FashionTouch

Giveaway at Fallyn Angel photography

2011-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ready for another awesome giveaway? My good friend from Fallyn Angel photography is hosting one to celebrate her little girl's 1st Birthday. So many goodies for photographers!!! Head over to http://fallynangelphotography.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/fallyn-angel-photography-1000-fan-give-away-1-lucky-duck-takes-all/

for a chance to WIN IT ALL!!!!

GOOD LUCK!

The Tiny Light Foundation's Photos - Fantastic Photographers Auction September 4th - September 6, 2011

2011-09-05T04:50:00.001-07:00

FashionTouch is proud to be a sponsor for this auction to support the Tiny Life Foundation. Lots of great items to benefit a beautiful cause. Come and visit. It will be closed on Sept 6.
Come visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.203299719733457.53101.123133191083444

Big Photographer Giveaway!

2011-08-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Attention to all of the photogs!!! Are you ready for some free stuff? Newborn props, camera bling, owl hat, pinwheels that spin, box hat, diaper cover, album, headbands, ponytail holder, and lots gift certificates??? Hehehe, who would not want to??? Then dont wait and click here http://www.sweetdarlingphotography.com/sweet-darling-photography-giveaway-first-edition/ to see what you can win.

FashionTouch is offering this lil cutie for this giveaway

I live in a Tutuland and just finished making Rudolph antlers

2011-08-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

"I live in a Tutuland and just finished making Rudolph antlers" is my Facebook status for now:)

Last April I have decided to add a tutu dresses and skirts to FashionTouch and it was ultimate fun ever since. I am sure my little client princesses love it too. Tutus are always perfect for many occasions, birthday parties, cake smash pictures, pageants, weddings etc etc etc

How gorgeous are these???

And as for the Rudolph Antlers, how about this:

Ready for a giveaway??? Here is one for you!!!

2011-06-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

FashionTouch and Amanda from Chasing Twins from Louboutins are having a giveaway! Whats the prize??? Super Cool Mohawk hat!!!

Visit the link for more details!!!

The Tiny Light Foundation

2011-06-07T13:51:00.001-07:00

I was born in USSR. Only now, being adult I realize the life was difficult then. Everything was for the regime, nothing for people. Those of USSR citizens, who happened to have children with life altering diagnoses faced with enormous amounts of difficulties, problems and grief. Quite often during pregnancy if the diagnosis of the future child was not “too good”, women were offered to make an abortion and in some cases forced to do it. If the child was born with health issues, again in many cases women were offered to abandon and leave the child for the “children’s home”. Those who decided to keep the child often faced with ignorance from government and its employees, lack of understanding from people around them, minimum support.

I am glad to know it is changing now in modern Russia. I am even more glad to see how different it is in Canada. I am glad to see the support for such families provided by doctors, by government, by local communities, mass media and regular people. There are many organizations where someone in need of help or a simple human support, can receive it. One of them is The Tiny Light Foundation. I found out about it through professional photographer Melisa DePape. She is one of the founders of the TTLF. It is an international non-profit organization that provides Free professional photography for children and families that have been faced with a life altering diagnoses. They provide families with the lasting memories in the form of photography. It is amazing to see the happy faces of the little ones and their families captured and framed so nicely by photographers across the country and US. I would like to say a “BIG THANK YOU” to the ladies, who formed TTLF and all of the photographers who joined to make the life of the families with sick kids a bit brighter.

If you are a photographer and would like to join TTLF please go to their website at http://www.thetinylight.com The Facebook Page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tiny-Light-Foundation/123133191083444

If you would like to support TTLF please, check their events board. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=220594047959575

I am back, I am back with new photo prop ideas!

2011-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am glad to be back at my blog. Last year was a blast and I truly enjoyed meeting new fabulous people, discovering new exciting opportunities, finding new yarn and fabrics... I am extremely happy and thankful to all of my customers who decided to pick my creations to help them capture their memories from 1st ever pictures, birthday cake smashes, weddings...

In 2011 FashionTouch is glad to offer new exciting products. Faux Furs make awesome props. I love both short pile and long pile furs. Both kinds look so wonderful in the pictures. Imaging the little beauty wrapped in them! It will be grate to use in bowls, baskets, pails, cups... See the pictures below or visit FashionTouch

Visit the Faux Fur section or send me a message to fashiontouchme@yahoo.ca

Good Monday – great news!

