Friday, December 31, 2010

More About Fabrics....

I have been over at Green Sage Learning Center, and brought back a ton of information.  This part is a history lesson of sorts.....I am sharing with you.  Those of us who work with textiles and have focused on creating green products to sell need to learn what works for us.  We think green, buy green and sell green in our shops and in our homes.  I have learned that once we start we will walk the talk naturally.

At ecoVogue365 blog there is a lot of hip, up-to date and fun stuff. 

Before 5,000 B.C., experimentation with other natural materials produced the first basic woven fabrics and cloths. Then the first cloths came which consisted of plant fibers from hemp and flax and animal fibers such as wool.

For centuries hand weaving was the only production method. The spinning wheel developed in India and the technology traveled to Europe by the 14th Century. Not until 1733 with the invention of the flying shuttle, and the subsequent need for spinning to keep up with it, did production begin to increase significantly. The invention of the steam engine, and its adoption by the textile industry began the industrial revolution. (uh, oh).


 Conventional synthetic fabrics for the home and office....where we work,  sleep, breathe and spend most of our hours are usually chemically treated for fire retardancy, water- and soil-repellancy and permanent press qualities — all of which can outgas VOCs (or volatile organic compounds).

Sustainability criteria include textiles that are not made or treated with hazardous chemicals, use no formaldehyde nor have VOC-emitting materials. 

We can look for  natural fiber fabrics — some are manufactured to be biodegradable (for example felt byproducts sold to Swiss farmers who use it as insulation for their crops), or specify fabrics made from recycled content or are recyclable (such as recycled polyesters and nylons).

Over 4 million tons of post-consumer textiles enter the waste stream every year, mostly going to landfill. Only 1 million tons are collected for recycling. About 25,000 tons of new textile fiber is disposed of each year by manufacturers and mills. 

 Be sure to check out the Green Teams on Etsy and shop there often.  Shop using keywork TeamEcoEtsy sellers are committed to reusing, recycling, fair trade, creating with sustainable fabrics, going paperless,




Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Green Bed....

The green bed....

I have been keepng and eye out for info on healthier, more eco-sensitive snoozing. This information came up when I was researching the eco-home featured in this month's Sunset Magazine.  
Green Bed
Your can get an environmentally friendly car and an environmentally friendly washing machine. But can you get an environmentally friendly night’s sleep? According to Sunset the answer is yes.
As we become more concerned with the state of the planet ― and more aware of how personal and planetary health are linked ― the marketplace is responding with linens, mattresses, bed frames, and more that are beautiful, comfortable, and green.  Here are some ways to keep your snooze healthy:

1. Open windows to increase ventilation. Inside air can be more polluted than outside air, thanks to dry-cleaning solvents, aerosol sprays, cleaning products, and off-gassing from furnishings, carpets, and paints.

2. Bring in houseplants. They’re nature’s little air purifiers. Move in a couple from your living room.

3. Go barefoot. Keep grime out by checking shoes at the door.

A few eco terms defined:

Kapok: Fluffy, fibrous material harvested from the seedpod of a tropical tree; often used as non-synthetic pillow fill.

Natural latex: Thick foam made from the sap of the rubber tree; often used in mattresses and pillows. Don’t confuse it with synthetic latex, which is derived from petroleum.

Puregrow wool: A trademarked brand of wool from California and Oregon ranchers who adhere to strict environmental and quality standards. Often incorporated into mattresses because it’s naturally flame-retardant.

More green bedding info and sources in the Home by Sunset blog

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Kid Craft from Zakka Life

I am a very big fan of Jessica Okui who creates original craft projects and tutorials every week on Zakka Life. She also shares about recipes, entertaining and tips. 

Our Grandkids will be here soon...we will decorate cookies, and if I can find the styrofoam balls (Ecokarenlee cover your eyes) we will be making these up.  Three kids and stormy weather calls for some fun crafts to have on hand.  So, I have posted this tutorial of hers for all of us to enjoy.  So,  get this tutorial of implanted in your head.  Collect your scraps and grab the kids. 


