London Studio Tour || Victorian Dark Academia Sewing Room

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[1] This is a really interesting paper discussing the cataloguing of the Cotton Library: www.bl.uk/eblj/1980articles/p.... Cotton Manuscripts now in the care of the British Library still feature this “Emperor Cataloguing”, including the name of the historic figure whose bust sat atop its shelf in the 16th century! Example: www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisp... The Treadle Machine: The Morgan Donner Method: • DIY Dress Form // Copy... Beatrice Forms: The Royal Cesario Portrait: • Royal Portrait Paintin...
The Treadle Machine: • I bought a (Working!) ...
The Morgan Donner Method: • DIY Dress Form // Copy...
Beatrice Forms: beatriceforms.com/
The Royal Cesario Portrait: • Royal Portrait Paintin...
Some modern chatelaine inspo: • Apple Watch Chatelaine...
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[@JoannaPiancastelli]

The idea that your space is never actually "done" is honestly a huge inspiration to get started on changing my office / craft room. I don't need to have it perfect, don't need to complete it, but I can make it better than it is now and continue to evolve it

[@kyat4676]

There’s this quote that I really love that goes something like “art is never finished, only abandoned” and I think it’s definitely a very useful philosophy! I’ve tried to apply it in my own life in order to combat perfectionism and anxiety and I think it really helps!

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

It took me so long to get past that mentality because I always had this sense of feeling that I had to finish it on a time frame and I would end up purchasing items that were sort of okay for the space/need but were never quite right so I'd end up wasting money. I'm in my 9th month of trying to find the ideal shelving system for above my desk.. that's okay. My creative space is ever evolving and shifting to accommodate the demands I make of it. I know when I find the right shelving, it'll be the perfect piece for years rather than a quick solution that becomes tiresome after a few months of kinda of working but not really.

[@error.418]

No project is ever done, only eventually abandoned. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

[@LawnOrnament]

Yes for sure my husband always says “one bite at a time” while im designing and adding new things to the house. I get overwhelmed by the fact that i cant just magically make it done in one day😂

[@Z1gguratVert1go]

Knowing you're never really "done" somehow makes it easier to start.

[@elle9390]

This was a lovely insight into your workroom, I loved the editing and "skit" of being a new worker invited into your sewing workroom. I'm absolutely amazed at the beautiful antiques you were able to acquire in your year there; I would LOVE any of those vintage pieces myself so I'm admittedly a little jealous. Also those windows are swoon worthy, so much beautiful natural light!

[@bernadettebanner]

I hope you had a pleasant first day 😌

[@bknesheim]

@@bernadettebanner Have played a few games in this style. :-)

[@feezlfuzzl564]

@@bernadettebanner Please, please, PLEASE, read my comment above! I am trying to spare you the pain I've been through, with dishonest sewing machine repair shops. Thank you.

[@alibabafurball]

@@feezlfuzzl564 I think she has a good repair person. They seemed to know the trick to tension the top thread path when the uptake spring is broken off on her treadle. Really she should be able to fix that handcrank without to much problems.

[@lynetteclauser3551]

I had to explain swooning to my doctor the other day. Didn’t know what it was. But I agree.

[@jackplumlee745]

As a construction worker, i have to say that trying to find out the history of a building is one of the perk of our trades. Also, because i didn't see it in any other comment, the wall between your windows isn't drywall indeed, it is simply stone/brick with a layer of plaster wich must be "antique" since it is now a rare technic perpetuated by a handful of craftpeople.

[@savinathewhite]

It is not so uncommon here in Italy - we are having a reconstruction done this next year, and our original 200 year old brick will be refaced, new caulk, sealed and plastered. We watched as this was done last summer across our little street with our neighbors home. Truly it was not something done in the US, or perhaps also in England it is rare, but here many homes are stone and plaster. One doesn't drill into it casually, though - and the art placement does not change very often!

[@somebodyelse138]

@@savinathewhite No, plastering is still a common skill in the UK. And it is a skill. A good plasterer will make it look dead easy, but if you've ever iced a Christmas cake with Royal Icing, you'll know it's far harder than it looks to get an entire wall as smooth as a skating rink. I am in awe of anyone who can do it. Edited to remove unnecessary letter.

[@carolchavez5213]

Bricks and plaster are the normal thing in Latin America, the rare thing to do here is to use drywall it just doesn't take well our climate

[@raraavis7782]

Yeah, I didn't think about it, the first time I watched the video...but I'm sure, you're right. It's an outer wall. It must be solid brick. Drywall might have been used to subdivide a large appartement into smaller units, but never, ever on a wall facing outside. Germans still use plaster over brick (or other types of large 'concrete stones' (not sure, what they're called) as well. And it's basically standard in old buildings. I've lived in appartements with crumbling walls, only held up by wallpaper, all my life, lol. You drill into them and a shallow, fist sized hole appears. And then your drill starts to make that horrible screeching sound as it hits the brick and you lean in and press and hope the brick will give, before the drill bit does 😎

[@annejohnson361]

My first home was built in 1928. Nailing into any of the walls was a chore (because the walls were lath & plaster). I found best success by putting a piece of duct tape on the spot where I wanted the hole, then drilling a hole slightly smaller and shorter than the nail. The tape kept the plaster from crumbling, and the drill actually went through the incredibly hard wood under the plaster. Drilling, rather than pounding a nail, might be your best bet for your exterior walls. (I learned this from my grandfather who renovated an 1870's Illinois farmhouse.)

