[Image above:  Skinny laMinx tea towels-Herds in Grey, I Wish We Had IKEA]

Heather Moore designs and sells simple printed fabric available by the metre and in readymade goods, from tea towels to cushion covers,  in her Etsy shop, Skinny laMinx . I especially love her IKEA-themed tea towel, which is a wishlist/love letter to IKEA composed with line drawings, product names and prices.  Fun prints like these make chores and living greener a little more fun. Moore’s Scandinavian-style housewares suit any room in the house while her cut fabric invites all crafters to create something uniquely their own.

[Part of a set by Crafty Alien, this tiny felted hedgehog is too cute!]

As the weather gets colder and more evenings are spent cuddled up at home, I long for new knitting projects to keep me busy. One of my goals for the new year is to always have a knitting project in progress and as my knitting books begin to look stale, I turn to Etsy. Whether you’re just beginning to knit or are a seasoned pro, there are patterns to match all skill levels.

From gifts to accessories and apparel, here are are some of my favorite patterns…

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[Image above: The most appetizing turkey dinner after Thanksgiving Day]

The creator of this cute find, Just Felt Hungry, has an etsy shop full of other delicious dishes. Check it out here.

This past weekend marked the 5th annual Handmade Arcade. An amazing gathering of crafters and their wares, this event has quickly become a Pittsburgh tradition. It is the perfect place to find one of a kind holiday gifts, taste amazing local baked goods (including the best vegan cinnamon rolls ever), and catch up with old friends. To be sure, it is not your grandmother’s craft fair. There are no ducks in bonnets, dried flower wreaths, or cow-themed kitchen kitsch. Perhaps most importantly, everything does not smell of cinnamon and pine. What can be found, however, is a fantastic variety of prints, stationary, jewelry, soaps, housewares, plush toys, apparel, knitwear, and more.

I saw some of my favorite indie crafters this year as well as some delightful new booths.

A busy crowd gathers in the Handmade Arcade’s new location, the Hunt Armory in Shadyside. 

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If you haven’t seen the work of Ryan Berkley of Berkley Illustration, it’s time! It’s hard to resist animals dressed proudly in their very best or posing modestly in their business attire. Prints offered in this amazing Etsy shop have long been a personal favorite. When decorating the ModCloth office, I made sure to select two owl portraits for our owl themed bathroom and currently have my heart set on my own Giraffe. The only thing more charming than the prints themselves are the thoughtful mini bios that accompany each portrait. Serious and silly, there isn’t much that makes me happier than animals who think they’re people.

 That raccoon, oh my goodness!

One of the delights of finding a new apartment is the opportunity to redecorate. I’ve chosen paint colors and nearly broken my back painting ceilings. I’ve stressed over finding that perfect mid-century modern credenza. Small accessories, though, are much easier and cause a great deal less anxiety. For the first time I have a mantle to decorate and when I saw the ceramic creations at The Runny Bunny, I knew I’d found the perfect pieces. Made using vintage ceramic molds and glazed in colors like chartreuse and robin’s egg blue, they are an update on your grandmother’s statuette collection. While some pieces stay true to their vintage design, “hybrids” from combined molds are curiously cute (and sometimes creepy) conversation pieces.

The last two featured pieces have arrived safely at my door and are ready to begin their decorative lives with me.

Although I get to see the adorable Winston almost every day, I’ve been pining for a little dog of my very own. I’ve researched, made countless phone calls, and found a new apartment with a fenced in yard and a landlord who doesn’t hate dogs. While it will be a few months until the crate training and puppy cuddling begin, I’ve already begun shopping. I know that somewhere deep down in her little puppy heart, my future dog will cherish carefully selected accessories from Etsy.

I love these collars from Annie’s Sweatshop; not only simple and cute, they also speak to the environmentalist in me. Featuring beds, leashes, collars, and harnesses made from sustainable materials, Annie will also recycle your dog’s old collar and give you a rebate. The above collars are my favorites but I don’t know if my puppy will prefer cute and feminine or tastefully gender-neutral. I’ll ask for her opinion when I meet her but for the time being, which do you like best?

How to dress your boyfriend, Part II:

One of my favorite things about Etsy is the availability of custom-made clothing. Too often people buy garments that don’t fit properly, this is true of both men and women. They promise to take them to a tailor and lose interest when they learn how hard it is to find a decent one. You’ve heard it before but it’s true; by investing extra money in well made pieces that actually fit, you improve your entire wardrobe and save money in the long run.

Encourage your boyfriend to value fit and quality. This jacket from A Broken Spoke is made from organic cotton and is machine washable. Provide accurate measurements and quickly (only two weeks after payment) receive a custom and stylish wardrobe staple.  Military in spirit but improved with clean lines and covered buttons, it will last long enough to warrant the investment. Should his tax return really go toward his vinyl collection, beer, or another gaming system?

How to dress your boyfriend, Part 1:

A good hooded sweatshirt is a staple in a young gentleman’s wardrobe. I think variety is key in the sweatshirt world and was totally pleased to stumble upon Cloud Brings Rainbows, an Etsy shop specializing in “upcycled” hoodies. In a totally wearable color scheme, this zip-up is far from boring with overlapping diagonals and an artfully placed U.S. seal. Sure, they have lots of fantastic women’s styles but it’s so nice to find something I’d want my boyfriend to wear. Hopefully, he’ll be willing to work this greyscale showpiece into his two hoodie rotation.

Don’t tell my boyfriend, but I’ve been looking at wedding invitations off and on all morning. Although marriage is not in my immediate future, wedding season is approaching. Lately, the office has been buzzing about which new ModCloth dress will be worn to whose ceremony. I may be most excited to one day carefully select the perfect invitations for my perfectly styled wedding. Invitations are an investment and, unless you’re crafty and have a lot time, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. Something so special and extravagant should be as unique as you are and Etsy has a beautiful selection.

I love the clean and simple style of Vreeland Design’s save the date cards. The shop’s owner uses eco-friendly paper, envelopes, adhesives, and water based inks so you can feel a little bit better about all that extra paper you’re sending out into the world. As much as I love modern clean lines, a more vintage inspired style is just as charming. I love the pink chandelier and old wallpaper feel of Enfin, La Viola’s save the date card and invitation set. When my day comes, I will have the cutest wedding possible.