2010-04-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

This beautiful sunny Monday morning, following Easter Weekend, I was contacted by one of my customers to let me know she submitted the photo of the little cute sleepy baby for a contest by ThePioneerWoman.com and it was selected as one of the finalists. I am so happy to be a part of it with my cute baby photo prop hat. You can see the work of other contestants here http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/04/green-photos-the-finalists

You find more of Kiana’s talent here http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsgriffin/ and you are very welcome at http://www.etsy.com/shop/FashionTouch

Featured Artist - Karyna Amador from Paper Squid Inc

2010-02-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce a beautiful young lady I met first through Etsy and was glad to discover that she is a member of UWIB group. I have a pleasure to own couple of Karyna’s whimsical linocut prints and they are so bight and perfect for our interior. So, enjoy the interview and check out her store Paper Squid Inc for modern, colorful & eco-friendly paper goods for the everyday & special occasions.

1. Your name and the store/business name? Where we can find your creations?

Hello. My name is Karyna Amador and my shop is Paper Squid Inc. I'm a graphic designer by trade but I love designing cards, invitations, prints and other paper goods for my shop. You can find me on Etsy (http://papersquid.etsy.com) as well as my blog (http://papersquid.blogspot.com)
2.How long have you been an artist/crafter? Tell us about your first attempts to create.

Ever since I was very little, since around Elementary school age, I always loved drawing or at least attempting it. I remember being in my room and sketching whatever was in front of me, from people to even the remote control of my television! I always loved experimenting with illustration and art though I wish I would have pursued it even further in my teenage years. Regardless, being creative in any form has always being a constant for me since childhood.

3. Did you have any formal training?

I was in art classes throughout school but my formal training was in college in the area of graphic design.

4. What is your inspiration?

I find myself being inspired by many things which at times are very random. From the outdoors - plants and flowers, to colors, to a song that evokes a certain feeling to design and fashion magazines. I also especially find myself inspired from children's books because of their typography and illustration. For me, like many of us, inspiration sometimes comes from many sources.

5. Are there any artist/person that influenced you?

There are many artists that have inspired me and they actually change with time. Besides visual artists there are many musicians as well. There are so many that I can't seem to think of any right now, lol. We all inspire each other I think, whether consciously or not.

6. What helps you keep going?
This is a great question. I really think it's passion; I just can't imagine not doing it. I really have a passion to experiment with design but also to grow my shop by creating new and great products, both digitally and handmade. I really want to keep going and make this work and that in itself keeps me going. It's a mix of love for design and paper as well as the desire to do this more full-time. Another big factor is my awesome boyfriend who is always so supportive.

7. How much time a day do you dedicate to your art/craft?

Not as much as I'd like but I'm changing that this year. I work full-time as a freelance graphic designer in an advertising agency so this limits the hours I have available for my shop. Currently it's mostly nights and weekends. Thankfully I've managed to have more time at home during the weekdays so that's great.

8. What do you cherish in your life, what can you be thankful for?

So many things and so many people. My family which I truly & honestly adore (despite those moments where you want to kill them, lol), to my awesome boyfriend who I mentioned above but must mention again. Also those great friends I have and have had for years that are always there. I'm also extremely thankful for my customers and those that are very communicative and supportive of my work. It means a lot and I love it and am very thankful for them.

9. What other things do you like to do in life?

Ooh, well travel of course...anywhere, even small road-trips are great! Being outside at the beach or just walking, (have I mentioned I would love to live on the beach), baking when I get inspired to...little things make me happy.

10. What are your goals? What do you wish you could do?

My goals are definitely to grow my shop more this year with more items as well as doing more wholesaling at brick and mortar stores. I also want to grow my blog and post regularly. I started blogging as a backdrop for my shop but found I absolutely love it! Also living better and living simpler is a goal.

11. What was the most exciting moment in your life?

Starting and finishing art school, deciding with my boyfriend that we want to and are getting married, (this is a biggie for me). The small wedding hasn't happened yet but I'm sure it will be great. Also being contacted by stores to wholesale with them, so exciting...what can I say, little things excite me.
12. Any last words or advice for the beginners?