[@Sophiemck]

As a Brit it feels very odd to hear "I have so much more room in the UK than I did in the US..." as our houses / flats tend to be much smaller in comparison. Then I heard New York and that explained everything $$$! Victorian buildings here are beautiful and incredibly sized for sure - my Victorian 1 bed flat was bigger than my 2 bedroom house! Very jealous of your beautiful space - goals!

[@GeTTjInXedd]

Omg this!!!! Fellow brit, alot of americans have such big houses. Where as ive HAD to move downstairs since the lay out of my house's upstairs is horrible 💀 its like a reverse tardis, looks big on the outside weridly small on the inside

[@billyjean3118]

There’s Americans and then there’s New Yorkers, us New Yorkers have no space 😂

[@Sophiemck]

@@GeTTjInXedd lots of awkwardly shaped rooms and nooks that make it really difficult to have a decent layout!

[@jayc9345]

But can we talk about the natural and flawless transition into the sponsorship spot, tho

[@annbrookens945]

...sponsorship spot? So seamless i don't even remember it!

[@mkbuike7895]

I’ve tried Blueland and agree with the excellence of their product design. I just wish they had more unscented products.

[@MagnificentHealingCreations]

Sold me! lol can’t wait to get my order

[@john941996]

She was taking some notes from Julian Baumgartner's flawless and exquisite sponsorship transitions

[@sunflower_stargirl]

I also wish they had in scented options.

[@Liba_Elena]

Bernadette: I have a sofa set here. also Bernadette: *proceeds to sit on a coffee table* 😂😂😂

[@jayneterry8701]

Maybe because it's white! 😬

[@cheekyb71]

Very American!! Hahahaha

[@HinataUchihaInuzuka9]

I really admire how you managed to bring only 97 books overseas! When I moved from Japan I couldn't for the life of me leave my library... I had to part with around 50% of my collection but... well... that was still around 700 books... Let's just say that they airline was not very happy with me... well, the vintage bicycle I refused to leave might've had a hand in there as well. Oops.

[@carolchavez5213]

I'm a chef, I don't have that many books, but I do have tons of drawings and sketches from my projects, and I could never leave them behind, my sister even scanned a few of them so I could have them in digital form, but still the original paper is so special... So I kind of understand the struggle

[@KristenK78]

I think that is probably the only circumstance under which I could cope with a fully (mostly) digitized library. Quite possibly forcing me into a dedicated device just for digitized books. Otherwise? *clutches my dead trees close*

[@johndododoe1411]

Why take your heavy belongings on an airplane, when putting them in a locked container for commercial surface transport is often cheaper. Japan to Europe can benefit from the huge market for transporting consumer goods the same way.

[@lilianevanfrankrijk7490]

Could have left the Bill Brysons and bought them over there for well uder a pound each.

[@HinataUchihaInuzuka9]

@@johndododoe1411 I couldn't find any service that transported to Mexico at the time and I was it a terrible health condition so I honestly had no energy to put into more in-depth research.

[@nancyloyet2764]

I love how this felt like Mrs. Warwick's tour of the Audley End laundry -- except this felt welcoming, and in the Audley End tour I felt judged (and found lacking).

[@glenngalloway6191]

This job interview seems to have gone WAY better than that time I applied for a position in the laundry room with Mrs. Warwick. Note to self: NEVER ask about washing machines.

[@bernadettebanner]

🤣😂👏

[@MossyMozart]

@Glenn Galloway - Mrs. Crocombe vs Mrs Warwick cage match!

[@seanmcgcostumes]

As someone who both lives AND works on their creative endeavors in their bedroom and has nowhere else to separate the two, this has given me Ideas and now I'm super inspired to give my room a much needed overhaul. Thanks for the inspiration, Bernadette!

[@wyntersynergyundignified]

Same!!

[@lenabreijer1311]

Standing screen, curtains are all important to be able to create boundaries. I worked from home off and on for decades. Organizing "rooms" within your rooms is a necessity.

[@LisaOuwersloot]

When I worked and lived in a one-room setup, I had a “room divider” made from three door sized wooden planks, with a few extra legs to prevent it falling over. It had hooks attached on both sides, on the bedroom side I had my clothes, pjs, a bag for accessories etc, on the work side I had hooks and nails for everything, and I used binder clips to hang stuff that has no hole. It was vertical space heaven. And because it is wood, you can paint it over as often as you want. If you have an outlet near you can also put clamp lamps on it, for extra light.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

I don't know if your process is anything like mine but when I found I couldn't sit on the floor anymore (arthritis) to be creative or academic and instead shifted to do so sitting on a bed... I found having two beds super beneficial! I have a sleeping bed and a working bed. They have different color palettes and different textures. I've done this since college and having the defined spaces actually really helped me be able to sleep better because my bed was no longer a work/creative/entertainment space. Just an idea that color and texture and materials can make a split space feel even more well-defined and therefore make one part of the space more relaxing while the other is more energizing.

