Vintage Notions by Amy Barickman
I have to admit, I completely and utterly break the "don't judge a book by it's cover" rule. If I see a book with an eye candy cover, I'll feel so tempted to buy it. I'm most guilty of this in the craft area of any book section whether it's a bookstore or thrift store. When I opened up the parcel from Amy Barickman and lifted out the book Vintage Notions I just held it reverently in my hands for a few moments. It was beautiful and absolutely perfect. When I opened up the first few pages I had to sit down.....and read page after page of this incredible book. I did judge this book by the cover and it exceeded my expectations.
Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions features:
- Inspirational essays and projects for each month of the year
- Seasonal Recipes and decorating ideas
- Four storage pockets - one for each season
- Twelve Magic Patterns - easy-to-make, chic sewing projects
Yet Vintage Notions is more than this little summary above. It's heart and soul behind the all the things that many of us do that might seem mundane in our lives. How often do we cook a meal wanting to rush through the process of it in order to just sit down and eat. Or even worse, grabing a meal in the deli section of the grocery store to-go. Or we rush through a craft to get it completed rather than take our time for the sake of simply crafting. I have been guilty of this myself. Some days I do long for a year around life that is similar to those summer months where life slows down and I can really take my time in the kitchen with the children or work on a craft project in the warm sun while drinking a cold glass of freshly made lemonade. This book is a reminder of that life that I crave.
The book was inspired by Mary Brooks Picken, a 1920's entrepreneur who became an international authority on dressmaking and fashion. Amy says "I conceived of this book, Vintage Notions, to rescue Mary Brooks Picken from obscurity and to reintroduce the inspirational essays, clever sewing patters, cooking basics and beautiful illustrations from the Institutes's (The Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences) newsletters with a fresh and modern voice."
The book is cleverly divided into seasons. Within each season there are sections such as Inspiration, Good Looks, Sewing, Cookery, Fashion and a Magic Pattern. The Slip-Over Apron - Magic Pattern is at the top of my to-make-list.
January begins with an inspirational essay by Gustave L. Weinss written in January of 1920. I adore where he writes, "So, as the New Year advances, let us all try to recognize and utilize the wonderful possibilities of getting a new start."
Despite the fact that this was written 91 years ago, these are words that many of us will resonate with. We all feel blessed with a new beginning at the start of every new year. There are so many lovely quotes throughout the book that it will truly warm your heart.
If you are a collector or a fan of vintage linens, the photos in this book will not disappoint. This photo above was my favorite piece. You'll find borders and snippets of vintage linens on practically every page.
It's not often that we get a glimpse of what cooking was like in the 1920's.
I have a lemon tree brimming with lemons at the moment and have added "making lemon syrup" to my to-do-list. Yes my lists are filling after looking through the chapters of Vintage Notions. When life gets busy the thing I most often miss is spending time in the kitchen.
Our culture is doing a miraculous thing where we are turning to once forgotten arts such as preserving food, homesteading and crafting. Everything feels energized and reading the historic words in Vintage Notions really makes me want to be a part of this movement. I want to go back to the land, cook in the kitchen and craft in the sewing room.
You can purchase your own copy through Amy's site Indigo Junction.
Amy has kindly given me a copy of Vintage Notions to giveaway. Simply leave a comment and I'll draw a name next Friday. I'd love to hear a lost art that you have been longing to try.
Please see my disclosure page for details about Reviews.
That book looks so gorgeous. I would love to own a copy and get inspired to slow down more and try out the old crafts. I don't know if you'd call it a lost art, but I'd really like to start writing letters and notes again. I have some collections of pretty letter paper and note cards, and I've been thinking I should start writing encouraging notes to people in my life, rather than just emails and facebook messages.
Posted by: Bek | January 06, 2011 at 10:43 PM
That looks so inspiring! I've been using my summer break to get back into the kitchen and sew a bit. I don't have my own craft room just yet, but when I have the apartment to myself I can spread out :) I made stockings this Christmas out of felt - hopefully they'll last us forever. I'd love to learn to bottle! I think that would be the most useful art to learn.
Thanks for your inspiring posts - I enjoy them every day.
Sera
Posted by: Sera | January 07, 2011 at 01:26 AM
I recently started learning how to sew, and while I make tons of mistakes, it is so fulfilling to make something and be able to wear it! It's definitely something I consider a lost art among my generation.
Posted by: Jen | January 07, 2011 at 01:52 AM
Oh that looks pretty *swoon* I'd really like to tackle braided rugs this year - they just sound so nice, frugal and homey.
Posted by: Leah C | January 07, 2011 at 02:03 AM
What an awesome book...would love to win a copy...I am trying to get back to crafting there is so much I want to get done the list never ends...