Kid Craft: Fabric Scrap Ornaments



This is an easy inexpensive craft for children 5 and up. Both my 5 and 7 year old made one of these ornaments and had no problems. Directions below.

Supplies:
One styrofoam ball - This shows a ball that's 2" in diameter, any size will work

Fabric cut into one inch squares - If you're going to use a bigger ball, I recommend making the squares larger as well.

Embossing tool or tiny screw driver - You don't want to use anything pointy like a toothpick or knitting needle ( it will just poke a hole in the fabric).

  • Yarn
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors
  • Knitting needle

1. Poke a hole all the way through the center of the styrofoam with the knitting needle. Thread both ends of yarn trough it. Tie yarn at bottom of ball. Cut loose ends. Refer to picture above.

With embossing tool, push the center of the fabric into the styrofoam.

Your ornament should look something like this now.

Repeat process until the entire ball is covered and no styrofoam is showing.

Done!

Jessica has recently been featured in "Glitter Can Add Magic to Holiday Crafting" and "Craft the Bag to Add Something Extra To Your Gifts" for The Associated Press. For a more complete list of articles, click here.

Monday, December 20, 2010

I love downloads....free, that is!

Wrapping up you your gifts just about now, aren't you?  I am.  I have always loved spending time on the wrapping process and have a ton of ribbons saved year after year and papers, wallpaper, berrypapers.  I have stamped paper, made it myself (that was an awful mess), used newspaper, used wine corks for stamps to make designs on the  reverse side of paper bags from the grocery....and on and on.


This year, I am using post-consumer tissue, fabric and recycled burlap.  For the tags....I have pretty much  depended on Martha Stewart for ideas and downloads.  I have a more relaxed and rustic approach nowadays, so I have perused the net for what looks like fun.  Well, holy cow....I found a huge list of downloadables listed together by Cassi Griffin at Beladia. 
She has them from all our favorites from Amy Butler to Sew Mama Sew to Zakka Life.   cardstock in  Also, check out Creature Comforts for some more downloads. Go take a look, pop some your printer and knock yourself out!
Kathy

Monday, December 13, 2010

Polyester fiber made from 100% post-consumer recycled pastic bottles.

In today’s world, more and more people are concerned about the environment. With so many disposable products on the market, it's no wonder eco-friendly products have become such a hot topic. From manufacturers to consumers, there are several ways to help preserve the environment. Foss Manufacturing has changed the way in which it produces its polyester fiber and fabrics by making textiles from recycled materials. Consumers are faced with many choices when it comes to which products to buy. The hope is that consumers think responsibly and buy products made from recycled materials, like Eco-fi (formerly known as Ecospun).

what is Eco-fi? Check it out here.

Eco-fi is a high-quality polyester fiber made from 100% certified recycled plastic PET bottles. It can go into any textile product such as clothing, blankets, carpets, wall coverings, auto interiors, home furnishings, and craft felt. Eco-fi can also be blended with other fibers, such as cotton or wool, for enhanced qualities.

AN EASY GUIDE: 10 bottles = 1 pound of fiber

Watch the video clip from the History Channel (click here)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Eco Etsy..Flickr Group

A peek into the Official Eco Etsy Flickr Goup has revealed some lovely goods from our members ranging from baskets to bags, and spices to scarves.  Here is but a sampling of what our members have been sharing.  Stop by the Flickr pool to have a look at more lovely images from our talented crew.  (pssst....that's my pea pod wristlet bottom row, center :))

Martha's Brain Dump...

