Creating the world around us, one stitch at a time

Finally starting to catch up from the holiday rush, all of us at NearSea Naturals were excited about the weather report's anticipated 4-6 inches of snow. Just in time for the weekend, we'd have a chance to enjoy a little enforced time off before starting work again on Monday. Imagine our surprise, though, when the expected six inches turned into a full-on storm! I think the whole state of New Mexico is buried -- Winnie got 27 inches overnight, and we were lucky enough to hit three feet in two days of precipitation; we've heard similar tales from other people, along with simply awful stories of accidents, long-lasting road closures, and the like. Needless to say, we're all staying put at the moment (not that we have any other choice), and there's very little chance we'll make it to the post office or to Fed Ex/UPS until at least the middle of next week. Both our internet and our phone connections are iffy at best, thanks to the huge amounts of snow, so it's entirely possible that we won't be able to respond to emails and phone calls until sometime next week as well.

(The picture is of our backyard, complete with barely-visible garden fencing and an almost-buried play structure -- the snow is so deep that the kids can hardly walk, though not quite high enough for them to build the maze of tunnels they'd been hoping for. We'll try for an igloo or at least a couple of snowpeople tomorrow, assuming our outdoor clothes manage to dry out in time.)

It's an exciting way to ring in the New Year, and we'll be back online/on the phone/sending out orders as soon as humanly possible. Until then, wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and may 2007 be a splendid year for all concerned!

Posted by Tara at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the holidays fast upon us, so many of us are in the midst of a whirlwind of gift-making, present-purchasing, gift-bag-sewing (because it's my goal this year, as for the past several, to not buy any wrapping paper), package-sending, baking, story-telling, song-singing, party-planning, and so very much more. There's still time to make presents, and gift certificates can be ordered at the last minute; we've also been busy adding goodies that make excellent stocking stuffers and presents for next to the Menorah or under the tree.

Our alpaca goodies are my absolute favorite gift this year; I keep hoping I'll be given some, because they're just so wonderfully cozy and luxurious. Organic Candles are perfect for a stocking, a teacher's gift, the next-door neighbor, and so many other people. We've had a run on organic washcloths lately, as people stock up for holiday giving and their own use. And our hand-woven rugs make for a special splurge for that special someone...

If you know people who like to knit, we've got them covered (sustainably, of course!). Our ever-expanding selection of yarns include plant-dyed organic cottons, recycled sari yarns, multiple types of wool, and so much more. What knitter, crochet enthusiast, or weaver wouldn't be absolutely delighted with a selection of gorgeous yarns to work with?

And our fabrics and patterns -- so many options there! Keep reading for some of our suggestions...

Here's some special presents:
It might sound silly, but what sewing enthusiast can't use some more machine needles? Great as a stocking stuffer, or to tuck in with a yard or three of splurge fabric -- something stunningly luxurious, that your recipient might not buy for him or herself. (And hey, fabric is an easy gift to present -- wrap it in itself, or fold nicely and tie a big bow with some cloth tape or lace, tucking a pack of needles or some other notion in under the bow. Beautiful, fast, easy, and sure to be appreciated!)

We have a great variety of patterns that are oh-so-useful this time of year. Choose several that go together for a friend who loves to sew (a nice variety of Folkwear patterns for your favorite history buff, or several from the Petite Plus collection for a more bountifully-endowed friend), or give just one or two patterns that are absolutely perfect for a loved one along with a card promising to sew the item. You can either include fabric or let your giftee choose -- both ways work well, depending on who your giftee is. Patterns I love for this idea include:
**The 1932 Draped Wrap and Cape, which is quick and fun to sew and looks so great when it's done.
**The Scrubs (in Misses, Men's and Women's sizes) because what nurse can't use a set of organic scrubs?
**Layette Basics, Miss Hailey's Baby Quilt, and Baby Essentials for someone who's expecting or has a little one. The Babywearing Instructional DVD is a perfect add-on, either alone or with a few yards of fabric from which to make a wrap.

If you're wanting to make some quick, fun presents, these are three patterns that I reach for again and again:
**The 1928 One-Yard Bias-Cut Flapper Apron, simply because it's a great pattern that I reach for time and again. It makes a beautiful hostess gift or present for a young girl you know, a fun gag gift for your completely-uninterested-in-domestic-things friend, a fun surprise for someone who's working on a brand-new kitchen, etc.
**The Star Pillow pattern, which you can use to make fast, fun presents for all the kids and many of the adults of your acquaintence. The fabric requirements are minimal, too, so it's a great way to use up scraps.
**The Pocket Pants, which will thrill kids up to 6X. (My eight-year-old is asking for a pair of these this year, which will be an easy wish to fulfil once I think a bit about sizing up the pattern -- they're nicely quick to make and kids love them!)

Our instructional DVDs are just the thing to help while away a long winter's night and improve sewing skills; they're high-quality DVDs that are actually fun to watch.

There's so much more I could suggest, but I've clearly got to get back to crafting or Deb's Hanukkah gift won't make it to NYC in time, Tobias's present will get caught up in Japanese customs, and my kids won't have any pocket pants in which to hide oodles of treasures. Can you imagine a worse fate?

Posted by Tara at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)