Windy Hill Fibers

New upcycled handbag, made from an old suit and neckties

2010-10-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

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This is not what I had in mind for this fabric.

2010-10-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

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Just finished this large handbag, made from an upcycled denim shirt.

2010-10-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

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A simple frame clutch made from a pinstriped suit and an old tie:

2010-10-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

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A recycled overalls handbag, with a kitty for scale. :)

2010-09-28T13:13:00.000-05:00

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Dyeing day!

2010-07-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

And I get all dressed up for the occasion. :)

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My cutting table assistant - such a big help!

2010-06-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

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The Wearing of the Green

2010-03-17T09:22:00.003-05:00

At this time of year, many people are concerned with wearing green clothing. Of course, most are looking for something dyed green, preferably featuring shamrocks. Imagine for a moment, though, that all of those people were thinking about wearing "green," eco-friendly clothing. Do you have any idea what a difference that could make for all of us?

DREAM bamboo t-shirt by TeesForChange

Don't feel bad if you're not sure what the difference might be. Most consumers aren't aware of the negative effects of the clothes we wear. People find it easy to understand that eating organic foods is healthier for us and better for our planet, but many are less convinced of the importance of organic clothing.

The US Census Bureau reported that in 2005, 93.3 million people planned to wear green for St Patrick's day. So let's imagine for a moment that 90 million people wear a tee shirt and jeans for the day. If all these people wore tee shirts and jeans made from organic cotton, that would have saved 90 million pounds of pesticides and insecticides.

The problem with those chemicals is that they don't just go away. They stay in the soil and leach into the ground water. As a recent article on Ecouterre pointed out, these chemicals are in the cottonseed oil used in our foods, and they're in the cotton seeds mixed into the feed for cattle. They're part of the cotton you wear on your skin, and skin is porous. So not only are you wearing those chemicals and absorbing them through your skin, but you may be drinking and eating them, too.

So this year take the wearing of the green to new heights. Don't just show your green for St. Patrick's Day, but show it every day by buying clothing that isn't just dyed green, but that is deeply green, from the production of the fabric to the creation of the final product. It may not be easy, but our health and our planet's health are worth fighting for. And don't the Irish like a good fight?

EcoMonday Mélange - Songbirds

2010-03-08T09:26:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend we noticed that the song birds are beginning to return to our feeders. Yesterday morning I woke up to their morning songs. In honor of this sign of the return of spring, I have chosen a few bird items from Etsy for today's mélange. All the items are eco-friendly, of course, and hopefully will add a little spring cheer to your Monday.

Womens Organic Cotton T-Shirt with Songbird (Earth Bark)
by Uzura

Organic Cotton Chickadee Toddler T-Shirt
by LittleBirdByTheSea

Blue Bird in the Cherry Blossoms
by Winklepots

Water Bottle Review

2010-02-22T10:53:00.003-06:00

Given all the recent concern over BPA in plastics, I decided it was time to get rid of the old plastic water bottle and switch to something that was safer for me and for the environment. (If you’re not familiar with the potential dangers of BPA, please do yourself a favor and read this article on the EcoKaren website, or check out this information on the Klean Kanteen website.) After doing some research, I chose the new Klean Kanteen wide insulated bottle. This bottle is made from stainless steel, inside and out, which means no worries about BPA seeping into the beverage. The plastic caps are made from BPA-free polypropylene. If you want to completely avoid plastic of all kinds, there are even stainless-steel caps available, too.

Klean Kanteen has obviously put a lot of consideration into their product. The design of the bottle is sleek, and even the wide-mouth insulated bottle I purchased fits right into the cup holders in the car without any trouble. The loop cap that came with my bottle is really easy to hold onto (even for my arthritic fingers), and doesn’t have any hard edges that might rub on fingers. I also purchased the optional Café Cap, and have found that it works well, without dribbling. The Klean Kanteen company also takes their business practices into consideration, working to ensure that their factory in China maintains fair labor practices and high environmental standards.

When I read about the insulated bottle on the Klean Kanteen website, they estimated that it would keep beverages cold for 24 hours, but my bottle has exceeded that thus far. The first afternoon I filled it with ice and water, and at lunchtime the next day there was still enough ice left that I just added more water. That evening, there were still a few small pieces of ice floating around in there, so the water was still quite cold. If I hadn’t added more water earlier, I imagine there would have been quite a bit of ice still. Granted, it is still winter here in Iowa, so my results may change come summer, but I have certainly been impressed with the insulating properties of this bottle.

Another advantage of this bottle is that every sip of water tastes fresh, like it was just poured. The water never tastes like its been sitting in the bottle for 24 hours, even when it has been. The bottle itself imparts no taste to the water, due to the stainless-steel interior. Whatever you’re drinking will taste as it should.

Basically I’m saying that I am in love with this water bottle. I take it with me everywhere now. When it’s time to clean it, I just pour a little baking soda in the bottom, add some lemon juice, and let the two interact for a while. With the curved edges inside, there don’t seem to be any places that need to be scrubbed. I just swish around the mixture, rinse out the bottle, and I’m ready to go again. This way I only have to be without the bottle for a few minutes, and I can wait that long.

One more note: one evening, right after I had filled the bottle with ice and water, my cat knocked it off the counter. To my great relief, the bottle just bounced around a little bit (although it made quite a clatter), and the lid stayed on perfectly. Phew! There is a tiny little dent in the bottom of the bottle, but you really have to look for it. So yes, I would say it’s durable, too.

If you are looking for a new water bottle, I would highly recommend the Klean Kanteen. Be safe, be green, and go for the Kanteen!

(Just so we're all clear on this, Klean Kanteen has not paid me or even sent me any free product. My review is based purely on my personal experience.)