[@valsptsd814]

Your entire space has evolved in front of me. I remember when you installed your cutting table in the very tight corner, and your efficient use of space. And THIS resplendent location suits you so beautifully. Thank you for living such a unique life and giving my inner artist the option of living my best life.

[@nimm1135]

This really really makes me want a livestream of Bernadette just going about her work doing her own thing, to have in the background while working on my own projects Kind of a "lofi hip hop beats to study or relax to" kind of vibe

[@anticapitalisthomedesign]

As a home designer, THANK YOU for acknowledging that spaces are always evolving 👏👏👏 spaces are meant to be ~actually lived in~ not just looked at.

[@ReneesatItAgain]

!!

[@PonderingStudent]

I love how Bernadette not only exists in a perpetual time warp, but also in two time periods at once. Half late Victorian - Edwardian, half 2010s, but pretty much nothing in between. Academic is also an apt description. The room reminds me very much of various Oxford don's studies I've been in. Beautiful space. I do bobbin lacemaking and my best recent furniture purchase has been a hand-turned lace pillow stand. It's beautiful and it makes working lace so much easier. I'd love a desk like yours though.

[@cascadiagrove6367]

Bobbin lace making? Amazing! Are you on Instagram?

[@PonderingStudent]

@@cascadiagrove6367 Sadly not. I have actually thought about doing some KZbin videos, since there really isn't much bobbin lacemaking content on here at all (my other fabric hobby is crochet and there's tonnes of videos on that). I've only taken lacemaking up in the last couple of years and I've noticed that it seems to be a hobby that's mostly done by older people and hasn't really moved online yet. With crochet there are tons of e-books, pattern sharing websites, forums etc, whereas with lacemaking there's almost none of that and even online stores for supplies tend to be small and hard to find. I'm just not sure people would be interested. Do you think people would watch videos on bobbin lacemaking?

[@giu.-.9238]

@@PonderingStudent OMG YES! pls do it. I'd love to learn that, but I don't know how and where. (Also the crochet! I don't know how to start that too)

[@mgmassey174]

Bobbin Lace..oh wow Are you Welsh? Careadad

[@mgmassey174]

@@PonderingStudent I'd watch yes indeed. I also crochet but find following patterns difficult. My grandma passed before I could learn all stitches. It's easier to watch others. As to old ..I'm old. . I'll watch.. Such a lovely craft. Love old lace

[@canansaritas]

Synchronizing music with "light, white, clean and delicate" shows how much effort you put in editing these videos 👌

[@killiansirishbeer]

This was really fun to watch and interesting to see how you organized your space 🤩 Although I have one remark. It should be 'Artemis and Athena' for the Greek goddesses and 'Diana and Minerva' for the Roman counterparts.

[@annawang7095]

Perhaps, but from the look of each bust, I think it was truly Artemis and Minerva, as the greeks and romans sculpted/depicted their respective gods differently. The one of Artemis is at least the greek depiction of Artemis, the romans changed the look of the goddess for Diana. And I’m not certain about Minerva vs Athena but I would guess thats the reason that she named each of them by their greek then roman names respectively.

[@annawang7095]

After a brief google search to confirm what I had remembered in my studies, yes the roman renditions of their goddess Minerva showed her in that particular helmet, while the greeks depicted Athena in different armor/helmet and hairstyle as was popular when they worshiped Athena. So Bernadette was absolutely correct in that she has sculptures of Artemis and Minerva, not Diana nor Athena. They are both small scale copies of real classical sculptures of the Greek and Roman (respectively) goddesses.

[@margaretschaufele6502]

@@annawang7095 The names she used caught me too, but I couldn't remember that bit from my art history classes I took, like, 10 years ago. Plus, I don't have that textbook with me now, so thanks for clearing that up.

[@raeward8092]

I love that your new Sewing Studio is even more "you" than the New York Sewing Room. As lovely as that space was, this suits you so well and I'm delighted you found it. Thank you so much for brightening my day.

[@Helloworld-ss5uv]

The fact that you have upgraded from “Workroom” to “Workroom/Studio” is truly a sight to behold! It’s like a sewing fairyland tucked away/hidden from the modern world! So many nooks and crannies to explore, and so many treasures hidden in them!

[@pixelspider6454]

I know the skit was welcoming a new worker, but It feels almost like an older sister giving you a tour of her new house and I love it.

[@ameliegifford1477]

I forget Bernadette isn't an ageless mythical sewing being - like I always assume she's so much older because of the aesthetic she embodies

[@ursulacook9883]

Apparently she was born in 1994???😮 She is just a kid! (agewise)☺

[@Ashley-xu1lk]

I would very much enjoy a video of Bernadette talking (professionally or otherwise) about the history of her building. That bit of tangent was so pleasant to listen to because of how excited and full of wonder she was finding out any bit of info about her new place. Basically, more nerdiness please!

[@sunflower_stargirl]

I am very curious too, and the little bit we got left me wanting more info!

[@MsDeepAndDark]

Ah, but that would be a breach of privacy, wouldn't it? One can't talk about a building without disclosing its location, or at least inadvertently giving some clues. So with respect to Bernadette we should curb our curiosity.

