Wednesday, October 14, 2026

October New Items

All Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich
October, per usual, has been busy, with more items starting to show up at the door.

Zip-Top Canvas and Vegetable Tanned Leather

Made in New England

Mariner's Blue

Also using, the Lotuff Canvas Working Tote in Hunter’s Green-Chestnut (also available in Mariner’s Blue).

Their Larger Working Tote in Hunter’s Green-Chestnut

My husband’s latest book! This one is for all of us, not just those in the corporate, military, or academic landscapes like most of his previous books. I think it is especially relevant now, given the state we are in, where we all need to build communities that feed our inner heroes. (My little contribution - editor.)

And the first reviews are also coming in.  

“Short yet powerful and incredibly insightful. A fantastic, smart guide to discovering the hero with’n us. I love it! Practical and thought-provoking, the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.”

“Five stars out of five.”

“Slim but powerful... A jolting bit of reality...”

And more of Bosie’s glorious new Fair Isles and more have arrived! Every year, it takes my breath away just a bit when I handle her new sweaters for the first time. 100% wool and Made in Scotland, the Nor-easterly tip of Scotland.

Shown (from top to bottom):


And you may have noticed Bosie’s unique tags for their Blue Mogganers. Hand-pressed prints of the original illustrations are now available.

Two New England companies have joined forces for a snappy new collaboration, Steele Canvas and Whalerknits. Both are Massachusetts companies, and both actually make their products right here in New England. This is a limited edition bundle and all four items are made of 100% cotton.





And also from Mystic Knotwork, their coasters and trivets. I usually go for their more wild coaster colors, Pink and Lime Green, but for this season I am (trying) to stick to a more low-key and versatile Navy and Natural.



Women's Islander Yoke Fair Isle in Knoydart Brown



West Coast in Baize Green, Women's Blue Mogganer Siren in Cosmos Navy


 

Sunday, October 11, 2026

A Reader Question: Is Jaguar on the right track?

 A reader question:

Dear Muffy

I write from across the pond.  Many of us have been watching with interest the launch of the new Jaguar car in NYC this week.  Opinion here is divided on whether this an exciting new chapter for a venerable brand, or a disaster in the making.  What do your readers think?

kind regards 

Link: Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a74036834/2028-jaguar-type-01-revealed/ 

Monday, October 5, 2026

A Reader Question: Preppiest Colleges? (repost)

A reader question:

Dear Muffy,

I came across this list of the 40 preppiest colleges in the U.S. and thought of your site <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKvQsujt6SG/>.  Their top ten are:

1) Amherst College

2) Bowdoin College

3) Colby College

4) Colgate University

5) Dartmouth College

6) Duke University

7) Georgetown University

8) Middlebury College

9) Princeton University

10) Trinity College

How close do your readers think they got?

Thank you 

Thursday, October 1, 2026

A Reader Question: Any insights into or implications of the loss of the L.L. Bean Norwegian sweater?

 A reader question:

Dear Editor,

Today, while visiting the newly designed L.L. Bean flagship in Freeport, I noticed I couldn’t find the Heritage Norwegian Sweaters (Birdseye, Navy) anywhere. So, I spoke to an employee there and later used L.L. Bean’s customer service online chat to confirm they are no longer selling them. I have no clue if this is temporary or more permanent, but I do find it upsetting. 

To me, that is a flagship product of theirs. I realize it’s also one of their pricier products, which would explain why they offer a $89-$99 version of a navy birdseye sweater in Ragg Wool. Though, who could say where that particular version is made.

My question is if you have any insights into the loss of the Norwegian sweater and if this is a larger issue with LLB continuing to attempt to appeal to a different customer base than in years and decades past.

Best,


Links:

Monday, September 28, 2026

Ancient Madder Bow Ties and Tattersall Shirts

Bow Ties: Old J. Press

Tattersalls: Older Mercer and Sons 

(Similar Mercer:  James Bond Brushed Cotton Flannel Tattersall <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/james-bond-tattersall-brushed-cotton-flannel>)



 

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Latin Phrases (repost)

Photos by Salt Water New England

It is hard not to be impressed with the Roman culture's skill of creating efficient phrases.
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano 
Fortuna Eruditis Favet 

Friday, September 18, 2026

This Morning...

Photos by Muffy Aldrich








 

Thursday, September 17, 2026

My Birdseye Fever, 2011

Photo by Muffy Aldrich