EcoMonday Mélange - Presidents' Day

2010-02-15T10:26:00.002-06:00

Having grown up in Illinois, I always associate Presidents' Day with President Lincoln. I remember many Lincoln-themed elementary school projects, like making Lincoln beards and black construction paper top hats. I'm a little old for those sorts of projects now, obviously, but I still have my pride in being from the Land of Lincoln. I recently stumbled across a great Etsy seller, TheBigOnion, whose upcycled clothing makes it cool, and eco-friendly, to express your presidential pride.

Whether you like t-shirts, jackets,

or hoodies,

you'll find these are so much better than wearing a paper top hat! Happy Presidents' Day!

EcoMonday Mélange - Groundhogs

2010-02-01T10:12:00.003-06:00

In celebration of Groundhog Day tomorrow, today's mélange is all about the groundhog. Personally, I've had it with winter, so let's hope for a very cloudy day in Punxsutawney tomorrow.

Maybe if you're tired of winter, too, you could make your own groundhog, and then be sure to keep him away from any light source. PlanetJune of Etsy offers this adorable Amigurumi crochet pattern, available as a PDF download. He (or she, if you prefer) would look lovely made from color-grown organic cotton yarn.

Seriously though, after doing a Google search to find some items for this post, I came across a shoe company with which I was not familiar. My savvier readers may already be familiar with Groundhog Shoes, but for those who are not, here's a little info about this eco-friendly brand. Groundhog works to be as eco-friendly as possible, not just in their product, but in all aspects of their company, including materials, construction, packaging, shipping, and their business practices. From the cork and natural latex soles, to the recycled packaging (even the sticks that keep the shoes in shape during shipping are made from recycled paper!), to the buttons, this Canadian company has obviously worked hard to be environmentally friendly. The shoes are packed in biodegradable bags, and instead of silica gel, they use "nano charcoal" which can be used as a fertilizer when exposed to sunlight. That's pretty cool.

The Cross Over

The Fergus

You can purchase these shoes online through the Groundhog shoes website, or look for other retailers online or near you. Don't worry, either, I think it's perfectly acceptable for these shoes to see the light of day since they are a Groundhog in name only.

Fingers crossed for an early spring!

My Guest Post on the Art Addict Blog

2010-01-31T11:35:00.004-06:00

This week I wrote a post for the Art Addict blog's Sunday Sustainability series, all about repurposing clothing. So please stop by and check out the blog post, which includes tips for creating your own repurposed clothing, as well as links to a few Etsy sellers who specialize in reconstructing garments.

The Art Addict blog was created by Valerie Tyler of Valerie Tyler Designs, who creates lovely modern jewelry inspired by nature. You can find her jewelry on Etsy, where she is currently offering a few items I had to add to my favorites list:

The Industrial Garden Necklace

Arboretum Necklace

Nature Wood Hoops Earrings

So pretty, aren't they? Do check out her Etsy store and her blog. You may find yourself adding a few of her designs to your favorites list.

Alpaca Scarf Giveaway

2010-01-21T14:48:00.002-06:00

I am sponsoring a giveaway on the Ecosalon website this week. Just head over to the
Windy Hill Fibers Scarf Giveaway post there, leave a comment, and you will be entered to win this lovely alpaca scarf, hand-knitted by me. Check out the website while you're there. You'll find all sorts of information. Good luck!

EcoMonday Mélange - Get Organized!

2010-01-18T09:03:00.002-06:00

Now that the holidays are over and the decorations are all put away, I've found myself in a mood for organizing. Being a bit, well, I'll say it, ANAL, I dream of my pantry and my studio looking like an ad for the Container Store. I would definitely go all Martha and make lovely labels for everything, too. Of course, I would want to be organized in an eco-friendly manner, so buying a whole bunch of plastic storage bins is not ideal. Instead, this week's mélange features some typical, and not-so-typical, eco-friendly storage options.

1. Use what you already have, but in a new way. For example, a lot of our food comes in some sort of container, like a pickle jar, or a jar of spaghetti sauce. Instead of recycling these (you do recycle your glass, right?) consider reusing them for storage. You can even paint the lids to coordinate with your décor. Then fill the jars with whatever needs its own place, like those seashells you brought back from the beach, the cotton balls in the bathroom, or those vintage buttons from your grandmother (Thanks again, Grammy!). Old glass cookie jars or even fish bowls can be attractive storage containers, too. And even something crazy, like a vintage lampshade, makes a great storage bin, as seen in ArtsyRubbish's Etsy shop.

2. Check out Freecycle for shelves and cabinets. It's easy enough to give a bookshelf a new coat of paint, and this way you won't be responsible for cutting down any trees. Even ugly old metal filing cabinets can be given new life with a good coat of paint, as I discovered when I painted my metal filing cabinet with a coat of colonial blue. Try to see the potential in these items, and remember, they're FREE!

3. If you do need to buy something, try items that are made from eco-friendly products or are made with upcycled materials. You can find shelves, storage units, trays, and boxes made from reclaimed wood, like this Barnwood Keeping Box by Paradise Hill Designs. Consider using natural grass baskets, vintage fabric baskets/bins, or bowls made from organic cotton, like the bowls shown here made by EcoChicHandKnits. After all, your stuff will look so much better when it's stowed away in something attractive.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some labeling to do.

EcoMonday Mélange - Green Resolutions

2010-01-11T13:46:00.002-06:00

Greetings to all! So, now that we've all recovered from the holidays (whew!), how are you doing with those resolutions for the new year? Well, if you need to be able to say that you actually did keep some of your resolutions, why not choose some that are easy, and that will be good for you and the planet? If you're not sure where to start, just remember reduce, reuse, recycle, and you're on your way. You can also check out some of these links for more great ideas. Let's all work together for a greener new year.

