Toms Marketplace

If you know me, or have been reading this blog... you know I love the idea that craft and social entrepreneurship can change the world (It's a part of my graduate thesis)!  A lot of companies are using craft based products (crochet and jewelry making in Uganda, knitting in Peru, fabric batik in Ghana) to provide jobs and a starting place for economic growth in areas with a lot of poverty.

For the past few Christmases, I have posted about companies you can buy from that not only make great products, but are working to make the world a better place.  Now you can see them all gathered on one easy site.  World changing has NEVER been so easy.  Check out Tom's Marketplace to see how they have brought a ton of cool companies together to change the world through how we shop.

AND I LOVED seeing my old bosses from Krochet Kids international up there... AND even one of the products I helped work on during my time there... the Hoot!

Go shop.  Buy cool things.  Make the world a better place.  Feel awesome.  It's that simple.

Shopping Time 3

I heard about Della while working at Krochet Kids international.  They are an awesome company that uses the traditional wax print fabrics of Africa in their products while also employing and helping women in Ghana at the same time.  For a long time they just made bags and computer cases...

NOW they have recently announced their partnership with Urban Outfitters and make a whole bunch of wicked awesome clothes!  WHAT?  So excited!  I broke my no new clothes clothing challenge and have a few items already in the mail...  well worth it!

Buy them HERE.

Shopping Time

It's time to spend some money and do some good.  I was going to have this post just feature some products I worked on at Krochet Kids international, but let's save that for tomorrow.

After the events in Oklahoma yesterday, I think we all want to buy this.  Get out your credit cards and buy this shirt here:  http://store.shopgoodokc.com/  Thank you to Oikos Handmade for sharing from Oklahoma!

You can also text redcross to 90999 to donate $10.

One Crazy Week Made a Whole Lot Better

Hi All!

If you have been following me on Facebook, you may have been eagerly anticipating the photos from the Sans Limites/ One OAK photo shoot... I was too.  But one crazy week started out with one crazy wind storm making our photo shoot impossible.  So... continue eagerly anticipating... they will come soon!

Other things that made this week crazy?  A blizzard.  Timed perfectly with the arrival of the amazing Liz Jones as she and her friend Sarah came to visit us in Colorado.  At least we were trapped indoors with fantastic company.

But the CRAZIEST part of the week... was watching all that happened in Boston.  As many of you know, my sister lives in Boston, along with some good friends from high school and family friends and relatives and probably a lot of people that mean a whole lot to all of you.  So as yarn enthusiasts, you can go to yarn.com and buy a whole lotta great yarn from WEBS - America's Yarn Store and they will donate 5% to The One Fund Boston.  Never been a better excuse to buy some yarn.  Boston Strong.

I love Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep based out of Nebraska.  A great American based yarn company if you are feeling especially patriotic this week.  

New patterns in the works... including a swimsuit I worked on during the blizzard.
Happy stitching.

Happiness...

I'm hooked on TED talks... (Thank you, Liz!)

This was shared on facebook.

It made me laugh.

And all the Harvard references made me think of my dear sweet happy sister.

Loved it.  You will too.

PROJECT

You know what's happening right now?  Project trade show... in Vegas.  Can not put into words how much I wish I could walk those aisles right now.

Even more awesome than that?  Their Project Love section that features companies specifically geared toward social responsibility and philanthropy.  I only expect to see this section grow through the coming years since so many companies are leaning towards using fashion and intelligent consumers to change the world... and why not?  I think it's genius.

AND EVEN slightly MORE AWESOME THAN THAT?  These photos from some of the Krochet Kids projects I worked on developing last year.  Recognize the Crochet Flower DIY? ... from the August 2012 show... yay yay yay...

3 Valentine Things

I have THREE things to share with you this lovely Valentine's Day!

1.  Last day to use discount code VALENTINE for 10% off everything in the Etsy shop!  What?  Such a lovely deal!  Get on that!

2.  There are some kind of awesome Valentine appropriate DIY's from last year for you to enjoy!  Find The Heart Sweater and the Heart Elbow Patch DIY and get your stitching on.

3. It is V-day!  The day where One Billion (are) Rising!

Taken from their website:

ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME.*
ONE BILLION WOMEN VIOLATED IS AN ATROCITY
ONE BILLION WOMEN DANCING IS A REVOLUTION
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, 14 February 2013, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders.
What does ONE BILLION look like? On 14 February 2013, it will look like a REVOLUTION.
ONE BILLION RISING IS:
A global strike
An invitation to dance
A call to men and women to refuse to participate in the status quo until rape and rape culture ends
An act of solidarity, demonstrating to women the commonality of their struggles and their power in numbers
A refusal to accept violence against women and girls as a given
A new time and a new way of being

So head on over to onebillionrising.org to watch live videos throughout the day and see ONE BILLION PEOPLE DANCING!  Already videos from India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Sudan, the Congo, New Zealand, Australia... it is pretty damn AWESOME! And put your stitching down for little to go get your dance on.

