Etsy Shop for handmade4baby

A Meander Across Flax Fields Bibs

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:17:10 -0400

$50.00
Sun, beautiful skies and flax fields stretching out to the horizon inspired this set of linen bibs. Linen, which is produced from flax, is an amazing fabric that is hypoallergenic, practical and one of the most ecologically sound fibers available. On top of these great properties, linen knits up into such pretty fabrics!

These 100% linen bibs are hand knit and can go from “Sunday Best” to every day. They have plenty of absorbency power for drool, escaped baby food and the inevitable spill -- and the fabric gets stronger when wet. Afterwards, throw the bibs in a lingerie bag (to keep the wooden button from catching on anything) and wash with regular colors – then go ahead, put them in the dryer. If you want to keep that crisp look, an iron on high heat while the bibs are still damp will do the trick. The fabric will get shinier and softer with every wash and will last longer than its cotton counterpart.

Each bib closes with a 7/8” wooden button and measures 11.5 inches in length (including the straps) and 6.5 inches wide.

The set will ship within 24 hours of payment confirmation via your indication of either USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

HFB on EZs Tomten (9 Mos to 2 Yrs Old)

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:17:10 -0400

$75.00
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s body of work is knitting genius! For those of you who may not be familiar with her, many of today’s knitwear designers use Zimmermann’s techniques as a jumping off point for sweater, jacket and hat design because of her focus on classical yet functional form, movement away from fussy assemblage and the simplicity of her design that allows for the yarn’s innate beauty to be focal point of a garment.

Using her original Tomten jacket formula in combination with hand dyed and hand painted superwash merino sock yarn, here is a feminine, contemporary take on Zimmermann’s original modular jacket. Lofty, soft (without an ounce of itchiness) and stretchy, this jacket will warm your toddler through several cool seasons, loosely fitting a one year old while comfortably enrobing a three year old. The hood and attached, adjustable slide buckle belt complete the elfin look.

Since the garment is made of 100% superwash merino, you can put this jacket in a lingerie bag and machine wash in the gentle cycle. As always, you can hand wash in tepid water with a mild soap if you prefer. Machine dry on low heat or roll up in a towel and dry flat. No need to send it off to the dry cleaners!

If you like this jacket but have different sizing, color or materials needs, please visit my Alchemy page and we can work up a design suited for you and your little one.

This jacket will ship within 48 hours of payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

**Thanks Jer for letting Reiko be my model :)

Wrapped up in Summer Kimono (1-3 Years Old)

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:17:10 -0400

$350.00
Deeply aquamarine water and sun kissed shores are at the heart of many childhood summers. Summer sings with vibrancy from the heat and the ways we try to escape it to the return of daily life to a more hedonistic rhythm centered on refreshing repasts with friends and family. Memories of summers past and anticipation for summers to come can carry some of us through the colder, rainier months.

The key colors and textures of a day at the beach are captured in this hand knit, luxurious 100% bamboo kimono accentuated with crocheted silk trim and belt. Bamboo yarn was chosen because it is a renewable resource that is often harvested without killing the plant. Besides being the environmentally friendly choice, bamboo is naturally antibacterial, has UV protective properties, is breathable and cool and is softer than silk when spun. The yarn used for the cuffs, hem and neckband of this piece are from a company that

"…works with several job creation programs in South Africa by giving artisans the confidence and the means to support themselves and their families in an otherwise economically depressed region. The empowerment groups have grown to include over 200 villagers, mostly female members of the Xhosa tribe, who live in Cape Town, the Eastern Cape region and Johannesburg. Participants are responsible for making mohair, bamboo and organic cotton yarns, accessories and home goods. Many of the women depend on their work for their survival. With the help of experienced program directors, the women are able to work in stable environments where they can earn a fair wage, learn a new skill and enjoy their jobs."

Also eco- and ethically conscious, the silk trim is from an artisanal yarn studio that uses low impact dyes and fair trade sources for its materials.

The stretchiness of this kimono and the attached, adjustable slide buckle belt will see your toddler through several summers, loosely fitting a one year old while comfortably enrobing a three year old. It’s a perfect piece to and from the beach, for daytime and evening strolls as well as for both formal and informal family gatherings.

On care of this piece: Since bamboo does get weaker when it gets wet, please handwash in tepid water with a gentle soap when soiled. However, go ahead and throw this piece in a dryer (in a lingerie bag to protect the buckle) set on low to medium heat or roll in a towel and lay flat to dry. Press with a warm iron.

If you like this kimono but have different sizing or materials needs, please visit my Alchemy page and we can work up a design suited for you and your little one.