9 Great Green Resolutions for 2010, provided by Lime. This list suggests you work on one thing every three months. That can't be hard, right?

7 Resolution Reminders, Including: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle... Radical? from Planet Green. This article takes the three Rs and multiplies them, so they should be easy to remember!

For those of you who are looking for something more, pop on over to this post on The Good Human website for 84 Ways to Help the Planet Starting Today. You are sure to find something new here.

I hope you find something to inspire you at these websites. Feel free to drop me a comment and let me know how you are greening the new year. As for me, I plan to go through my closet and give unwanted clothes to charity, sort through the bathroom cabinets and get rid of all of our personal products that aren't all natural, and when we repaint in the spring, we'll definitely be using low-VOC paint. Oh, and I'll see you at the recycling center, right?

EcoMonday Mélange - Greening Your Gift Wrap

2009-12-14T10:28:00.003-06:00

'Tis the season for gifting! Now that you've been "nice" and bought all those eco-friendly gifts, you surely aren't going to wrap them in toxic paper, right? If using the Sunday comics section isn't your idea of a lovely wrapping job, fear not. There are other options that can make your gifts look fabulous without cutting down trees and adding more trash to the landfill. And even if you bought some of those not-so-eco-friendly gifts, like I must confess I did, you should still try some eco-friendly wrapping, and maybe you can assuage a little guilt at the same time. It may even get you back onto the "nice" list.

Did you know that the US creates 5 millions pounds of wrapping paper and shopping bag waste during the holiday season? Learn more about why regular gift wrap is such a problem in "Ix-Nay on the Wrapping Paper, eh?" on the Green Girls Global Blog. If you can't get into crafting your own eco-friendly wrap, this blog will help you find some eco-friendly papers printed with soy ink. There are a few more papers featured over on Ecofabulous. Just be sure to reuse these papers, or at least recycle them, when the holidays are over.

For those of you who don't mind getting a little crafty, there are numerous alternatives to the gift wrap and plastic bow routine. The old standard wrap replacements are newspaper or paper grocery bags turned inside out. Before you dismiss the Sunday comics, though, see for yourself that a comic-wrapped present and matching bow can be attractive, as shown in this post on Crafting a Green World (there's a great bow tutorial there, too, as shown in the image above).

You could also look through the newspaper and try to find fun headlines that match the present or the recipient, then cut out the headline and glue it to the front of the package. Or use newspaper to make a lovely flower for the top of the package by following the tutorial on the Craft website.

As for the grocery bag, it can be left plain or stamped or colored to your heart's content. Don't be afraid to leave it plain, though. After all, "brown paper packages tied up with string" might be among that recipient's favorite things. Of course, plain paper can make a great base for collage projects, too. Glue on phrases or pictures cut from magazines to create a them for your package. Try to see the present as a canvas for your creativity. Don't forget that natural materials, such as pine cones, make lovely ornamentation, as would old silk flowers. Garden twine could serve as ribbon, as could an old t-shirt cut into strips. Just dig around in that junk drawer and see what you can find.

You could also search Flickr.com for "recycled paper gift wrap" or other similar phrases to see what other people have done with their gift wrap. I was very inspired by the photo mosaic "Brown paper packages tied up with string..." by AllThingsBright. See? Brown paper can be quite lovely.

If you hate wrapping presents, avoid the whole thing altogether by making a package for your present from a recycled cereal box. Just take it apart, turn it inside out, and there's a lovely handmade gift bag. For specific instructions, you can find the tutorial on the EcoEtsy Blog, along with a number of other eco-friendly tutorials.

Try to think outside the regular old gift box. Maybe a reusable bag would work, or wrap one gift, like a book, with another gift, like a scarf. There are some wonderful ideas in GreenCraft Magazine, with all sorts of packaging made from materials in the recycling bin, such as tin can containers and recycled paper bowls. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own fabulous packaging, this magazine is a good place to start. You'll see that there are many ideas for creating recycled gift wrap, many more than I can list here.

Now that you have seen a number of gift wrap alternatives, don't be afraid to try something different this year. Whether you use the ideas here, or create your own, your efforts will help minimize our impact on the planet and will keep some of the holiday waste out of our landfills, and that's something you can be proud about.

In case you're not familiar with EcoMonday, this post will help explain it. And if you're wondering about the "mélange" bit, that's the mish-mash part that makes it okay for me to have posts about cats and crafting!

EcoMonday Mélange

2009-12-07T10:40:00.002-06:00

Another Monday morning, only this time there is snow on the ground and a major winter storm on the way. All I want to do today is curl up under the heated throw, snuggle with my kitties, and finish knitting a scarf.

With that in mind, today's Mélange is all about crafts and kitties, and I'll start with the kitties.

After I saw a pet gift guide on Haute Nature, I was inspired to see what sort of eco-friendly wares were available for my already-way-too-spoiled kitties. I was absolutely delighted by the fun catnip toys made with ecofelt by Casbahkitten. I want them all! Wait, I mean my kitties want them all. Yeah, that's it. A dangling butterfly, a cardinal, a goldfinch, a chickadee, autumn leaves, and a pickle would be perfect. It's way too hard to decide!

Need a good place to play with those toys? Check out these amazing cat perches made by DKCat. Not only are these perches made with eco-friendly materials, but they are also designed with appearance in mind, so they won't be an eyesore.

Once the kitties are all worn out from playing, they can go to sleep in a charming recycled suitcase bed made by lovenostalgicwhimsy. If you've ever tried to pack a suitcase while kitties were hanging around, you know how perfect these beds are.

Now that the kitties are asleep, it's time to do some crafting, "helper" free. If you're looking for tips on eco-friendly craftiness, check out Crafting a Green World. Knitting, sewing, papercrafts, it's all there. Get crafty and Make a Greeting Card with Scrap Fabric Applique (and Buttons!), which is a great way to use up fabric scraps.

