Welcome to A Tisket A Tasket

Why I'm finally jumping into the Substack game and the good tidings I hope to share!

Welcome to A Tisket A Tasket. I’ve debated whether to start a Substack for a long time (does the universe need one more?) knowing I’d only feel inspired to write if I could offer something uniquely mine, rooted in my admittedly niche interests. There must be other strange souls who consider antiquing their Olympic sport? Whose hearts skip a beat over skirted sinks, rainbow-hued blown glass, and simple wicker baskets? Who consider gingham a neutral and frilly lampshades essential to happiness? Here at A Tisket A Tasket I want to create a safe space for those of us who miss playfulness and eccentricity, who are less concerned with being cool and more keen to be kind. Do you crave color, pattern, old-school quirk and craftsmanship? Same girl, same. Pull up a chair, there’s room at my table.

Some of you may recall Matchbook, the now-defunct online magazine I published with my brilliant friend Jane from 2010-2015. Matchbook was born out of a fascination with past and present tastemakers and a desire to approach modern life with both style and gratitude. It is my hope this newsletter will evoke the nostalgia of Matchbook through a fresh lens. At 39 I certainly wouldn’t pass for the quaint “Matchbook girl” of yesteryear, but perhaps A Tisket A Tasket can win the hearts of the Matchbook-esque woman.

A great deal has changed in the past ten years: I married again (this time to a brainy Brit with a scandalous sense of humor), moved to Scandinavia and back, and—after a devastating infertility journey—adopted the world’s most perfect baby boy (not biased at all). By some feat of time-travel magic, that baby enters first grade this fall. We’ve settled in New York City (my third attempt at hacking it here—bound to be a charm?!) and despite nearing the big 4-0, somehow everything feels new again.

Enough waxing poetic! My point is, I hope you find A Tisket A Tasket to be a breath of fresh air. I hope it inspires you to call an old friend, pen that long overdue thank you note, or teaches you something new (likely an inane fact about a long-deceased trailblazer—but isn’t the futility half the fun?). I hope it inspires you to dress, decorate, and travel with a bit more confidence. To take notice of the little things that bring you joy and hold on to them, celebrate them, fight for them, and share them with those you love. Lofty goals for my little newsletter these may be, but New York has put a little pep in my midlife step and, quite frankly, I’m up for a challenge.

What can you expect to read in the future?

• Weekend Field Notes featuring the latest odds and ends that caught my eye.

• Design history deep dives (potentially useful on trivia nights).

• Candid personal essays by yours truly on motherhood, friendship, wanderlust, and more.

• Interviews with kindred spirits to fill your cup.

• Themed shopping roundups featuring chic goodies at a wide range of price points.

• Travel guides full of lesser known gems.

Paid subscribers will receive ALL of the above, while unpaid subscribers will simply receive the weekend Field Notes. Please choose whichever plan suits you best.

So grateful for your support!

xx Katie

Collage links from top left: Green Vase / Laguna B Tumbler / Correspondence Cards / Vintage Millefiori Paperweight / Vintage Postage Stamps / Royal Copenhagen Bread Plate / Wicker Basket Bag / Suzani Pillow / Claude Necklace / Splatter Mug / Velvet Slippers

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