Thrift Shop

So... Over the summer I started reading the book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion and became inspired to start my clothing challenge.  No buying anything new for 6 months... and I did it.  I bought some new things in December for birthdays and Christmas... and now I think I'll go another 6 months without anything new... 

Since all of my shopping experiences lately have been at thrift shops... you can imagine how much I love this song...  Usually, my taste in music is a little more calm than this... but I can't listen to this one without busting out a smile.

Fair warning... there is language in this song that some (many?) do not enjoy.



Now I feel the need to go thrifting.  Haha.

V-Day!

Hey all!  I just got a bunch of left over product back from Kansas City Kitty... so it's time for a SALE!

There is nothing better than buying the person who makes your heart warm and fuzzy... something warm and fuzzy for their head, neck, etc...  Time for some knits, friends!!!

I'll be listing more items as I have more time to photograph and get on Etsy.  Sale is on all the way to Valentine's Day!

YAY!!!  Coupon code:  VALENTINE

Now get to shopping!

AAAAAND...  EVEN BETTER!
This Valentine's Day is the 15th anniversary of V-Day... a day to support women who have been victims of violence around the world.  And this year is the ONE BILLION RISING campaign.

This is how it figures... 6 billion people in the world.  3 billion are women.  1 in 3 women in this world have been victims of rape or violence.  That is ONE BILLION women.  Pretty scary thought, no?  So...  Join the One Billion Rising campaign... this Valentine's Day is your opportunity to Strike, Dance, Rise and demand an end to the violence.  In other words, take some time to go outside and dance a little!

You might need a hat to keep you warm while you're out there getting your dance on...  just sayin.  Read more about it onebillionrising.org

Speeches

I started this tradition a few years ago, and I'm going to keep it going.  Each Martin Luther King Day, I spend some time listening to the speeches he made, and the speeches about his death.  They inspire me to be a better person and remind me what an important day it is...  Enjoy.

LET'S WIN THIS!!!

Dear dear friends!
So, last year, about this time I found out I was going to have the chance to intern at Krochet Kids international - a non-profit company that teaches women in Northern Uganda to crochet (and now women in Peru to knit). The hats these women make are sold in Nordstrom's stores, various boutiques, some Whole Foods stores, and Urban Outfitter's online. These women have a steady, paying job for the first time ever... combine that with business classes, a mentor program, and investment opportunities... and these women are now not only changing their lives, but the lives of those around them. That's how people are being empowered to rise above poverty. The coolest part? Each hat is signed by the lady who made it, so you can go online, look her up, read her story of change, and thank her for that hat handmade for YOU on the other side of the world... that's pretty awesome.

My fellow interns and I worked tirelessly for months because we believed so strongly that this could change the world (and cause crochet beanies are awesome- am I right?). Now Krochet Kids is one of 25 charities vying for a ONE MILLION DOLLAR GRANT from Chase Bank at the American Giving Awards, but they need YOUR VOTE to make it happen! (Go ahead and do that at http://bit.ly/vote4kki)

The number one criticism we got in our inboxes at KKi Headquarters was the wish for AMERICAN jobs... because we have problems here too (though nothing like the poverty in Uganda). I still remember working for KKi at a sustainability event and chatting with people about making this company more environmentally sustainable. The next week I discussed with the boys the idea of using recycled sweaters to make hats... they were so excited they went out and bought sweaters right then and there and started developing a plan for how their business model could work right here in this country for those living in poverty. I still remember how excited these guys were about the idea of helping more people. That always has been and always will be the focus at KKi. What was only whispers back in April could become reality this week - with YOUR VOTE.

There are few chances in life to do so much good with such a small action. You are just a few mouse clicks away from helping one small company change the world. So please please please take some time to vote before 9pm on December 4. And if you are even half as jazzed on KKi as I am, share this with YOUR friends. And watch the American Giving Awards on NBC on December 8 to see if your vote made a difference. And keep an eye out for KKi's spring collection with a ton of my crochet designs. OK... that's all.

Peace, Love, and so much THANKS,
Sara
(And I promise this will be the last time I facebook bomb you with so much stuff... thanks for your patience!)

Word from KKi HQ is that we are in a close second!  YOUR VOTE WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE TODAY!  #LETSWINTHIS

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day.  If you have a free hour watch this film with great interviews from Bill Clinton, Paul Farmer, Jeffrey Sachs, Desmund Tutu and others. The full hour and a half is on YouTube... here's a preview.