Tons and tons of ideas from Martha.....Gift-Wrapping Ideas Gift-Wrapping Ideas :Punched Snowflake and Tree Gift Wrap Stamped Gift WrapEco-Friendly Paper Gift WrapGreen and Brown Gift WrapCloth Gift WrapTissue Paper Bottle WrapStick-On DesignNatural Gift WrapFabric Bottle WrapPotato-Chip Bag Gift WrapStamped Shopping Bag Gift WrapCandy Wrapping PaperTower of BoxesSilver Tissue PaperFlower Pot Gift WrapFabric Gift WrapKids' Artwork Gift WrapCandy Box WrapFabric EnvelopesModern Wrapping PaperChristmas Tree Silhouette WrapYule Log Gift PackagingKraft Paper Gift WrapColor-Coded Wrapping PaperA Unified Color PaletteBiodegradable StuffingDoily Gift WrapFitted Bottle WrapWood-Grain Wrapping PaperJapanese-Style Newspaper Gift WrapTranslucent Gift WrapYarn-Embellished Gift Wrap Wintry Scene Cutout for Gift WrapVintage Linen WrapButton Gift WrapGold Japanese-Style Gift WrapDip-Dye Wrapping PaperJingle Bells WrapWoven Ribbon WrapSatin Bow with Metallic EmbellishmentsBeaded LettersPurse-Shaped PackageCustom-Print Wrapping PaperTassel Gift WrapBrightly Striped Gift Wrap Bows, Ribbons, and Gift Toppers:Embellished Package ToppersCut Flowers BowTinsel Star Gift ToppersPlush Pom-Pom BowsSnowflake Gift ToppersPipe-Cleaner Gift ToppersPaper RosettesCurled RibbonsGingerbread Cookie ToppersCascading Ribbon CurlsSilk Flower Gift TopperPeony BowFloppy BowYarn RibbonsBows All OverRuffle-Top BowBunched BowsSatin Bow with Metallic EmbellishmentsPaper RibbonsRibbon Tower Gift WrapGift-Topper LeafCupcake-Paper CarnationsPhoto Gift ToppersBeaded Letter Gift ToppersJingle Bell TopperMistletoe Gift SealsCurlicue BowCrepe-Paper PoinsettiaHelix Bow Holiday Gift Tags and Labels:Mitten and Stocking Clip-Art TagsMonogram Gift TagsCheerful Message Gift TagsHolly Clip-Art TagsHoliday Wine Label Clip ArtChristmas Tree Clip-Art Gift TagsFelt Dreidel PouchSnowman Clip-Art TagsSpeech Bubble Clip-Art Gift TagsRounded Snowman TagsPatterned Gift TagsGroovy Holiday Clip-Art TagsClip-Art Christmas StripOrnament TagDrop Ornament Tag ToppersPatterned Ornament Clip-Art TagsStriped Clip-Art LabelsChristmas Tree Clip-Art Tag with RickrackPipe-Cleaner Toppers"Warm Wishes" Clip-Art LabelsWreath Clip-Art Gift TagHolly Gift EmbellishmentPaper Poinsettias"Sweet Tidings" Clip-Art LabelsPinecone Gift TagsPaint-Swatch Gift TagsRecycled Gift TagsSnowflake Gift TagsSparkling Gift TagsPhotocopy Transfer Gift TagsGingerbread Cookie Gift TagsPlant-Care Gift CardsMitten Clip Gift TagsPotato-Print Gift TagsStay-Put Gift TagsPasta Clip-Art Gift TagsTypewritten Gift TagsClip-Art Gift AdornmentsEmbossed Gift TagsMonogram Gift TagsHolly Leaf Gift TagsAnimal Clip-Art Gift CardsBread Pudding Gift TagsPhoto Gift TagHoliday Leaf Gift TagsSnowflake Clip-Art TagsPolka-Dot Clip-Art Gift TagSnowy Clip-Art Gift TagBlank Faces Clip-Art Gift Tags"Open Me" Clip-Art Gift TagNeedlepoint Clip-Art Gift Tag Holiday Gift Bags:Mini Shopping BagsElegant Gift BagsPleasing Paper BagRecycled Gift BagsRickrack Gift BagsPaper Sack Gift BagRice Paper Gift BagLaced Ribbon Gift BagPurse-Shaped Gift BagButton Gift BagCuff Link Gift Bag Holiday Gift Boxes:Glittered Gift BoxesTransparent ContainersTown House Gift Boxes

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Index - Santa's Workshop

Friday, December 10, 2010

What Do People Want ?

