Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

OS Handmade

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Do you remember Space Invaders? Do you have cold toes?

OS Handmade: Felted slippers are made using hot water and soap – one of the most sustainable processes in textile
Wool (not merino) used for these slippers is very soft and thin what makes these slippers feel like a second skin on your feet. Your feet will be warm on a cold day and cool on a hot day due to insulation properties of the wool fibers.
Soles are covered with natural latex what makes wool slippers safe to walk around the house (not slippery).

Multicolor Neck Cozy

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You know those days when, GAH!, you just want to get your flipping hair out of your face and off your neck? I bought this ‘neck cozy’ and it does just that.

Sure, next winter I’ll be using it to keep out the chill, but for now this is an incredibly wide, lusciously soft, and beautifully electric-colored headband. By ABCreativeDesigns. (Oh, and she also makes these for dogs and that makes me laugh and laugh and laugh. And envy dogs.)

Falling for Red

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Along with the changing leaves and dropping temperatures comes the new fall fashion and color trends. I already reported on capes and leopard print, and last but not least is the color red. I have to admit that the only red thing I own is lipstick, and that only goes on for special occasions, but that may change this season. The color red screams confidence and strength, and, well, who doesn’t want more of that?

A red party dress is the perfect way to stand out in a crowd of little black dresses. This silk option by Ikvot ha Mashiach has wonderful detailing–a series of sweet ruffles and pleats–coupled with a classic and universally flattering cut that accents the smallest part of your waist. Paired with a simple heel and jewelry, this dress is sure to turn heads.

This poncho by Sandmaiden is handmade from beautiful red hand-dyed wool jersey. It features a peter pan collar and belted closure, as well as a sophisticated cut that can be worn casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a skirt and heels. If aren’t too eager to wear red this season, this poncho comes in nine other colors. Best of all, it’s sewn to your specific measurements.

A red purse is a great way to make a statement with color this season. This leather option by Art On Crafts is perfect for work or running errands on the weekend. It features a zipper closure, both interior and exterior pockets, and plenty of room for all your odds and ends. The detailing on this bag is excellent; I love the larger zipper pulls and white stitching.

My mom always told me I should wear more red. This year I’m going to take her advice and pair my red lipstick with an equally red and stunning dress!

**The painting featured at the top of this post was created by Shira Sela.

Beware the Design Piracy Prohibition Act (HR 2196)

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If you care about being able to buy indie fashions, then you will be horrified to learn about the Design Piracy Prohibition Act (HR 2196). On the face, it seems reasonable. The purported goal is to prevent designers from ripping off styles from others, but their methods are insane.

Under this legislation, however, designers will need to consult with a lawyer throughout the design process to ensure that every new design created could not subjectively be found at a later date to be “closely and substantially similar” to one protected in the Copyright registry…

Further, young, up-and-coming designers would be susceptible to legal intimidation from designing anything new at all, as they would likely not have the resources to fight a legal challenge in court…

While the bill purports to keep all fashion designs that have existed in the past free and open for all to use, the legislation would allow the ability to copyright non-original design elements in the public domain if arranged in an original way.

Moreover, since there is no test for originality, the registry will begin to be populated with designs that from the public domain. Thus, a designer who draws upon inspiration from the public domain, can easily find himself/herself stuck in costly litigation. – Fashion Incubator via Boing Boing

And guess who is one of the main people behind this bill which takes protection away from independent designers? Diane Von Furstenberg. You remember her, she’s the famous iconic designer who blatantly copied the design of a small designer and apparently thought no one would notice.

Kathleen Fasanella of Fashion Incubator has great suggestions for getting the word out and making sure indie voices are heard. So send emails, sign the petition, and hope that the people in charge see the light.