Have a Blessed day...
Tonja
Posted by: Tonja | January 07, 2011 at 02:35 AM
Selena, this book looks delightful! I can do most crafts, but one I have never learnt is to crochet. I am hoping to conquer the art this year sometime!
Hope your day is great xo
Rachael @ Squiggly
Posted by: Rachael | January 07, 2011 at 02:55 AM
This really looks like my sort of book. I love your blog, and the thrifting philosophy.
Lizzie
Posted by: Lizzie | January 07, 2011 at 02:55 AM
Hello - I just found your blog...this review is really interesting. My nine year old daughter has just learned to sew so this may have some projects I can do with her. Such an incredible skill to have. I love the idea of seasonal ideas too. Lou x
Posted by: LouBoo | January 07, 2011 at 03:05 AM
What an awesome giveaway. I am drooling over this book. I'm with Bek on this one about letter writing. With the everything being sent by e-mail, I'm wanting to bring back into my life, sending letters using the postal service.
Posted by: Judy | January 07, 2011 at 03:18 AM
This is my passion in life ....to re-educate women back into the way of homemade . And to encourage girls and women, to learn an element of domesticity that brings 'passion and pride' into our heart and soul.
Posted by: Jane Symes | January 07, 2011 at 03:35 AM
Your review is great, the book looks like a treasure. I want to get back to knitting this year and while I have made afghans and sweaters in years gone by this time I hope to learn to knit socks.
Darla
Posted by: Darla | January 07, 2011 at 03:52 AM
Sweet! It looks like a real treasure!
Posted by: Citysister | January 07, 2011 at 04:04 AM
Thanks. I would love to sit and read this book. Love your blog.
Posted by: adriann humphrey | January 07, 2011 at 04:41 AM
This book looks fabulous. Please enter me and thanks to both of youfor sharing.
Posted by: Nana | January 07, 2011 at 05:20 AM
Thanks for the review, the book sounds great. please enter me, and thanks for the blog I enjoy reading it.
Posted by: Cheryl J | January 07, 2011 at 05:34 AM
What a lovely, lovely book!
Posted by: Jen | January 07, 2011 at 06:04 AM
How beautiful! I had to give up crochet due to arthritis so I am trying to learn to sew. I would also love to knit more than scarves and hats! Thank you for such a lovely, inspiring blog, Dee
Posted by: Dee | January 07, 2011 at 06:27 AM
I'm new to your blog and have really been enjoying your posts the last week or so. Indigo Junction has always been a favorite of mine so full of vintage inspiration. This book is certainly on my list of books to purchase this year. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
Posted by: LuAnn @ Back Home Again | January 07, 2011 at 06:27 AM
I have been witing to see this book. Thanks for sharing with us. I would love to win this.
Posted by: Melissa A. | January 07, 2011 at 06:38 AM
This book looks so inspiring. I have always love crafting of every sort. I am discoving how to preserve and grow my own food, a lost art in my linage. I love the simple, self-sufficient lifestyle. Hope I win this wonderful book.
Posted by: Susan Greene | January 07, 2011 at 06:38 AM
that book such visual eye candy for me. I love when I can get inspired to go back to the past, when things weren't so hard to manage (well, maybe they were but not like they are today). Sometimes I just want to chuck it all and start wearing aprons and sitting with my kids in front of a radio program where there is NO coputer, tv, cable, videogames, etc.
Posted by: Kat | January 07, 2011 at 06:41 AM
I happened on a huge box of vintage trim at a church sale this past summer and fell in love, so I'm excited to see your review. The book looks gorgeous, Selena, and I have to admit that a lovely cover is a huge draw for me, too.
Posted by: Alyssa | January 07, 2011 at 06:44 AM
What a fabulous book! I am so mad at myself for not taking more time (and patience!) and learning how to tat from my grandmother.
Posted by: Bea | January 07, 2011 at 06:48 AM
This books looks delightful! I can't wait to have it! I am wanting to learn to knit and make a quilt. One of the "lost" arts we actually do at our house is canning - green beans, tomatoes, pickles, salsa, applesauce, etc. There is nothing better than having items from our garden nearly everyday!
Posted by: Robin ;-) | January 07, 2011 at 06:49 AM
My daughter and I would spend many hours with this delightful book. Holly and I belong to the group, Oklahoma Home Community and Education, which started in 1930 by farm women underneath the shade of a grand oak tree on Oklahoma State University campus. Their husbands and sons attended land grant classes on farming, etc. I enjoy your blog, great tips.
Posted by: Suzan Perkins | January 07, 2011 at 06:53 AM