Keep doing, keep creating, no matter what. This is something I myself am learning and applying. Also really find that passion, whatever it may be and pursue it, (whether as a side business or for personal happiness). I think this is important for anyone.

Featured Artist – Robin Maria Pedrero

2010-02-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce a very talented artist and wonderful person Robin Maria Pedrero. Her work is amazing, bright, bold and very fascinating! I met her through UWIB and I understand now how lucky I was. Every time when I need some inspiration or something bright and joyful I go to her Etsy store or Facebook page to look at her paintings and she always has something exciting there!

1. Your name and the store/business name? Where we can find your creations? When I opened my shop I called it a Visual Journey. I realized as an artist with a history of art collectors the name for my business needs to be my full name, Robin Maria Pedrero. I have art, prints and fine art products in online shops such as Etsy and 1000 markets. My work is in museums, galleries, and alternate venues across America.

2. How long have you been an artist/crafter? Tell us about your first attempts to create.

I have been an artist since childhood. Having crafted in multiple mediums, I began oil painting class at 13, and have never stopped creating fine art. I learned to mix from a simple palette of just 3 colors on paper. The teacher said I had a great eye for color.

3. Did you have any formal training?

I continued to study with accomplished and master artists, Dan Truth, Dori Mandel, Herman Marguiles, Sarah Stifler Lucas, Judith Carducci and attended numerous demos by master artists.

4. What is your inspiration?

I am inspired by the spirit of life in all creation. I like to capture simple pleasures and create a work of art that is emotive and will stand through time. I am creating love stories right now.

5. Are there any artist/person that influenced you?

I believe we all inspire one another. Early on I studied the masters with a major influence from Robert Brackman. I find that nowadays I have a wealth of talented artist, musician, designer, and performer friends whose influences might make subtle appearances in what or how I create.

6. What helps you keep going?

Is there another way?

7. How much time a day do you dedicate to your art/craft?

I spend most of my time doing what I love in some form or other, making art, marketing art, graphic design, social networking, attending events, shipping art, teaching, the list goes on. I wake up between 4am and 7am and start, breaking for food, fun and family till 11pm. This is the first year I am actually trying to tally the hours of all the tasks I do. This is my life’s work and I love what I am privileged to do.

8. What do you cherish in your life, what can you be thankful for?

I cherish my husband, children and my little dog Max A. Million. I am filled with gratitude. I believe the work I do is an expression of gratitude, joy and love and it is my desire that my work honors God.

9. What other things you like to do in life?

Racquetball. Travel. I want to continue to travel the globe and see and experience it all!

10. What are your goals? What do you wish you could do?

This year I have a fun silly goal of having my art purchased by at least one person in every state.
I have a goal list that I publish each year on my blog.
http://pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com/2010/01/robin-maria-pedreros-2010-goals.html

11. What was the most exciting moment in your life?

This question has taken me the longest to answer. Just when I think I know the perfect answer another exciting moment comes to mind. So for now I will say being named in the Florida International Magazine’s Florida Artist Hall of Fame for 2009 was tops on my list along with my art being purchased to be in the upcoming movie “Roommates”.

12. Any last words or advice for the beginners?

Expand your territory, whether it is skill level, new mediums, venues, or more people…

Haiti Relief Scarf

2010-01-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

Haiti… I’ve never been there, but heard a lot about this place, paradise discovered by Columbus, the land of coffee, sugar, bananas and cotton…. Now the land of pain …

I don’t have much words, it is just so terribly wrong and sad…

These 3 scarves below are listed in my online boutique FashionTouch. 50% of sale of each of them will be donated to Red Cross International Response Fund to those in need on Haiti.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39356564

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32956305

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31885375

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide – From UWIB with Love

2010-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

One more beautiful and romantic winter holiday is coming Valentine’s Day!

The day when we express our love and care and romance is in the air.

Ignore all of these commercial products this Valentine's Day, forget about bothering chocolate hearts and roses. If you want to really be romantic take the time to find out the special and meaningful gift from what wonderful and creative UWIB members have to offer!

