I suspect there’s going to be a lot of pessimists this year.
Happy New Year, everyone! Change is in the air– let’s hope it sweeps 2020 into oblivion…
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
The Most Fiendish Vampire
Today is International Rabbit Day, a day to honour and learn about rabbits, both domestic and wild. In that vein (see what I did there?), I thought I’d post about the most fiendish vampire of all: Bunnicula!
Outwardly appearing like any other pet rabbit, Bunnicula strikes terror in the hearts of other pets as he roams the house in the dead of night, draining vegetables of their vital juices!
Can anything stop Bunnicula? Only time will tell…
Okay, Bunnicula is more fluffy than fiendish, but he’s still one of my favourite vampires (from a cherished children’s book series of the same name).
Are you a Bunnicula fan? What’s your favourite rabbit fact? Share in the comments…
Read more about Bunnicula here.
Learn more about rabbits here and here.
Read more vampires by downloading my books (no bunnies, alas)!
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
More Awesome Literary Embroideries
One of the things that’s been getting me through the long months of COVID isolation has been needlepoint (you can read my thoughts about my favourite craft here). Books are, of course, one of the other things. I doubt I’ve ever been so grateful to be an introvert. I’m not sure whether needle crafts have been catching on during this awful time, like baking and gardening have, but stitching is an excellent way to calm your mind while making something lasting. Another great aspect of needlepoint is that it lends itself to any subject matter. Anything from simple quotes to intricate scenes can be rendered with needle and thread, and you can really get creative with it. No surprise I’m partial to bookish designs, so I decided to share some links to patterns. If you’re already a stitcher, I hope you’ll find something you like. If you’ve never stitched before, maybe you’ll be inspired to give it a try (you don’t even need to be isolating!) Which pattern is your favourite? Share in the comments…
Perhaps this sentiment isn’t as relatable under current circumstances, but you can’t deny that Austen has a point. Free pattern.
Louisa May Alcott gets the credit for this somewhat negative take on book lovers. I wouldn’t change a thing, even if my brain is turned. Pattern.
I have a fondness for fairy tales, and Sleeping Beauty was always one of my favourites. Fairy tales tend to have an appealing aesthetic, as well– perfect for needlepoint. Have fun with this free pattern.
From fairy tales to something a little more adult. Cross-stitch (curse-stitch?) for when you’re really f@#*!%g into books 😉 Pattern.
A sweeter sentiment we can all get behind. Pattern.
Throw out those old scraps of paper and make yourself a bookmark worthy of keeping your place. Free pattern.
I love this design because in one simple image it cleverly expresses my entire reality: books are my world. Pattern.
When you need to let people know the movie didn’t quite cut it. You can even stitch it three different ways. Pattern 1.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more inspiration and patterns, check out these online archives of vintage embroidery books:
Need a break from embroidery? Download my books!
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Happy Canada Day!
Stay safe by joining one of the many virtual celebrations being held around the country:
Happy Canada Day!
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Did You Know…?
The Canadian House of Commons Chamber (modelled after the British Chamber in Westminster) was built so that “The distance across the floor of the House between the government and opposition benches is 3.96 metres, said to be equivalent to two swords’ length.” The reasoning behind this was to prevent duels between members of opposing parties.
Distancing: saving lives since 1866*!
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
*Or, 1801, when the British House of Commons was originally built (Westminster itself has been around since 1016).
Aspasía S. Bissas 