[@thewol7534]

In re: Charging stations. You can get one of those lidded boxes that is made to look like an antique book. They come in several sizes. One cover opens as the box lid. (Some people use them as a place to stash remotes.) You cut a small notch in the side right next to the side the lid attaches to that will accommodate the cord of a USB plug-strip, so that the plug-strip part can sit inside the box. Then you plug all your charging cords into the plug strip and conceal them inside the book/box until you need one. This idea will work with any kind of aesthetically pleasing box with a lid or drawers that you can modify to accept the plug strip such that you can conceal the fact that it has a cord and is plugged into the wall. I love your videos so much. They are so warm and snuggly,

[@EarthFaery26]

I like this idea a lot, though i would personally add another stealthy hole or two because i find battery chargers can get quite warm and would want ways for that heat to escape. I'm a worrywart when it comes to electronics though.

[@PhoenyxAshe]

I was thinking something similar. I just got a laser cutter (diode, nothing fancy), and so of course, the brain is flooded with "do all the things!... with lasers!" I like the idea of a book, though my first thought was something closer to say a secretary box or podium minus the stand sort of design. A good stain, an appropriate book (or additional charging nook) and boom, corralled and concealed cords and chargers while still being easily accessible.

[@mcwjes]

You could title it "Lightning thief" by P. Jackson in aesthetic fonts! ⚡

[@raraavis7782]

@@PhoenyxAshe There are lovely jewelry/knickknack boxes out there - very often, you can find them used for very little money, since they're not terribly popular items these days, it seems. I recently looked for one and could have bought 5 I liked, easily, within one 'hunt'. Sadly, I have very little room for decorative objects. They would serve for this purpose very well.

[@vanessagilmore5449]

I love your work room. It's awesome. Also PSA if anyone ever wants to use the reservoir for the fancy iron without drilling, IV stands or a tall hat rack work very well. ☺️

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

That's what she used in NYC! An IV pole. I'm guessing she doesn't want to make that investment again, especially since the other option seems to work just as well.

[@vanessagilmore5449]

@@Chaotic_Pixie yeah, I was just saying that for other people. :)

[@paulabirdsong]

Really Bernadette, you bring me to absolute tears, really. The world has never seen the likes of anything even close to you and there's some really awesome people out there that I really admire. You are at the top. So genteel, so elegant, so well spoken, so aesthetically spot on. Any second and I will start gushing... SO happy that you live your dreams and inspire others to do the same, SO happy to see you in London where you allow your followers to share your journey. SO thankful for the platform of KZbin, without which I would not have found you and your marvelous, witty videos. I'm being a "comment hog" so I'd better stop now. Oh did I mention thanks for the tea?

[@christinebrady6842]

My ironing board was a wedding present to my grandmother from her new mother-in-law. She passed it to my mom, and she passed it to me. It's wood, put together with wooden pegs. I L-O-V-E love it! You should look for one. You need one.

[@samross6088]

This was a really entertaining take on a sewing room tour. You were a very cheerful, welcoming host and the cup of tea much needed. Plenty of beautiful, fascinating items too! Hope the machine tension issue gets sorted, you may find Helen Howes is worth looking up for Singer machine servicing/repairs now you're in the UK.

[@ivyandblueroses2953]

Thank you for this tour, Bernadette, it was truly a godsend. I just returned home after an anxiety-inducing visit with abusive family, and your kind, welcoming tour of your beautiful and aspirational workspace brought me to happy tears. I feel more like myself again, so thank you. Whether your 2021 was good or bad, I hope 2022 is even better for all of us.

[@scorpioninblue]

You can't help feeling soothed and calmed watchung her videos and the shot of Lord Cesario would make any ole grinch smile!!

[@NightShipT]

The busts on top of the bookshelves in the Cotton library! In my first Medieval Studies class at university we were taught all about the Cotton library and its shelf "call numbers." I love the idea of creating a little nod to it in your own home - now I just have to find a Nero bust...

[@PossiblyAlena]

You remind me of a character from the YA series Circle of Magic by Tamora Pierce. One of the characters has magic related to sewing, weaving, embroidery, spinning, etc. It's such a wonderful series. If you're looking for a light hearted but not too childish read I'd definitely recommend it. The world building and character development is phenomenal.

[@Eloraurora]

Now I need to reread those.

[@aurorameyer159]

Sandry!

[@grimmgoosegoose216]

Bernadette really does have Sandry vibes, brb rereading circle of magic again XD

[@aurorameyer159]

@@grimmgoosegoose216 "I'm a bit of a stitch witch," such good books!

[@FractalGirlCourtney]

Now whenever I re-read these books, I'm going to hear Bernadette as Sandry. Definitely need to find my copies again!

[@MichelleSMV]

I do not know why I've just now realised that a cauldron is basically what we (in Jamaica) call a dutch pot...(the old time ones). It was really lovely to see your workroom! I love the ivy everywhere! All in all though it seems so cozy, even though it's a place of work, and I think that's really important to be able to work comfortably too.

[@dclaet1135]

Well, I must be a millennial, even though I'm in my sixties. I don't own a tv anymore...I prefer my computer monitor. I love your videos and appreciate you giving us a peek into your world.

