ornament making

I was so excited on Tuesday night to be done with all my orders because I knew exactly what I was going to do with the free time, which I haven't had in a long while.  This season my shop has been too busy for me to be able to design any new ornaments.  So free at last, I settled in with glass of whiskey and got to some ornament making!  Not for the shop, just for fun.  

Handmade ornaments are my favorite gift to give loved ones.  I've been doing it since I was a kid, back when I used to also hand-paint my own wrapping paper.  It's a waste to give something you've worked hard on to someone who won't appreciate it, so my mom was usually the recipient of such gifts.  At this point she has too many to even know what to do with, so I'm grateful to now have a group of creative friends who appreciate stuff like this.

The owl ornament design came from this book, which I found at Jo-Ann's and loved.  The praying angel is just something I made up.  (See the back of the angel here.)  I've never done an angel before, but it reminds me of one my mom made that I loved as a child.  Hers was macaroni painted silver with glitter all over.

grey marled loop scarf

Merino + silk blend. Made from Fair Trade hand-dyed yarn.  The yarn is soft and non-itchy in a chunky-weight designed for optimal warmth.  In gorgeous pale grey and white marl, the perfect neutral to go with everything.  Made in a loop shape so the ends don't have to be tied.  Can be wrapped around twice for the perfect fit or left hanging loose.  In the shop now.  Free domestic shipping, order by Monday for delivery by Christmas.

stocking stuffers for everyone

Only a few more days of Christmas shopping left!  I have some great sales in my shop right now for a limited time.  Here are some of my favorites:

Saipua soaps.  Gorgeous, and they smell amazing.  I'm putting one in my mom's stocking this year.

Alyson Fox necklace.  Just the right amount of non-cheesy gold holiday sparkle.  I love the little triangle beads in the front.  For my sister-in-law, who always looks good in sparkle.

Baggu reusable shopping bag.  Now that I've discovered Baggu, I have no idea how I ever got along without them.  I use mine every. single. day.  The perfect stocking stuffer for my bro, because it's so cute that he likes to go grocery shopping with his wife.

Love or Hunter perfume from MCMC Fragrances.  Lately I've been alternating between the two--Hunter for everyday because it makes me feel cozy, Love for date night when I want to feel pretty and feminine.   Love will be perfect for my sister's stocking.

P.S. I sold out of ornaments rather quickly, so I'll try to make some more once I'm caught up.  Also, getting some knitwear in early next week from one of my favorite designers!  I might have to keep the shop open an extra day.

i freakin' love christmas

I admit it.  I'm a Christmasaholic.  I love Christmas music!  And snow!  It really is the best time of the year.

Joe has to work the day before and after Christmas, and thus my whole family is coming to stay with us this year.  Joe and I built an 8 foot table and installed a new light fixture in our dining room in anticipation of the event.  My living and dining rooms have been empty for the past six months, so it's incredibly nice to now have a place to socialize.  We've been enjoying sitting at the table and reading, eating homemade dinners, talking by candle light and having friends over.  Can't wait until my family's here so we can play Uno around the table.

gift tags

Pack of 10 sturdy chipboard gift tags, hand-stamped in mint green, black, metallic gold and metallic silver.  A forest of little abstract trees with a sweet holiday message.  Comes in a muslin pouch with gold and silver ribbon.  Available here tomorrow.

white dala

Available for purchase here tomorrow.  Wool felt, meticulously stitched by hand.

sachet christmas ornament

For your tree, closet, or doorknob.  Hand-embroidered with cotton thread on linen front.  Japanese cotton printed back and hanging loop.  Stuffed with cloves for a holiday scent and wool from a nearby Iowa farm.  Available here starting tomorrow.

fjord hat

I knit up some Wiksten hats for the holidays using the first hat pattern I've designed.  The hats are super soft, cozy and warm in 100% merino.  Completely non-itchy.  The shape is a little slouchy, and there's a beautiful star design at the top with a loop for hanging.  Comes in light grey heather.

The hats will be available here on Wednesday the 14th, along with some Christmas ornaments and Anna Dresses in forest.  Free shipping will be offered on select items, and most of the fall stock will be discounted.  There are only a few sewing patterns left!  Once they're sold out they won't be restocked until after the new year.  The shop will be closed for the holidays starting on December 19th, and all domestic orders must be placed by the 18th for Christmas delivery.  (Christmas delivery is not guaranteed for international orders.)

dealtry scarves + dobbin mews holiday party

photos by Jennifer Sarkilahti

Have you seen the new silk scarves by Helen Dealtry?  They're amazing!  I love the prints and colors.  I have the "Jenny" style in grey (first one pictured), and I love it so.  See the rest of the lookbook photos here.  You can buy the scarves at discount at the Dobbin Mews holiday party tomorrow and Saturday (or buy them in Helen's online shop after the sale).  I'll be jealous if you get to go because I wish I could be there!  These people really know how to throw a lovely soiree.  Some of my favorite designers will be selling discounted goods there, such as my old Dobbin buddies MCMC Fragrances, Fay Andrada, Nicolette Camille, and Odette New York.

wiksten in n.e.e.t.

Wiksten is featured in the December issue of N.E.E.T. magazine!  The whole issue is devoted to a handmade holiday, which is, let's face it, pretty rad.  There's an interview with yours truly on pages 113-117, alongside some interviews with other wonderful handmade designers as well.

Shop Info

Don't worry, folks!  I didn't forget about the holidays.  Next week I'll be restocking the shop with some new things, just in time for Christmas giving.  There will be deals!  And free shipping!  A handmade holiday?  Yes, sounds good.  Stay tuned for sneak peeks as well as some holiday wish lists.

holiday sale

Shop the holiday sale at the Baggu studio this weekend and support independent designers!  I wish I could be there myself, but there will be some Wiksten dresses at the sale without me.  Hope you can make it.  These sales always have fantastic stuff and are so much fun.  Sale Facebook page is here.