"We're all part of this problem and we must address it head on together as one."

Here's the full documentary...

Be the Change

Be the change you want to see in the world.  Ever been so pumped about your stitching you thought it had the power to change the world?  IT DOES!  And these guys are doing it!

Stitchers UNITE!  Take to your facebook accounts, and help this knit and crochet non-profit CHANGE THE WORLD!!!

And exactly one year and one day after I found out I was going to have the opportunity to contribute a few crochet designs to this place, you can tune in to NBC and see if your ONE vote helped them win ONE MILLION DOLLARS!  December 8!

Do it!  Do it NOW!  HERE...   
Vote4kki!  Let's do this!!!

#letsdothis

OK OK OK!!!  Voting starts today!  You have the power to cast a vote and help Krochet Kids international win ONE MILLION FREAKIN DOLLARS to continue their work empowering women in Uganda, Peru, and who knows where next (hint hint... HERE) to rise above poverty!

#LETSDOTHIS



(The wood paneling behind Kohl was hand stained by my fellow freakin awesome interns, the hat Kohl is wearing was made by Lucy... my inspiration while I was there - she makes the best hats, I did a lot of quality control checking... and the cycle of change painted on the wall was done by my favorite Aussie -Leah... I helped hold the ladder and tried not to freak out about her falling... I worry... I can't help it...)



So it is time friends!  Vote at http://bit.ly/vote4kki.

And watch the American Giving Awards which of course is happening on my lady (and fellow intern) Liz's birthday (Dec 8) and one year and one day after we heard we were picked to work at this awesome place.

So crafters unite!  Help some amazing women on the other side of the world by helping this organization...  #letsdothis   !!!!!!!!!!

Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday

It is that week again...  It's like the Olympics for cookers and shoppers.  You cook all day, eat all night, then shop the rest of the night (because shopping at 4 in the morning is pretty much still night time... let's not kid ourselves).

The more I've read and learned about the world... the less into big store shopping I've become. ( Ok... I still love Target, but after watching a documentary on Wal-Mart... I'm pretty sure I'll never set foot inside one again.)  I've even been successful with my clothing challenge... I haven't bought a NEW piece of clothing since JUNE and with my birthday only 3 weeks away, I think I'm going to make it!  I can't believe all the cool things I've found at thrift stores... and all the money I have saved!

So... in an effort to get our AMERICAN economy rockin again, I'm trying to make everything on my list (and every gift I buy for people) bought from a local business, re-used/re-purposed, or handmade.  And my hometown is making that so easy on me.  There are about 3-5 craft fairs per weekend here so I can buy from all my crafting friends.  Fort Collins is also having a Plaid Friday (instead of Black Friday) where all the local businesses are having awesome sales and super fun events to boot.  But fear not if your hometown is not as cool as the Fort (this place is pretty hard to top) because American Express has launched Small Business Saturday.  So if you really can't give up your Black Friday habit and amazing deals,  make sure you come home early enough to fit in a good nap and some leftovers and make it back out to support your local small businesses on Saturday!



We just made it through a terribly divisive election where we all agreed we want a president who will be hard on China.  Your Christmas budget is a great way for YOU to be hard on China, support your friends and neighbors, stimulate our economy, and all become friends again in the spirit of Christmas... or any other holiday you are celebrating this season.

Wishing you all so much love, happiness, and cherished time with the ones you love this week!

 

Websites for images were unavailable... but I found them on pinterest!

Happy Monday

I went to bed last night kind of dreading all I had to do this week, and then became supremely cranky when I woke up early to register for classes and a California sales tax license... ick.

But then I put some pumpkin eggnog in my coffee and saw this.  The whole day is instantly brighter.  Enjoy this before you get to any stitching this week!

Love,
Sara

A BIG Announcement

This time last year I was interviewing  for my design spot working with Krochet Kids international.  Such an awesome way to use stitching to make a difference in people's lives...  yet the biggest criticism I heard was "Why are you giving jobs to women in Africa, when people here need them?"

Well for the last few weeks they've been hyping a "BIG announcement."  AND today it came.  I heard some early whispers of this while I was there... excited to see it coming to life... but it needs your help to get off the ground.  HELP THEM WIN ONE MILLION DOLLARS!  (Dang - that's a lot of empowerment happening!)  So share the images below and read their press release...  spread it like wildfire, people!  Please and THANK YOU!  

Krochet Kids intl. (KKi) – a non-profit empowering communities around the globe to rise above poverty – was selected as one of twenty-five charities to participate in the American Giving Awards hosted by Chase Bank.  They have a unique proposition to rally support for their cause and votes for the Facebook voting platform November 27 – December 4.  The non-profit accessories brand that has successfully provided opportunities for communities in Uganda and Peru is looking to bring their life-changing model for empowerment home to the USA.

