Green Options

Designers may brace themselves with glee because recycled threads are coming to market!

German thread maker Amann, with the new Lifecycle Threads brand name, distributed press releases to the trade last August.

If you didn’t catch the Best Eco-luxury Infant Clothes Designer competition winner, read about Carrie Jekogian for LolaBabiez Organics here.

The first runner-up is Tina Bossy for Bossy Baby and the second runner-up is Rachel Hart for Miss Sugar Pops. Be sure to read the related posts below to discover all the terrific nominations.

Designer Tina Bossy’s company goals are to provide comfy and stylish cozy outfits for babies, and to help promote green living. She utilizes the softest organic cottons, huggable hemps, and a new collection of recyclable and vintage fabrics which are transformed into exclusive items.

The newborn collection is designed for babies with sensitive skin. The organic cottons come in subtle pastels and natural cream colors. Baby nursery rhymes come to life with her signature embroidery. You can choose the rhyme that suits your little one best.

Some babies are born fashion divas. They just love to dress up.

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!

It seems once school starts we go on a spending rampage.  Backpacks, clothes, lunchboxes and supplies can drain the wallet pretty fast and any little bit you can save helps.

What a perfect time for a shoe sale.  Simple Shoes is currently offering many of their popular styles at special clearance prices – and we are talking dirt cheap here!  Boys Innertube shoes and the adorable GT Janie for girls are each marked at $8.99 and Skippies are just $7.90.  And while you are at it, grab a pair for yourself and baby. 

Innovative artist Joshua Allen Harris has created a menagerie of inflatable monsters that are ephemeral, whimsical and utterly delightful. All of his different creatures are made from old plastic bags, and magically come to life from the air generated by New York city subway vent exhaust.

Steven Psyllos interviewed Harris recently for New York magazine to discuss his inspiration, artistic process,  and to unveil a new animated plastic bag beast; the video was shot by Jonah Green.

The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts ( Leisure Arts #4802) is a collection of fun and fabulous crafts made from all kinds of trashy, upcycled products.

I see quite a few old favorites in this Leisure Arts publication from other Leisure Arts books including the Trash to Treasure books.

I also see a few new crafts and one that I am thrilled to have found the instructions for.

[Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by wowcool]

We love a good mix tape remix around here. Heck, some of us even knit with used cassettes. Seamstresses, don’t you fret! You can get in on the recycled cassette action, too…

The Recycled Walking Enthusiast Kit is a great little mix of form and function, providing a easy sling style carrying case for a stainless steel water bottle, wallet, music player (including earphone outlet), key, cellphone, in short all those little things that often need to be carried when your client is out for a little exercise.

Gemline, one of the lions of the promotional items industry, is introducing a number of new items featuring recycled cotton.

The three design concepts from Terra Plana are 21st Century Artisan, Recycled and Barefoot. In summary, the collections exude an understanding of classic shoe making, but with a passion for modern techniques and materials.

The company makes many different types of shoes, but the Terra Plana collection is the most traditional “green” and design students are paying close attention. Features to expect: