Selvedge Magazine

A magazine about Textile roots, history and stories. The Rural issue highlights individuals and businesses who have found creative freedom in the country. Although gentrification of the countryside brings its own problems, these incomers inject cultural sophistication into rural areas, quashing old stereotypes and illustrating the moral of Aesop’s fable - The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse: we should appreciate the simple things we have. There are apparent cost-of-living advantages to making a home in the country, but also a slower, more sustainable way of life that encourages creative expression; this milieu is reflected in the wardrobes donned by out-of-towners. Working with Daniel Carpenter of the Heritage Crafts, we have identified a block printer, sail maker, chair caner, shopkeeper, ribbon weaver, felt maker, basket maker, and carpet restorer who have all built thriving businesses around preserving heritage skills.