In 2010 I released a book, which is very dear to me, Vintage Notions. To write it, I immersed myself into the world of The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences. I collected and curated the materials from the Institute and compiled my favorite pieces, along with my own writings, into Vintage Notions. The content in the book represented just a small portion of the Institute’s legacy. Since its publication, I have been waiting for the opportunity to revisit the Woman’s Institute material and bring more of it to a modern audience.
As the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences approached, I knew the time had come. This month, I will be launching my new “Vintage Notions” project, Vintage Notions Monthly. This series will include curated content from the Woman’s Institute Inspiration newsletter and Fashion Service magazine.
I’m starting the Vintage Notions Monthly journey with issues from 1920. This is a fantastic year for Inspiration magazine, and the coordinating fashion illustrations from Fashion Service magazine are just beautiful. Any fans of the costumes of Downton Abbey or The Danish Girl will love the descriptions and illustrations of these fashions. What’s old is new again…
Each issue will also include a Magic Pattern for a fun sewing project. Magic Patterns are sewing patterns that don’t use pattern pieces – you draft the pattern using your measurements. The founder of the Woman’s Institute, Mary Brooks Picken, invented the Magic Pattern. The vintage patterns inspired me to write The Magic Pattern Book and I’m so excited to share more of Mary’s original patterns with you!
To learn more about the series and sign up to get your FREE sample of the first issue (plus a bonus gift!), watch the video below.