[@clotildebesson1991]

I put off watching this video for a few days because I knew, oh how certain was I, that it would be one of the delightfully precious videos that fill you up with warmth and comfort, and indeed it was. Now I'm sad I can't discover your space all over again. I am in awe of all of the little antique trinkets you have acquired over time, and how skillfully you have arranged your space to make it this magical time capsule. This was such a comforting video to watch, thank you for sharing so much of your private space with your audience

[@MrHws5mp]

I wish just ONE corner of my house was such a splendid mix of aestheitcs and practicality: well done m'lady. Also, the sponsorship integration was so slick it was actually satisfying, rather than sigh-inducing, to experience, which is no small achievement.

[@ebbezackariasson3736]

The shape of the windows truly is a fundamental deciding factor for apartments and houses. Modern window shapes is the worst part of modern architecture

[@Chibihugs]

This was an absolute delight. Getting to see your new sewing room, how and why you made certain choices and the interesting things you have added. Can I just say that I love the coleslaw cauldron. Alliteration aside, it made me very happy to see.

[@danielalarrondo3816]

She lives what i can only dream of and im so happy for her, she deserves everything in the world 🥰🥰

[@blondeviolet]

Chatelaine content! Also I love the "pay no attention to the charging station of doom, just look at My Lord Croissant of the Floof." Thanks for showing us around!

[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

[Is personally addressed like an actual person behind my screen] [Panics]

[@fynncarter2327]

This place feels like a clubhouse for a secret society and I love it🧡

[@Jojo66630]

I love the aesthetic of this room, and the ivy covering the TV is a brilliant idea! From experience, do watch out though, it tries to cling to everything and may damage the underlying surface. Also, I never new about the electric lighters, how neat! (...Can you use them as a weapon?)

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

I would adore having Cesario as a fellow employee. Though, I might get caught enjoying his presence more than the actual garments at time because his Lord might deserve my attention due this cuteness and squeaks. Also, I want to live in your trimmings drawer… yes, please.

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Lord Caesario is a real sweetheart! I hope we see more of the little gent in future videos.

[@marthaross6301]

I love the mike set next to your Châtelaine. 😉🤷🏼‍♀️☺️

[@joyrowancasey788]

The vibes of this are *chef's kiss* immaculate, and I feel like the "new recruit" is in some sort of cross between a seamstress business, inside a TARDIS, with a vaguely pirate-y Victorian witch as their boss.

[@candicewaller403]

I'm SOOO glad you did a chatelaine tour at the end! I was so distracted the whole video by that glorious little accessory.

[@shepherdessofskymeadow]

I don't think I've ever been so contented for/proud of someone I've never met? This beautiful space, the way you've nurtured it and where you are in general just feels like such a reflection of your hard work and sharing your gifts and passions with the world. It's really inspiring and really lovely to see.

[@MsStBoom]

How apt having Athene (Minerva) in your workspace, given that she's considered the patron goddess of the textile arts. I don't know if that was intentional on your part or a happy accident, but it certainly seems fitting.

[@johndododoe1411]

I didn't recognize that bust as Athena, Zeus literal brainchild. The headpiece is just too Roman.

[@TheGhostoftheCosmos]

@@johndododoe1411 the fact she used the roman name suggests to me that it's a roman bust copy

[@zepo132]

Yeah, i'm a third generation book lover, we have over 20,000 books in our house. There might be just 97 by our beds that are the "to be read" pile. LOL! Love your work space its awesome!

[@SandraNelson063]

Ah! Someone with the correct respect for books! So...you're just beginning your collection....😂

[@justlola417]

Same! I'm a second generation so there's only about 5,000 but I totally get you, we have eternal projects to expand the bookcases so we can fit more hahahha

[@wolfkitteh]

I'm only first generation [I was actually forbidden to read books - other than absolutely necessary for school - when I was growing up] but I had my first 100 I'm sure by the age of 20. Now I have a whole room, a hallway and my bed is raised over a meter by a set of 12 'paperback suitable' book shelves to house most of my 40 year old collection.

[@ragnkja]

@@wolfkitteh Why on Earth would you not be allowed to read? As the daughter of two teachers, and also as someone who currently works at a library, I cannot comprehend what your parents’ reasoning could be. Stories are essential to the development of a child’s mind, so I _really_ hope your parents provided you with stories in other formats. (My mother had a grand aunt who would not gift any book to any of her nephew’s children without reading it herself first, but that was more to ensure that it was age-appropriate and actually worthy of their time. It certainly didn’t result in them receiving fewer books.)

[@wolfkitteh]

@@ragnkja I believe my egg-donor[ED] was the main instigator of the rule as she was the one who thought it was more important that I do housework. ED was also the one that decided that once a 'story' book was read it had no reason to remain in the house. I believe her narcissism had something to do with it also because ED was the only person in our house to finish high school [albeit a secretarial college] even though, even at a young age, I recognised that she was probably the least intelligent member of our 'family' of 4. I did love the librarian at the final high school I attended after she told me to tell my parents to 'f' off and to ask them where they thought I got my great marks from [mostly Advanced Cr passes - think at least top 20% in the state {junior high, WA, Australia} if not higher] if not from my prolific reading during school hours or while walking home from school. ED also effectively put the kibosh on my finishing senior high or even my first year of tech college. I was a Miss Mouse then and didn't know how to get away from ED at the time but having learnt a few years ago that I'm an Aspergirl I understand some of why I couldn't/didn't speak up. Basically her fear that I might [did?] surpass her [if not actual academically] made her hinder my progress anyway she could. Lying to and stealing from [trust accounts etc] were also on her resume. Oh, and after I got tired of waiting, at age 6 or 7, for her to finish reading 'Alice in Wonderland' to me at night and finished reading it by myself and ED's nose getting severely put out of joint to where she never read to me again, by that probably didn't help either.

