People Who Aren't in the Group (YET...) ;)

Naturally, the first thing I think of when I want to buy something locally handmade is--say it with me--Wichita Handmade!!

But...there isn't anyone in the group yet that offers local wool.  (Or any wool, for that matter.)  Then I realize that there are other craftspeople in the area who may not have an etsy shop, and therefore, aren't in the group...yet.  

Here are some Kansas goodies that you haven't seen at Wichita Handmade...YET!!!

Head down to Historic Delano and there you will find a lil' yarn shop called Twist; inside, the walls are lined with skein after skein of magically delicious yarns!  And there, you will also find bags of lovely, unspun wool, waiting to be made into lovely, knittable filament, courtesy of Naked Pines Ranch.  [I am currently working through a bag of luscious brown alpaca...]

If you're looking for something new, check out the Mosley Street Market.  This hidden gem is located at 312 N. Mosley; the format is similar to a flea market, and the shops are varied.  There are a few sellers who deal mainly in mass-produced wares, but there are also quite a few who sell their handmade items.

This is the first lovely I bought from the market, and I am so sad to say that I did not find out the name of the lady who makes these cute wallets, pouches, and purses.  But she was sewing when I purchased it!

I also bought a soy lotion candle [scent: Cool Rain] from Good Stuff Inc., and my mom found some great hand cream there, too.  (And this cream--it works soooo much better than anything from a department store!)

These are just a few examples of the sweet handmade things you can find here in Wichita.  There are many more, and I will no doubt keep you updated on the crafty goodness in posts to come.

Peace out!

Leanne

{Folk.etsy.com and SugarPickle.etsy.com}

Mend & Make Do! (Just like the British circa World War II....)

One of the things I love most about being able to craft and create is that it is a character-builder; it's a way to take responsibility, be a good steward, and gain appreciation for things so many take for granted.  How so, you ask? 

As a crafter, I have the capability to give new life to things that are old, worn out, or just out-dated. And, I can take trash and turn it into treasure.  One of my favorite ways of doing this is by fusing plastic grocery sacks into a strong, tarp-like material and creating wallets or grocery totes that can be used over and over again.

Alternately, if I do want something new, I can choose materials that, while not reused, are still sustainable.  Like this dress, made from a bamboo fabric.  Bamboo is incredible; it grows fast, needs much less room than cotton, requires no pesticides or fertilizers, and--get this--is naturally anti-microbial!!  PLUS--it feels soooo soft and fabulous...  (What isn't to love about it?!)

Because I am making things daily, I know what goes into an object.  I have a greater respect for materials, and hate to see anything thrown into the trash, only to take up space in a landfill.  My newest project reflects this.  Be warned, it is an experiment!!  I really am not a crocheter, but I'm doing a very simple stitch to create a basket made from long, stringy scraps of cotton fabric that I've been saving.  I just started this afternoon and will let you know how it turns out!  

These are just a few examples of how one can use their crafty skillz to save money and be less wasteful.  :)

Signing off, 

Leanne of folk.etsy.com and sugarpickle.etsy.com