I also discovered a number of fun projects on the Planet Green website. You can Make a Christmas Stocking from Recycled Wool Sweaters, or one I might have to try myself, Rice Pouch Mitten Warmers, made from old towels or socks. Perfect for the coming snow!

There are also lots of projects and patterns available at the Craft Magazine website, many of which are eco-friendly.

Now I need to get on with that knitting!

EcoMonday Mélange

2009-11-30T10:18:00.003-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was catching up with Google Reader yesterday and saw so many wonderful things that I thought I would share them with you here. There isn't really a theme this week, but that's the whole point of a mélange, right? I hope you find something interesting here.

First up is the Haute Nature website's post on Top Cardboard Designs. I thought that the Pee Wee's Playhouse my sister and I had designed was cool, but this article shows that cardboard is great for grown-ups, too. These are some of the most amazing cardboard designs I have ever seen. You will be amazed that these objects are made from simple corrugated cardboard.

While you're at Haute Nature, be sure to check out the Recycled Firehose Bags made by Feuerware in Germany. What a great way to reuse those worn out hoses!

Up next is Ecouterre, which featured a Thanksgiving post on 8 Eco-Fashion Milestones we can all be thankful for. You can also satisfy your inner child while on their site, by checking out the 7 Upcycled Skateboard Wearables to Deck Yourself In and Upcycled Jewelry Made From Color-Pencil Stubs For Your Inner Child.

While you're playing to your inner child, check out A Dirty Commercial Via the Good Folks at Method, featured on Elephant Journal. It's a bit naughty, but your inner juvenile will laugh his head off. Mine did.

For those of you taking advantage of Cyber Monday today, Inhabitat's Green Gift Guide is a fabulous resource (even though yours truly wasn't chosen to be included). You can shop by category (gifts for him, gifts for her, green gadgets, and more) or by price, and you can also find guides to make your own gifts, or ideas for gifts of your own time, like making dinner for a loved one.

Last, but certainly not least in my book, is this morning's post on Ecouterre, "Does Greenwashing Exist in the Fashion Industry?" written by the Creative Director of Hessnatur, who points out some important questions consumers should be asking about clothing that claims to be "eco-friendly. " Education is the best tool, and knowing what questions to ask will help you find the answers you need.

Happy Reading! Best wishes for the coming week!

EcoMonday Mélange: An Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T09:15:00.003-06:00

Well, it's Monday again, and with Thanksgiving this week, I thought I would share some tips for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving. The earth has taken care of us, so this year why not think about thanking the planet by making your Thanksgiving a little greener?

1. Skip the paper tablecloth and paper napkins. Save a tree, and consider simple placemats and cloth napkins instead. You can find cloth napkins in prints appropriate for Thanksgiving, and them you'll have them to use every year. I found the lovely Thanksgiving napkins below in Fabnap's shop on Etsy. The print would look great at Thanksgiving but could also work year round.

2. Feast on home-grown or locally-sourced foods. We will be eating home-grown potatoes, and apple and pumpkin pie made from our organically-grown apples and pumpkins. If you haven't grown your own produce, try to minimize your feast's carbon footprint by supporting your local growers and/or buy organic. Locally grown food requires only a small amount of fuel to transport it to your table, and organic food is grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides. You may even find that those organic mashed potatoes are the best you've ever tasted!

3. Pardon a turkey. Imagine for a moment all the households across America feasting on big fat turkeys. Most of those turkeys have come from huge factory farms whose impact on the environment is anything but minimal. Consider a vegetarian alternative, like the famous Tofurky roast, or our favorite, the Quorn Turk'y Roast. While I've seen a few comments online that claim this alternative can be dry, I remind you that so can a real turkey without proper preparation. We marinate our Quorn Roast with a mixture of olive oil and herbs such as sage, marjoram, and thyme, and then continue to baste it while it bakes. It comes out of the oven tasty enough that even the meat-eaters will have a slice or two!

4. If you use disposable dinner ware, try using real dishes this year. Sure it's a lot of work washing all those dishes, but if you get the whole family involved it can become part of your holiday tradition. In my family, everybody has a responsibility. For example, I'm in charge of putting away leftovers. Somebody loads the dishwasher, one person washes the things that can't go into the dishwasher, one person dries, and another person puts the dry stuff away. What says family togetherness like cramming everyone into the kitchen? If there are too many people in your family to jam everyone into the kitchen, put some adults in charge of entertaining the kids while the clean-up crew does its work. You'll have one less garbage bag to haul to curb, and that means one less garbage bag in the dump.

5. Decorate naturally. Your table decorations could be as simple as dried leaves and a few acorns scattered across the table, or some dried grasses and twigs placed into a vase. Gather a few things from your yard or a local park (if that's allowed), or put the kids in charge of finding these things. Enjoy nature's bounty and its beauty at your dinner table.

6. Remember what really matters about Thanksgiving: being thankful for what you have and spending time with the people you love. It's easy to go overboard at Thanksgiving, making twenty different dishes and six desserts, but do you really need all of that? Avoid the urge to splurge, and try to keep it a little simpler. Take time to enjoy the day and the company.

Bonus Black Friday tip: Stay home! Do the people on your list really need more "stuff"? If you absolutely cannot resist the bargain madness, think about buying something for someone less fortunate. Toys for Tots always has trouble getting gifts for children ages 12-16, so put your shopping skills to use for a teen in need. Let's face it, being a teenager is hard enough. Don't know what teenagers want (well, who does, really)? Toys for Tots suggests athletic equipment, like a skateboard, or those ever-popular electronic gadgets, like an MP3 player or a digital camera. Take your new, unopened gift to your local Toys-R-Us, or visit the Toys for Tots website to find a local drop-off location.