[@npgibson69]

My grandfather was a shoemaker and his sister a seamstress. Your workspace is beautiful. Their Victorian/Edwardian workroom was a bit different from yours. It was dark with tiny windows and about two meters for each of them. For me as a child it was a magical place. The walls were covered with hundreds of specialty tools: hammers, knives, different kinds of needles and pliers and scissors. I doubt anyone knows how many there were and what they were all for. Of course there was a trundle sowing machine on a table, and another my grandfather used on leather while standing. There was a device to hold the shoe while you work on the top, and another for working on the sole. The smell was an intoxicating mix of oil, varnish and leather. No ventilation or safety regs. To watch him work, so fast, so smooth, so confident in his movements, was mesmerizing. My grandfather was a gentle, deferential man, but he was a maestro when he was working on shoes. Your videos always make me think of that lost generation and their art.

[@sleepyinseattle1209]

Splashing the fabric with water (or ironing while it's a bit damp) has always been the method I used. Mom used to have a spray bottle, and I just assumed that's how everyone did it! I used to dunk things under the faucet if the particular wrinkle needed a bit more than just a spritz, like for really old, folded material.

[@spadesa.ramirez9206]

Bernadette. You have grown so much as a creator. When I first found you it seemed as though you were trying to imagine if we still lived as victorians. Now, youre merging them! Its just amazing to see your growth

[@jennischimmels7442]

Eeeeee spinning wheel, one of us one of us =D This was a delightful tour. I love the thought you've put into each of the pieces and the overall setup and of course the ~*aesthetic*~ of it all. What a lovely space!

[@HomeWithMyBookshelf]

One of us one of us!

[@Threadbndr]

One of us!

[@bobbinsandbroomsticks]

One of us one of us!

[@RudesMom]

@@HomeWithMyBookshelf Ditto.

[@spookimooki]

I just wanted to say how much you have inspired me to go back to my sewing. I have now completed several mending projects that I've been hauling around for a literal decade. Thank you for being that flicker of inspiration I needed and don't stop being so amazing

[@yay-cat]

I love it! the apartment, the decor, the cool stuff, the whole tour!

[@amandaking6554]

Omg, your explanation of historical ironing techniques took me back to my childhood. When I was a kid my mom was a seamstress and one of the chores I had was often ironing things. We had an extremely rickety ironing board and when me or a cat would inevitably just bump it the tiniest bit the iron would hit the floor, crash, crack just enough so that it couldn't make steam anymore and until we got a new iron I'd be ironing with a bowl of water to wet down the cloth with one hand while I ironed with the other. I really don't know why we never got a new ironing board but bought new irons occasionally instead.

[@a.l1249]

When I was a kid and we had an iron without steam, we'd often iron through a piece of wet fabric rather than wetting the garment being ironed. Usually a large handkerchief - the idea was for fabric sturdy enough to take repeated ironing in a stride, but smooth and fine textured so it didn't leave any impressions on the garment fabric. Bonus - it'd protect the garment if you got the iron bit too warm ;-)

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

My mom had the same steam iron since her wedding in 1971... it had a steam function... she never used it. It was always a spritz bottle. In fact, the iron I own now is a solid plate bottom (so hard to find) with no holes and no steam. It just makes it so much easier for certain tasks where steam would ruin the item. When that iron FINALLY died, just a few years ago, my mom bought a fancy steam iron and she still rarely uses the steam option preferring to use a spritz bottle of ironing water, filtered water, or a startching medium.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Definitely getting some lovely ideas for how to cover ugly modern things you can’t get rid of. Inspiration galore.

[@hollywalker2127]

This was the cutest thing. I've been wanting this tour for ages!

[@melsmith110]

A most lovely set up and cleverly displayed and presented! I love your antiques and the whole historical feel of your home and workplace.

[@pamarnold6607]

You don't know how lucky you and other young women are! Fifty years ago, when I was young, doing what individually interested a woman was dismissed as 'silly' or uninteresting, since it was uninteresting to males and they controlled everything. I so admire what you do and have done, keep it up!

[@Ater_Draco]

Seeing the arches, I wonder whether your building was originally a non-domestic dwelling, such as a school or hospital? You have such lovely taste in decor

[@felicitygee381]

I am sure I have that design with the arches somewhere before 🤔

[@Josherson]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cozy space

[@kathrynmarcantelli2779]

What a delightful tour of your home, and with, again, so much inspiration.

[@spellwithane6888]

Thank you for taking us on that tour. 💜

[@bernadettebanner]

Thank you for coming!

[@lajoyous1568]

Chatelaine gently clattering in the background to enhance the timetraveler vibe. 😊 Beautiful workroom, thanks for the tour.

[@tigerlilytarot2402]

Wouldn’t hanging out in this work room make a great ASMR?

[@katienewell7350]

I love how this was shot and edited! And I CANNOT WAIT for the flax spinning video! The aesthetic of your workroom is gorgeous, and I loved that tiny cauldron pincushion towards the end.

