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,...
Vintage Notions Book
Mary Brooks Picken & Her Magic Patterns
As we countdown to the official 100th Anniversary of the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences I am revisiting the influence that the school, and it's founder, Mary Brooks Picken, has had on my career. Last week I shared with you my book Vintage Notions,...
Vintage Notions – ENTER TO WIN!
Note, this contest has ended. Congratulations to Martha R. who won the book! Martha, check your email for a message from us. Thanks to everyone who entered! Six years ago I published Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and...
The 100th Anniversary of The Woman’s Institute!
As you know, my book Vintage Notions was inspired by Mary Brooks Picken and the work she did through the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences. Mary founded the Institute on February 29th 1916 for the purpose of "making a practical knowledge of the...
Century old New Year’s Cheer
Over the holiday break I spent some time with some of my vintage children’s magazines. I found this wonderful letter from January 1916 that I had to share... here is a particularly inspiring excerpt from the page. If you enjoy it please share it & I will find more...
Upcycled Apron with Crafty Gemini Creates!
I'm so excited to share with you my new tutorial with Vanessa from Crafty Gemini Creates! I recently traveled up to Hamilton, Missouri to film with Vanessa at Missouri Star Quilt Company (more about that story here). Enjoy this project, which is from my book Vintage...
Live Your Life and Forget Your Age
WHEN ARE WE OLD? I remember when I was a little girl, I used to think that anyone my mom's age or older was old. This included my school teacher, the mailman, baseball players, sales clerks, etc. I now have an 12 year old daughter and I am sure she sees me as old!...
The Department of Sewing: Creative Machine Tips
I ran across this article in my Vintage Notions archives and thought how it is still applicable today. I am amazed by the advances in sewing machine technology today. I love to see all the new tips and tricks offered by new machines, from a huge library of decorative...
Gathering ’round the Table
Thanksgiving is a holiday when we can hopefully put away the distractions and stresses of our daily lives and come together for a day of food, family, and fun. And where is that we come together? Around the table, of course! Matching china and silverware, place...
Holiday Inspiration: Serving in Buffet Fashion
With the holidays coming up, I looked to my Inspiration newsletters for some vintage party advice. The Department of Cookery never lets me down! I want to share this article on Serving in Buffet Fashion with you after all, everything old is new again and that includes...
