Three varied sources provided shopping destinations for the home, low-cost and attractive jewelery and accessories, as well as vintage sewing patterns.
We found Beyond Wonderland at the Maker Faire in San Mateo (California) recently and had a hard time deciding on our choices. Headbands and hairclips were excellent picks for grandchildren and we considered the button earrings for ourselves. Zipper pouches were another practical use put to the marvelous fabrics available at this site. There are iPhone cases, ribbon bracelets, card holders and wallets to tempt as well.
At the same Faire, Decades of Styles Patterns have lured many a sewer, including one of our daughters, featuring “high-quality reproductions of the original sewing patterns. The eras covered are from 1900 through 1959. And we have 9 sizes available in every style from bust size 30″ up through bust size 46! Select styles are available in 12 sizes.”
We’ve discovered that the basic, good-looking homey implements are becoming popular once more as in evidenced at Brook Farm General Store. Take for instance the Rubber Ducky; if you’ve listened to the reports about phthalates recently, even this ancient icon of children’s play has been identified as a source of that chemical. Here’s what Brook Farm says about their version:
“Made in Spain from natural rubber, this classic rubber duckie is the perfect bath toy. These ducks are naturally phthalate free, and all the details are individually hand painted with non-toxic paints. And they squeak. Choose from sitting duck or standing duck.”
An organic stuffed goose could tempt the most enthusiastic vegetarian and even though I have more birthdays than I care to admit, a package of beeswax candles could grace my next cake. Garden tools are always tempting (you can never have too many secateurs, can you? Okay, they’re pruners to us) as these Fog Linen cloths are, too. Consider a super soft linen and cotton beach towel or wrap from 8 Knots, a small company based on Shelter Island. Comes in its own linen sack, and with a handmade glass evil eye charm to bring you good luck all summer long.
Finally, try the solar-powered or hand cranked radio. Fully charged, the radio will play for seven hours. Also works with headphones, FM/AM/WB and only 3″ x 3.25″.
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