[@hs4619]

this was a lovely look into your workroom, and I absolutely just adored the little skits of us being a new worker/employee in your sewing room.

[@lynn858]

The wall is almost definitely plaster and lathe. You're right. You don't want to drill into it. I don't even recommend putting a picture nail in it. It's plaster, covering thin strips of rough wood nailed side by side. Which, when you damage it, is much like wearing or washing a fabric which is prone to fraying, with unfinished edges. Fine, until you do something to it, and then it could hold up pretty well, or that might be the catalyst for it coming apart. It might hold up fine for awhile, then you bump a chair into it a couple months later, and the hole, plus the bump cause a major crack... Let it be, and it will likely continue to hold up long term.

[@somebodyelse138]

The external wall is almost certainly brick. However, many a tenancy agreement will either prohibit the drilling or hammering of holes or expect a full return to its previous condition on leaving the flat. Which is why anything that I have in my flat is either free-standing or only stuck onto the wall, so when the time comes for me to leave a quick coat of emulsion is all that will be required on my (or my son's) part.

[@felicitygee381]

Yeah, walls in the UK in Victorian houses tend to be brick and plaster (lime if it is original) . You are unlikely to bring down a wall in a brick building by making a hole, they are pretty sturdy. FYI The usual way to fix things to UK walls: Drill a hole with a drill designed for brickwork/plaster (not wood) , push in a Rawl plug and screw in the matching sized screw. When you are finished you remove the screw and plug, buy "polyfilla" and fill in the hole and scrape the top (with some skill) to match the wall around it and repaint. The risks: Some walls, where the plaster is poorly maintained/water damaged/old, will turns to powder and just disintegrate, leaving pock marks on the wall . Still wouldn't bring down the wall, but, depending on the extent of the damage, it would be big job, needing a professional to come and take out the old plaster and reskim it.

[@MizzMaree7]

I'd be checking the top of the wall moulding to see if there's a picture rail up there. It's a special moulding intended to hang decorations from a hook.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I grew up in a home with lathe and plaster walls and we couldn't even put in a thumbtack. We used rubber cement to hang our posters, it just rubs off. No holes

[@raraavis7782]

Wise words. Old plaster is not fun to deal with, once it starts to disintegrate or crack. I'm surprised, the landlord didn't explizitly warn her about best leaving it alone, in such an old and beautifully maintained building. I mean....I don't think, you can downright prohibit tennants putting up pictures and such in the UK (you certainly can't in Germany) but I would at least warn a future tennant about the dangers of messing with it.

[@OrthodoxMidwife]

As a singer, I have spent this entire video contemplating how good the acoustics might be in in that gorgeous high-ceiling room 😍

[@cattaleacres]

So lovely as always. I love how you've tackled a favorite aesthetic.

[@juia7336]

The artistry and editing of your videos never fails to impress!

[@MaritsColourfulAdventures]

I love the style you went with for this video ❤️ It felt so personal the way you greeted us by the door and showed us around. It was just so lovely. The Ivy “wall” over the TV is brilliant, and all those little antique bits and pieces just makes for such a fascinating room. Thanks for the tour ❤️

[@cristiaolson7327]

I'm so happy to see Bernadette learning spinning! I started spinning in high school because I raised fiber animals (angora rabbits, sheep and pygora goats), and it's such a pleasantly meditative activity.

[@Dizzycow-Tina]

I love watching all your videos …. But this one was a total joy to watch … thank you for showing us around xx

[@angelahudson5812]

Thank you for the lovely tour, Bernadette! So happy you’re living the dream! 😊

[@TheP1x3l]

Is there anything more pleasing than a super functional and super aesthetic workspace? I don’t think so. 😌✨

[@dottiewi661]

So beautiful! Also, who would notice the charging station of doom, when one has their eyes fixed on the absolutely fantastic portrait of his lordship?

[@janet4900]

Wow. Everything is so beautiful and organized ! Can't wait to see you make some garments in the new space.

[@roxelanaorc4065]

Today is a great day. I just got my great-grandmas old singer treadle. A few weeks back I considered buying an old sowing machine. Guess who inspired me to start sowing and to get an antique in the first place... Told my mum about that. She told me that my great-granny’s machine is with a friend of hers. It got there when she died and nobody in the family wanted the perfectly working antique. The friend took it cause she pitied the beautiful thing & wanted to have it as an ornament in her flat. Turns out the machine just sat in a garage for 20 years doing nothing but gathering dust. So curious if it’s still in working condition or if it can be reactivated. At least it looks complete. Now after all this I find a new Bernadette Banner video. Which was uploaded when the machine arrived. This has to be a good sign.

[@ceilidhdancer28]

*Brain sees cauldron Bernadette: this is a Cabage Cauldron. Brain: *cough cough Comedically categorised as the Cabage Cauldron, captivates my consciousness, cultivating my cognitive creativity! Aka, I love the alliteration 🥰

[@PercabethLovernot]

this is such a cozy video! it feels like we’re talking and i’m observing your home as if i’m really there!

[@jenniewren9351]

I love the aesthetics you’ve created. With those windows and high ceilings you’ve chosen perfectly. Great tour. Thanks.