Flower Power Crochet Garland | $25 | BobbiLewin from the Etsy Treasury Troupe


What are folks looking for on Google this holiday? Here is a clickable table that you can use to see what folks want for the holidays.  This info will give you ideas for tagging on your shop and what to list from your stock that might fill the bill.

This info came from Google via HandmadeSpark.  If you sell handmade online, then check out their Etsy Teams and the Shopping Guide.

Easy peasy to pick your gifts.  Go ahead and click on the links..


Thursday, December 9, 2010

....and sites like Etsy!

Got my Care2 daily email today. Care2 is a  reference that can give you information on just about anything that has to do with being a concious consumer to health and personal welfare.

This section talked about handmade and had a fun and personal diy for holiday gift giving, and lo and behold there was a big plug for Buy HandMade and Etsy.  I am an Etsy seller, a member of Buy HandMade and part of that community of people who love handmade. 

Becky Striepe wrote a nice piece in the Green Living section.   Here is some of what she suggests:

"Rather than head to the big box store for impersonal gifts and decorations, why not try out some handmade alternatives this year?

If you’re not the crafty type, you can still add a handmade touch to the holidays by pledging to buy handmade this season. When you buy from an independent artist or crafter, you’re helping directly support their art!

You can put together pretty, layered dry soup mixes in a mason jar, for example. Just layer the beans, spices, and grains, and tie some bakers twine around the neck of the jar with a list of wet ingredients and cooking instructions. We get so many tchotchkes over the holidays, many of your giftees will appreciate something so personal and practical. Plus, once they’ve made the soup, that mason jar has a million different uses!

If you’re not into making gifts yourself, it’s so easy to shop for handmade presents. Whether you prefer to shop online or in person, there are tons of handmade holiday resources available from craft markets and pop up shops to sites like Etsy."

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Tree Tutorial

Click here to go to tutorial!
Aren't these adorable?  They are so 'quilty' I had to share.....
 
I found this while wandering through cyberspace this morning and want to share. 
This is not my idea or tutorial...nor are they my pictures.


This is just a teaser to get you to go see how to make it I am going to make one with all the little leftover pieces from my Paintbox Quilt along....

Well, head on over to Mama Mel's place for her beautifully done tutorial.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Scrapy Patchwork Scarf Tutorial

http://oliveandollie.blogspot.com
Look what I found!


Over at Olive and Ollie  a tutorial for scrappy patchwork scarf.  This would make a great gift....one side patchwork and the otherside is chenille...could be flannel...I am off  to make this....bye.  Let me know if any of you guys make this and how much you love it.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

IPad Sleeve Tutorial

Thanks to Moda Bake Shop for sharing this fun pattern from John Adams (The Quilt Dad).  

This is not my pattern....I won't don't really hae no idea how to create patterns.  In fact I use patterns for almost everything I make the first time I make it.  Once I have made it a few times, then I feel ok about taking off on my own and adapting it for what comes into my head.  As John says:  Feel free to "hack" this tutorial to  "make it your own, dawg".

This pattern is very straightforward, and I think you will like it.  

You can see it on John's blog  he  will redirect you to Moda for the download.  Be to check out his place while you are there.  I'm sure it will be a fave. 

Click on this link iPad sleeve three ways to download the pattern over at Moda.

iPad Sleeve

 This tutorial contains three variations on the pattern to allow you to choose the one that best suits your style. These iPad sleeves use the new Moda Snuggle fabric to create an inner lining that is both soft and protective.

