MAKING BABY AND CHILDREN'S CLOTHES - A REAL JOY

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread



It was sometime in my early teens that I learned to crochet and sew. It was later on in life when I learned to knit.


I always enjoyed doing handmade -- and I still do!!


In fact, that was one of the reasons that I set up my 3rd shop on http://www.etsy.com/, http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ -- to have a special shop for my crochet and knitting designs that are wearable -- especially the ones for babies and kids.


Here are a few of those designs in my shop.


I read on the Internet how hats for newborns and babies help to keep them healthy because they keep their heads warm. So, I make a few baby hats and here are a couple of them:


This first one is 100% white cotton -- it is knitted in a rib pattern, which makes it stretchy, but snuggly -- that means it will stretch to fit different sizes, but then once it is on, it fits snug. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15724345

This one I made with acrylic yarn in different colors -- acrylic is totally and easily washable - and WARM - I think it would be good for a baby in the winter. It is also in a rib pattern and stretches, but fits snug. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15686453

I actually love making children's clothes, especially sweaters for the winter. Over the years, I have made a variety of them -- mostly to give away. Here is one I made for my shop. It is knitted BULKY and WARM, double strand 100% cotton! Personally, I like cotton and I know from experience that this Peaches and Creme worsted cotton knitted or crocheted double strand is WARM. Peaches and Creme yarn is also washable (lukewarm water on delicate and tumble dry on low heat), which is important for kid's clothing!! This is a size 6 crewneck pullover in Shaded Denim - which is great with jeans!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16152420

This next one is last, but not least!!

The design is from a magazine from about 1980 with Granny Square Designs. All I know is that the designer of this Granny Square pattern that is on this Girl's Jumper won an award. I loved doing it - thanks to the designer! It is made with acrylic yarn for warmth and washing convenience (totally washable). It is a size 8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12918822

I've enjoyed making all of these items -- I hope some child will enjoy wearing them someday!!

I also do custom orders -- so if anyone knows someone who would want some warm children's cothing handmade for the winter or some cool children's clothing for the summer, they can email me (see above).

By the way, keep in mind that all handmade is "eco" or good for the environment in that it is "low carbon" - though I buy my yarn, the making of the clothing is done without using any electricity except the lights I have on anyway -- and I use energy saving bulbs!!

Ruth

GLOBAL WARMING - EVIDENCE OF & SOMETHING YOU CAN DO - EARTH HOUR 2008

One of the things I am worried about in our lives is Global Warming.

I am convinced - and have been for years - that it is going on and that we must take responsibility for our impact on Global Warming.

Today I read an article about an Ice Chunk in Western Antarctica collapsing - apparently scientists say that this is a sign of worsening Global Warming.

There is something going on this coming Saturday, March 29, 2008 that individuals and businesses can participate in - it is called Earth Hour 2008 - it is "...the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming". You can sign up and participate!

I will be doing it this coming Saturday evening between the hours of 8 pm and 9 pm. According to their website at this time, over 200,000 people and over 13,000 business around the world have signed up to participate.

Doing Earth Hour 2008 is a statement and maybe a beginning for some, but there are things you can do every day - I do conservation every day - with water and with electricity - I keep lights turned off in rooms I am not in/using and I have energy saving bulbs in all but a few light fixtures. I keep electric appliances and equipment, such as this computer I am using, turned off totally when it is not being used. Doing this is a part of my daily life. Read about the simple things you can do each day to reduce your impact on climate change on earthhour.org.

The Union of Concerned Scientists, which has a very comprehensive website and sends out newsletters, also has a lot of information about what people can do in their lives based on scientific data. They have a section of their website dedicated to the subject of Global Warming.

This issue of Global Warming is affecting all of us - there are various different ways of keeping informed and reducing your impact on it!

Doing what I can every day makes me feel a little bit better!!

Ruth