Coffee and Cherries

My new thing is recycling old wool sweaters for hoodies. It's been really fun. They make me sad that it is only summer. I love winter, but only when it snows. I don't think I'm going to get much satisfaction out of an Alabama winter. None the less, it is only June and there is plenty to be thankful for in June. Most importantly there is a ton of great produce. I got crazy-inspired by a certain fruit last week, the rainier cherry. Don't you love it? Not only is it refreshing with just the right sweet/tart balance, but it has great color too. For anyone that isn't familiar the cherry is covered in pink and yellow hues. The two colors blend together and seperate, and the surface of the cherry is so adorable. Drinking dark roast coffee (with a touch of Ovaltine) and snacking on some cherries makes me happy. In my delight I was inspired to create this hoodie.

Extra Excited About Plaid

So I've recently started to make hoodies not just for women, but for men too. For some reason a lot of them are ending up with plaid in them. I love plaid and know other girls that do too. Why am I more inspired to use it for men? In this particular piece that I just finished I used a triple plaid combo. What I am finding is that it's never too much. Here the potential over use of print is balanced by the dark wool sweater on the outside. This style of hoodie is my warmest yet.

My recent escapades with plaid prompted me to do a bit of research on the subject. Here's what I found:

In America we call it plaid, but everyone else calls it tartan. Its origins date back to Celtic populations from around 100BC to 400BC. Tartan was made most useful by the Scottish to identify clans, or different regions where people were from. Color used in dyes had a lot to do with this. With punk music in the 70's tartan became an anti-establishment symbol. The youth of the British Isles wore this fabric to voice their disgust with the ruling class. In America, plaid is apparenty associated with the hipster movement. Since these kids shop at thrift stores, and there is usually an abundance of plaid shirts at thrift stores, the print has come to represent their movement as well.

What does this mean for Florida Scarf? Nothing, but I'll keep using it in the pieces. Hopefully it will add character and warmth.

Florida Scarf Moved Again

This is an important message to all my loved ones:

I have moved to Alabama. Please do not be alarmed. For the most part this will not affect business. It's actually growing. There's more good stuff for next season than you can shake a stick at. I've got some new personalities sewing for you. These girls will be making their debut on the website by September. Also, it will be much easier to shop Florida Scarf online! There could even be a new retailer closer to you. Please stay tuned.

BUTTONS!

Hey Gang. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am pretty stoked already for next scarf season. I've got a new set of buttons complete. They are the next wave in the collection from the collaboration with Kathy Casper and Regeneration Clayworks. Next season's style is pretty similar to what you love from last season, but I threw in a couple of new designs and sizes. I hope this feeds your anticipation.

Later!

My official list of retailers for 2009

SKI BARN

2990 Brunswick Pike

Lawrenceville, NJ

SKI BARN

303 Rt. 35 North

Eatontown, NJ

HELLO WORLD

257 20th St.

Philadelphia, PA

MEW

906 Christian St.

Philadelphia, PA

EARTH TONES

19 N. Centre St.

Merchantville, NJ

ANTIC ATTIC

13 E. Broad St.

Palmyra, NJ

THE CLOSET

51 Cordova St.

St. Augustine, FL

OAK

245 Newbury St.

Boston, MA

Catch Florida Scarf

I'll be at the Riverton Fall Festival October 17th from 12-4. It is hosted by the New Leaf Tea Room at 606 Main St in Riverton , NJ. There will be many local artists and crafters. You can also see demonstrations and get studio tours. Come out and get an early start on your holiday shopping!

Hey everybody! Florida Scarf is gearing up for another great season.

For starters you can catch me out and about both days this weekend. On Saturday, September 26th, I will be at the First Annual Spirit of Chesterfield Festival. Chesterfield is a quaint, picturesque town in New Jersey and the festival offers plenty of vendors and crafters for your hearts delight. It will be held in the Village of Crosswicks from 10:00-4:00. More information can be found at: http://www.spiritofchesterfield.blogspot.com

On Sunday, September 27th, I will be at Arts in the Park. This event is held at the Historic Smithville Park. The Park is off Smithville Road in Eastampton, NJ. This event will run from 11:00-5:00. This is a juried Fine and Perfoming Arts Festival. There will be much to see and do. For more information on this event visit http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/.