DSC_0009



Version A - Simple strips:

iPad sleeve A



Version B - Pretty pleats:

iPad sleeve 2



Version C - Dynamic diagonals:

iPad sleeve 3



iPad sleeve
This tutorial is the sole property of John Adams of Quilt Dad and has been posted on Moda Bake Shop for personal use.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Etsy Project Embrace

So many causes, charities, relief organizations and support groups grab out attention during this season.  It is all good!  But for me,  I am feeling really comfortable with the idea of an ongoing commitment that will just part of me.  I have chosen to join Etsy Project Embrace.

We are a Universal Coalition of Artists, Suppliers and Vintage Collectors who initially were brought together as a way to help our friend and wonderful Etsian, Laura Slocum who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Today, our group not only supports the American Cancer Society (ACS), but also The American Hospice Foundation (AHF).

I have chosen to affiliate with the American Hospice Foundation  through Etsy's Project Embrace.

If you are interested, it is really very easy. A lot of the satisfaction comes, at least for me, through a continuing connection through Etsy.

Take a look, and join if you like, or simply support by passing  the word.  Again, it's all good!

Monday, November 22, 2010

I Usually Leave This Bag In The Car

Sharen Heath from I Love Langley

Facebook friend posted this picture.   I have to say, I am in such a complete fog half the time, I have to go back to the car to get the canvas bags I have made for myself.  The serious side to this is that there has been some buzz about the safety of some reusable grocery bags due to some imports having a high level of lead. Please do not go back to single use plastic grocery bags. If you are not sure about the ones you already own contact the company. If you are still  not confident about using the reusable bags that stores sell, buy cotton canvas types.

This Turtle Thanks Courtesy EcoKaren

Sunday, November 21, 2010

What's On The Counter Today? #2

Episode two of: What's On The Counter Today?   
This beautiful and intensely colored pumpkin was given to us by friends who have ten green thumbs each!  I cannot imagine cutting into it.  Isn't she beautiful?   Thank you S & C.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Accidental Felting....

Ok.....husband has retired. 

Develops desire to do laundry.

All goes in dryer.

I have doll sized sweater... and cashmere sox that would fit the cat!

On the way to the donation box,  I pass sewing room.

Wellllll...why not??

Keep it simple....

Widgets, gadgets, html codes, links, blurbs and buttons!  I have made a mess of my blog again just because I love all those geeky goodies.  I have done a big housecleaning.....What do you think?   Well, never fear, it will happen again!  I just can't resist grabbing buttons to proclaim one thing or another.....just to be part of the in-crowd,  I guess.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

A little gift...

A little gift created by: Ann Wood.


awtag
  DIY gift tags (download tags here).

How To Make a Scrappy Dog Bed

From Jaclyn over at Urban Crunch shows us  how to make a scrappy dog bed.......a great way to use up bits and pieces.  If the dog bed is going to be in the house, it should really have something to do with your style.  Click on the link with a great tutorial with a ton of pictures.



Scrappy Dog Bed , Urban Crunch.

I made this photo larger than necessary, but this sweet face has me all dog-kissy!

Brave Girls Club

This is blatantly stolen from Kathy over at BraveGirlsClub .......a site that you need to see, feel and get an emotional reality check. 

"Okay…it looks like I’m on a breakfast kick with the recipes lately. I have this one and one more favorite (Baked Pumpkin French Toast..oooo la la!) that I want to share with you right away so that you are ready to make an incredible holiday breakfast! This one is definitely NOT something to make everyday, but how about once or twice a year??



I don’t even know what to say to this picture…except I’m sorry!!! Yes, it’s a good as it looks…and probably ten times as fattening. That’s why you only have it once or twice a year, okay?!? Here’s how easy it is to make…first, assemble the ingredients: thick sliced bacon, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and freshly cracked pepper"

I am not going to share any more....see, this is a teaser to get  you over there.  Go on....I'm going.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Birch Texture Notecards

Birch Texture Notecards
Birch Texture Notecards,
originally uploaded by inklore.
This is a few years old over on flickr, and I don't know how I found it. The composition of the photograph is so natural. It really draws me in. Inklore has such totally simple and creative work....I love her work.

