Apparently, I enjoy READING about Housekeeping a lot more than I enjoy DOING the actual chores...and I'm fine with that.
Amy Barickman put together a really wonderful book, Vintage Notions. She was inspired by Mary Brooks Pickens, who founded The Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences in Scranton, Pennsylania. The story of that woman is INCREDIBLE...and I loved, loved, loved, learning about her, and Amy's inspiration. I wrote about it for the Schmetz magazine, Inspired To Sew, and you can read that story here:
http://issuu.com/schmetzneedles/docs/its-jan15?e=10258703/10710996
Amy collected publications, newsletters, and writings from The Woman’s Institute, which was active between 1916 and 1934, and she says, "Combing through the aged pages of these wonderfully illustrated and beautifully written publications, I realized that they were still relevant today and provided a blueprint for a simple, fulfilling life.
Researching and writing Vintage Notions has been an odyssey for me. And while my endless hunting for great vintage material will never stop, I understand the drive behind it now in a way I did not before I encountered the work of Mary Brooks Picken. It seems that all along, part of me was searching for the answers that Mary and her work provided. Her work shows that dignity, joy, and meaning can be derived from the home arts. Mary has become a beacon for me, both personally and professionally, and I want to share some of her light with you."
March opens with this thought:
Cheerfulness is much more to be desired than riches. Those who possess it have something riches cannot buy -- a great possession because it creates goodwill and makes for real happiness. -- Mary Brooks Picken.
Amy did a terrific job with Vintage Notions. Every page is a work of art -- with beautiful illustrations, interesting sewing patterns, intriguing recipes, good advice (do you know how to do a salt rub after your bath?)...
It is a book about making a home for the people you love...and can there be anything more important than that??
Click here to buy Vintage Notions now
Mom and I both bought Vintage Notions when it was first released a few years ago. Absolutely love it! Also have her book, The Sew-It Book. If you haven't seen it, you need to check that one out too.
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