Quilting has come a long way since your Grandma’s weeknight hobby classes. And New York City artist, Carrie Strine, is proving it with her beautiful quilts, modern stitch work, and pattern.

I’ve always admired the labor-intensive diligence that goes in to quilting, but my admiration has soared to a new level now that I have found Carrie’s work.

Visit Carrie Strine’s portfolio site and shop to view more from this talented artist and maker.

I am so impressed with today’s shop of the day, Seaoats, I am kinda out a loss for words. So, I am going to have to let Malina say a few…

“[Seaoats creates] handmade eco-friendly clutches, pouches, and pencil cases made from reclaimed fabrics and hand-printed screen prints using non-toxic and environmentally friendly inks. I’ve designed products that are eco-friendly by scouring the plethora of thrift stores here for secondhand fabrics and reclaimable materials…“

And as if being environmental conscience, hand-printing, and hand sewing each piece weren’t enough on its own, each screen printed image found on these clutches and pouches is actually a photograph that was taken by Malina and/or  her husband. Wow!

It is obvious that the craftsmanship and attention to detail here is impeccable.

Visit Seaoats on etsy to view all of Malina’s hand-sewn pouches and more.

This Wishbone Stitch Circle by The Merriweather Council $22.

If you’re in the market for a cozy case for your latest technology purchase, I recommend Australian-based shop Ambette for iphone and ipad cases, laptop pouches, and more.

The fun colors, durable materials, and affordable prices make these cases a great gift for any techie in your life (boy or girl). Or just pick one up for yourself. I am really feelin’ this felt fuchsia iphone case. You like?

Visit Ambette to view the entire collection.

Although Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chair has become a clear iconic piece, some of his other work has been a bit less known. His Sawbuck chair, designed in 1951, was re-released through Room & Board following Wegner’s passing in 2007. Its warm combination of walnut and oak combined with the handcrafted look of interlocking joinery make this piece a classic in its own right. Strong clean lines in a comfortable relaxed lounge-style add personality and texture to your modern living space.

The joinery of the Sawbuck Chair’s connections is echoed by the clearly handcrafted nature of today’s accessory picks. Bent walnut veneer is held in a curve by a smoky acrylic base to provide a place to store a few bottles of wine. Handprinted fabric in a offbeat geometric patterned pillow adds a touch of color to the scene. A reclaimed piece of wood is modified to become a centerpiece iPod stand, while a set of ceramic nesting bowls in a sage tone can be placed all in one place or used singly to hold precious items. A gullwing bench with a walnut frame is laced in danish cord to add another layer of handcrafted texture.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.

How cute are these bunting bags from The Green Gables?

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg because the folks at KKi employ women in Northern Uganda to crochet the products (like the ones below) that are sold in the KKi shop. Pretty amazing, huh?

More about the Krochet Kids International project… “Each day, a group of women in Northern Uganda gather in a simple brick hut to begin work. Their tools are small, just a hook and some yarn, yet the end product is something much more meaningful than a style accessory. The crocheted products these women are making have a far reaching impact. They provide immediate stability for their families, share about the realities of poverty, and their sale promotes the development of their community.

The Krochet Program was born out of our love for crocheting and our desire to make a difference. Currently, there are ten Ugandan women who are crocheting hats and enjoying a newfound livelihood. This new opportunity is supplemented with other educational training to help them sustain and provide for their families both now and in the years to come.” Read more…

Please visit Krochet Kids International today, and support this inspiring non-profit that is making a difference in the lives of others.

Love this bib necklace from Flora Bond. Really makes a statement, doesn’t it?

A team of three crafting cousins, Minami, Wendy and Jennifer, make up 우리 Handmade (pronounced U-RI meaning mine or our in Korean language), a small handmade accessories shop with unusual and adorable creations. This denim headband is my favorite, and its a steal at under $20.

What’s yours?

]]> http://papernstitchblog.com/2010/08/24/%ec%9a%b0%eb%a6%ac-handmade/feed/ 0 http://papernstitchblog.com/2010/08/20/bunting-fever-the-green-gables/ http://papernstitchblog.com/2010/08/20/bunting-fever-the-green-gables/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:42:02 +0000 papernstitch http://papernstitchblog.com/?p=22187

I think its safe to say, the bunting craze is here to stay. I personally love it. And so I naturally adore today’s shop of the day on the exhibition site: The Green Gables. I feel like I get bunting fever when I visit this shop. So fun!

And at the risk of using the word bunting for the fourth time (I know, I’m sorry), all I can think about right now are these fabric bunting / garlands and how they would be the perfect end-of-summer party decoration. What do you think?

Special Offer: 20% off everything in The Green Gables etsy shop THIS WEEKEND ONLY! No code necessary. Refund via paypal.

So, hurry on over and visit The Green Gables on etsy to explore more handmade items for you and your home.