Farewell Renegade!

After two 8 hour days, the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco is over. Following a month or so of cranking out gloves, freaking out at least once a day, but mostly getting excited, the fair seemed to come and go in a flash. It was my first experience as a vendor and hopefully not my last. It was wonderful to hear direct feedback from shoppers and get insight into what types of items they were (and weren't) looking for. But nothing made my heart swell more than seeing people try on gloves.

Although my shopping time was limited, I was able to find a few new favorite spots in the sea of boundless talent and cuteness. This list could not be complete without featuring my very lovely coworkers and boothmates.

New Leaf Knits features pendants and earrings hand knit with fine materials and ultra thin stainless steel. Along with a variety of designs and colors, New Leaf Knits offers the choice between sterling silver or gold fill.

Red Red Leaf Earrings, $24

You will find plenty of innovative crocheted accessories at Michelle McCoskey's Alligator Factory. She is most known for her line of alligator scarves, which will soon be available through her Etsy store. In the meantime, check out her website here.

Alligator scarf, $75

Adorable hand printed, eco-friendly tees from Mary Ink. Clean and cute designs, super soft and comfy tees, and friendly service. Browse Mary Ink's selection of tees and pick your size!

Organic T-Shirt in Bottle Print, $28

Yokomono Studio

offers an array of handcrafted goodies, including totes, lunch bags, wine carriers, and tissue paper cozies. They are so beautiful and well made that I'm convinced it will make you wonder how you ever lived without that hand sewn tissue box cover.

poipoi Big Tote - Yellow Mustard, $88

I had the fortune of being neighbors with Big Stone Head, two lovely gents who are happy to sell you any number of funny shirts, minibooks, silk screened pillows, and cards. Great ideas for gifts or treats for yourself. I promise they will make you popular (much unlike BSH's Avery Monsen and Jory John).

All My Friends Are Dead Shirt, $20

Upcoming Updates

Although it doesn't seem like it from the lack of shop updates, I've been a busy bee. While my poor camera is off in some warehouse having who knows what done to do to get it up and running again, I've been expanding my collection of accessories in order to stage a "grand reopening" after the Renegade Craft Fair is over.

What's in store? (No pun intended. Alright, who am I kidding? It was intended.)

1) More luxurious mitts.

I find so much joy in wearing and working with fine materials that I'm considering shifting my focus away from acrylic gloves and moving it more toward 100% merino wool. Acrylic has been great because it is easy to care for (machine wash and dry), perfect for those allergic to wool, and affordable. But the wool I've found is more durable (less pilling), softer, stretchier, more breathable, machine washable (!), and most importantly, gorgeous.


Although my cost of materials increases four-fold, I really think they are worth it. Because of this, they will run $32 compared to their $24 acrylic counterparts.


2) Expanded selection of Morning Fog Mitts.

I've so enjoyed wearing and making my OWN Morning Fog Mitts that I've put together over a dozen new color combinations. I love how versatile they are and how they help pull an outfit together. Plus they're surprisingly warm! And as I found out last week, they are even bar night approved.

3) An actual kid's collection!

I've been making tons of adorable, itty-bitty kid's gloves, but without a model to show them off, what's the point? I've secured a possible baby model and I hope to get that collection up and running before summer ends.

4) Eco-happy cotton gloves.

Although I'm pretty much cold most of the time, I do have to realize that it's summer most everywhere else. I'm brainstorming ideas for organic cotton gloves that are very light and worn for style over function. Think garden party-esque.

5) New pictures.

Easily the most important, but most daunting task. Item photographs are incredibly crucial, and I know I have a lot of work ahead of me figuring out which direction I want to take. Although I don't enjoy having to be my own model, it has been much easier than working around someone else's schedule. Plus, until we get actual curtains, I'm sure I'm amusing my boring neighbors.

I Heart: linkeldesigns

I always find that it's easy to get overwhelmed looking at jewelry on Etsy, so when I find a good shop, I stick to it. This afternoon I entertained myself at work by abusing the "Pounce" feature and I was lucky enough to find a shop (Linkel Designs) that offered adorable, affordable, and fun jewelry pieces. Although this mother/daughter duo don't seem to be strangers to sales, this shop still seems cozy and sweet to me. After much deliberation, I was able to narrow down the 14 pages and pick my favorite 4 items.

(click pictures to view listing)


Pretty Pale Rose, $10 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cranberry Swirl Earrings, $9

Odette Necklace, $24.50 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cherry Blossom Ring, $10