Do....visit her shop and see all the textiles too.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Nesting Fabric Baskets Tutorial

I found a great tutorial for those adorable nesting baskets.....I am thinking of Christmas fabrics and filling them with nuts, candy canes, pine cones....etc.  Anyway, here is the link to the tut.  It is a pdf file so just faollow the instructions on downloading:  Nesting Fabric Baskets Tutorial

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Holiday Sewing Project Benefiting Mother Earth

The Green Grocery Bag Challenge: A Holiday Sewing Project Benefiting Mother Earth

Fact 1: US consumers generate 4 million tons of wrapping paper and shopping bag waste during the holiday season alone.

Fact 2: The US goes through 100 billion single-use plastic grocery bags every year.

Fact 3: This year, you can make a difference!




How? The challenge is this: Wrap your holiday gifts in reusable cloth grocery bags.

That’s it! By doing this simple thing this holiday season you will cut down on the amount of wrapping paper entering the waste stream, while also getting multi-use bags into circulation. Not to mention the fact that your gift recipients get a bonus gift that they can use all year long! It’s win/win for earth and your loved ones!

I love this....gonna do it! Who is in????

All this info courtesy of Sew Mamma Sew....check their link to the left.

How Green Is Your Orange Juice

Karen Lee, or EcoKaren published this on her blog
and has kindly made the information available to all of us.
"This might not be news to some of you but it was an eye opener for me. At least the numbers anyway. I mean, I knew my orange juice didn’t just appear in the grocery stores like magic and that it needed to be grown and transported but I didn’t think about the details of how it creates such a huge carbon footprint.


So here is the low down on orange juice.

Did you know…..?

To produce a 64 oz carton of Tropicana orange juice emits 3.75 lb of greenhouse gases?

* 60% Agriculture and Manufacturing ( 58% Fertilizer production and application, 30% Natural Gas, 8% Electricity, and 2% Transportation)
* 22% Distribution
* 15% Packaging
* 3% Use and Disposal

According to TIME and NY Times, PepsiCo who owns Tropicana enlisted Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the environmental auditing firm, Carbon Trust to help assess the carbon footprint of each gallon of Tropicana orange juice.

The study found that the biggest contributor to the carbon footprint isn’t the gas guzzling trucks that deliver these delicious refreshing drinks all over United States but the agricultural and manufacturing practices – fertilizer production and application being the biggest.

Ha! Should have known that.

So what do you do?

Drink organic orange juice! Since there won’t be any fertilizers or pesticides used in growing organic oranges, the carbon footprint would be so much less!

In all fairness though, PepsiCo is trying to be greener since this report. Pepsi is working with Yara International and Outlook Resources, PepsiCo will test low-carbon fertilizers at one of its producer farms in Bradenton, Fla. If successful, the greener fertilizers could lower the carbon footprint of PepsiCo’s citrus growers by as much as 50% and reduce the total carbon footprint of Tropicana orange juice by up to 20%. (TIME)
But until then, I’ll be buying organic orange juice…Or squeeze my own OJ at home. They taste better anyway.
Now…only if I can find organic oranges."

Environmental Links....

Environmental Tips

Sustainable Solutions

Does Washing Really Clean Your Produce???

Now, after the post about orange juice, let's take a minute to listen to this. I cannot believe how many folks out there refuse to believe that chemical pesticides and fertilizers can make their way into your produce. Think of it like this....if you cannot eat or drink the stuff you put on the food you grow....then maybe it shouldn't be applied. Gross? Not really....most commercially grown produce is what's gross!


Does Washing Produce Eliminate Pesticides? -- powered by eHow.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Bamboo....did you know?

I have talked about bamboo before, but I am putting out a little more information.