Will You Be Mine Valentine Note Card byDawnCorrespondence

Elegant Lace Crocheted Cuff/Bracelet by FashionTouch

PINK LILY BAG by Goldcrestbags

The Carrie Necklace in Be my Valentine by ErinKeys

Pink and White Heart Earrings byMommaGoddess

Family Fun at Tiffani Siebert Photography

2010-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

Family Photographer – someone who can save for you the most precious and exciting moments of your life, someone who will capture the smile of your first child, someone who will let you see the love in the eyes of your mom, someone who will let you discover again and again the joy and happiness only your family can bring….

I am glad to know a very talented photographer Tiffani Siebert from Tiffani Siebert Photography. She has the great gifted ability to capture those wonderful moments. Here are some of the shots from Tiffani’s last photo session with little models. Everyone of them had fun and Tiffani captured their excitement generated by this new for them adventure.

It was my pleasure to be a vendor for this unforgettable event and supply her with my hand made photo prop hats from FashionTouch

You can find more about Tiffani and her work at http://tiffanisiebert.com or her blog at http://www.tmsphotography.blogspot.com

Featured Artist. Amanda Day. DawnCorrespondence.

2009-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce one more member of Unique Women in Business, Amanda Day. She is the owner of DawnCorrespondence and very passionate about her art. If you are in need of any unique, elegant and simply beautiful Thank You Notes, Greeting Cards, Wedding Invitations or any other stationary designs, I encourage you to visit Amanda's boutique. You will be amazed with her taste and attention to details.

1. You name and the store/business name? Where we can find your creations?
My name is Amanda and I am the owner of DawnCorrespondence. People call me Dawn ALL the time. Dawn is actually my middle name, but as a little girl I wanted to be called Dawn, so that's where the shop name derived from! I can be found at www.dawncorrespondence.etsy.com

2. How long have you been an artist/crafter? Tell us about your first attempts to create.
Oh goodness, I started crafting before I could walk! I was always getting into something and wondering what I could create from it. I took summer art classes as soon as I was old enough to go! I loved coloring books, but remember always wanting to make my OWN coloring books to color!

3. Did you have any formal training?
I did. I took 7 years of art classes before going to college, and then I got a Fine Arts degree in college. I concentrated my studies in graphic design which is where I learned to use all the programs I create my designs from. I also received a minor in interior design which is where I realized my passion for hands-on creation through endless nights of model-making.

4. What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by so many things - nature and architecture are both big inspirations. Another big inspiration is color. A lot of times I like to look through books and magazines for colors and then run with that until I come up with an idea. I am also inspired by my moods, the season, trends, pretty much anything that tickles my fancy at that time!

5. Are there any artist/person that influenced you?
I was greatly influenced in my teens by modern artists - Dali, Picasso, Pollack, Koolhaas, and the like. I really concentrated on color and pattern when studying these artists and how I could bring my own twist to the modern arts. While my designs aren't necessarily "modern", I did get most of my inspiration from these great artists who were not scared to bring forth their views on art.

6. What helps you keep going?
My family is a HUGE support for me. They are constantly coming up with great ideas for me to try out and pushing me along to keep creating. The genuine happiness from my customers is also amazing. Especially when I get to see their happiness in person! Probably the biggest thing, though, is that I don't know what I would do if I weren't creating. I am constantly writing down ideas that randomly pop in my head that are begging to get out and on paper!

7. How much time a day do you dedicate to your art/craft?
I am THINKING about art all day long. I actually do the creating part probably 4 hours a day on weekdays (I work during the day which makes it hard), and some weekends I will work 12 hours a day both days! If there isn't anything going on, I am crafting.

8. What do you cherish in your life, what can you be thankful for?
My family never ceases to amaze me, and I am so thankful for them. I have a very loving, supportive boyfriend, parents, sister, and extended family. On days when I am tired or stressed they give me the strength to keep moving along, or tell me it's time to take a break! I am also incredibly thankful for my fans and customers, because without them, I would not be where I am today. I can honestly say I have the best customers! I talk to a lot of them on a regular basis, and I love that!

9. What other things you like to do in life?
I love, love, love to shop! I also enjoy running - it's very soothing and helps to free my mind of worries. When I have the time, I really enjoy reading as well, but lately, I haven't had much time for that!

10. What are your goals? What do you wish you could do?
I'd like to open a small boutique in my area. I want to be that family store that everyone knows and depends on. In the coming months, my goal is to develop a successful website of my own! I wish I could sew better. I have dabbled in sewing and thought seriously about meshing my sewing and stationery, but I need more practice. If I had the time I would definitely be taking sewing classes!

