A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

Scarves and mittens, gloves, legwarmers, knitted slippers and socks. It's that time of year when we're starting to look for warm, cozy items to bundle up into to stay warm and, honestly... who wants to sacrifice fashion for warmth?

Fortunately, there's lots of options out there that will allow you to do both! Here are a few I stumbled across that caught my eye and made me take a second look.

Gams or stems, whatever you call them, they need warmth too! Leg warmers are a terrific option for women who want to wear skirts and dresses in winter weather and need a bit of warmth to help keep their legs warm in te process. Knitwit4ever on Etsy has a variety of leg warmers as well as other warm and cozy knit items in a variety of colors and offers custom orders as well! Knitted Leg Warmers by knitwit4ever - $30.00 USD

Soft and bulky circle scarves in beautiful knitted designs, unisex designs to find gifts for men as well as fingerless gloves, knit dresses and more can be found in mbgdesigns on Etsy. I was personally drawn to this beautifully knit cowl and it's elegant drape that's perfect for harsh winters to help keep you nice and cozy warm even in the coldest weather while staying stylish and fashionable at the same time. Extra Thick Wool Cozy Cowl Circle Scarf - $70.00 USD

Sometimes you just need a bit of warmth instead of the whole shebang. A little something warm and soft to toss over your head and wear around the office or under a jacket for a touch of extra warmth. KnitNicoleKnit on Etsy sells a variety of neck warmers like this one that's perfect for milder days or a little warmth as well as a wide variety of other knits including jewelry. Honeysuckle Pink and Grey Cowl/Neck Warmer - $35.00 USD

With colder weather on the rise, it's time to start bundling up against the nip in the air. Fall is a beautiful time of year but it's also the time of catching colds so be sure to stay warm! One of the ways you can do that is by stocking up on warm weather knits like those introduced here in this post and lots more that you can find on the handmade marketplace.

Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore these venues for what they have to offer!

Monday Morning Mosaic

Knits for fall and winter!

We are in the middle of the second week of September. Can you believe it?! And although in my neck of the woods the temperatures are still soaring, Autumn is only 10 days away.

That means it's time to stock up on warmer clothes and snuggly layers to wear through the winter months, and that's what today's mosaic is all about!


Dahlia Soleil - Preserving the Art of Crochet

Dahlia Soleil from New York, New York

Slouch hats and ear flaps, cute appliques and fingerless gloves. There's a variety of styles in this shop you won't want to miss! One of the easiest ways to keep warm when the weather gets cold is to slip on a hat to trap the warmth that escapes from the top of the head in and in this shop you'll find a variety of stylish hats to do just that. Tucked in among these gorgeous hats you'll find fingerless gloves, cute felt appliques and more.

knotworkshop - Funny Mugs, Personalized Coffee Mugs, Travel Mugs

KnotWorkShop from Apex, North Carolina

Practicality and hilarity combine in this shop that I've personally shopped in and recommend to everyone! With excellent customer service and quality combined with a sense of humor, the knotworkshop sells mug covers, bottle covers, iPod cozies (I bought one for padding against drops and bumps!) and more with a flair for color and quirky fun.

Poops - Knit Sweaters, Baby Booties, Scarves, Mittens and More

Poops from Belmont, New Hampshire

Here's a shop filled with handmade warmth from scarves and mittens to baby booties, affordable handmade sweaters, candle cozies, hats and more. Each item is handcrafted in a smoke-free, cat friendly home and are made in earthy colors and seasonal color combinations you'll be sure to love. Embroidered hoop art abounds as well and many of the knitted pieces have embroidered accents.

Melmaria - Designer Crochet Patterns

Melody Maria Fulone from Ravelry.com

Last but not least! There are lots of wonderful people out there that like to create their own cozy items and here's an artisan that can help. Melmaria on Ravelry has a variety of crochet patters for those creative people looking to design something new from jewelry to scarves, gloves and more. All patterns come in pdf files and you can pick them up from Ravelry or Melmaria's blog.

I hope you enjoyed today's collection of shops as much as I enjoyed finding them! Cooler weather is coming and it's time to prepare for the winter to come. Handmade crafts is a terrific way to support the handmade community and get yourself or someone you care about something snuggly to stay warm in.

Natural and Beautiful Items Made of Felt and Wool

You know.... Today's shop is proof that sometime it's worth it to click on those little ads you see on blogs and other websites now and then.

