under me!
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Never trust the sweet little old ladies at a book sale – they’re just distracting you so they can grab the good stuff from under your hands, LOL. I’ve waded into a few of these sale/battles myself 🙂 Looks like you were properly armored and got your spoils though.
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Mr B has no mercy with bad queuers and line jumpers- he blazed a trail for me!
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Black Friday sales have nothing on the used book sales. Smart choice avoiding bows and sleeves. They would have just slowed you down.
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The perfect outfit for sneaking between tables and dodging giddy greedy grandmas…staying cool and quick-witted is the key. Your tote bag looks perfect too although you must have had more than one to contain that new stack of beauties!
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There may have been more tote bags beside me….
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LOL.
I love the top. Great fabric.
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Thank you! It is so summer perfect- airy!
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Dogs and books and things to sew. Life is good. As always thanks for making me snort with laughter.
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It’s the simple things!
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That shirt is so cute. I need to go find that pattern now.
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It’s a nice little staple pattern- lots to work with!
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I love a used book sale where teeth and claws come out. Your top looks so great on you and love that neckline.That’s one of the patterns in my stash so I just might have to give it a try. And that owl pin is incredible, how perfect with that fabric!!
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Wow! That’s quite a haul! Seeing your stack of books makes me want to sit down with a good book, but I’ve got lots o’ sewing to do. 🙂
Cute blouse! I would never have bought that one based on the envelope, but isn’t that always the way? I sometimes wonder if they do it on purpose…
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That envelope- yech!
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I LOVE Michael Connelly and have read almost all of the Inspector Lynley (Up until, you know, THAT one). Sigh. Haven’t had time to read in ages, or sew for me for that matter. Clearly my world needs to change. Sigh.
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No- we can’t read THAT one….
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A perfect outfit for a book sale. If you are ever in the UK you must visit Hay-on-Wye. Book town. Yes, the used book capital of England – maybe the world. (The Management won’t take me anymore *sigh*)
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I have a new destination!!!!
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Cute top! It looks like it would keep you cool while you fight for the prize! I am in awe of your “book stash”!
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Oh, I too am a book fair ‘warrior’ – and the one’s I often go to have smelly old men that look at me funny, and others willing to swipe half a small table with a sweep on their arm just so you can’t look. I think this experience makes what is found all the more of a prize! Great post – it made my day…especially your doxie photo!
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It gets a very ‘no this is my gold panning area’ feel after a while, doesn’t it?
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I love your fabric – so reader-worthy.
So what’s the priority now, reading or sewing?
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Bruder and I switch off- tag team style!
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