Ok...here we go...... DID YOU KNOW?

Bamboo is better for you:
  • Fabric made from bamboo is incredibly soft That's just the way it is, naturally. Wearing a bamboo T-shirt for example, is like wearing cashmere, but for next to the skin. 

  • Bamboo fabric is smooth and luxuriously comfortableAt a microscopic level, bamboo fibre has a round surface.  Because of this, it’s very smooth and sits perfectly next to the skin.  Petrol based synthetic fibres can sometimes irritate the skin and they also start to smell really quickly
  • Bamboo Dry’ – absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second.  It doesn’t stick to the skin.  Its extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.
  • Bamboo Thermo-control’ – bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold.  Keeping you more comfortable in all temperatures -  ‘Air conditioned clothing’

  • Bamboo clothing is anti static, so it sits very well next to your skin, not clinging to it.  It's also UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and anti fungal, so it's just better, whether it's on you in the Alps or stuffed at the bottom of your bag for days on end.
And it gets better.....better for the environment:

  • Bamboo is 100% naturally grown, without assistance from man. Bamboo is 100% sustainable
  • Bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers
  • Bamboo fibre is 100% biodegradable
  • As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years.  It spreads rapidly across large areas.  Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

  • As a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted, also helping soil stability.  Bamboo also can grow on hill slopes where nothing else is viable.

  • The yield (i.e. the amount of product) you get from an acre of bamboo is 10 times greater than the yeld you get from cotton.  In an age where land use is under enormous pressure this is huge.That an acre of bamboo supplies about 10 times more fibre than an acre of cotton?  Without using any pesticides at all.  Or fertilizers.

  • The water requirement for bamboo is minute, mainly just from what falls.  As opposed to cotton, whose water requirement per shirt's-worth is huge.

  • If clothing made from bamboo becomes popular, it means more bamboo plantations, which means more photosynthesis and less greenhouse gas.  “The greatest challenge facing mankind” would get just a little easier.
In contrast.....
  • Synthetic performance fabrics are made from petrochemicals, a non-renewable fossil fuel. They go to make clothes which get smelly really quickly. 
Clothing made from bamboo is nature's answer to our needs for everyday fabric, in an environmentally sustainable form.  It's just our luck that it's so much better as well!

My family wears bamboo clothing,  we use bamboo sheets and towels, I use bamboo batting and fabric in my quilts and bags that I make for Etsy.  If you visit my shop, you will  see that I also use organic cotton, hemp and linen.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Stone Soup Cookbook

I have been subscribing to Jules Clancy's Blog...Stone Soup.  She subscribes to minimalist cooking at home.  That means 5 ingredients in 10 minutes.  The idea appeals to me because of the simple and healthy meals I can put on the table. 

The philosophy of how this kind of cooking can help us is (of course) simple:

1. less time in the kitchen
10 minutes cooking leaves more time for the activities and people you love.
2. less time shopping
With only 5 ingredients in each recipe, you’ll find your shopping lists are shorter and more manageable. You won’t need to spend as much time out hunting and gathering.
3. eating more fresh, healthy food
Everyone knows that home cooked food tends to be better for you. With the focus on fresh ingredients, my 5 ingredients recipes make it easy.
4. more pleasure & enjoyment
Cooking can be a great way to relax and unwind. Spending 10 minutes using one of my minimalist recipes will help you gain more pleasure and enjoyment from dinner time.
5. save money
If dinner only takes 10 minutes to prepare, you’ll be more likely to cook for yourself than take the expensive dial-a-dinner option.
6. less stress
Long ingredient lists and complicated methods can lead to much stress and kitchen confusion. Minimalist home cooking keeps things as simple and stress-free as possible.
7. more kitchen confidence
If you’re new to cooking, starting with minimalist recipes will help you get some great simple dishes under your belt and give you the confidence to tackle anything.