That's how I discovered today's feature shop! I clicked on an adorable little square on a website and it took me into a land of feminine cuteness and lovely creativity that I had to come and share with you!

FeltLovely on Etsy is filled with beautiful felted items from bags, corsages, tea cozies and jewelry to scarves, wraps, slippers and more.

Creativity abounds in this little shop that's filled with colorful pieces and wonderful ideas. I'm especially attracted to the little acorns. They're just adorable.

The artist uses natural materials in her pieces with preference towards the organic whenever possible. She also often incorporates vintage fabrics into her items in a combination of artistic talent and the ancient art of felting. Blended into one, she creates unique, contemporary pieces that are both beautiful and functional in today's world.

Once a resident of Scotland and now located in France, the artist behind FeltLovely has a fashionable flare to her pieces and an inspiring eye for color.

And, not only does she offer a beautiful variety of items for sale in her shop, but she also loves custom orders and offers to happily collaborate with customers on a unique item designed just for you!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT FELTLOVELY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Winter Knits and Accessories by Branda on Etsy

With winter coming all along the northern hemisphere (and in many places, it feels like it's already arrived) it's time to start stocking up on those warm, cuddly knits again. This is one of the reasons I love this time of year, in fact.

I love scarves and gloves and all those wonderful winter accessories and, although many people don't realize this, they can be more than just a method of keeping warm.

Scarves can be worn so many different ways and can be purchased to match outfits, make statements, etc. Same with your other knit accessories. So why not celebrate winter by coordinating the knits you wear with your outfits?

Today's shop, Branda on Etsy, is filled with a variety of knits just for such an idea. They have mitts and cuffs, hats and berets, cowls and scarflettes, scarves and shawls and even a terrific selection of discounted items (at a 30% discount) for pinching your pennies while doing your winter shopping!

The shop is filled with clear, crisp photos and is even organized by color to make it that much easier to find your favorite color or that perfect shade to match the outfits you want to accessorize. And each of their pieces is 100% hand knit as well with a careful eye for quality in every stitch.

Ran by a pair of remarkably talented sisters (Mariana and Paula) in Buenos Aires, Argentina who not only create beautiful knit items for their shop but also have degrees in Architecture and are crafty in a variety of ways besides knitting including designing stained glass art work as well as macrame owl jewelry and original spiral-bound artwork notebooks.

TO VISIT THE MARIANA AND PAULA'S BRANDA SHOP ON ETSY, YOU CAN CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE OR, IF YOU'D RATHER, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

You can also visit their other shops for stained glass art work as well as macrame owl jewelry and original artwork notebooks.

Earthy and Primitive Delights from Northern Lodge

Today's wonderful artisan was looking for someone to feature her shop and as soon as I stopped in to take a peek, I knew that her shop would be a terrific addition to this blog!

Not only does she have a gorgeous variety of work to offer, but this talented artisan is making knits as well! And in my opinion? One of the best things about Autumn's arrival is the fact I can start wearing knits again and cuddling up under soft afghans.

Northern Lodge on Etsy is not just filled with beautiful knits from scarves to hats, as well as afghans, throws, shawls and cowls, but there are also beautifully made wildlife accent pillows and tons of cabin-style primitives and antiques!

And that includes fresh Ponderosa pine cones too! (Do you have any idea how good fresh Ponderosa pinecones smell? If you don't, it's worth it to pick some up just for the experience alone.)

As a Biologist, the amazing artisan behind this shop feels that she has an obligation to create responsibly too! This is something that I personally think is extremely important as well. And, inspired by that belief, the artist behind Northern Lodge uses a variety of up-cycled and eco-friendly products in her creative process.

As a nature lover, I've spent a lot of time in the wilds both camping and in log cabins in places like Montana, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

I've always loved my outdoors time and this shop fits right in with that theme of warm crackling fires, earthy delights and a soft, cozy warmth in the face of winter chill and the upcoming onslaught of snow much of the world is currently preparing for.

If you love primitive styles and warm cozy knits, be sure to stop in and take a look around Northern Lodge, you definitely won't be disappointed by what you find, I know I personally have fallen head over heels for so many of the pieces there... especially the scarves! So visit, enjoy and fall in love with something wonderful!