The kimono will ship within 48 hours of payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

First Snow About to Fall Baby Blanket

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:16:38 -0400

$350.00
As an adult it’s mostly enjoyable to spend the months of November through February where you won’t have to shovel driveways and sidewalks, but there is something to be said about being a child anticipating the first snow of winter. Memories of late November and coming home from school filled my head as I started this blanket: a slightly humid chill in the air burning my cheeks, crunchy leaves underfoot while the evergreen needles still glowed emerald, a greyish, silvery sky that seemed to promise that there would be a snow day soon.

Please share that excitement and your own memories with your little one with this luxurious 50% alpaca, 50% silk blanket. The fibers and double-sided brioche stitches combine to make pockets to trap warm air that are perfect for keeping baby toasty when it’s frigid. Measuring 25” x 33”, this piece works best as a stroller blanket and/or a toddler’s blankie. It even makes an ideal lap blanket to warm up grown-up babies who are subjected to sitting in cold lecture halls, libraries or offices.

Handwash in tepid water or use a lingerie bag to wash on the delicate cycle. Roll blanket up in a towel to press out excess water and dry flat on another towel. Otherwise, dry clean. Expect some snagging in the life cycle of the blanket since the stitches are designed for softness and warmth. Repair by simply stretching out the fabric and the snags will be reabsorbed by the fabric. Store long term with cedar blocks or lavender to keep moths away from your heirloom.

The blanket will ship within 24 hours of payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

Four Elements Log Cabin Baby Blanket

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:16:38 -0400

$200.00
Many ancient cultures believed that the manifest universe is a result of the interplay between earth, water, fire and air. The connection and flow between these elements lies at the heart of this 100% kettle dyed merino, hand knit blanket. Distinct blocks of color come together in a variation on the traditional “log cabin” blanket. Not only visually stimulating, the stitch patterns were chosen to highlight the buttery soft and lofty quality of this chunky yarn. Since you and baby won’t feel an ounce of itch, using this blanket to keep your little one cozy will be a pleasure. Plus, since merino breathes, it’ll trap in warmth without generating sweaty discomfort.

Measuring 25" x 33.5", this piece is great as a stroller blanket and/or a toddler’s blankie. It even makes an ideal lap blanket to warm up grown-up babies who are subjected to sitting in cold lecture halls, libraries or offices.

Handwash in tepid water or use a lingerie bag to wash on the delicate cycle. Roll blanket up in a towel to press out excess water and dry flat on another towel. Otherwise, dry clean. Expect some pilling in the life cycle of the blanket since the yarn was designed for softness and warmth, and shave pills off as needed. Store long term with cedar blocks or lavender to keep moths away from your heirloom.

The blanket will ship within 24 hours of payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

Stars in Stripes Baby Beanie (Yellow and Flax for Preemie)

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:16:38 -0400

$16.95
Hand knit star-textured stripes in 100% Organically Grown, Fair Trade Cotton make for a baby beanie that’s fun but also ethical and environmentally conscious. The yarn manufacturer

…uses fully certified organic cotton which keeps nature pure and life good for the farmers who make their living from the earth – each batch of cotton can be traced directly back to the certified farms in India where the cotton has been grown.

This yellow and flax beanie is for a preemie with a hat circumference of 11 to 12 inches and height of 5 to 5.5 inches.

As for washing, please handwash in tepid water or put in lingerie bag and wash on the delicate cycle. Dry on low heat and pull out while slightly damp, re-shape and/or dry flat on a towel.

The listed item will ship within 48 hours of payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. Please contact me if you would like a price quote for shipment outside the United States.

Stars in Stripes Baby Beanie (Petal Pink, Flax and Natural for 0 to 3 months)

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:48 -0400

$19.95
Hand knit star-textured stripes in 100% Organically Grown, Fair Trade Cotton make for a baby beanie that’s fun but also ethical and environmentally conscious. The yarn manufacturer

…uses fully certified organic cotton which keeps nature pure and life good for the farmers who make their living from the earth – each batch of cotton can be traced directly back to the certified farms in India where the cotton has been grown.

This petal pink, flax and natural beanie is sized for 0 to 3 months with a hat circumference of 12.5 to 16 inches and height of 6.5 to 7 inches.

As for washing, please handwash in tepid water or put in lingerie bag and wash on the delicate cycle. Dry on low heat and pull out while slightly damp, re-shape and/or dry flat on a towel.

Currently, this item is on back order and will ship 5 to 7 business days after payment confirmation via USPS Priority Flat Rate. If you need the item sooner, please let me know and we will work out if the process can be expedited.

Field Trip to the Apple Orchard Kimono/Sleeper

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:03:27 -0400

$80.00
NOW MORE COLOR COMBINATIONS!!! Along with the original Maize with Bark, Pumpkin and Pear Band, this item also comes in Gravel with Pumpkin, Maize and Zucchini Band AND Lavender with Pumpkin, Maize and Cherry Band.

