Reading Matter...

My one weakness (in the manner of Dorcas from 'Larkrise to Candleford') is a subscription to a lovely magazine. The delight when the postman drops these paper bound visions of loveliness through my letter box is well, ~ I can't think of an appropriate word ~ but I know that you will all understand...

These are such little luxuries in my life now, finding the time to read without any interruption is rare, so I look forward to planning 'me' time in the day when I can sit quietly with a cup of tea and a fresh magazine to open up and discover the treats inside. The result is usually a mixture of thoughts in my head 'oh why can't my house look like that?' or 'I could try and make one of those' (when I get the time) but mostly I am simply inspired by the wonderful creators and creations that appear as each page is turned.

Over the years I have become a little more discerning in the publications that I buy ~ I used to indulge in every home and crafts magazine out there, but now have whittled the selection down to just a few of what I consider to be the very best...

Here goes the list; 'Victoria' ~ bereft was I, when this gorgeous magazine left the scene and now it is back! This comes directly from the USA in airmail packaging along with another favourite, 'Romantic Homes'. The best English magazine by far still has to be 'Country Living', closely followed by 'Homes & Antiques' which actually just keeps getting better and better (I give a gift of this one each year to my mum and get to read it when I visit!) If you haven't discovered 'Selvedge' yet, then you must, this is a real treat for textile enthusiasts and I just love it ~ this was on my Christmas list and I devour it from cover to cover.

'Romantic Homes'

'Victoria'

'Selvedge'

My absolute new favourites though, are the American publications from Stampington, which I discovered by chance last year. Oh my oh my, if you have not yet managed to see a copy of any of these gorgeous magazines then treat yourself... Magazine is really not the right word to describe them ~ more like reference books to keep forever, heaven forbid that one of these should see a recycling bin! The special titles to look out for are; 'Artful Blogging', 'Where Women Create', 'Somerset Life' & 'Sew Somerset' but there are many more to indulge in if you have the opportunity!

Stampington Publications

I also have a passion for reading old magazines ~ when I say old, preferably pre~1920. I adore the advertisements and the typography used and the content is fascinating too ~ full of inspiration for projects. Here are some I have bought recently;

'The Home Circle' dated 1905

love the little drawing and typography on this feature...

Edwardian issues of 'Needlecraft' 1909

the advertisements are decorative in their own right...

and look at the little treasure I found inside one of the magazines ~ a silk thread sample card

I even managed (in between reading magazines!) to get a little sewing done this week and finished a few more lovelies to add to my shop.

large 'handbag' filled with lavender made from a 1930's paisley & floral eiderdown fabric, trimmed with an old lace collar, 1920's silk velvet ribbon and old glass beads ~ a small handbag with a vintage whitework embroidered collar piece & two mini lavender hearts in vintage faded floral linen, old ribbon & buttons

I'm going to sign off now, as it is Sunday evening and 'Larkrise' beckons ~ does anyone else dream of owning a shop like the one featured ~ the drapers & haberdasher's? Have you seen the reels of ribbon on the shelves? I wonder, when I watch; are they originals found by the prop buyers for the BBC, or are they recreated and if so, who has this fabulous job?! I think I would start hyperventilating if I ever walked into an old shop like that!

Until next time...