11. What was the most exciting moment in your life?
Probably the day I got accepted to the college I had been hoping to go to since I was a little girl. Really, that's where this all began. I saw big things ahead for me after being accepted to a great Arts school, and I am so happy with that decision to this day.

12. Any last words or advice for the beginners?
You have to be passionate about what you do. Without the passion for it, it will fall apart, because it IS a lot of work. Remember, you are not only the creator, but you are also the admin, accountant, marketer, publicist, writer, and photographer. Some of those things are not always fun but must be done in order to be successful! Find something you are passionate about and let your imagination run wild.

Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

2009-12-08T08:38:00.001-08:00

Do you remember how much you were waiting for a Special Night to come when you were a child? Do you remember the happiness and excitement this Holiday would bring? And do you remember the feelings you had very early in the morning on Christmas Day? What is it that any kid would want to do first? Right, unwrapping gifts! My mom always was so creative with gift wraps and they were so special that I used to keep all of them in a large box. It is still in my mother’s closet and every now and then she opens my little treasury box and the memories bring her back to a very happy times.

I am sure gift wrap is as important as a gift itself, so I am always trying to find something nice and sweet to make my beloved one feel special. Today I would like to show some of the ideas I have came up with for this Holiday Season.

Classic striped gift wrap paper in festive and bright colors decorated with a simple single layer bow takes just 5 easy steps but will look very elegant.

I fell in love with the aquamarine color of this ribbon and have picked the wrapping paper with opposing colors to accentuate it’s brilliance. As you can see the effect is very dramatic and funky. The ribbon is so beautiful, I didn’t need to do much with it, just one wrap around.

Unusually shaped gifts are always a challenge to wrap. Regular gift wrap paper is not flexible enough. I have

decided to use a tissue gift wrap. On the other hand, tissue gets wrinkled very easy. So I added some plastic flower net wrap to help give it form. A little ribbon bow and a beautiful tag from Karyna (Paper Squid) did the rest. This gift wrap for my mom adds a nostalgic look and I am sure it will bring her lots of memories:)

Waico (our pup) is a cutie and of course she could not leave her little buddy Zeus with no gifts this year. They

have never met each other but they bark a lot over the phone, and this time she is attaching a little portrait of hers (a special thank you to Julie at WabiBrookStudios).

The personal touch is what makes the gift unforgettable. It makes us think that the gift was wrapped with thoughts about us. I have used the crocheted snowflake here.

And here is the free pattern for those of you who like to crochet. It will be a perfect personal touch for any gift this Holiday Season and I am sure your beloved ones will cherish your care and love!

Happy Holidays From FashionTouch!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale at FashionTouch

2009-11-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

I will have Black Friday through Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy store at FashionTouch

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING + 10%

off on your 2nd, 3rd, etc item. Custom orders are always welcome, same discounts apply on the orders made on these days.

Currently Free shipping on beaded necklaces at... Free Shipping

Everybody is welcome! I am sure you will find perfect gifts for someone beloved on your gift list.

My new addiction – Photo Props!

2009-11-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear friends.

This year was full of events for us. My brother in law had their 3 baby. His name is Benjamin and he is adorable! Well, now they have 3 little ones, 3 years old, 2.5 years old and 3 months old. So, this Christmas we will have house full kids (this time me and my husband visiting them:)) and I am sure it will be lots of fun for everyone!

My best friend just got her 2nd baby. And it is a girl! Her name is Polina and I am waiting when they will get friendly with internet so they can send me some of her pictures. They live in Russia, so far away from us. Her 1st son – is my God son and I miss him very much. He is now 6.5 years old and is a great boy, studying English so he can speak to my husband.

Looking at all of this baby boom I am slowly setting my mind to take this huge responsibility of becoming a mom. Well, I am sure it is a long road, but it should be wonderful with God’s help.

Lately I came up with idea that besides all of this small cute baby things that can I gift to them I can make a photo prop. Well, how little did I know that it will be so addictive. So, here I am with new addiction and new section in my online boutique Baby Fashion/Photo Props

I am off to pack the gifts for everyone…….

