HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Well it’s goodbye to 2007 and we’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
   It’s always a challenge to find gifts which embody our cherished principles of beauty, form and function, so this issue it’s a pleasure to be able to share some ideas for inspired pieces to fill your Christmas stockings.

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST... If you’re going to treat yourself or a friend this holiday, make sure it’s a gift worth having. All Selvedge objects are crafted by independent designers from the finest materials including these Huopaliike Lahtinen Finnish felt slippers. Made from 100% wool, they’re durable, warm and will keep you snug and stylish all season** www.selvedge.org.
**UK orders must be received before 19 December to ensure they arrive in time for Christmas.

Winner of the ‘Best Growing Business’ award in the Country Living ‘Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2007’, Made in Hastings, is run by six local women artists and makers and is packed with handmade treasures. Their hand painted Fairy and Doggy Tambourines by Claire Fletcher recall Victorian toys and are perfect for musical little hands. www.madeinhastings.co.uk

...Or how about these knitted lambswool Russian Dolls from eco-conscious vendors The Black Rabbit? They’ll sit pretty on your shelf alongside a stripey monster, monkey or a knitted robin red breast that can hang from your tree (from £5.50 each). www.theblackrabbit.co.uk

For festive trim or a flower for the party season visit VV Rouleaux www.vvrouleaux.com The passementerie purveyors are listed in Jennefer Penfold’s pocket guide for textile lovers, Fabric and Fashion in Paris and London. With addresses of the best fabric shops, museums, fashion schools and historical sites in both capitals, you’ll be lost without it. Contact Jen on T: +425 775 1157 Jennefer_Penfold@hotmail.com

Hallmark estimates that 1.9 billion Christmas cards are sent each year in the US alone so spare some goodwill for the environment. These attractive ‘Bicycle Ride’ cards from the V&A, are made from sustainable and recycled paper - even the envelopes are made from juice cartons and the wrapping from cornstarch! There is a range of designs and gift ideas too. To order online visit www.vandashop.com

If you’re mailing your cards from over the pond this month you can brighten them up with these textile-themed designs just issued by the U.S. Postal Service. The ‘Holiday Knits’ collection features four stamps with classic seasonal imagery designed and machine knitted by illustrator Nancy Stahl: a regal stag, a snowdappled Christmas tree, a snowman sporting a top hat and a teddy bear. Mail them or just collect them! www.usps.com

GIFTED.... Treasured all year long and taking pride of place on many bookshelves Selvedge really does make the perfect Christmas gift. Along with six beautiful issues the recipient will be sent a pair of Toast hand dipped beeswax candles.* To arrange a gift call or visit our website, T: +44 (0)20 8341 9721 www.selvedge.org

*Offer ends 31 December 2007. One gift or discount per subscriber

WINTER TREAT...
Toast’s beautiful hand dipped beeswax candles are naturally and subtly honey-scented. Every new subscriber and renewal will receive a pair of dinner candles worth £5.95.* They’ll be perfect for the table on Christmas day! www.toast.co.uk