Reading Accessories Series - Introduction September 12, 2023 Reading Accessory Series

I'm  excited to introduce a new series that delves into the world of  handmade quilted reading accessories and the passion behind them. In  this series, I'll provide an overview of what these accessories are and  what makes them so special.

 

As  we explore this series today and in the future, you'll discover that the  items I create go beyond mere reading support. They are crafted to  enhance the act of reading, ignite passion in the reader, and even serve  as tokens of support from friends and family for those who indulge in  reading.

 

Reading is not just a  pastime; it's a necessity in life. It enables us to comprehend the world  around us, offering various perspectives and insights. Whether it's  staying informed about community news, understanding political  developments, exploring global events, or delving into new scientific  discoveries, reading informs and shapes our perspectives. The act of  reading for pleasure also introduces us to contrasting viewpoints, often  interwoven into the narrative by authors who painstakingly research and  infuse their own beliefs into their stories.

 

History  attests to this practice. Shakespeare subtly questioned monarchy in his  works, Chaucer satirized the church in the Tales of Canterbury, and  Kate Chopin challenged societal norms through Edna Pontellier's  character. This tradition continues today.

 

However,  not all reading has to be so profound. We all enjoy losing ourselves in the pages of a James Michener novel or immersing in the adventures of a  spirited highland lass and her fierce warrior chief. It's for such moments that I became passionate about making my reading time the highlight of my  day. How did I achieve that?

 

It  began when I realized I wanted more than just a book in hand. I craved a  cup of coffee with a special creamer to break the routine, a tall glass  of lemonade or iced tea on the porch, or a snack to tide me over until  dinner. Sure, I could use a run-of-the-mill coaster and a paper towel,  but would that really enhance my reading experience? I doubted it.

 

One  day, while working on a beloved quilting project, I had an epiphany. I  had accumulated a pile of scrap fabric from quilts I'd completed. Rather  than storing these bits away, I saw the potential to transform them  into something both useful and appealing. Thus, I created my first place  mat for snacks and a matching coaster, all for my own enjoyment, or so I  thought at the time.

 

When I  proudly showcased these reading accessories to my spouse, he expressed a  desire for one too – smaller than a place mat but large enough for his  mug and snack on the end table beside his reading spot. Before I knew  it, he was sharing his new "Mug Rug/Snack Mat" with his siblings, and  they all wanted one. These became perfect Christmas gifts that year,  with just my time invested.

 

But  then, one astute sister-in-law pointed out that there were still  material costs involved. I had purchased yards of fabric and had been  holding onto scrap pieces for decades. She asked why I kept these  scraps, and I replied in true old-fashioned fashion: "I don't want to  waste them; I might use them someday." She laughed and said, "How long  have you been collecting these little scraps?" I admitted that some had  been in my collection for 30 years or more. It was time to either  up-cycle and repurpose these scraps or dispose of them, but I couldn't  bear to see them end up in a landfill.

 

So,  I committed to creating something out of my scrap bin and stash shelves  at least once a week. I gifted these items to friends and acquaintances  until I ran out of recipients.

 

What  did I make? Mug Rugs, Snack Mats, Candle Mats, Casserole Hot Pads,  Table Toppers, Bookmarks, Book Sleeves, Book Totes, and simple coasters.  As they piled up, I had another realization – why not sell them?  Standing outside on a rainy Saturday morning in the downtown area of our  small city wasn't my idea of fun. I'd rather be at home with a warm cup  of tea, a few cookies, my pretty mug rug, and a bookmark marking my  spot while I immersed myself in a story.

 

As  someone who already owns and operates an online used book business, it  made sense to offer a "gift shop" side to my business, providing items  that complement the joy of reading. Why not combine my two passions into  one larger enterprise? Now you know how this journey began and how my  store came to be.

 

In our next  update, I'll delve into the materials and tools I use to craft these  reading accessories. In the meantime, please explore our store  The Reading Well Handmade and leave your feedback or suggestions. You can also take a moment to browse my bookstore, "The Reading Well Bookstore" and discover rescued books looking for their next forever home.