KKi has built a brand over the last five years focused on creating life-changing employment and educational opportunities to some of the most difficult areas in our world through the creation of their headwear and accessories line.  Over 180 women in Uganda and Peru are beneficiaries of this work and the organization is not stopping there.  If KKi wins the American Giving Awards they will be able to test their theory of change and empowerment for communities here in the USA.

KKi will partner with existing US-based organizations to implement their newest endeavor and ensure success of their programs in a very new context.  They are taking suggestions on potential project areas and communities.

What You Can Do To Help:

KKi is looking for the support of people leading up to the week of voting and during the week (Nov. 27-Dec. 4) to share this powerful story or empowerment at home.

Tweet:

“Help @krochetkids bring jobs to America!  Vote for them 11/27 – 12/4: http://bit.ly/vote4kki”

Facebook:

Download our communication kit and use the images to change your cover photo and profile picture.

The Day After

Happy Post-Election Day!  As a Swing State resident... I CAN NOT WAIT to turn on my TV today!

Huge thank you to everyone who voted...  as the President said... 

"I want to thank every American who participated in this election, whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time. By the way, we have to fix that. Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone, whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference."

So now... a little side note on political divisiveness.   I have some very strong political opinions (and have done pretty well at keeping this blog mostly free of them I hope, because this just isn't the place).  But I have been pretty vocal about them in other forums.  I have engaged in meaningful but reasonable discussions with those who disagree with me (Ok, I do get worked up a little just because I care, but I try really really hard not to), and after approaching that with an open mind, I learned something new (as I hope they did as well).  I've been highly critical of BOTH candidates (although admittedly much harsher on one than the other).  BUT... I don't think I have EVER gone after those citizens who disagree with me... because that is your right, and if I have a right to my strong opinions you ABSOLUTELY have a right to yours.

Last night, in a flurry of election news and excitement, I got a message from a distant facebook friend calling me "stupid" and "brainwashed."  I am absolutely neither of those things.  I just happen to support a different political party than him.  But, I was pretty shocked.

So let me say this...  you don't know people's circumstances until you talk to them.  That Romney supporter may have lost his business because he was paying so much in taxes.  That Obama supporter may have lost their house to pay for their parent's cancer treatment...  you just don't know.  So now that the distraction of an election is over, let's start talking, but more importantly LET'S START LISTENING!  Polite discussions about the problems with our representatives, our country, and how to fix them are just what we need.  But this was a tight election... and if you dub all who voted in a different way than you "stupid" and "brainwashed"  you just lost half a country's worth of friends, business partners, and people you could have worked with to make this country BETTER.

So if you feel victory from last night - I congratulate you.  If you feel defeated - I'm sorry, I know how much this meant to you.  But I will leave you with some words from someone far more articulate than myself... 

"Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won't change after tonight, and it shouldn't. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never forget that as we speak people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.  But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for America's future. We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers. A country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation, with all the good jobs and new businesses that follow.  We want our children to live in an America that isn't burdened by debt, that isn't weakened by inequality, that isn't threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet. We want to pass on a country that's safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this — this world has ever known. But also a country that moves with confidence beyond this time of war, to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity for every human being."  (No matter your political party!)

Now let's all get back to stitching!

Please Vote!

Good morning stitching and fashion enthusiasts!

Today is one really really big day.  It is a day that we can make our opinions heard, no matter how small we feel our voices may be.  It is a day we take part in making the decision as to who will lead this great great country of ours.

Today is one day I do not support the decision to stay home and stitch.  Most of us crafters are women, and women fought for so long to have this right.  Don't take it for granted.  Get out and vote.

The lines maybe long, and it might be cold outside... but I'm sure we have many knit goods and projects to keep us both entertained and warm.  Bring a friend...turn it into a stitch n b*tch.

Have an opinion.  Share it.  VOTE!!!  Thanks in advance!

Image from HERE

 

Images from HERE

 

Image from HERE

GET IT DONE, LADIES!!!

Insta - SLC

I love when family comes into town and we take a special mountain trip.  Yup.  I live here.  For REAL.  It's awesome.  I'm also getting together some cool stuff for Renegade displays.  Hooray for vintage suitcases.

I wanted to have a crochet yourself a pumpkin Halloween costume DIY today... but there is just so much going on over here.  No crochet  pumpkin time for me.  I have an Audrey Hepburn costume ready and waiting to go...  I'm also going to go vote today!  WOOH!  Hope you all have a fantastic Halloween.  Stay SAFE - especially if you're on the east coast.  Hurricane Sandy is a b*tch.  Stupid Frankenstorm.  Donate to the Red Cross if you can HERE or text DONATE to 90999 to give $25.