Do you have tips for greening Thanksgiving? Leave a comment and share them with us!

Best wishes to all of you. Have a lovely, enjoyable Thanksgiving.

EcoMonday Mélange

2009-11-16T12:28:00.002-06:00

I just got back from Germany, but it's time to get to work again, so happy Monday, and welcome to my new weekly EcoMonday Mélange. For those of you who are not familiar with EcoMonday, allow me to explain. EcoMonday began on Twitter as a way to help the greenies on Twitter find each other. I met a lot of the people I follow on Twitter through the #EcoMonday hashtag. In honor of this, I have started my EcoMonday post. Every week I will bring you a different collection of eco-friendly tidbits. So without any further ado, here is today's mélange.

Website I wish I had made time for while I was in Germany:
Ecouterre is a new eco-fashion website that I simply adore. From new collections to trends to fab finds like today's coloring book dress post, this website proves that eco-fashion is stylish and cutting edge.

Ever wondered what it's like to own an eco-fashion boutique?
The fabulous fashion boutiques I saw in Germany were constantly making me wish I had a place like that to sell my creations. I wondered what kind of work was involved in starting such a boutique. If you're wondering too, visit ecosalon and read about Amy DuFault's recent undertaking. She provides some interesting information on the eco-fashion industry from a buyer's perspective, and reminds us that living the eco-lifestyle is both a learning and a teaching experience.

Favorite read in the few days since I returned from Europe (on Wednesday - still tired!):
Another ecosalon post, reviewing the "Best Organic Deodorants (That Actually Work)," has inspired me to try something new. I am going to try wearing organic deodorant ALL THE TIME. This is a bit scary for me, because in my family, we sweat a lot. I mean A LOT. I used to wear aluminum-filled antiperspirant all the time, even to bed! (Scary, I know.) Over the last few years, I have been cutting back, only wearing the antiperspirant on the days I would be at my sweatiest, and I wear herbal deodorants the rest of the time. None of them has ever met the challenge provided by my sweat glands at their worst, but I have never tried any of the sprays recommended in this article. So, wish me and my sweaty armpits luck, and check out the article for yourself. Maybe you, too, will be inspired to throw out that old aluminum antiperspirant.

If you're on Twitter, don't forget to follow the #EcoMonday action.

Best wishes for an eco-friendly and eco-safe week!

A Great Idea! (Not exactly.)

2009-10-27T08:26:00.003-05:00

At the time, making some changes to my blog seemed so exciting that I was sure it was a great idea. Never mind that my husband was about to head to Germany for ten weeks and that I would be on my own. Never mind that everything in the garden would soon need to be harvested and frozen, dehydrated, or canned. Never mind that I was trying to make items for the Etsy Earth team gift bags, and that I was trying to make new items for fall for my store. Never mind that all this needed to get done before I, too, left to join my husband in Germany. Eventually, reality set in, as it always does, and I realized that the changes to my blog would have to wait.

As I write this post from our apartment in Wittenberg, Germany, I remain excited about the new prospects for my blog. I do want to bring more information to you, my readers, and share some of the things I continue to learn about living a green lifestyle and about some of the fabulous eco artisans out there. In the meantime, I hope you will consider taking a moment to check out the Etsy Earth Team webpage, and the Etsy Earth Team blog, where you can find all sorts of eco products and information. I am proud to be a member of this team and would encourage you to check out these sites.

Best wishes from Germany!

Change is in the Air

2009-08-06T10:31:00.003-05:00

I have been neglecting my blog lately. I love what I do, but I'm not always sure how to make it interesting to others. After giving some serious thought to the future of this blog, I have decided to take it in a new direction. I want to focus more on eco-fashion and eco-friendly products, as well as ways to green your life. I am working toward featuring an eco-friendly Etsy seller each week, and updating my blog with other eco-fashion information. I'm not sure exactly where this will lead me, but I think I will enjoy the journey, and that's what really matters. I hope you, too, will find more of use to you in this blog as it changes direction.

So, check back soon for the new and improved Windy Hill Fibers blog! (Not available in stores!)

I'm Published - Again!

2009-06-19T11:52:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, an artist's copy of the July/August issue of Belle Armoire arrived in the mail. I was happy to open it to the "Corset Couture" article and see a lovely full page shot of my knitted corset. while the pictures from the magazine are not available online, you can see photos of the corset top on my Corset Challenge Entry post. The magazine itself probably won't be available for another few weeks, but feel free to check it out come July. I am again honored to have been included, and very excited that I managed to make two issues in a row! Many thanks to the editors, photographers, and staff of Belle Armoire.

What Does "Eco-Friendly" Mean?

2009-05-29T09:07:00.006-05:00

The interest in "green" and "eco-friendly" products is on the rise, but what do these terms really mean to you? What do these terms mean about the products with these labels? This is something I have given more thought to lately. While I can't answer these questions for you, I can share with you my answers to these questions and how I try to make my clothes and accessories as eco-friendly as possible.

Having grown up in a home with a huge backyard with a creek beyond the back fence, I have a well-developed affection for nature. I believe we must respect our ecosystem and all the creatures that share it with us. As a fiber artist, I try to make choices that reflect this respect. A fiber artist faces some issues, such as the impact of the dyeing process, that are different from those of other businesses. To minimize the environmental impact of my paints and dyes, I use natural dyes and earth pigments (sometimes called "dirt dyes"). All spent dye baths and materials, such as leaves and flowers, are added to the compost. No heavy metals are used in the dyeing process and my earth-derived pigment paints are affixed using homemade soy milk instead of chemicals. Many of my dye materials, such as goldenrod, are gathered from the abundant supply on our property. Any dyes I have to purchase come from a company that has numerous certified organic dyes. I try to ensure that the companies from whom I purchase my dyes, fabric, and yarn share my commitment to the environment and to the people who produce these materials.

