Hello again!
The internet gets plenty of criticism, much of it deserved. But every once in a while, the algorithm does exactly what I want it to do. I’ll open Instagram looking for one thing and forty-five minutes later I’m reading about pottery techniques, searching auction results for a vase, and mentally planning a trip to an island I’ve never been to.
Do I dare admit it’s one of my favorite ways to lose an afternoon? If I’m going to disappear down a rabbit hole, I’d much rather it end with a piece of pottery than a pair of shoes. (Although, to be fair, there are exceptions.)
This week’s edition is a collection of those happy accidents.
What I Bookmarked
I have JW Anderson to thank for introducing me to Constance Spry. He’s currently highlighting a collection of her work at his Pimlico Road shop, and before long I was searching auction results for one of her vases. Spry was a British florist, educator, and author whose designs for Fulham Pottery are just as beautiful today as when she created them over seventy years ago, a reminder that truly good design never goes out of style.
Needless to say, I’m now deep into figuring out how to acquire a Constance Spry vessel that isn’t $6,000. I’ve included a few favorites below, and if you ever happen upon one for a steal, please send it my way.
What I Bought
Full disclosure: this set was gifted. But I take recommendations very seriously, and I only ever share things I genuinely love and would happily spend my own money on.
I can’t remember the last time I went to bed in pajamas that weren’t from Lake. I’ve bought more pairs than I care to admit over the years, so I was especially excited when they sent me this chocolate brown striped set. Mostly because I've been such a loyal customer for years that I genuinely can't believe they would ever want to send me PJs.
I’m also forever a long-sleeve, long-pants pajama person, regardless of the season, so this is pretty much my ideal sleep uniform.
Once you go Lake, it’s very hard to go back. I wish I didn’t have such an expensive pajama habit, but alas, they bring me an unreasonable amount of joy. And isn’t that what the little things are for?
Where I Want to Go
This Substack post about the Greek island of Sifnos had me hooked from the first photo. I learned that pottery has been made there for more than 4,000 years, thanks to the island’s abundant clay. Eventually, Sifnian potters became so well known throughout the Aegean that “Sifnian” was practically synonymous with “potter.”
Naturally, I started planning an imaginary trip. There are still fifteen pottery workshops on the island, and the post includes recommendations for several of them. I only wish more travel guides pointed you toward local makers instead of just the cool restaurants.
See you in Sifnos.
What’s Inspiring Me
A couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to attend a wonderful evening hosted by Urban Electric at a landmark theater downtown for the premiere of the documentary they produced about the legendary Robert Rufino. After the screening, filmmaker Josh Charow joined for a Q&A. He was thoughtful, understated, and so compelling that I immediately followed him to see what else he was working on.
This week he shared another of his films, and I found myself completely riveted. It made me feel nostalgic, curious, and a little melancholy all at once. I love stories about people who devote their lives to making things well, preserving traditions, and building something that lasts.
Rather than summarize this one, I’ll let it speak for itself. It’s only nine minutes long, and I think it’s well worth your time.
More threads soon,
Sarah