Featured Artist. Jamie Drumwright. DestinationHandmade

2009-11-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

I am starting the new series on my blog: Interview with Featured Artist. Last January I have joint a group of very talented Unique Women in Business. There are so many wonderful and supportive ladies in this group and today I would like to introduce one of them. Jamie designs with felt and fabric. She has a perfect taste and her vintage finds are fabulous and chic.

1. You name and the store/business name? Where we can find your creations?
I'm Jamie Drumwright, my stores are both on etsy. I have one for handmade goods, Destination Handmade and one for vintage things RetroChique

2. How long have you been an artist/crafter? Tell us about your first attempts to create.
I have been a crafter all of my life, my mom taught me to crochet when I was 5 or 6. I made pot holders . I also made purses for all my friends when I was in 2nd grade.

3. Did you have any formal training?
My formal training is a degree in fashion design from University of North Texas, I worked as an assistant fashion designer in Los Angeles for a budget clothing company, I was a buyer, merchandise manager, and director of merchandising before I quit working 7 years ago.

4. What is your inspiration?
Everyday life inspires me.

5. Are there any artist/person that influenced you?
My grandmother, great aunt, husband and children influence me.

6. What helps you keep going?
I truly enjoy what I do, that is what keeps me going.

7. How much time a day do you dedicate to your art/craft?
I try to spend as much time as possible working but with three kids and a house to keep it's never as much time as I would like!

8. What do you cherish in your life, what can you be thankful for?
I cherish my family, I am thankful I have such a great husband and wonderful children and that they are happy and healthy.

9. What other things you like to do in life?
I love watching my kids play tennis, I love to read when I have the time. I love fashion and collecting it.

10. What are your goals? What do you wish you could do?
I would love to enlarge my business one day to be a fully functioning going concern!

11. What was the most exciting moment in your life?
The most exciting moments in my life were the birth of all my kids. there isn't a more empowering feeling in the world than to hold your child for the very first time.

12. Any last words or advice for the beginners?
Selling a craft is what you put into it. Work hard, make things you are proud of and you will be successful.

For coming holidays gift ideas please, check Jamie’s Stores for a fabulous finds at DestinationHandmade and RetroChique She also has a blog, that I love to read at http://retrochique-jamie.blogspot.com

Lest We Forget

2009-11-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

It is a remembrance week. Thinking about my grandfather. He had an amazing life, full of historical events.

He was born just 5 years before Revolution of 1917 in Russia. Survived the civil war. Worked as a mine rescue.

He was 29 when WW2 started and served all 4 years as a sergeant at long range artillery. He never told me about the war, but my dad knows what grandfather had to go through during those times. He was wounded twice and his 1st son was born when the war started, so he had not seen him for first 4 years.

He worked all his life after the war, had 4 sons and 6 grandkids. He passed away at 90 yo and all his life he was a perfect example of deep wisdom. I love him very much and miss him every day of my life and I am sure being where he is now, he knows I love him.

He was a veteran. And it is a time for me to remember him.

Gift Guide Series, showcasing what UWIB members have to offer

2009-11-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

Just read in November issue of Homemakers three things we have to do this month for safeguarding our health:

Meditate 20 minutes a day. Meditation will help you to relax and control your blood pressure. Now, when the Holiday Season starting it very important to let yourself to rest enough. Our bodies are now getting ready for the colder season, so the stress on it is very high.

I would definitely let myself relax in a warm bath and this Spirulina Himalayan Pink Salt - Spa Soap Bar enriched with Sea Salt, Almond oil, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E handcrafted by SoapyPleasure will definitely be my choice.

These adorable Zen earrings by PolishedTwo will dangle
calming to help relax you:)

Another tip for this November is to eat pumpkins. Traditionally we carve them and use them as a Halloween Decore, forgetting about vitamins, glucose, fiber, beta-carotenes and many other elements useful for our health. I love those heartwarming and delicious pumpkin soups done in the oven, getting all of the family together for a nice Sunday dinner.

These cute Pumpkin face earrings by Jmjcreations will make your day just by wearing them.

And this Pumpkin Seed Knitted Scarf, Extra Long, in Gorgeous Yellow, Perfect for Coming Cold Season by FashionTouch will definitely help to keep you warm and save your energy during the long winter season.

