After spending hours narrowing down my choices to 6 very cute, very functional options, I thought I would turn the decision part over to you. Below, in alphabetical order, are the finalists. If you find them all thoroughly underwhelming, please post any recommendations and I will certainly take a look! Who knows - by my calculations, I’m due for another pickpocketing event in early January, so I’ll need some good ideas for the next one, too.

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Last spring, my best friend got married. Three weeks before her blessed wedding day, a bachelorette party was held. Two days before that, I purchased an American Apparel black dress for the party. It was skin tight, short, and featured a scoop neck in the front as well as the back. I looked good. However…we all know, that American Apparel is NOT eco-friendly, but at this point in my life I was dang poor (being a bridesmaid does that to you) and decided to purchase a new garment at the last minute. So without apology, I tell you openly, I bought a cheap black sexy dress from American Apparel.

Yesterday, while searching on Etsy for “modern clothing” I fatefully came across mydearthing and instantly fell in love. Designer Lauren Jones definitely named her line well- her garments immediately became dear to me. Today, while searching “eco-friendly clothing” on Etsy, I came across mydearthing once again! To my surprise, mydearthing is eco-friendly (apparently I was absent minded yesterday and stared at the photos of the perfect frocks as opposed to reading the fabrics used!) Watch out American Apparel, Lauren has created the perfect organic double v-neck dress that puts my bachelorette piece to downright shame.

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Yesterday, I took a much needed nap. Basking in my soft sheets and surrounding myself in my glorious comforter, I fell asleep, dreaming peacefully of cupcakes and fairies. Upon awakening from my deep slumber I began to shiver. Rolling over while pulling my comforter over my head I tried to avoid the inevitable sound that my ears begrudgingly heard, a deep autumn howl from the great outdoors. My room was freezing, the unbearable sound of a winter wind creeping over the state of Minnesota swept through my room, my eyes opened to look out the window, I could see winter coming. Fall surrounded me.

It was eighty degrees two days ago. Without any warning or a pleasant transition period, fall has squashed our measly state with its prickly cold toes. Now, I’m left knowing that winter is right around the corner. Remind me to move somewhere warmer.

That being said, I put on my favorite She-Bible sweatshirt today, on this first day of fall- the season that foreshadows doom. So to lighten my spirit, I thought I would put together some of my favorite fall must haves…

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Renewing, reinventing and recreating unbelievable outfits from my vast closet that doesn’t necessarily need more baby doll dresses, tunics or leggings is one of my passions. My favorite pieces in my closet are the items I can wear over and over again in different and exciting ways that make me feel like I’m wearing them for the first time. After all, isn’t that the rush we all search for when shopping? That new, never been worn item that suddenly creates a feeling of style we never knew we had is a bit addicting. That’s why, the most shopping I’ve been doing this season has been for mind-blowing-life-changing accessories from independent designers. These items transform any outfit into a garment from a different world, not my closet I’ve been staring at with boredom in my eyes.

My current favorite transformational piece is my harness from Norwegian Wood. That’s right. A harness, and it’s rocking my world in ways I never knew my world could be rocked.

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Home of modern eco picnic and baby blankets, quilts, toys, kids’ hip bags, toddler dresses & more using all natural, organic and rescued upcycled fibers. We believe it’s possible to create something beautiful while making the world a little better at the same time. Sustainable and original design with great care in craftswomanship.

We were recently sent a kids eco messenger bag.  This bag is made from organic cotton and vintage cotton fabric and is handmade in Ontario Canada. They are playful and delightful and sure to charm any child (and parent).  Each bag is one-of-a-kind.

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Check out this amazing 1950’s Tea Length wedding gown. It is flirty, feminine and sexy. I just love the 50’s styles they are so cute. The same seller has a variety of vintage dresses that are just beautiful.

Etsy has gowns available from all eras- Victorian to 80s. I really love how feminine the gowns weer from the 40s, 50s and early 60s.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the Victorian era with the layers of lace and quiet romance. There are a couple Victorian gowns available on Etsy that are phenomenal. In such fabulous shape and for such reasonable prices. Of course a few are vintage but not true Victorian they were made back in the 70s when Victorian styles were popular once again. That doesn’t make them any less beautiful though.

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Have you been painfully searching for garments that are versatile, comfortable, modern and playful while being extremely eco-friendly? Well, no worries, your search stops here. From the mind of designer Andrea Crouse comes Gaia Conceptions, a line inspired by her months spent in India and Amsterdam. Not only do her well-rounded garments capture all of the above attributes, Andrea’s main goal is to use only the best available fabric including local organic cotton, raw silk and hemp.

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Here are directions to make super cute diapers out of t-shirts.  How’s that for a reclaiming project?  The best part is you can put the fun saying or cute part of the shirt right onto babies bum!

Need some liners for inside the diapers, here’s a tutorial for that.

How about making your own felted wool covers out of second hand sweaters?

Need to know where to find diaper making fabrics and kits, here’s a link.  (Stay with us after the jump to find out more about the adorable diaper in the photo.)

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Editor’s note: The opinions in this post do not reflect those of Crafting a Green World as a whole or other writers on the CAGW team.

It can be hard to be an indie crafter these days. Perhaps Oilily will steal your designs and resell them as cheap knock-offs, perhaps somebody will smear your name all over the Internet because you disagree about the usage of the word craftivism, perhaps someone else will comment on one of your blog posts and call you retarded because you object to wool felt.