[@duncanmckechney4535]

I love the conceit that we've come over in person as someone who will also use this space. It makes what could have been a dry recitation of items and locations into something very warm and inviting.

[@MossyMozart]

@Duncan McKechney - I love the concept that you appropriately used the word "conceit". Carry on!

[@LisaGrimm-LG]

Oh, the books during international move is something I feel so deeply! One of my life-long dreams is to create my own personal library with as many different books as I can all of which I've read, and I've already had an entire bookcase full of several hundred books (not to mention my own giant bookcase in my parents' house), and then I had to urgently move and couldn't take even my favourites with me - I chose to take the books that I haven't read but I couldn't even get the whole shelf so I was stuck with ten books that I shoved into the bags. So almost the first thing that I've done was starting ordering books. I'm still hoping that I'll be able to return to my home country to get the library that I've already acquired because I miss my Tolkien collection :(

[@MossyMozart]

@Lisa Grimm - We moved not long ago (not overseas) and sent 100s of books to the recycling center as the library's used book store was closed due to the plague and there was no time to sell them on eBay. Every book that went into the recycling bin broke my heart!

[@macdaiddavidson8051]

What a wonderful space you have found and beautifully arranged. Thank you for the tour.

[@catrionawoodrow4562]

Always wonderful to listen to your commentary: thank you - I loved it!

[@ambermaloof7177]

As a college student currently doing sewing projects in a shoebox-size room and switching between sewing machine and homework on my desk... I'M SO JEALOUS. I dream of having a lovely little space of my own someday. It's absolutely fantastic to see others achieving their dream spaces!

[@ChasingFables]

In case anyone is wondering - the green desk chair looks like a Chesterfield captain's chair, and the desk also looks like a chesterfield - you can often get chesterfield furniture secondhand! It might not be that brand, but they certainly look similar!

[@simonecummings9157]

That is good to know! Thank you for that décor tip.

[@LaraMuzio]

It is so good to see you happy in your London studio! I've been following you for a while and I can really see the difference! You're blooming and shining! AWESOME!!!

[@canucknancy4257]

Thank you for the peek into your workroom. It is set up so beautifully.

[@chillinginthenameof]

18:15 As a Millennial who enjoys a wide variety of hobbies involving screens, the fact that you're not utilising the TV as a giant monitor for examining sewing patterns or photos of extant garments hurts just a little bit! 😭 I tend to hook my laptop up to my TV when I really need to zoom in on something (or want to apply faux cosy atmosphere with videos of crackling firelight like you had on your laptop). Also if I ever move to a different continent at any point, my amount of stuff will also cost me a FORTUNE to move because you prise my books out of my cold dead hands, and I will pay it. 😂

[@brambleproductions]

An excellent point about the feeling of the space being "unfinished". When you live in a space, it should be living with you!

[@ragdollmag]

love your work room! The treadle sewing machine has been on my wish list for years

[@racherutheneko7270]

Thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this video. Lovely editing and loved the idea of the viewer being a new worker visiting the sewing workroom. The furniture and items you have curated for the room are amazing and the way you worked in the parts of the room you can't easily change like the TV and the seating set and great. I also love the windows.

[@trying_my_bestest]

I'd been hoping for a workroom tour for a while. It just looks so gorgeous I'm trying (and failing) not to be too jealous. I'm so glad you did a chatelaine tour at the end as well. I spent much of the video going "ooh is that the candle zapper? That's a cool place to keep the mic pack." Thoroughly enjoyed your video with Cheyney McKnight from NotYourMommasHistory about it.

[@sushreeshashwata]

Found one person talking about chatelaine. Hello there

[@bobbinsandbroomsticks]

As a newly-minted spinner in 2021, myself, I was so excited to see the Saxony wheel in the last video and I look forward to seeing more about it! I have a castle style and a second castle on the way, but a Saxony for flax is 100% #goals. And I thoroughly approve of the broom-as-distaff. 😍

[@petitepigeon3174]

This video was a pure delight, thank you ⭐

[@Mollieslay]

The beginning was the cutest thing. I love your living space it’s so pretty. I love the high ceilings and how it looks so open and spacious. It’s so cool 🙃

[@medicwebber3037]

What a lovey, warm, _efficient_ space!! I’m entirely envious, (in a positive way), and so very happy for you. And, yes, the ivy over the TV _was_ brilliant! Just before you began explaining that, I was already thinking to myself that that huge cascade of ivy over that partial wall must be so pleasant as a backdrop. I had no idea it was utilitarian in any way! Lol Thank you for making this video and sharing it with us. And, again, congratulations on your new space. ❤️

[@laurathornton8588]

congratulations on Little Bernadette! I was wondering when you would finally acquire such an essential tool of your trade. And so glad to see you are feeling more at home in your space. I have been a wall flower o your channel for a long time and I love how you have grown as an artist.

[@rvprossjjlrzar]

Beautiful home! I can see the creativity in your decor and how it plays into your creative sewing. It will probably evolve over time too. Oh, and I love your chatelaine!

[@mixe]

your home is so beautiful!! I love all the little details and especially the desk area and desk chair!

[@Gaarasimoto]

I feel like an intern. TBH I would have at least four times as many books. I love the workroom tour.

[@theprojectproject01]

I have dragged something like 650 pounds of books literally across the North American continent 4 different times. I regret nothing.