Seek / Inspire / Create with Team 91 – October

It’s a busy month for us as we put the finishing touches to the A/W issue (out in Nov – have you pre-ordered your copy yet?!) BUT hey, we all need a bit of time to ourselves, so the team are sharing what they’ve been up to in their spare time of late. We’ve really enjoyed seeing what you’ve been up to via our #seekinspirecreate hashtag on IG too (you can see a few of our faves here) so do keep sharing!

Always learning – Caroline Rowland (editor) 

I  must admit, I find it quite hard to turn off from work. I love what I do, so it is always on my mind. So recently, even when I’ve had a few moments to relax on the sofa, I’ve been reading this book – So you want to publish a magazine? by Angharad Lewis. Yes, yes, I know, I already publish a magazine (!), but there is always more to learn isn’t there? It gives a brilliant insight into the world of independent publishing, with lots of profiles of established indie mags, and interviews with people in the industry. Even if you don’t want to publish a magazine yourself, it’s an interesting look at this burgeoning area of publishing and you might also find out about some magazines you’ve not yet discovered! 

Bedruthan Hotel – Laura Pashby (deputy editor) 

Last weekend, we headed to Cornwall to catch the last of the September sunshine with some blissful beach time and a stay at the Bedruthan Hotel. With glorious views of the endlessly shifting seascape, the Bedruthan is a haven of Scandi-inspired luxury. The food is locally sourced, the walls display original art, and the ethos is friendly and relaxed. 

Every morning, we sauntered down the steps to the beach, to skim stones, collect feathers and watch the waves crash onto the shore. We returned for lunch feeing exhilarated: wind-whipped and rosy-cheeked. It was the perfect escape to make the most of those final few days of late summer, before autumn truly takes hold.

Paradise Lodge by Nina Stibbe – Catherine Binnie (marketing manager)

I’ve just finished reading Paradise Lodge and absolutely loved it. The novel revisits teenage Lizzie Vogel (heroine of Stibbe’s last novel Man at The Helm) as she starts work at Paradise Lodge – a local care home. Lizzie knows nothing about old people (other than they’re unsuited to granary bread) but she needs the money to buy Linco shampoo and Maxwell House coffee… There ensues a brilliant, tender coming of age story which is never sentimental, always wonderfully observed and very, very funny.

Pom pom making – Olivia Williams (brand & advertising manager)

There’s something so magical about welcoming autumn into our everyday lives. That chill in the mornings as we wistfully hang out the washing on the line makes us appreciate the warmth of the sun. Catching leaves in the park has made us stop and stare at the tree lined path and wonder how different it will all look in a month or two ….

 But more then anything, autumn makes us crave moments to seek refuge and nest back at home. Making time to potter gives us all time to BE. For my girls and I, September will be the month that gave us back the love of pom-pom’ing! In our home, every task is an opportunity to chat, but as the girls have looped and knotted wool they have particularly enjoyed putting the world to rights. Their day-dreaming and scheming has got them planning pom-pom clouds to hang above their beds … here’s to that.

A weekend in Bristol – Lucy Davidson (designer)

Last weekend I made a short but sweet visit to Bristol, to teach a weaving workshop at The Forge – the wonderful creative venue which we featured in the last issue of 91. It was a joy to see the space in real life, and owner Silkie is truly lovely, making the guests and myself feel so welcome. Not to mention the wonderful lunch she cooked for us!

 We stayed in the ‘Shed and Breakfast’ which I found on Airbnb, a super cosy little cabin, which felt like we were camping, but with all the luxuries – including their own branded coffee! Whilst we were in Bristol we also managed to fit in a quick visit to stationery shop Papersmiths (which you may have spotted on the 91 blog recently!) It is a beautiful shop – I literally could have bought one of everything! 

Local produce and apple picking at Lathcoats Farm – Kath Webber (sub editor)

Lathcoats Farm is one of those extraordinary juxtaposed places that one can’t quite believe is local. Perched on the outskirts of the city of Chelmsford, it’s a perfect Sunday family hang out, complete with pick-your-own fruit in the summer, a sprawling urban orchard for autumn apple picking and a year-round petting farm with KuneKune pigs, Pygmy goats, hens and an elderly donkey named Daisy. The farm shop is a dream larder for the keen cook, with seasonal displays and some of the world’s finest produce- all from right here in Essex. Maldon sea salt, Tiptree jam and Marriages flour are all from within a 15 mile radius, and local eggs, meat and baked goods complete the tempting farm-shop usuals. The Bee Shed coffee shop is welcome and has a contemporary, farmhouse feel and excellent freshly-pressed apple juice from the orchard. 

Dean Street Cafe, London – Caroline Rowland (editor) 

I don’t get to go to many press / blogger events what with juggling work and motherhood, so when I do organise myself to get to one, it’s usually because it’s something that’s really sparked my interest. I recently attended an event run by Function and Form – who host events for people with a passion for design. This one focused on the work of Nina+Co, who have designed the interior of Dean Street Cafe, a new social enterprise project set up by Centrepoint. Read a little more about it over on Patchwork Harmony. 

Petersham Nurseries – Catherine Binnie (marketing manager)

I’m lucky to live near the beautiful Petersham Nurseries and, basically, spend way too much time there (if I could move in – maybe hiding under one of their gorgeous antique tables – I would). Earlier this month I spent a very happy morning in the beautiful surrounds of Petersham Nurseries, in Richmond-Upon-Thames, learning how to create stylish late summer containers. The workshop, led by Thomas Broom-Hughes (Head of Horticulture) and Amanda Brame (Deputy Horticulture Manager) was held in the Nurseries’ beautiful greenhouse. The very lovely (and very knowledgable) Thomas and Amanda created three stunning container arrangements – one for indoors, a large outdoor arrangement and a pair of matching pots. I came away inspired and full of ideas for my own garden.   

Read our previous Seek / Inspire / Create post or pop over to the feed on Instagram for inspiration from others. Just hashtag your pics with #seekinspirecreate to share the lovely things you’ve been up to.