And then, just when you’re feeling better about all of that, Etsy will steal some of your hard-earned money.

What’s up with that, Etsy?

Now, I understand that technology is complicated. And I understand that Internet Explorer, although it’s the standard browser that most people, especially the internet un-savvy (Hi, mom!), use, basically blows. And I understand that when Internet Explorer updates, or Bill Gates sneezes, or the stars misalign, web sites tend to go all to hell for a while until some other programmer writes a fix.

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You see, the Craftivism Etsy Team recently had a really big fight, so big that a lot of us actually left the team. Feelings are still hurt, and a lot of those who are left for now are left wondering exactly what our team is, after all, and what it actually stands for.

What did we fight about, you ask?

We fought about the definition of craftivism.

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In conjunction with my Guest Curatorial post on the Storque, I will be sidling up to my computer to share some awesome Etsy finds that are both amazing and green to boot in a Shop Live.

If you’ve never participated in a virtual labs, this is a great way to get your feet wet and learn a bit more about the fabulous crafters that we highlight here on Crafting a Green World. I will be showcasing more of these eco-crafters and how their creative contributions are helping to lighten our environmental footstep.

So tune in today March 26 at 6 pm EST!

Weeks back I highlighted Etsy and their brilliant blog curator spotlights. Now we’re on the topic again with our very own Kelly Rand! Here are some highlights from the exhibit:

Shown above is Glue and Glitter’s (another talented CAGW teammate) lovely Spring apron. What a darling color combination.

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Shown above is a necklace made of wood and thread by neawear:

tinctory’s smocked necklaces inspired by historic textiles are works of art, honoring handmade traditions.

This custom dress above by Makool is one of my favorite items featured. So flowing and natural, like a watercolor cloud, with a silk ribon sash wrapping it up.

Joy also shares these delicately cut metal nervoussystem pendants:

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First and foremost I create detailed native nature drawings. With these, I create an eponymous line of paper goods and fabric accessories. I’ve been an “indie-craftpreneur” since 2001, selling my goods on my retail website and in boutiques worldwide. I also create murals, take on custom art commissions, and the occasional graphic design project for like-minded businesses.

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2. Furniture and Lighting: A light fixture made out of an old shredder, or cheese grater looks cool. Perhaps you are into the steampunk look or modern, recycled metal for cabinets, sliding doors, cabinets on wheels and storage containers all look slick…

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Take this adorable onesie from BurdyFlyAway. It’s hand-dyed, organic cotton, appliqued with ecospun felt (made from recycled plastic bottles) and says, “i heart trees”. Each item is unique, truly a one of a kind because of the hand dyeing process and applique technique. (Not every item is organic cotton, so choose wisely.)

BurdyFlyAway also makes fabulous t-shirt dresses for Mama… they aren’t organic cotton but otherwise the process is the same.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission probably thinks the same way. But wait, they’ll change their tune.

Come Wednesday, the US will see crafters differently. Crafters are coming together on Wednesday and for a blog-in to talk to the CPSIA about the negative ramifications of a new law that’s scheduled to be enacted on February 10th. Forbes has great coverage.

The law can be read here, and I’m a little concerned. I like resale shops, I don’t want to see them legislated out of business.

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Have you ever wanted to expand your crafty side and try stitching a creative texture on a fabric, hanky, notecard or decoration? If so, here are a few neat finds and tutorials on the subject this season:

1. The ideas for crocheted valentines are too cute (shown above) the step by step card stitching process is fun.
2. Crocheted flowers on etsy are so soft, decorative, elegant and fuzzy, they are easily the perfect winter bouquet.

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   ]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/20/valentines-fun-flowers-and-stitching-tutorials-i-love/feed/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/11/fun-etsy-spotlight-on-sweet-heidi-and-seek/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/11/fun-etsy-spotlight-on-sweet-heidi-and-seek/#comments Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:16:42 +0000 Lucille Chi http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/11/fun-etsy-spotlight-on-sweet-heidi-and-seek/

    

   These Heidi & Seek designs are adorable. Her dresses shown above are made from unused factory remnants, and reinvented vintage clothing, but they are reworked into new, creative, and comfortable styles.

   The designer writes us sharing: “I’m a young mother who designs and sews edgy, one-off women’s clothing from reclaimed materials for my label, Heidi & Seek. I aim to raise awareness and provide an alternative to mass-produced, sweatshop made clothing that pollutes and damages the environment through the use of new resources. “  Her outfits are currently found on Etsy at http://heidiandseek.etsy.com.

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   ]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/11/fun-etsy-spotlight-on-sweet-heidi-and-seek/feed/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/10/senator-lugar-can-hear-me-a-response-to-my-letter-protesting-the-cpsia-of-2008/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/10/senator-lugar-can-hear-me-a-response-to-my-letter-protesting-the-cpsia-of-2008/#comments Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:24:07 +0000 Julie Finn http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/10/senator-lugar-can-hear-me-a-response-to-my-letter-protesting-the-cpsia-of-2008/ So you may remember that a few weeks ago I looked up my representatives and wrote a letter each to Senator Richard G. Lugar, Senator Evan Bayh, and Representative Baron P. Hill about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA for short).

   On Wednesday, Senator Lugar wrote me back. Here is his reply:

   Dear Ms. Finn,

   Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about legislation that was recently enacted to modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  I appreciate knowing of the difficulties individuals such as yourself and other small toymakers expect to face in complying with this new law.

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