Watermark Books and Cafe

“Amy Barickman’s Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun” by Amy Barickman (Amy Barickman, Inc., ISBN 9780982627006, $29.99) 

Every year The Kansas Center for the Book  releases a list of 15 Kansas Notable Books.   

The prettiest book on this year’s list is "Amy Barickman’s Vintage Notions: An Inspirational guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion, and Fun." Amy Barickman, a graduate of KU and the owner of Indygo Junction and the Vintage Workshop, found a kindred spirit in one time Kansan Mary Brooks Picken. Picken, a pioneering businesswoman and international authority on dressmaking, founded the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences in Scranton, PA. in 1916. The school, in operation until 1934, educated more than 300,000 women, combining classroom instruction and correspondence courses. Picken published hundreds of newsletters entitled Inspiration and Fashion & Service that Barickman poured through to find the most timeless kernels of wisdom. She has preserved and compiled the material in a beautiful package for enthusiasts of today’s domestic scene.   

Arranged by month, “August" includes an essay on how to host a smokin’bonfire picnic, and fashion advice for the traveler such as how to embellish a hat for vacation needs. Each month also features a vintage pattern and a kimono is perfect to make for weekends away. My thanks to the Kansas Notable book committee for bringing attention to this hidden gem. 

Review by Sarah Bagby

Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion, and Fun (Hardcover)

By Amy Barickman

$29.99

ISBN-13: 9780982627006
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Amy Barickman Inc., 9/2010

---