Sarahbeth Larrimore’s Gift Guide
Sarahbeth Larrimore is an apparel designer turned teacher.
After years crafting an indie apparel line alongside custom magical bespoke gowns & frocks, Sarahbeth turned to what really called to her, teaching & empowering women to design and sew up their own dreams.
"We make for the worthy bodies we are living in right now, instead of waiting for our perfect moment or perfect bodies to arrive."
Sarahbeth lives on a farm in western North Carolina that needs constant tinkering but is also full of art, with a collaborative dance studio in the big hayloft barn, and a sprawling bit of garden. "There's plenty for the imagination to draw from, and a lot of chores left to do which is how we like it. There's a bit of beauty along with purpose, a bit of wonky jaunty edges and plenty to go around for sharing."
You can find her teaching online: the sellout Queen Robe Project has open enrollment a couple times a year, the perennial Heirloom Wardrobe Course, or Hone Your Vision Class can be found here & on Instagram, & Substack
Gift giving is better than receiving isn't it? My favorite items to give are a bit of an invitation and I have to admit, I love wrapping them up with a bit of greenery & whatever heath sways on our hills as much as giving the items themselves.
Usables for churning up the artistic spirit:
Watercolour paper for your artist friends, the thick good stuff tied up with a gorgeous ribbon scarf & some vintage velvet ribbons. Find your watercolour paper anywhere just make sure it's the 140 lbs heavy stuff, it wraps up the best.
Pen + pretty stamps + a set of stationary
The pen - it can be as fancy as you'd like a fountain pen, or as simple. I love an inexpensive set of 3 pens, for example, tied up in string. Grab stamps from your local post office & finely handmade paper, letterpressed cards like these from Farmette.
Create Your Style Story
Give inspired reflection: An online class for hearing your own voice inside all the world's inspirations. This class helps to carve your voice out of the noise and directs you to make a solid map of it to follow for the rest of your days:
Books to tickle the mind, my go-to on rotation for right now:
And if I had the funds to gift someone a truly magnificent bit of business, this decadent piece, a made-to-order waistcoat by the impeccable storytellers & makers, Bonfield Block Printers. The ladies or the mens are both equally enthralling & while the design and cut are unique and superb, it's that block print secret on the inside that gets me:
Usables for the daily:
The beeswax taper candle is a comfort in the dark of winter. I can't think of a usable item that I'm more happy to receive or give.
These are made by a dear friend in our part of the country, we meet in the woods to exchange cash for honey light by the basketful:
Speaking of baskets full of candles:
Baskets, if filled with a mess of beeswax candles is outside your budget, you can fill one with evergreen branches so it doesn't look empty. Antique baskets are incredible, if you don't have time to source antique baskets. My go-to ready-to-buy:
Handmade & artisan: Old Reed Claridge Door Basket are amazing:
Ever dreamed up your perfect wine cup and lo one day it finally appeared?
These manage to be both sturdy, elegant, and handmade.
I just love them!
Truthfully? Most every year I buy myself a linen calendar dishcloth designed by Isabelle Boinot -and to justify my personal holiday self-gift, I also grab another one for a loved one. Some years I make & embroider linen dishcloths to give away & we wrap them around a jar of handmade pickles or peaches, our own if we've had a year where we've been particularly industrious, or a local favorite farmer's if we've been less productive:
…..and A Special Something:
-You really-
Museum tickets + a tea or coffee experience.
Nothing can ever beat your presence, absolutely nothing. It doesn't have to be a museum, I've just been on a museum kick lately. It can be a walk. Or a handmade ticket for a front porch chat with a seasonal treat.
Nothing beats a moment & a laugh with our loved ones, does it?
Happy Holidays beloveds, may it be merry and bright!