Visit her site and take a look at what she serves up.  You can download a 97 page cookbook just to try. Here is the link for the Stone Soup Cookbook...

I recommend you save this  to a file and not print it.  Don't forget, it is 97 pages.  Enjoy.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Start Small....(for the Holidays)


To the left is a link to a free pattern offered by Quiltmaker Magazine for a set of very easy and quick Holiday placemats.  You will find instructions for there napkins as well.

I am going to put together a few sets of these for hostess gifts.

So get out that holiday fabric, grab a cup of tea and get into the holiday spirit.....slowly....don't panic...start with a small project.  We can handle this!  Right?
Even if we have to put it off until the last minute...it really is do-able.









Friday, October 29, 2010

Feet, Feet, Feet!

Feet, Feet, Feet!

Florence over at Flossie Teacakes has taken the mystery out machine feet and given us some great ideas of what we can create!  She has given me permission to quote from her blog post to bring you this great information.

Be sure to visit her well crafted and delectable blog  and  shop.



Monday, October 25, 2010

The Process Pledge

I found the process badge on somebody's blog a while back....checked it out and liked the idea.   So,
I took the process pledge. This whole process came from the fruitful mind of Ms. Rossie over at Mutant Quilting.  Go on over and take a look....But COME BACK...I'll wait for you.  Please don't outclick to other yummy looking sites you will find there.  (start using Delicious so you can find your way back.......sorry, that's for another post).




Are you back?  OK....So far there are 420 of us who have signed the pledge.....that is kind of  a lot of quilters who are willing to take the time to photograph, post and discuss the artistic process.  I am going to look at their blogs and see if it is working.

I really do get the idea of shared creative process (or better put, I feel your pain.)
 
The goal of the process pledge is to create a new sensibility in quilting blogs where we don’t just show finishes or occasionally confess about our moments of indecision, but chat openly and often about our works in progress, our inspirations, and our moments of decision. 

Rossie says:
"I know that many of us are already posting about our thinking on quilts and the processes involved from start to finish, let's do more!  And let's post about quilts as we work on them.  I want to see more half-done quilts, not just the finished thing with a journal entry about the process."

Then she goes on to list some prompts to help us with the 'process'......
  • Do you have any new sketches to show?
  • Is this design inspired by a past quilt or someone else's quilt you saw (link, please)?
  • Does the color palette come from somewhere specific?
  • Are you trying to evoke a specific feeling?
  • Is this quilt intended for a specific person?  How did that inform your choices?
  • Are you following a pattern, emulating a block you saw somewhere, using a liberated process, or totally winging it?
  • What are you hating about this quilt at this stage?  What do you love?
  • Did you push yourself to try something new?
  • In working on the quilt, are you getting ideas about what you might want to try next?  What?  Did you sketch it?
I will keep this on hand so that I can talk about what I am doing.  Take the pledge and then see how it affects your approach to your craft.  I have a feeling we might start considering ourselves artists.  (smiles condescendingly).  You think?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Complimentary Fall Quilting Pattterns

This in  from Jenni over at Quilters village "It's autumn, and cooler temperatures plus the inspiring colors of the season make this a great time for quilting. Our websites are full of wonderful free quilt patterns with fall themes, from Halloween to nature's bounty to Thanksgiving and beyond.  Visit McCallsQuilting.com for a pattern for a pumpkin  quilt perfect for wall or table, designed by
Colleen Reale and Chloe Anderson of Toadusew Creative Concepts




















Pennsylvania Scrapple
QuiltersNewsletter.com has a bonus pattern for a super new Halloween quilt by Jason Yenter. Dig deep into your stash and make your own version of Pennsylvania Scrapple, an exciting scrap quilt by Irene Berry, patterned by Quiltmaker.  Click here to down the pdf pattern.  And McCall's Quick Quilts has a pattern for a super quilt for football fans. No matter which aspects of fall are your favorites, we've got you cozily covered with patterns for quilts to celebrate!"