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 First of all, woohoo, we've added bunches of new fabrics including a fabulous new safari print. Check them all out. (Oh, and new yarns, including the best deal imaginable on bulk merino yarn, and pretty single-needle silk cases to go with our Ultimate Silk Knitting Needle Cases.)
Secondly, I've been thinking about sleep a lot lately. We've had many customer questions about pillow making, and I've had to admit that I haven't had the time or inclination to make my own pillows since children entered my life lo those many years ago. I know a lot about the concept and I've worked with a good many people who've made pillows, but making my own? Not a chance. My sewing time is dedicated to other projects these days, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. But many of our customers are more dedicated than I, and others are in the same boat as I am, and it's to all of you that I dedicate this entry. :)
Continue reading "New fabrics, pillows, and chocolate, always chocolate." »
 It may just be because I love their logo, but I'm really fascinated by the new Organic Consumers Association-sponsored Planting Peace resource center. Designed to "build a powerful coalition to bring about cooperation and synergy between the peace movement, the climate crisis movement, and the organic community," this group is made up of "Organic and Socially Responsible Consumers [who] Say No to War and Climate Chaos".
I can't stop quoting from their site -- I know it's getting a bit silly here, but read this:
Help us build up a national and international network of organic and socially responsible consumers who wish to protect Gaia/Mother Earth, put an end to war and military madness, and green and re-localize the global ecology. Please join us in building up a powerful coalition that brings about cooperation and synergy between the anti-war movement, the climate crisis movement, and the organic community.
I love their downloadable card, and their compendium of blogs and websites that might be useful or interesting. You may or may not agree with everything on their site -- heck, I may or may not agree with everything on their site, but there's still quite a lot to read, learn, and ponder. And really, regardless of how you feel about the details, how can you disagree with the basic tenets of promoting peace, organics, and reducing adverse climate change? Check out the site and see what you think ... and while you're there, check out the OCA's front page, where the top story is "Monsanto Repents! Announces that They Will Never Genetically Modify Another Organism Ever". Can you say "April Fools"? I sure can!
 I've been intrigued by Furoshiki, the Japanese art of gift wrapping with fabric, since I first learned about it many years ago. It wasn't until a business trip to California, however, that I found the book Gift Wrapping With Textiles: Stylish Ideas from Japan (available other places too, of course!). That book, combined with a little spare time (hey, there's not all that much to do in a hotel room, even an eco-friendly one, besides watch really bad TV and work), inspired me to start playing around with the concept ... and it's so very much fun!
 Today I was lucky enough to be able to work with two new Harmony Arts fabrics, Black and White Whispering Grass Wide-Width Sateen and Blue Moon Light Flannel, and I couldn't resist trying a little furoshiki. (The new fabrics are probably worth an entry in their own right, especially because it's so wonderful having a printed flannel that can be used for the whole family and because the black and white version of Whispering Grass is so strikingly eye-catching, but instead I'm simply using the fabrics as props for a larger post. Do check them out, even if I'm not giving them their due in the blog.)
Continue reading "Furoshiki, and new Harmony Arts fabrics. " »
I know we've been remiss in writing blog entries, but that's because we've been putting all our efforts into entering new fabrics. And what a lot of fun surprises we have in store for you! We're happy to announce some more NearSea Naturals exclusives, including five colors of glorious hand-batiked wide-width sateens. There's our exclusive Cave Art Print, available in fleece, Plain Weave, Knit Summercloth, Arctic French Terry, and Colorgrown Green Woven, several with unprinted versions of the fabric to match. And don't miss our Amity Peace Silk, which is a double-layer fabric (the two layers of the fabric are attached only at the selvages) of the sheerest tussah silk imaginable. Glorious for summer wear, formal attire, and so much more, it was imported from a women's cooperative in India just for us.
There's more in the extended entry, so keep reading.
Continue reading "Fun new fabrics and a quartet of recommendations..." »
Have you seen Miriam's Traditional Mexican Dress pattern? It's downloadable -- you pay $5 and can download the pattern almost immediately. (And isn't $5 a great price for a pattern? Not having to get it professionally printed saves money, which is passed on to the customers.) Miriam has created a pattern that I think would be really good for beginning sewing enthuiasts, with directions that are clearly stated and make sense. You create the pattern pieces yourself, for a custom fit, which is another good exercise for beginners ... and with a pattern as forgiving as this, it's okay if you aren't perfect. (That is a very good thing, trust me.)
