Katy Elliott

Katy Elliott I share stories about New England homes, objects, and memory. A blog about renovating an old house in a coastal new england small town.

There’s something about a good striped button-down shirt.This week on Modern New Englander, I’m writing about my love of...
10/19/2026

There’s something about a good striped button-down shirt.

This week on Modern New Englander, I’m writing about my love of vintage men’s shirts, a recent trip to Bobby’s of Boston, the history of Brooks Brothers, and childhood memories of shopping for Hathaway shirts in Maine.

And, after years of working from home, I’m getting dressed for a new job. Naturally, I started building my wardrobe in the men’s department.

A little fashion, a little New England history, and the joy of finding something old that still feels just right.

Read the full story on Modern New Englander. Link in bio.

I need to build a new fall wardrobe, so I started in the men’s department searching for vintage cotton button-downs.I lo...
10/19/2026

I need to build a new fall wardrobe, so I started in the men’s department searching for vintage cotton button-downs.

I love stripes in every form. Vintage cotton shirts have that soft, worn-in feel that only comes with years of washing and wearing. I can find them oversized, with plenty of room, rather than the super-trim, narrow cuts I keep finding in the women’s department.

At Bobby’s of Boston in Lynn, Massachusetts, the shirts are sorted by stripes, plaids, and madras. It’s a collector’s playground. Racks of Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and other classic American brands.

I came home with three striped shirts for $45.

Now I just need some great trousers and a vintage wool blazer to go with them.

Let me reintroduce myself!For those of you who are new here, I’m Katy Elliott. I’ve spent more than 20 years working as ...
10/13/2026

Let me reintroduce myself!

For those of you who are new here, I’m Katy Elliott. I’ve spent more than 20 years working as a writer and editor, including at House & Garden, Domino, Fit Pregnancy, and Scary Mommy.

Long before Instagram, I started a blog called KatyElliott.com in 2004, where I wrote about renovating our old house in Marblehead, decorating, gardening, antiques, and everyday life in New England. It grew into a wonderful community of readers, some of whom are still here today!

In August, I launched Modern New Englander on Substack. In many ways, it feels like coming full circle. After years of working in digital publishing, I’m back to following my own curiosity and writing about the things I love.

So far, I’ve explored the working boatyards of Essex, shared guides to Rockport and Salem, and written personal essays like Maybe Your House Is Fine, which really seemed to resonate with readers.

And there’s so much more I want to explore.

Historic houses, gardens, textiles, makers, traditional crafts, small towns, and the everyday culture of New England. I’m especially interested in the people who make things, the traditions we keep alive, and how the places we live shape our lives.

Instagram is where I share what catches my eye. Substack is where I get to tell the whole story.

I publish every week, and you can subscribe for free.

I’d love for you to join me. You’ll find the link in my bio.

And tell me, what would you like to see more of?

Did you know these are made in Massachusetts?Steele Canvas Basket has been manufacturing its iconic canvas baskets in Wi...
10/12/2026

Did you know these are made in Massachusetts?

Steele Canvas Basket has been manufacturing its iconic canvas baskets in Wilmington, Massachusetts, for generations.

Originally made for industrial use, these hardworking baskets have found their way into homes, laundries, shops, and workplaces across the country.

I recently visited the factory to see where they’re made, how they’re put together, and some of the history behind this longtime New England manufacturer.

One of my favorite things about exploring New England is discovering just how much is still being made here.

Have you seen these baskets before? Did you know they were made in Massachusetts?

Want to dive deeper into their story? Read on substack. Link in bio.

Sunday morning at Todd Farm. Still finding beautiful, vintage, New England-made things.An old L.L.Bean tote, a Swans Isl...
10/11/2026

Sunday morning at Todd Farm.

Still finding beautiful, vintage, New England-made things.

An old L.L.Bean tote, a Swans Island Company blanket, and my new Steele Canvas Basket bag carrying it all.

Good things last. And good design never really goes out of style.

What is still made in New England?Last week, I went inside two Massachusetts factories to find out.In Fall River, I visi...
10/10/2026

What is still made in New England?

Last week, I went inside two Massachusetts factories to find out.

In Fall River, I visited Whalerknits - Made in Fall River, MA, where cotton sweaters are made using generations of textile manufacturing knowledge. In Wilmington, I toured Steele Canvas Basket, a company that has been making hardworking canvas products since 1921.

Both are family-run Massachusetts businesses continuing a legacy of American manufacturing while finding ways to adapt and grow.

The two companies recently came together on the Signal Collection, a collaboration featuring cotton sweaters, canvas bags, and a throw…all made in Massachusetts.

I spent time with the people behind these products, watching the machinery, learning about the manufacturing processes, and thinking about what it takes to keep making things here.

Read the full story on Substack. https://modernnewenglander.substack.com/p/what-is-still-made-in-new-england?r=bthmh&utm_medium=ios

I went looking for the Salem beyond the witches this week.I’ll admit, October Salem isn’t really for me. The crowds, cos...
10/04/2026

I went looking for the Salem beyond the witches this week.

I’ll admit, October Salem isn’t really for me. The crowds, costumes, haunted attractions and month-long Halloween party are exactly what a lot of people come for, and that’s okay. I’m just much more interested in what’s underneath it all: nearly 400 years of houses, maritime history, beautiful interiors, museums and a city that once looked outward to the world.

Turns out, both Salems are right there, often on the same block.

This is the Salem I came looking for.

📍House of Seven Gables
Derby Street
Salem, MA
The House of the Seven Gables

And this is the Salem everyone else came looking for. 😂

📍Essex Street
Salem, MA

The Salem I love is hiding in plain sight.

📍 House of the Seven Gables

Sometimes the two Salems are only a few doors apart.

📍 The Black Veil, Essex Street

Halloween Salem can be loud, but the older Salem is still here. You just have to look for it.

And if you come in October, embrace it. It’s joyful and crazy and a lot. That’s the whole point.

I loved this room at PEM. Huge windows looking down over Essex Street and these enormous carved women that once stood on the bows of ships.

📍 Peabody Essex Museum
Peabody Essex Museum

And of course, the witches are part of Salem’s history too. PEM has an excellent exhibition on the 1692 witch trials that brings you back to the actual people and events.

📍 Peabody Essex Museum
Peabody Essex Museum

Just a few blocks away, this. My favorite house on my favorite street in Salem. Completely quiet. Not another person around.

📍 McIntire Historic District

And this is October in Salem too.

📍 McIntire Historic District

Old Salem. Halloween Salem. It’s all tangled together. And maybe that’s the point.

📍 Salem, Massachusetts

There’s much more from my week exploring Salem in Modern New Englander.

Read the full story on Substack.

📍 Peabody Essex Museum

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Marblehead, MA
01945

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