the new readymade is here
I got my April/May issue of Readymade today, the first under the new editors and produced in Iowa. (You can read the backstory on that here.) As I’ve mentioned, I’m fairly new to Readymade, so at a glance, it’s hard for me to tell if anything major has changed (besides the staff, that is). There’s still a challenge where readers make something completely new out of a common object (the upcoming challenge is to make something from a slide carousel). There’s an article on the “Tao of Pie” and a peek into a Portland home that I like a lot. (The home includes quite a few succulents — these are obviously getting really popular.) There are lots of DIYs on sewing, making a chandelier, revamping a desk. I am not ruling out, of course, that some of the stories may have been filed before the staff was replaced.
Interim editor Kitty Morgan addresses the changes in her letter, which I was happy to see; better to acknowledge than pretend nothing is different. It does make me sad that Readymade won’t retain the exact style and culture of its founders, though it’s not as if you have to live on the coast to be creative — after all, I’m from Ohio myself. Are you a longtime Readymade reader who’s received the new issue? I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. –Mary T.
Ah, succulents are FANTASTIC! My mom had/has a houseful. Remember those little hens and chick ones?
I will admit that the main reason I’m commenting instead of just admiring/lurking is that you said, “I’m from Ohio myself…”, me too!
We Ohioans (even when we don’t live in Ohio anymore) are so prolific. We’re everywhere, you can’t stop us!
I think there are more Ohioans in Seattle than there are natives, honestly!
I too have been contemplating the changes recently. It hard to pull myself away because a friend of a friend was let go from the SF readymade offices.. but any company that is able to innovate and streamline enough to save a mag rather than shut its doors seems pretty a-ok in my book… down to content : to start I do feel like the variety has changed. but somethings feel very older-in a “i have mortgage and have kids” kinda way (building a raised bed), and some of the projects are kinda-” i have $5 craft budget and I’m 21 kinda way (paper mache’d plastic objects)”. But i also really enjoyed the cocktail spread, pie article and the science accessory spread… The house in Portland was great (even though I have already seen it on a blog- was it D*S or Shelteriffic?), and the artists studio was beautiful, but who has the scratch for a Platner set and a ligne roset sofa with authentic noguchi coffee table? I dunno. I think the new Readymade shouldnt try too hard to keep being the old mag, or please all audiences – they should just figure out who to market themselves toward and go for it!
I have to say, I liked this issue more than the last few issues. Is it because of the change or just cuz I like the content better? I think I’ll really know after a few more issues have been put out.
Also, I love the fact that they are starting a readers panel were readers sign up to take surveys and such. That way we can really express what we like and don’t like and hope that they are able to make a better magazine with our feedback.
I did feel like I could connect a little more with this one than other ones that had lots of college dorm room-type furniture instructions, but I still don’t think I’ll be renewing. I know, sad. Maybe I’m just not young and hip enough.
very cool with the bottle light. you see things like this all the time on hgtv and diy.. and i love them.