As an elementary school kid, it really wasn’t Fall until it was time for the class field trip to go apple picking at a nearby farm. We’d pile up into a school bus, drive for an hour or two and arrive at a farm. Upon arrival, we’d climb into horse drawn wagons lined with fresh hay and get taken out to pick our pumpkins. As we progressed in school, there would eventually be the corn maze and the exhilaration of the race to escape the tall, willowy greenish yellow stalks before anyone else. Always, there were brown paper bags full of apples – red, yellow, green – that would inevitably become the subject of some educational activity involving either apple cider, apple pie or candied apples.

This 100% Organically Grown Cotton sleeper/kimono echoes the colors and textures of a field trip to an apple orchard. For newborns up to infants 6 months old, this piece comes as a sleeper with front seam partially sewn shut. However, the front seam is left open for older babies, and the piece is a kimono that can grow with baby. For both styles, three wooden toggles serve as closures - easy for both adult and little hands to button up. This Autumn Field Trip inspired sleeper/kimono is a perfect accompaniment to your new Fall adventures with your little one.

The item as pictured and priced is for a newborn. Please inquire about additional sizes and prices.

This item is on back order and will ship 7 to 14 business days after payment has been received. If you need the piece sooner, please let me know and we can work out expediting the process.

Care is relatively simple: Hand wash in tepid water or use a lingerie bag to wash on the delicate cycle. Roll blanket up in a towel to press out excess water and dry flat on another towel away from sunlight or dry on medium heat. Iron on cotton setting if desired. Otherwise, dry clean. Store out of direct sunlight to protect your heirloom from fading.

Autumn Baskets Beanie (0 to 3 months)

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:56:33 -0400

$19.95
New COLORS available!!! Along with the original Squash with Pine, Maize and Pear Band, now this design comes in Cherry (which reads a little pink in photos but is a vibrant cherry red) with Pear, Maize and Dusk Band AND in Maize with Cherry, Pear and Squash Band. All colors to celebrate the joys of Fall.

Growing up on the East Coast, Autumn always meant piles of leaves to jump in and baskets everywhere - filled with pumpkins, squashes, gourds, apples, and (most deliciously) candy. Although the days are shorter and school tames the summer savages, Fall is always full of holidays to anticipate - from the sugar-induced glee of Halloween to the food comas of Thanksgiving.

This beanie celebrates these memories and hopes to serve as an accompaniment to your little one's own discovery of the wonders in Autumn Baskets.

Care is relatively simple: Hand wash in tepid water or use a lingerie bag to wash on the delicate cycle. Roll blanket up in a towel to press out excess water and dry flat on another towel away from sunlight or dry on medium heat. Iron on cotton setting if desired. Otherwise, dry clean. Store out of direct sunlight to protect your heirloom from fading.

Other sizes available: 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months. Please inquire about price.

At the Autumn Farmers Market Baby Blanket

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:43:12 -0400

$200.00
NOW ADDITIONAL COLOR COMBOS AVAILABLE!!! In addition to the original Tomato, Squash, Curry, Thistle and Fern with Pine Border, this blanket is also available in Rose, Poppy, Grass, Thistle and Lavender with Nut Border AND Grass, Periwinkle, Nut, Graphite and Tomato with Pine Border.

Autumn Farmers Markets have a hustle and bustle like no other time of the year. A walk through the stalls feeds every sense as one’s brain gobbles up the sights of an endless variety of shapes and shades of fruits and vegetables. Earthy, fresh, savory scents fill the air and there is a cheerful symphony of conversations about this year’s crop, recipes exchanged and peals of children’s laughter as they get to hold the candied apple all by themselves for the first time. Perhaps, it’s the invigorating crispness of the air combined with the lower angle of the sun in the sky that enhances our perceptions of vibrant colors and distinctive textures. Traditionally, the Cornucopia symbolizes Autumn’s sensual abundance – a bottomless Farmers Market in miniature.

This image of the Horn of Plenty encapsulates everything great about Fall that should wrap baby up in buttery 100% Organically Grown Cotton. Using the Log Cabin technique of building one block of color upon the previous blocks and a quilted stitch, this 28” x 39” blanket is a two dimensional abstraction of the Cornucopia. It would make a great stroller blanket, toddler’s blankie and/or crib lining (please note if crib use is your intention and ties will be added to the blanket to make that possible). It even makes an ideal lap blanket to warm up grown-up babies at those outdoor fall sporting events.

Care is relatively simple: Hand wash in tepid water or use a lingerie bag to wash on the delicate cycle. Roll blanket up in a towel to press out excess water and dry flat on another towel away from sunlight or dry on medium heat. Iron on cotton setting if desired. Otherwise, dry clean. Store out of direct sunlight to protect your heirloom from fading.

The blanket as pictured will ship within 48 hours of payment confirmation. Alternate color choices ship 7 to 14 days after payment confirmation since they are made to order items.