The workroom notebook
Guides & Tutorials
Everything we know, written down plainly. How to close a border so the join disappears, how to sew a French seam, how to fit a sourdough loaf around a working week.
Guides
Crochet + Fiber
Tutorial
Invisible joins on a blanket border
Finishing rounds so the seam disappears into the frame.
ReadReference
Wool, ply and wear
Why a tight ply outlasts a soft one, and where each belongs.
ReadReference
Care for natural fiber
Lukewarm water, a neutral wash, no wringing, dried flat and supported.
ReadReference
Yarn sourcing list
The Maine and New England mills we buy from, and what we use each for.
ReadGuides
Sewing
Tutorial
French seams without fuss
A clean interior finish on lightweight cloth.
ReadTutorial
Hemming heavy linen
Pressing, easing and topstitching thick cloth flat.
ReadReference
A short guide to linen weights
From handkerchief weight to heavy apron cloth, and what each is good for.
ReadReference
Choosing thread and needles
Matching thread and needle to the cloth so seams outlast the garment.
ReadReference
Fabric sourcing list
The linen and cotton we buy, and the New England shops we buy it from.
ReadPattern
The Everyday Work Apron
A bib apron with a deep divided pocket, drafted from rectangles.
ReadPattern
The Heritage Apron Coat
An old-fashioned crossed-back work smock, drafted to your own measurements.
ReadPattern
The Bread Keeper Towels
Three sizes of heavy linen towel with a peg-hanging corner pocket.
ReadPattern
The Gathering Table Linens
Tablecloths, runners and napkins with proper mitered corners.
ReadPattern
The Mercantile Canvas Tote
A deep market tote with a reinforced base and handles that run underneath.
ReadPattern
The Hearthside Wood Carrier
A canvas firewood sling with wrapped webbing handles.
ReadPattern
The Heavy Hearth Pad
A quilted 9 inch oven pad layered for real heat.
ReadGuides
Bake & Provisions
Bread
A weekday sourdough schedule
One loaf, fitted around work hours and a cold Maine kitchen.
ReadHerbs
Drying herbs for the winter kitchen
Harvest, hang and jar — summer's flavor kept for cold months.
ReadBread
Rosemary focaccia
Olive oil, salt, and rosemary — the forgiving bread.
ReadPreserving
Wild blueberries, three ways
Preserve, syrup and a shelf-stable pantry version.
ReadWorking something out before you buy? The tools will size a blanket, adjust for your gauge, and work out hydration and yardage.
The Mercantile Letter
Notes from the workroom
Seasonal shop openings, new patterns, and what's rising on the kitchen counter. Sent quietly, never often.