TO VISIT NORTHERNLODGE ON ETSY YOU CAN CLICK THE PICTURES ABOVE OR, IF YOU'D RATHER, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

Knits aren't just for Winter - CarmenBee on Etsy

I love knit and crochet items and, in the summer, there's really not all that many opportunities to wear them. At least not the conventional styles. Like a good portion of the country, we're in a bit of a heat wave at the moment, after all, and sweaters and scarves really don't help in staying cool.

I'd like to introduce you to another style today that I discovered in Carmen Bee's shop on Etsy.

The summer scarf.

Loosely knit for breathe-ability. Light weight. Colorful. It's perfect!

Scarves like this are fun and flirty and make a great accent for your summer outfits without making you roast beneath the heat of a more densely crocheted design.

This isn't all that CarmenBee offers either. There's knit hats and scarflettes for those below the equator that are getting ready for winter as well as a few crochet baby accessories and even a smattering of jewelry!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT CARMENBEE'S SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, CLICK RIGHT HERE.

You may also enjoy stopping by to visit CarmenBee on Facebook or Twitter!

The Embodiment of Elegance - Tissage on Etsy

Today I have the honor of introducing you to one of the very first shops I ever visited on Etsy and I have to say that the shop definitely left a positive and lasting impression with me.

Although there are plenty of elegant shops and artisan designs on Etsy to browse through, Tissage on Etsy is the first and only shop that comes to mind when I have been asked to recommend a shop that I feel is "The Embodiment of Elegance". I can find more, of course, but when I have to answer off the top of my head this is always the seller that comes to mind and that I refer people to first.

Tissage on Etsy is filled with beautiful handcrafted jewelry, hats, bags and scarves with a touch of vintage style and a pinch of modern romance incorporated into each piece.

Tory, the artist behind all of these elegant works, is well rounded with a veritable cornucopia of talents at her disposal and studies scattered through her past. This includes studying painting in France, weaving in Italy and sculpture in college.

There are so many gorgeous pieces in this shop that I had a hard time picking just two to feature for this post! If you're looking for something elegant, whether for a special occasion, everyday wear or a gift, you're going to want to take a browse in this shop.

TO VISIT TISSAGE ON ETSY YOU CAN CLICK THE PICTURES ABOVE OR, IF YOU'D RATHER, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

You can also stop by and visit Tory from Tissage on Facebook to learn more about new works and sales in her shop.

Felted Soap, Jewelry, and Colorful Handwoven Creations

Today, I'd like to introduce you to something I stumbled across in my browsing that I thought was terrific (and innovative too!)

I love bath products. It's a horrible curse really, because I have extremely sensitive skin. More sensitive than most newborns, it seems. So it limits my choices and leaves me with a super long list of "I want that" bath and body items.

And the item in today's feature? I'm very tempted to try even with that pesky skin problem of mine.

What these are (see the picture?) is felted bath soaps created by Becky Rose Designs on Etsy.

What is felted soap?

"Felted soap functions as a built in washcloth just wet, rub a little to get sudzy and use!

As the soap is used up the felt casing will shrink with it until it gets very small allowing you to use every last bit as well extending the life of your soap.

Once the soap is gone you will be left with a small, great smelling, felt pouch that can be cut open and used to put something special in, or kept as a shower scrubby to use with the other fabulous handmade soaps!" (fr. Becky Rose Designs)

Isn't that a terrific idea??

They also come in a variety of colors and a huge selection of scents including Leinkugels Honey & Berry Weiss (beer soap), Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Chai Tea, Cucumber & Oats, Juniper Breeze, Jack Frost (minty), Lime Twist, Pomegranate, Melon Blast, Lavender, Calendula & Orange Blossom, Rose & Pomegranate, Vanilla Coffee and Almond Joy.

Becky Rose Designs doesn't make just felted soaps either, it's just what caught my eye personally and drew me in! The shop is full of handwoven chenille scarves, jewelry, clutch purses and more. So stop by and take a browse around and I bet you'll find something that catches your eye too.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT BECKY ROSE DESIGNS' SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Graphic Design, Illustration, Typography and More

Today I'm featuring an artist named Christen Strang who is a 23 year old graphic designer and runs the shop Letter Happy on Etsy.

I adore this shop. There's some of the most amazing prints, cards, tees and more there and so beautiful!

