Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

What’s In Season Now: December Edition

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When I ventured outside to do chores this morning the thermometer registered a whopping thirteen degrees fahrenheit and this is only the second week of truly winter-like weather we’ve had; which means colder — much colder — is to come. In light of the temperature you can probably understand why I might have some reservations about writing a feature on What’s in Season Now; because here, almost nothing is in season. And as a fair weather kind of woman that makes me terribly cranky. If I’m honest what I really want to write is ‘NOTHING’, stomp my feet and pound my fists a bit for good measure and be done with it.

Sure, there are season-less and storable local fare available in the north. Meats, honey, jams and preserves, winter squashes, potatoes and other root crops, dried beans and grains are all getting a lot of mileage on our dinner table — and venison really is in season — but that’s hardly comforting when I know in locales south there are pomegranates falling from the backyard trees on which they grow and tangerines being harvested in earnest. It’s hardly comforting when I know in the heat of the southern, winter sun a second farmer’s market season is only just getting started.

So, what’s in season now where you are? That entirely depends; perhaps more so than during any other time of year. If you’re in the cold, white north as am I, nothing — or at least very little. If you’re in the warmer south however, some of the most delicious fruits of the season may very well be filling local market tables.

In cold climates look for:

  • Meat
  • Jams
  • Preserves
  • Honey
  • Grains
  • Dried Beans
  • Winter Squash
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Greens
  • Apples
  • Pumpkin

If you’re in a warm climate look for:

  • Citrus – Tangerines, Oranges, Grape Fruit, Lemons, Limes and the like
  • Pomegranate
  • Persimmons
  • Shallots
  • Leeks
  • and a second season for those items mentioned in summer editions of What’s In Season Now

One a Day

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Carmel Apple Preserves by BiscottiQueen

I’ve never been one to do the tourist thing. As much as I love to travel, to get out, to meet new people, to try new foods; I much prefer to do all of the above as if I were a local. I find it even more difficult to swallow when the tourist thing surrounds an activity so warmly familiar it seems routine. My children on the other hand find joyous fun in even the simplest Saturday afternoon outings. It’s with that in mind that I found myself this past Saturday frequenting an overly-crowded and even more overly-priced — albeit local — orchard and cider mill. And yes, I did have fun.

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Maine, USA

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[hTara]

My step-sister, Kate, is back in Pennsylvania this week for some visiting before she starts graduate school in the fall. She might be in between “homes” right now – aren’t all students? But she’s called Maine home for the last 5 years. So in honor of her and her own fabulous creativity, “Shop Local” is coming at you from the land of moose, snow, and trees!

Anabelfuzz - Reversible Cotton Bonnet

Anabelfuzz creates delightful children’s bonnets, clothing, and accessories. They are quite obviously inspired by the climate of Maine. Some bonnets are lined with soft and warm cotton sherpa. Others are meant to keep ears warm on cool spring mornings. There are also apparel items with a distinctly New England shore feel. [Read more…]

Fall Capes

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Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s just cold enough to curl up with a blanket and hot tea, but still warm enough to enjoy a walk outside. When I lived in Chicago, I used to hit the pavement every weekend in my favorite fall outfit: jeans, boots, and a cute fall jacket. This year, however, jackets are being replaced with capes, and I, for one, couldn’t be more thrilled. Can you think of anything else so functional and chic?

This short and hooded gray cape by Dainty Things is the perfect combination of simplicity and style. Made of soft fleece, it is sure to keep you warm, and the neutral color will go with every outfit. Dress it up with a sparkly brooch or wear it as is for a more casual look.

I just love the charming plaid pattern, and large wooden button on this sweet cape by Qinliumei. The gray-lined hood and soft wool fabric will block out the cool fall wind, while the cropped sleeves are perfect for showing off a stylish pair of gloves. Falling around the hips, the length of this cape flatters all body types. And best of all, red is in this season.

I couldn’t gush more about this cape by Artlab, which can be made in tan, black or gray. I just love the drama of this piece: the longer front and shorter sides, as well as the lovely sculpted fabric around the neckline. Made of medium weight cotton, it won’t feel too heavy while you’re on your fall walk, and you’re sure to turn plenty of heads along the way.

If I make it home to visit this fall, I may just have to splurge on one of these sweet capes to keep me warm. Every one of them would look great with my jeans and boots!

**The beautiful photograph of rural Illinois featured at the top of this post was created by Lauren Powers Photography.

Modica Design

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Modica Design: Inspired by an unlikely marriage of materials, I made my first line of resin-infused wood jewelry in 2002. At that time, I majored in furniture design, while also exploring metalsmithing. Both disciplines share many processes; cutting, filing, sanding, polishing, etc. However, the scale of the finished product is dramatically different.

The intimate scale of metalsmithing held a distinctive allure and I found myself incorporating materials I knew and loved from furniture into my jewelry. Wood, providing warmth and texture. Resin, providing light and color. Together they create a unique dialog between contrasting worlds. Natural meets man-made. Opaque houses translucent. Warm collides with cool. The union of materials along with my commitment to high-quality, handcrafted jewelry is what gives this line a fresh, contemporary elegance.