The third thing to do this November is to indulge yourself in a cosy throw or scarf in fabulous fall colors. Fall colors will help you feel more comfortable and will let you enjoy this most beautiful and full time of the year.

The Pumpkin Spice Cowl by Missindie will bring lots of comfort and warmth this fall while making you look chique and fabulous.

And don’t forget your pets, the Pampkin Pathc Adjustable Collar by Crazyforcollars will definitely add some festive colors to your pet’s neckwear this fall.

2009-10-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Yarn, its types and uses

The quality of the hand knitted item depends highly on the correctly choosing yarn. The yarn should fit the design of the item, its style and the technique it is made with. There is a large variety of yarn offered nowadays and today I would like to talk about the most popular of those that are used for hand knitting.

Cotton. Cotton yarn is usually heavy weighted, thick and non elastic. It is usually very well dyed and mostly won’t fade. The yarn will be shiny if alkali was used to manufacture it. The item made of cotton yarn will most likely shrink, so I would recommend hand washing with mild detergent (hand soap is the best) and only in cold water. The warming effect of cotton yarn is very low, so it is often used in items that will be worn in summer or in a warm climate. I love to use this type of yarn in home decor items such as doilies, sachets, pillow covers, etc. Cotton yarn is very often used in blend with wool, mohair, acrylic yarns as in here
In my opinion the best cotton yarn and thread I have ever used was made in Turkey.

Wool. It is a much lighter yarn, elastic and flexible. It is less durable than cotton and it wears out faster and forms lint. These drawbacks become more noticeable if the thread is lightly twisted as opposed to tighter spun wool. One more concern is the washing of the items made of pure wool. Usually it stretches and may change colors. So before buying 100% wool, just rub the thread and if you have some dye left on your fingers, know it will fade. Usually to help with these issues manufactures add acrylics or nylon to the yarn blend. This also makes yarn less expensive.
My all time favorites of pure wool are: Cashmere, Merino Wool, Alpaca Wool and Angora Wool.

Cashmere is very light weighted, warm and soft yarn. This yarn is very delicate and easy wearing out. That is why it is very hard to find pure cashmere wool. I remember from my childhood, the pure cashmere was used to create the school uniform for girls in USSR, but we all had patches on the sleeves :)

Merino wool – one of my recommendations (see the featured artist below). Very soft and warm. It is very rare that there will be any other fiber added to it. It is ideal for kids items, scarves, wraps, scarflettes. It is usually a bit more expensive than regular wool.

Alpaca wool is again a great choice. This wool mostly won’t lint because of the texture of its fiber. This yarn is more heavy weighted and holds the form very well, so it may be used to create coats, jackets, skirts etc. There is one nuance when you store the item made of Alpaca wool – use only natural moth control, such as lavender, pine or tobacco.

Angora wool is a desire of many fiber artists. One of the most expensive yarns, because the fiber is actually combed out of the Angora Rabbits and it is possible to brush only 600-700 grams of fiber per year per rabbit. It is almost always added to another wool because it is non elastic yarn. It is ideal for kids items because it is incredible soft. There is also Angora wool that is combed out of the Angora Goat and has similar characteristics.

Mohair. One of the best yarns for lacy items. There two types of mohair. One made of natural fiber and another one of the synthetic fiber. Both of them are very often blended together as in here . One of the most beautiful examples of mohair use are Orenburg Shawls. Traditionally it is a wedding gift and has such a high quality fine lace that you can pull the shawl through the wedding ring from one corner to another.

Manmade yarns such as Acryl, Nylon, Viscose. These types of yarns become more and more popular. While presented in a vast variety of textures as this one are very easy to manage. They allow you to keep the design very simple and are usually non allergic. The color options are as well very wide. Designs made with this yarn can be very simple and they are very easy to care for, is less expensive and easy to manage. So, if you are a beginner, I would definitely recommend to start with this type of yarn. Again, the most beautiful and fascinating variety of these yarns I found in Turkey.

The world of yarn is huge and today I have just opened a door a bit. Please, check in frequently, there will be more interesting and useful information at FashionTouch. Feel free to leave comment or questions, will be glad to answer them.