The shop is filled with items that have been printed with graphic designs, illustrations and typography quotes. So many beautiful sentiments expressed in creative ways in this shop, they're just amazing. They even have a couple of screen printed jersey scarves that are absolutely beautiful. I'm especially fond of the one in lavender with the ginkgo print.

She also has some adorable baby art prints that would be perfect for a nursery or to give as a gift at a baby shower. I'm sure you'll love this shop as much as I do, so be sure to stop by and take a look around.

TO VISIT CHRISTEN STRANG'S LETTER HAPPY SHOP ON ETSY, YOU CAN CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE OR, IF YOU'D RATHER, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

Crocheted Lovelies and the I Want reflex

Let's talk a minute about the "I want" reflex. We all have it. That moment when you just can't do without something and your impulse by overrides nearly all common sense. Some are more susceptible to it than others and I'm one of those. In fact, I often use this blog to curve those desires before they make me completely broke.

Today's shop inspired my "I want" reflex so intensely that I just can't seem to banish it, and I've returned to Third Eye Artisans' shop repeatedly since discovering it a my temptation grows and grows.

Third Eye Artisans is a shop filled with beautiful crocheted goodies that are gorgeous in both color and style. They offer everything from cowls, scarves, shawls and hats to baby blankets, afghans and even bookmarks and Julie, the artist behind these creations, has an absolutely wonderful eye for color and style.

Julie is one of those people that has a true passion for yarn and loves to experiment and the results are the incorporation of that love and passion into every single item she makes.

I'm sure that while browsing through her shop you're going find something you simply can't live without or will make the perfect gift for that special someone you're shopping for, so be sure to stop by!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT JULIE'S THIRD EYE ARTISANS SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Luxury from France - Gorgeous Handwoven Textiles

I've always had a special fascination for artists that work with textiles and just recently I had the unique experience of watching someone work at a loom.

After having this experience, I've come to the conclusion that the artists who do this type of work are visionaries.

In my opinion, they're not just artisans but rate up there with oil painters who make unique, breathtaking landscapes.

The amount of vision required to create these beautiful pieces of art that are produced from a loom is extraordinary and I came across a shop on Etsy the other day that offers a variety of just this sort of wearable art.

Gill Back's shop "Tisserande" on Etsy is filled with a beautiful variety of scarves and shawls that are all handwoven on a floor loom using all natural fibers. The artist especially enjoys working with silk, but also uses cashmere, alpaca, linen and cotton. There's even an offer for requesting custom ordering if you see a design you like but would prefer it in different colors than those offered.

Each piece is beautifully made and photographed for a pleasure to browse through.

After starting out when given an old 1930's loom, Gill Back now has a studio in France and an absolutely beautiful shop on Etsy to browse through so be sure to stop by and check it out. A small selection of the wool used to make these beautiful creations is even produced from a small flock of the artist's own sheep!

I'm personally drawn to the silk and cashmere pieces, because I love the way fabrics made with those textiles lay and move but I can't think of a single thing in Gill Back's shop that I wouldn't love to own and wear.

TO VISIT THE GILL BACK'S TISSERANDE SHOP ON ETSY, YOU CAN CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE OR, IF YOU'D RATHER, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

The Secret to Living is Giving

Subtle, sweet and sexy is what you'll find in a browse through today's featured shop, and if you're like me and these things appeal to you... you're going to *love* iLE AiYE's shop for sure!

iLE AiYE sells some of the most beautiful hand-knit pieces I have ever seen, some of them with a nearly ethereal quality to them that I find completely irresistible!

She sells everything from chunky hats to romantic gloves as well as shrugs, cardigans, scarfs and jackets. All of which show a true eye for color and delecate beauty. And, thanks to her son, they're all displayed to a kind of perfection that most of us who take our own product pictures can only hope to achieve!

Everything in iLE AiYE's store is hand knitted, designed and produced by iLE AiYE herself. If you want something truly unique, this is definitely the store for you, too! She's a truly talented woman who taught herself to knit and has been doing it ever since for just over 6 years now! She never learned to read or execute a knitting patter, therefore, she makes up her own patterns and designs so you're guaranteed a unique and truly one-of-a-kind piece when you order from her shop.

I could really go on and on and on about this woman's work. It's just beautiful and so unique that you have to see it for yourself. Also be sure to check out iLE AiYE's profile. It's filled with tons of interesting information about the artist and you won't want to miss it!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT ILEAIYE'S SHOP AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, CLICK RIGHT HERE.