Since dyeing and sewing both require power, we buy into a program that brings a portion of our electricity from alternative sources such as wind and solar power. I keep the studio thermostat turned down anytime I am not there, and everything is plugged into power strips I can shut off before I leave. During the summer, I can put my dye baths outside to let the sun cook them, just like sun tea. Any knitting or crochet power is provided by a free-range, organically-fed artist — me!

As I am the only member of my company, I personally keep a close eye on all the aspects of my ecological impact. I always do my best to ensure that I bring my customers clothing and accessories that are eco-friendly in multiple ways, that are as "green" as possible, and that are good for you and the planet. This is what "eco-friendly" means to me.

An Easter Surprise

2009-04-12T11:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I received an Easter surprise. A Belle Armoire magazine came in the mail, which in itself is surprising since I don't have a subscription. It definitely had my name on it, though, so I opened it up to the page of contents to see what was in that issue, and what did I spy? There in the upper left corner of the table of contents was a photo of my Jane Austen ensemble, which I'd titled "A Walk with Catherine Morland." (You can see photos of it on my Jane Austen Project post.) With building excitement I flipped to the article, and there was a lovely full-page photo of my ensemble, complete with a tree-colored background and leaves drifting across the bottom. I had no idea my outfit had been chosen, so it was quite the surprise - probably even better than a chocolate Easter bunny. I am grateful to have been so honored by the Belle Armoire team. If you would like to see the photos, the article is in the May/June issue of Belle Armoire, which should be in stores soon. What a great Easter present! Hope you have a lovely Easter, too.

I'm Going to be Published

2009-03-20T19:17:00.000-05:00

Well, my work is going to be published. A while back I entered my knitted corset in a call for entries from Belle Armoire magazine. If you aren't familiar with this magazine, it's a beautiful publication dedicated to "the artistry of clothing & accessories." You can preview the magazine at www.bellearmoire.com. My piece will be appearing in the July issue, so I'll have to wait a while to see the photography. I am interested to see how a professional will choose to photograph the piece. Maybe I'll get some ideas for my Etsy photos. Too bad I have to wait until July. As my father says of himself, "Patience may be a virtue, but it's one I don't have." I am definitely my father's daughter.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Looking Forward to Spring

2009-02-08T14:43:00.005-06:00

January in the Midwest can be brutal. Cold temperatures and gray days get tiresome after a while. Seeking a little color in my life, I decided I need to make some cheery items, and add them to my Etsy store. I already posted my Cherry Blossom Vest, but I will be adding an appliquéd organic skirt and a brand new handbag. The skirt reflects my love of coneflowers, with a simple appliqué made from fabric scraps. A small amount of embroidery adds some subtle detail.

The new handbag was inspired by my Jane Austen Project, and the Regency-era reticule that I made then. The shape of the bag was appealing, but a reticule is not practical for most occasions, so I was trying to find a way to keep the feel of a reticule but make a larger, more modern handbag. I came up with two different shapes, although the basic design is the same. The one I made first is the Emma Bag:

It has one divider pocket and two side pockets, and will actually hold quite a bit of stuff even though it looks fairly small (it's actually about 11"W by 9"H). I was able to smursh my big wallet in there along with my sunglasses case, my wad of keys, and my Blackberry. I was so pleased with this bag that I have already gathered fabric pieces for another one that I can keep for myself! The bag shown here is made with leftover pieces of indigo-dyed organic cotton twill, and is lined with scraps of a handpainted organic cotton sateen. The pockets are made with unbleached twill, which makes them stand out some from the lining. The bag is closed with one large snap at the top. The picture may not accurately depict the actualy color of the bag, but it is a bright sky blue, just like that of a sunny spring day.

Spring may not have made it to Iowa yet, but it's slowly creeping into my Etsy store. I wonder when the crocuses will start coming up.

New Projects for the New Year

2009-01-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

Recently I have spent a number of hours on the floor in order to develop some new and improved patterns. The floor is not the most comfortable place for this sort of thing, but it is large enough, and that's what matters. I have been so pleased with the wrap-style dress that I made with purple fabric (photos below), that I am planning to soon offer this style in my Etsy store. I wanted to change a few things, such as modernizing the sleeve shape, but now the new pattern is complete. Next I will make a sample garment to test my alterations.

I have also been working on a custom empire-style jacket for a very special lady (my mom). Over the holidays we perfected the muslin fit, and now I have made the last few adjustments. Time to cut and sew. I will post pictures once the jacket is done.

Now that the holidays are over, I should be able to spend more time in the studio. Let's hope it works out that way. I can't wait to get sewing again.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Corset Challenge Entry

2008-12-10T12:03:00.011-06:00

Here is my latest project. I knitted this corset top many years ago, but it was never quite right, so it ended up in the back of my closet somewhere. Then I saw a challenge published in Belle Armoire magazine calling for corsets. I immediately remembered that knitted top, so I dug it out of the closet and embellished away. I dug around in my yarn stash and found some naturally-dyed yarn, so I used those to make some trim, flowers, leaves, and stems. The flower buds were made from other odds and ends of yarn I had from other projects. I thought about adding some beads, but I decided that would be a little too much. The pretty yarns needed all the attention. I was very pleased with the results, and I think that the corset turned out pretty well. You can decide for yourself after you see the pictures.

A few views of the front of the corset:

Wear it with a blouse. . .

. . .or not.

A little more detail of the front.

Here is the back showing the
imitation lacing and the ties.

The fancy lacing cable stitch

So, the corset is in the mail now on its way to California. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am chosen for publication. I am still waiting to hear something about my Jane Austen costume, but maybe it's a good sign that it hasn't been returned to me yet. Do feel free to add your comments. It's always helpful to know what other people think.