Handmade Gift Guide Series

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For some reason every October, when the Indian Summer comes and all of the fall fairs slowly changing in to the winter fairs, the farmers on the markets offering hot apple cider and the air is so fresh, the melody of “White Christmas” does not leave me. I know that Holiday Season is coming, the most joyful and meaningful time of the year. Time when we are thankful for so many wonderful events have happened to us, we’ve met so many wonderful people, we’ve discovered something great and we will always cherish our happy memories. It is the time when we want to share this Joy opening our hearts and home for our beloved ones. As many of you will agree that unique gift, crafted with love and care by creative and very skilled artist would be the best expression of love to someone on our gift list.

With my new series I would like to display great Handmade Gift Ideas. I will showcase the items I felt in love with and I am hope you all will as well and support this awesome artists and crafters.

We have many things to be thankful for, so I would like to start with Thanksgiving. The Canadian Thanksgiving already passed, but the American Thanksgiving is still ahead.

I immediately fell in love with this bright Fall Wreath with beautiful orange flowers by Rhody

Love to take long walk or go for a fall fair trip? Then these Pumpkin Legwarmer Spats by

LeshasWorkshop

are perfect for you!

One of the most fascinating things in fall are Clouds, I love watching them forming in this perfectly blue sky. These earrings from WabiBrookStudio will help to save these memories.

I could not believe it, but it is true. This light and see through Exquisite Provencal Pears are actually made of wire by Yoola

And of course, what holiday can be without sweets?

Oh, these Lovely Honey-Cake Biscuits by Gingerbreadstreet

are so tempting!!!

Pure Wool – the House of the Artisan Dyed Merino Wool

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High quality yarn will let you create so many wonderful and beautiful things with it, fashionable accessories or one of a kind piece of clothing, home décor item or a warming fit for someone you love.

There is one concern, the high quality yarn is hard to find. There are many things you need to consider buying the yarn and once you found the right one it will be a pure inspiration to work with!

About a year ago I was contacted by one of the sellers on Etsy introducing their products to me. Sandra from PureWool has been working with artisan dyed wool for more than 5 years, they have a large stock with loads of colors and 5 different types of merino: worsted weight single ply, worsted weight 3 ply, worsted weight simil boucle©, fingering weight and lace weight. Their merino's quality is exquisite, and the inks they use are approved by the OEKO TEX.

Combination of words Merino Wool sounds very attractive for most of the knitters. Merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. The items made of this wool are extremely warm and very comfortable to wear. I remember from my childhood this type of wool was used to make even items for kids.

So, I have decided to give it a try.

It was convenient, that PureWool has couple online retail locations at Etsy http://purewool.etsy.com, on their own website at http://www.100purewool.com
Both of these sites accept Paypal payments and that was very convenient for me.

I have decided to order from their main site at http://www.100purewool.com . The home page met me with most fascinating colors of yarns. Oh, I could not stop shopping and looking through all what they have available. The hardest was to choose which color I want. Every one of them looked so inspiring beautiful and I knew I was buying an artisan product. The price of the yarns was as well very convenient for me.

The shipping time was very short and the yarn came very well packaged. Once I opened it I knew that this yarn is amazing, I knew they carefully select their suppliers, they followed all the necessary steps so the hand dying conserve the quality of the fibers, and they worked with artisans who know how to select the colors and use the combinations so I can make a natural piece, comfortable, exquisite..

It was my pleasure to work with this yarn and my whole experience with the purchase was very nice and I am sure I will be back!

Take a look at what I items I was able to complete with yarn from PureWool

Welcome

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Hello and welcome to my blog!

I am a Fiber Arts and Fashion Accessories Designer. Accessory is a simple addition to your look, but so stylish and unique. In todays economy, I am sure, it plays a huge role in many of our wardrobes. There is a large variety of the scarves, wraps, scarflettes, cowls and capes available at FashionTouch as well as selection of high quality and exotic yarns.

Here I would like to introduce to everyone what I love doing, you will meet wonderful people that touched my heart, things that inspired me, I will showcase the beautiful work of artists from Etsy and others, share useful tips, patterns and my skill knowledge and will do reviews of not only fiber products.

It is a lot to start with and I am very new to blogging, so please, be with me, follow my blog, leave your comments and suggestions and share your excitement about wonderful World of Fashion and Fiber!

With warmest wishes,

FashionTouch