Creating the world around us, one stitch at a time

We're in that in-between stage right now, where it's not quite spring but it feels like it. Of course, it could snow any day and probably will, but it also might not ... so we have to be prepared for changeable weather, with sweaters and coats one day and t-shirts the next. The fabrics I added today are perfect for a New Mexico February, with a little something for almost everyone and every weather condition.

If you're cold, you'll definitely want to cuddle up in our brand new Inky Black Heavy Fleece. It's so soft and cozy, heavier than our other fleeces and so splendid to wrap up in on a chilly winter's day.

For the chilly-but-not-cold days, our Subtle ColorGrown Green French Terry and White Thermal will keep you warm; they're both wonderful for the whole family, too. (The black fleece, now, I want to keep for myself -- I'm a bit possessive that way, especially when I'm cold. I might let them snuggle up WITH me, but I much prefer to not end up cold myself!)

Apparently Easter isn't too far from now, or so people tell me when they're ordering fabric for beautiful Easter outfits -- something I don't have to worry about, thank goodness! For those of you who are getting ready for spring or enjoying warmer weather, we've added Cloud Cover and Lilac Cotton/Spandex Jerseys and a beautiful Charcoal/Rose Stripe. (By the way, Easter is April 12, 2009, in case you needed to know that. Yahoo! told me so. And because Winnie asks, Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2009.)

You may have already seen our gorgeous Organic Cotton Ribbons, but we now have pictures of all the currently-available colors; we've also added a couple new colors of our Churro Yarn. If you're in a crafting mood, these are wonderful to work with!

Posted by Tara at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Multiple people recently have asked if we sell organic fabrics by the yard, which surprised me as I thought we make it fairly clear. Just in case there's any question, I wanted to come right out and say it. So here goes: Yes, we sell organic cotton fabric by the yard. We sell organic wool fabric by the yard. We sell hemp fabric by the yard (it's not organic, but it is very, very sustainable). We sell peace silk by the yard (and it's incredibly gorgeous, too!).

We also have a limited wholesale program for our business customers who need large quantities of organic fabric by the roll (contact us for more information), and have a marvelous selection of sustainable yarns, notions, and other goodies, but we got our start selling organic fabric by the yard and it remains a significant part of our business and our heart.

(Oh, and we have wonderful new organic cotton ribbon now, both dyed and natural, and the yard sale items have also been changed -- plenty of opportunities for inspiration!)

Posted by Tara at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First of all, check out our Refined Softest DK-Weight Hemp Yarn. As you know, hemp yarn gets softer the more you wash and work it; this yarn's been pre-worked for you to create the softest 100% hemp yarn I've ever felt. It's a delight to use, and is a splendid "starter yarn" for people who've been a bit wary of hemp yarns in the past. Currently available in five colors; check them out.

Now for the fun part, where "fun" is most definitely in quotation marks as we're talking about the joys of the CPSIA. We've known all along that our fabrics are fine -- well within the CPSIA's limits. It was just that the requirements for testing were so onerous that they threatened to put people out of business regardless.

But things are definitely looking better; thanks to recent clarifications in which the CPSC acknowledges that fabric doesn't need testing. (Yes! They finally understand!) In the CPSC's guide for small businesses, Table B lists "materials or components [that] can be used (separately or in combination) and sold (provided they have not been treated or altered or undergone any processing that could result in the addition of lead)", including "Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non-metallic thread and trim. This does not include products that have rhinestones or other ornaments that may contain lead or that have fasteners with possible lead content (such as buttons, metal snaps, zippers or grommets)."

That's a major change, and a wonderful step indeed -- it doesn't answer all the questions, but it will make a big difference for many of our customers (and will keep many, many small businesses IN business). So let's all keep working for even more necessary changes, but let's also be very glad for this one!

Posted by Tara at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)