I'm so pleased to have the opportunity to review the lovely and inspirational book, Vintage Notions, by Amy Barickman. When I received it in the mail, the package included a reusable tote bag bearing the cover art. Sweet!
Although we've never met, Amy and I are kindred spirits. We both grew up learning from our mothers about vintage stores, thrift shopping and flea markets. My love of collecting and creating vintage-inspired items has been mostly a hobby, but she's made an entire life of it. Starting with a Teddy Bear business in high school and culminating with Indygo Junction, her fabric arts publishing company, she celebrates twenty years in business with this elegant and charming new book!
Inspired by her discovery of Mary Brooks Picken and the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences, Vintage Notions celebrates the handicrafts of the past and educates a modern audience on how relevant they still are today. As the first American authority on home arts, Ms. Brooks Picken founded the institute to impart her knowledge and experience through correspondence classes and newsletters. It was those newsletters with their gorgeous illustrations and magic patterns that informed the heart and design of Amy's book. And it's the illustrations that really grabbed me from page one.
I particularly like the format with the chapters represented by months of the year and then sectioned by seasons. In the first chapter there are even articles about refashioning clothing which is enjoying a thriving resurgence in the crafting community today. Throughout the book are DIY patterns for fabric flowers and lovely aprons, embroidery instructions and cooking tips. The "magic patterns," punctuate each chapter and they're amazingly simple and easy to follow, considering they read like word problems in the original vocabulary (don't worry if you have trouble, there's a glossary in the back with modern day notes).
And then there's The Summer Girl! I so want to be her.
When I reached the August chapter I yearned for the life of leisure during simpler times. The Department of Good Looks' guide to Vacation Clothes! While on vacation, however, one needs more than just clothes. There are also six examples of hats for vacation needs. I may need all six!
This book is a treasure from cover to cover. Part etiquette book, part home economics, but all a visual delight. If you're looking for a gift for a crafty friend or maybe something for yourself, you will find pages and pages of creative inspiration.