New Items in Etsy Shop

2008-11-25T09:25:00.003-06:00

Where does the time go? I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. I have been busy photographing pieces for the Etsy store, trying to improve some and working to get more new items listed. Now I am adding more of my fiber jewelry for the holidays. These would make great small gifts for that special woman. I am also going to be adding some catnip mousies made from organic fabric scraps. They are in the testing stages right now, but they seem to be a big hit. Such a big hit, in fact, that I can't find them to check on the wear and tear! Anyhow, those will be coming soon to the store.

After stuffing myself and my family on Thanksgiving, I am hoping to get back into the studio and start dying some fabric for some new clothing items. I'll have to keep you posted on that project.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

New Samples

2008-10-27T09:41:00.004-05:00

I am currently working on some jackets like the purple one I posted back in April, so I thought I would finally post photos of the fleece duster I mentioned then. The duster is made from charcoal fleece, and I crocheted trim around the neckline to dress up the fleece a little. The jacket is very warm, and I really like the shape of the sleeve, which was taken from a regency period garment. The pattern for the jacket was developed by combining two patterns designed by Jennie Chancey available from Sensibility.com .

I also recently finished a wrap dress (also based on a Jennie Chancey pattern). The dress has an extra panel to prevent any gapping in the front, and it closes with a skirt hook and a self-fabric button (for added security).

I think the shape is pretty flattering, so I may work this one into production at some point.

Unfortunately my dye bucket is currently full of apples, so I either have to cook up a lot of apples or find something else around here I can use to dye yardage. It's time to make an indigo bath because I would like to make the duster jacket in a deep blue and in a lovely dark green (which is where the goldenrod will be used).

I have been adding a lot of fall items to my Etsy shop, so if you haven't visited in a while you might want to check it out.

Autumn Arrives

2008-09-29T10:15:00.003-05:00

After making over five gallons of goldenrod dye, I am now working on finalizing a few patterns for my new fall/winter items. I'm planning a photo session tomorrow afternoon so I can get some of the new items listed on my Etsy store. There is a new dress, styled from an Edwardian apron pattern. With kimono sleeves and front pockets, the twill dress will make a great layering piece. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. There is also a peplum jacket made from organic cotton fabric featuring autumn leaves handprinted with natural colorants. Coming projects include a few more jackets (can't have enough of those for fall and winter, right?) and a button-front vest.

Photos of all these items should be coming sooon. For now, I'm off to the sewing machine.

August Update

2008-08-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

I can't believe we are already halfway through August - where did the summer go? I haven't gotten much done in the studio, what with our trip to Germany and all the work in the garden. I have been dreaming up designs for my "fall collection," though, and I've been working on my Etsy store. I designed a new logo and banner for the store, using pictures taken in our yard. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I did put together a cute little drawstring dress with pockets, sort of an experiment. Here are views of the front and back:

I am working on some tunic tops and a few jacket ideas for Fall/Winter, including the empire waisted jacket from the "Samples" post, and an adaptation of the "jacket" pictured in the regency ensemble. There never seem to be enough useful hours in the day, though. I am hoping to get some fabric ready for dyeing soon. The Queen Anne's lace has already been made into a dye, and the goldenrod will be opening soon, which will yield some lovely yellows. Then with an indigo dye bath, I should be able to achieve some sharp greens. We'll see. . .

Anyhow, that's about it for now. If you have a chance, check out the new banner for the Etsy store, and let me know what you think.

Jane Austen Project

2008-06-13T09:54:00.009-05:00

Well, I finally finished my Jane Austen project. I was creating an outfit for Catherine Morland, of Northanger Abbey, for a call-for-entries in Belle Armoire magazine. There were seeking entries of garments, jewelry, hats, and the like, that the Austen characters might have worn. Since I have fond memories of my grandmother introducing me to Northanger Abbey, I had to choose Catherine. I decided to make a walking outfit for her first walk in the woods with the Tilneys. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my outfit makes it into the magazine, but I'll probably have to wait a while to find out. Nonetheless, I am very pleased with the results. I began with a regency dress pattern and tweaked it a little to make the modifications I desired. After doing research on period garments and on the costumes made for many of the film adaptations, I decided to make a white drawstring dress with a robe to wear over the dress, along with a hat and a reticule. In the novel, Catherine's uncle suggests that she wear white because "Miss Tilney always wears white." To dress up the plain white gown, I dug around in the some of the laces that Grammy (my other grandmother) had given me, and I found the perfect white scalloped lace, and there was just enough by a few inches. (Must have been meant to be.) Then I rummaged around in my ribbons and found a similar white lace ribbon that Mom had passed on to me. (We had probably used it for some crafty project or for wrapping presents.) I knew I was going to need embroidery floss to create the reticule, so I decided I would look for some more white ribbon, too, when I was at Michael's. I found two really pretty ribbons, so I added those to the design. One was a plain organza-look ribbon, and the other was a satin ribbon with a white-on-white leaf and flower design. I put the scalloped lace on the bottom of the dress, sewed the organza ribbon above that, and then attached the craft lace to the top and bottom edges of the satin ribbon before sewing it onto the gown, thus creating three rows of ribbons. Sadly, I forgot to take a detail picture of the ribbons, but they are somewhat visible in the front view photo. (Don't mind my squinty eyes - they can't even stand an overcast day.)

After I had finished the dress, I began the embroidery for the reticule. Since I had done very little embroidery, I made a few samples first for practice. The design itself comes from a period ballgown embroidered with metallic thread, but I chose other colors. I think it turned out pretty well, for a beginner.

