Creating the world around us, one stitch at a time

Sure, why not? We met the people behind these amazing candles at a convention a few months ago, and were very impressed by both the candles themselves and the concept behind them. Winnie, who generally hates all things scented, actually likes the essential oil combinations. (We're still storing the candles away from our fabrics, don't worry about that!) By using organic soybean oil to make the majority of their wax, they're providing incentive for farmers to grow organically (and eschew GM soy, too, which I appreciate). And I love the practicality -- the candles are perfect for gifts, can be shipped easily, travel beautifully, are inexpensive ... they're just wonderful, and I urge you to try one or two. Or, heck, collect all 8!

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We've just added some really fun, amazingly vibrant silk yarns. Otherwise-wasted silk that's a byproduct of the sari-making industry is given to women's cooperatives in Nepal; these women hand-spin the fabric into yarn. You end up with a product that is not only enjoyable to work with but also makes a huge difference in the makers' lives. Each skein is different, due to the variation in materials, skill level, and the nature of hand-spinning. It's not soft, silky yarn that you'd choose for baby clothes, but it is bright, fun, eye-catching yarn that you'll love for any number of unique crafts. Check it out!

A local artisan immediately latched upon this yarn, picturing a striking wall-hanging or other piece of bold fiber art. We can't wait to see what she makes, and we'll be sure to share it with you as well.

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The Organic Consumers Association has a petition to stop the commercial release of genetically engineered plums. You might want to check it out...

Oh, and they have a biweekly email (Organic Bytes) about organic issues that can be very interesting; you can subscribe here if you're interested in doing so.

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Are you a woman who is a bit shorter and rounder than the average? If so, you may be thrilled to see the new line of Petite Plus patterns that we've added to our site. Specially designed for the full-figured petite woman, with narrow shoulders, a full bust, a short waist length, and a rounded tummy, the patterns generally include sizes 14-24. Check them out -- there's even a DVD that shows you, step by step, how to sew the sometimes-frightening Princess-Seamed Blazer!

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Almost-six-month old Halen's wonderfully talented mama, Christy, made this gorgeous pirate's quilt for her little boy. Doesn't he look thrilled with it? And well he should, really -- look at the great combination of fabrics she used to come up with the oh-so-scary design. All the fabrics are from NearSea, though some are sold out (Christy must've been stashing them for a while -- very appropriate for a pirate's quilt, as I'd love to find a treasure chest full of organic fabrics!), and there's organic batting as well.

People sometimes come to us looking for an organic analog to a specific conventional item that they just have to have for their projects -- rickrack, embroidery thread, ribbon, pompoms, etc. It can be very frustrating to hear that certain things just aren't available in organic versions yet, but as you sew more you become much more adept at figuring out substitutes. They might not look or function exactly the same as the non-organic version, but you just might find that your items are beautiful in their own right. And that's not even mentioning the good feeling that going organic can provide, especially when you're sewing for a baby who you want to surround with the purest of everything! I think Christy's quilt is a perfect example of the charm and interest that fully-organic items can have. Not only is it special because of all the love and care that went into its creation, but it's also visually striking ... and without the need for conventional fabrics or notions. Don't be dissuaded if you can't find exactly what you want in sustainable fabrics and notions; take it as a challenge, and you just might find that you can rise to the occasion!

Here are two more pictures of Halen's quilt; click on them for a larger version.

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I wanted to bring your attention to this entry into etsy.com's coproduction competition: Hemp Plaid Kilt

(Click on any picture in this entry to make it larger -- they're definitely worth looking at!)

Created with a collaboration between Corrina McFarlane, Regina O'Reilly, and NearSea Naturals, the kilt was made from our Blue Plaid Hemp, which is now a collector's item (we have no more). The kilt is a beautifully-designed and created piece of art that answers the inevitable question ("What's under your kilt?") with an exuberant "Hemp, Hemp, Hooray!" Click on the picture to the right to see the beautifully-embroidered answer.

Corrina and Regina's bios are as follows:
TimeToShine.etsy.com/Corrina McFarlane : TTS is known on the eco-festival and conference circuits, creating tables like Tibetan sand paintings, with stuff made of hemp, organic cotton, dream catchers and wishes...different every time, brief but always delightful. TTS is intent upon bringing heartening news of what eco-architect, Bill McDonough terms "cradle-to-cradle" initiatives. Moving beyond the throw-away planet (cradle to grave), we get to play in a world that works for everyone, no one left out. That's Corrina, to the left.

WhatsUnderYourKilt.etsy.com/Regina O'Reilly: OTB Kilts came out of a conversation with Regina's mother, who remarked on the courage it takes for some men to put on a kilt, to ‘Step Outside the Box’: "Only The Brave". (Outside The Box/Only The Brave; hence: OTB Kilts!). OTB is about challenging the norm while having FUN! We take our fun seriously. Since 2002 OTB has sponsored golf tournaments and many special events that feature men in KILTS. And the more we can draw from sources the are Fair Trade/Fair Made, the happier we will be!

The contest's winner hasn't been announced yet (it should be later tonight), but regardless of the outcome, Corrina and Regina will always be winners to us. They've taken their passion and made it sustainable, earth-friendly, and so very much fun. We thank them, and can't wait to see their next collaboration.

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Have you seen our new organic laces yet? We added eleven intricate laces over the weekend, and plan to add sixteen more in the not-so-distant future. We're also going to have peroxide-whitened versions of the same laces eventually, for those of you who're doing fancy sewing for which cotton's natural color just won't work. :) These are beautiful laces, and we're very glad to be offering them. (By the way, they are available wholesale -- just ask if you're interested.)

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