Continue reading "Downloadable Mexican Sundress Pattern" »
We added ten new laces last week, including Balmoral (pictured at left). Whenever I look at the laces, I have so much fun thinking about ways I could use them -- and there are so many! From the simplest accents (trimming a gift bag, using lace as a ribbon/tie, making quick and easy scrunchies) to the more involved (bedding with inset lace, wedding and christening gowns, etc), the uses are endless and so very much fun to consider!
One of our favorite customers, Gentian, who lives in Alaska, sent pictures of some of the things she and her sister have made lately. They're absolutely amazing, folks, and I anticipate at least a few posts showing them over the next couple of weeks. (I need to process the pictures and write some text first. Oh, and quit drooling over the craftswomanship.)
Bad news: BCI Labels, about whom I wrote in an earlier post, apparently aren't making organic cotton labels right now. They're having trouble sourcing the cloth tape. Thanks to Willow, of Holy Lamb Organics, for letting us know.
The Organic Consumers Association, to which I personally belong, is calling for a boycott of Walmart for degrading organic standards and labeling non-organic stuff as organic. Read more about the boycott here. Here's more about factory farming organic milk, too, as well as information about producers to avoid when possible.
We're working on adding some fun new fabrics this week; I'll let you know once they're up.
Many of you have probably seen Amy's name on filled orders, admired the rag doll we featured earlier this year, or heard us rave about her over the phone. I've included a picture of the rag doll at right, just to remind everyone how cute it is. Since Amy's snowed out (the road to the headquarters is so bad that she can't get there today), she decided to take the opportunity to write a blog post for us instead. So here goes:
I've had the pleasure of working for Nearsea for almost two years now, and this message is long overdue. I don't spend much time with the computer, though I often thought about communicating with Nearsea's customers because working here is truly a unique and priceless experience.
Finding Winnie again (she and my sister were friends in high school) was the first pleasant suprise; learning about her business was the second. I work there two days a week, largely filling orders. I have loved cloth as long as I can remember, and as an adult made clothes for my family. I used a treadle machine for many years as I share with Winnie having made a challenging decision with endless effects: that of living and raising families far off the "grid". It is uncommon to find others who carried out this choice, and I believe it has added a dimension to our relationship.
But, to the point: the cloth, buttons, yarns, patterns, the swatches, boxes, and the company. (I'm not sure that's a sentence!) Every day we spend some or much time carrying rolls of cloth to the cutting table to get the pieces our customers want, thus I have the pleasure of handling these many and various examples of the mill industry. I have favorites of course, and we have in-house jokes, such as the word gravel applied to the amazingly tough (yet supple, how's that?) hemp cloths we cut. I have been given some very beautiful pieces of different kinds, and bought a few, like the blush jersey I used for my mother's nightgown. I've taken home many very small scraps I use to make dolls. During the holiday I made a hemp horse. I'll take him to work next week to get a picture for this site.
Winnie gave me a sewing machine, and I have a project going of course, to which I'd better return. The road to Nearsea headquarters is quite formidable and after the snow (34" here), well, this is the third week I've been unable to go in. There is also wood to fetch and guinea pigs to feed, but I thank you for the opportunity to express some of the pleasure I have in being a small part of this family business.
Sincerely, Amy Caldwell
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...
Continue reading "Holiday gifting..." »
It's like magic -- each year as the days start getting shorter and the leaves start turning, it's like a switch is flipped internally and I suddenly have to start preparing for the cold weather to come. I love winter, but have to admit that I start getting antsy for spring come late February/early March. (Joan Baez has a song in which the refrain goes "can we live through February?" and I completely empathize with it, every year. It's amazing how the shortest month can seem like the longest!) I've been mentally stocking up on projects all summer long, and it's finally time to start making plans for them. Luckily NearSea's getting ready for winter too, and I think much of my winter craftiness will be inspired by some items we've just gotten in stock.