Meanwhile, I had purchased a hat for the project, so I made a matching white cover for the hat to turn it into a period-appropriate "Lunardi" hat. I decorated the hat with black organza ribbon to allude to the mysterious black veil from Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho, one of Catherine's favorite gothic novels. She talks about the novel with both her friend Isabella and with the Tilneys, and she does specifically mention the black veil.

For the robe, I took some of my organic silk-hemp fabric that I knew would soften up and drape well, and I dyed the fabric with natural dyes to imitate a gray color that was popular at the time. To create the color, I used logwood (a tree) dye and some of the pieces we had pruned off of our cherry trees. For the pattern, I used several different pattern elements along with the pattern for a period garment (a robe ca. 1795-1803). This same pattern was used to make garments for the Sense and Sensibility film with Emma Thompson. I had to make a few adjustments to get the fit that I wanted (a little curvier than the original), so I played around with the lining which I then used as a pattern for the "good" fabric. The original garment has layers of pleats, and I knew I didn't want to leave those out, but I was a little concerned about sewing through all of those layers (on each side of center, there are three pleats piled on top of one another). Luckily, my machine did quite well. Phew! Once I had the whole thing together and put it on, it was so beautiful I almost cried. I think those layers of pleats in the back are just gorgeous. I had never really undertaken something like this before, and since I have no professional training, I wasn't ever sure how it would turn out. I must admit, though, that I am rather proud of the ensemble.

I was sad to have to put the whole ensemble in the mail. While I did insure it, I would much prefer that it eventually comes back to me safely. Now I just need a Regency party to attend. That shouldn't be any problem here in Iowa!

Sample Pieces for Spring

2008-04-22T14:20:00.004-05:00

Well, I finally got some pictures taken of the samples I made for some of the coming spring garments, so I thought I would post them for all to see. The yard work has been taking a lot of my time, otherwise I would have put them up sooner. Hopefully, I will be able to get a few pieces made in the next few weeks so I can post them on the Etsy site. I also continue to work on my Jane Austen project. I am now planning to make a day dress and a pelisse (naturally dyed, of course) for a walking outfit, and I hope to create a matching period-appropriate hat. I have always loved historical costume, so this project is a lot of fun, and since the Regency period has provided much of the inspiration for my new spring items, there has been a decent amount of overlap between the two projects, which makes me feel a little less guilty about doing something just for fun.

For now, though, I'll focus on the samples. I have been working on a few different pieces, so I guess I'll start with the dress. This dress features a drawstring neckline and waistline for customizing the fit. Shown here in a bargain-table cotton, I plan to make the dresses from a super-soft organic cotton sateen. The back is plain, and the ties come around through loops and then tie in the center back.

For a fun layering piece, I created this empire-waisted jacket. The gathers in the back create a slighter longer hemline in the back. This one is in my size, and I have already worn it. I also used this same pattern to make a duster-length jacket out of charcoal fleece, but I don't have any photos of that yet.

Finally, I worked up this lovely blouse in the organic cotton sateen (so soft!) and attached some vintage trim that came from my grandmother (Thanks, Grammy!). The blouse is roomy enough to be quite comfortable, but the front and back darts at the waistline create a flattering shape.

I must give credit to Jenny Chancey, of Sense & Sensibility Patterns, whose patterns were the basis for all of these garments. I made some changes, but her patterns provided a great starting point. Her website has a wealth of information, so if you're interested in historical costume, be sure to visit. Now I'm off to work on those Jane Austen projects.

Spring Designs

2008-04-16T09:32:00.003-05:00

I have been working away on some new designs for spring, drafting and altering patterns, sewing up samples, and choosing the best of the bunch. I was going to take my dress form onto the porch to photograph the samples, but with 30-40 mph gusts, I guess that will have to wait, or maybe I'll just take the pictures in the studio. I am hoping to get some of the new designs made up soon for the Etsy site. I have also been working on a few non-Etsy projects, including an outfit I am entering in a magazine's Jane Austen spread. I imagine there will be a ton of submissions, so we'll have to see if mine makes it or not. As I always have such grand plans, I am just hoping I can finish the outfit in time and in the manner I want. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Once I pin down some of the exact details, I will post more on this. Well, I should be off to work on a pelisse pattern. Ah, for the love of Jane Austen!

Eco-Shopper Tote now available

2008-02-22T14:15:00.002-06:00

I have now posted the new tote bag on the Etsy link. You can follow the link to my Etsy store to see this item.

I'm still working away on those spring projects, but I will soon have to take a break while we are Germany. Tragic, no? Anyhow, more updates will follow our return in March.

Working on Spring

2008-02-08T09:58:00.000-06:00

Even though we just had 14 inches of snow here, my mind has moved on to spring. I am currently finishing up a few projects for family members, but then I intend to start dyeing and sewing new items for spring. As I love vintage clothing and historical dress, my new line is rooted in the romance of the past. The plans for a few dresses and jackets are underway, and I am in the process of perfecting the final patterns for these new items. I am excited about the new garments, and am making the mock-ups in my size so I can have a few, too.

On another front, the new Eco-Shopper tote bags will soon be available on the Etsy site.

As I get some of these new projects finished, I will put up some preview photos. For now, though, its off to the studio to get to work.

New Etsy Store

2007-12-06T13:29:00.001-06:00

Greetings to everyone. I am proud to announce the opening of my new Etsy store. I am still working to post more items on the site, but I do have a few up already. My store name is windyhillfibers, of course, and you can find it here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5289743

If you do visit, please let me know what you think of the store. Your feedback is always helpful.

As I said, I am working to add more items daily, but my digital camera has been rather unhappy since it got dropped in the snow in Italy. Obviously this is making it difficult to photograph my items. It's always something. . .

In this blog, I will try to keep you all posted on my current projects and any interesting news from the fiber front. For all of the regular home news, you can visit the Windy Hill Home blog.