Jane Austen described Emma as ‘A heroine whom no-one but myself will much like’ but we loved her despite her foibles. Selvedge contributor Sarah Jane Downing explains that in Emma’s era it was considered poor taste to discuss clothes, so in the novel it’s left to the disagreeable Mrs. Elton who snobbishly observes that Emma’s [...]

Head to the Hand Sale at 20th Century Theatre in Westbourne Grove to find beautiful textiles, collectibles, accessories and items for our home and wardrobe. Some of our favourite designers and makers will be there including Devotion, Joss Graham, Kirsten Hecktermann and Isabelle Fraysse. Today until 8pm and Saturday 10am-6pm, 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne [...]

Inspired by Jane Austen’s passion for needlework (Issue 34, p 34-35), we have been browsing our bookshelves contemplating which of her novels to indulge in. This week we will be reading ‘Emma’ as the first text of the new Selvedge book club. We’d love to hear your comments on the text online… Read more: ‘Fashion [...]

While there is nothing like sunshine for lifting your mood it also has a nasty habit of highlighting every dust mote and smear on every surface. The sun streaming through my kitchen window made me realise I had two choices… a spring clean or a sewing project! Needless to say the sewing won but by [...]

A round up of top typography   http://www.presentandcorrect.com/ http://threepotatofourshop.com/ http://www.studioyra.com/

The Handweavers Studio emporium of yarns www.handweavers.co.uk The Linen Shop’s sophisticated linens www.linenshop.biz Ray Stitch’s vast collection of haberdashery www.raystitch.co.uk at the Selvedge Summer Fair, St Augustine’s Church Hall,  26 June 2010, 11am-5pm www.selvedge.org

This week sees the opening of the Maison Martin Margiela ’20′ exhibition at Somerset House. The mysterious designer is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his fashion house with an exhibition showcasing key pieces from an influential body of work. Among the austere white, cleverly deconstructed and witty Tromp L’Oeil garments, a stiff jacket in raw linen [...]

Hunt for vintage treasure at the London Vintage Fashion, Textiles & Accessories Fair 8am – 5pm, 13th June 2010 Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, London W6 Admission: £10.00 (8am – 10am) or £5.00 (10am – 5pm) Can’t make it?  Don’t worry the fair takes place every five or six weeks…

Ellie Evans and her patchwork treasures www.ellie-evans.co.uk Sarah Whyberd’s bespoke bears www.sarahwhyberd.co.uk Catherine Tough’s charming knits www.catherinetough.co.uk At the Selvedge Summer Fair, St Augustine’s Church Hall, 26 June 2010, 11am-5pm www.selvedge.org

Office bibliophiles Beth and Felicity are sad to be missing the Hay Festival, (particularly tomorrow’s Puffin of Puffins Debate chaired by Lucy Mangan). So they’ve made a pact to attend next year and in the meantime are launching the Selvedge book club. Virtual membership is open to all Selvedge readers and we’d love your suggestions for [...]