I have a huge pile of mending (possibly something to do with two kids who spend huge parts of each day outside), and need to get my sewing machine serviced before I get started. I've also been saving up patterns, and need to make sure I have fabric for each planned item. (I'm in the midst of adding quite a few new knits, both printed and not, so keep your eyes open for them within the next week. We're also expecting new organic wools by December, and our natural silk charmeuse within a couple of weeks. Finally!)
We just received some incredibly luscious organic alpaca yarn, and I'm determined to make something with it this winter. It may be as simple as using it for doll hair or teaching the kids to finger-knit, or as complex as a scarf (that is, unfortunately, the current limit of my knitting abilities), but I'll be doing something with this yarn as the days get shorter and I have more time to sit there, telling stories to my children and keeping my hands busy. I always feel connected to my pioneer ancestors on evenings like that! (I'll be adding the yarn to the website this next week too; I'm still working on the pictures.)
Someone just told me that if we're not ready for the holidays by now we should give up all hope and concentrate on next year instead; I'm not willing to surrender just yet, but my family does need to get in high gear making both things and plans. It'll all be a bit easier, though, because NearSea is starting to carry beautiful organic alpaca/llama items, ranging from socks for children to so, so soft shawls (ruanas) for adults. I wore one of the ruanas every day for the two weeks of our trip (it was much colder than we had planned) and it kept me cozywarm while taking up hardly any room. So I suspect several people on my list will be getting alpaca goodies this year. The only problem, of course, is that it sets the bar really high for next year! (Yes, these too will be added to the site in the very near future; I'm writing just as fast as I can... :)
I've also been working to get my kitchen and pantry in order for winter; we don't often end up trapped in our house, thanks to New Mexico's fairly mild winters, but it does happen on occasion. One of the many benefits of being off-the-grid is that we don't lose power during big storms, but we still need to have food for the family. As long as we're warm and well-fed, being stuck atop the mesa is an adventure instead of a disaster! I'm a bit behind my usual schedule, but there's a bit about my kitchen preparations in the extended entry...
Continue reading "Preparing for winter..." »
BCI Labels just sent us a sample pack of their clothing labels -- you know, the tags in clothes with the maker, size, care instructions, etc. Among the wide assortment of styles, sizes, and types that they produce are some printed on organic cotton (scroll down a bit; you'll find them). They appear to be quite nicely made, and the short correspondence I had with the company went well; they seem responsive and fairly quick to answer emails. There's a minimum order of 1,000 labels, and the silkscreened organic labels range in price depending on how many colors you need. There's a $50 setup charge, and there may be other fees too -- I didn't buy any labels, I just wanted to pass the information on to our customers because it's a resource I've been asked for many times in the past. I would personally double-check that they are still using organic cotton when ordering, just because I tend to be skeptical that way, but BCI definitely seems like an option worth exploring.
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.
We've spent the week working on adding an exciting new selection of organic laces and several other items (including amazing organic blankets, both in a cotton/wool blend and in a cotton chenille); we hope to have them all on our website next week. We're also adding a line of patterns made for the "petite plus" woman -- those of us who are short and round. But after spending so much time on the computer, it'll be absolutely lovely to spend the weekend down by the river with family and friends.
We'll watch the kids play, get all muddy when the dogs shake off after their dips, laugh at the donkey when he tries to join in, share some good food and maybe even some adult libations, and remind ourselves of why we're really all here. Although we frequently answer emails during the weekend, we're planning to take all three days off. So don't be surprised if you don't hear back from us until Tuesday or even Wednesday, depending on how many emails and phone messages we're working our way through. :) (That's Buddy the blind Wonder Dog to the right; he can't see any longer, but he's amazing at chasing away coyotes on moonless nights -- he's got an advantage!)
May your weekend be lovely too, be it long or short, calm or hectic. And may we all come back rejuvenated!
Amor Owens, one of our customers, has just officially opened her webstore, and you might want to check it out. She has a beautiful paisley jumper (scroll down to see it) made from our organic corded chenille that almost makes me wish I'd had a daughter just for the clothes. :) Amor plans to make more clothes out of organic material, so you might want to check her site frequently.
Do you make things from our materials, either for sale or for yourself? Let us know, and maybe we'll feature your work too.
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