Traditionally, once the final sparkler of Bonfire Night has been extinguished, my thoughts turn to the holidays. This year, of course is different in so many ways. At Selvedge, we continue to work hard to pivot away from the revenue sources of advertising and news-stand sales while supporting the diverse needs of our community. We have done this through our efforts around the virtual Selvedge World Fair and the Winter of Making initiative. Now, in our second lockdown in London, we are working to support our community in the run-up to Christmas.

Responding to our communities need for box sets of back issues, to provide a much needed distraction from the burden of the situation we find ourselves in,  we have developed new stronger and more durable packaging that will withstand the rigours of international shipping for orders of six back issues and a bumper box set of 20 back issues.  We appreciate the economic strain many of our community are experiencing and are therefore offering 25% off box sets of six back issues or more for the duration of the lockdown. Use the code HOMECOMFORTS at check out.

In the build-up to the holidays Selvedge has worked with partners from Cambridge Imprint to put together a lovely range of stationery and notions based on the designs found in a book on Swedish embroidery from the 1950s. We have also developed a beautiful blanket with Wallace and Sewell inspired by the colourful stories in some of their favourite issues of the magazine. Also on offer are more than five hundred textile products handcrafted by artisans from around the world.

We are so sorry we are not able to host the renowned Selvedge Christmas Fair this year. I know you will miss it as much as I will. However, I ask that you consider the artists and designers we have featured in our pages and at our events over the years. They all sell wonderful, special products that are deserving of your attention during this most challenging season. The convenience of the large online retailer with its prime delivery service can be tempting, but I urge you to spend your money wisely and where its benefits will be most keenly felt.  

A final note for the ultimate gift for that special someone: a value of a homemade gift is immeasurable, for both the giver and the recipient.