What’s really fun about taking nominations is to read favorable comments. Carrie’s got a fan club. Read on for testimonies.

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That’s what happened to Rachel. So she decided to create exclusive and unique hand sewn or stitched garments with plenty of spunk and pizzaz. Her passion started and continues from vintage treasures. Durability was also important to Rachel, so each item is made to last.

Vintage pieces are incorporated into designs that bring a little from the past into the present. Her favorite materials to work with are tulle, velvet, speciality ribbons, laces and  good quality silk flowers. That’s recycling fun!

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As we’ve reported over the last few weeks, sometimes electric-powered drag racing can break boundaries in exciting new ways. The electric motorbike that rockets from 0-60mph in under a second, and a 1972 Datsun that just happens to be the world’s (second) fastest elecric car spring to mind.

Sometimes though, EV face-offs on the drag track are just well…daft. Check out this hilarious footage of the recent Alternative Fuel Race 2009 in the UK featuring electric skateboards and battery-powered dune buggies.

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Well it’s not common knowledge, but custom green couture is an expanding service. Existing and famed designers are shifting from conventional materials and some like Crystal Miler have been at it from the start.

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Early childhood educators suggest that using a child’s name is the first place to begin teaching your child the alphabetic principle.  Learning name recognition, as well as the letter names and sounds of one’s own name, is the logical and most appropriate way for children to learn their letters.  Custom items brandishing your child’s name, such as Sweet Line’s custom organic cotton embrodery t-shirts, give your child lots of opportunity to experience their name.  I still remember when my daughter was two-years-old and learned to spell her name from a custom clock her grandfather gave her. 

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Years back (at least seven or eight by my count), Levi’s used to offer a custom jeans program wherein you would visit one of their stores, get measured by a trained associate, try on some sample pairs, and order jeans that are fit just right for you. Unfortunately, I only got one pair made before they closed the program, which to this day is still quite a disappointment for me.

Imagine my delight when I stated hearing about Ontario-based UJeans, which offers a tellingly custom, 11-point fit that you measure yourself. On top of that, all their goods are made from sustainable cotton (not organic, but close) from a unique farming program in Pakistan. The cotton is dyed with natural minerals and enzymes, lowering the company’s (and your wardrobe’s) impact on the environment. All manufacturing steps are done under Fair Trade conditions, and a portion of all the company’s profits are distributed through Kiva, offering micro-loans to small businesses in developing countries. Want more eco-involvement? Each pair of jeans is mailed in a denim envelop, made from remnant fabric from the manufacturing process. "The denim bag has been used for a make-up bag, pencil case and even a sleeping bag for stuffed animals," said Daniel Feuer, President of UJeans. An outline of the businesses’ complete sustainable actions can be seen on their website.

So, what is all this going to cost you? No matter your size — short, tall, big, or small — each pair is $125 Canadian (about $127 US at today’s exchange rates). A healthy chunk of change, I know, but how much is the time that you spend at the mall (wasting hours trying on 20, 30, 40 pairs of jeans) worth in the long run? If you are fretting about taking your own measurements, and ending up with denim that looks like it was meant for Paris Hilton instead of you, UJeans offers a 100% money back guarantee. "If you don’t like the jeans, just simply send them back within 30 days of delivery and we’ll refund your money — no hassles." Everything from the fabric (nearly 50 choices in 100% cotton and 98% cotton/2% lycra) and inseam to pockets, belt loops, and cuffs can specified by you; no teenage crowds or Mrs. Fields cookie shops involved.