Cloud9DesignStudio is a pretty cool online resource for earth friendly, hand screened apparel. A few weeks ago, I found out about their giveaway for $30 credit for their Etsy store and actually won!  I browsed all of the products that they carry and found some really cute apparel for men, women, children, babies, and maternity.

I was also impressed at the customer service. The package made it to my mailbox in less than a week of placing the order.  Communication with Amber is very easy and response usually happens within a couple of hours via email, Etsy, or Twitter.  She has a 100% positive Etsy rating and deserves it! You can also read more reviews and ratings at shopcloud9design.com/kudos.

I ended up ordering one of the woman’s hand screened t-shirt.  The woman’s Ts are “one size fits most” and very soft and comfortable, I can almost sleep on it!

Holiday Gift Guide

Their new Holiday Gift Guide at Cloud9DesignStudio is also well done. Besides the hand screened t-shirts and other clothing, this guide includes handmade made to order apparel from other designers,  vintage apparel, clothing for women (including maternity), Yoga clothing,  gifts for him, jewelry, accessories, items for baby, home accessories and more.

So if you’re going to buy one or two gifts or totally spurge, at least buy handmade (and/or eco friendly) and support independent designers and artists.

Shop
Holiday Gift Guide
Blog
Portfolio
Web

Photo credit: AnnaKika

I usually don’t think about holiday gift giving until around December 21st, but wanted to share a few ideas for this season.  Gift ideas that are useful and reduce cost and clutter to both the giver and receiver.

Handmade gifts: This is definitely not a new concept and I’m sure many of you are already ahead of the curve on this one.  Time and skill are two issues that usually come up when thinking about handmade gifts.  For this reason, my favorite item to make are knitted scarves.   I’m by far not an expert knitter.  Throws, blankets, scarves; anything in a straight line is pretty much all I can do.  In terms of time, using large needles and comparable yarn would help you get your project done in no time.  Public transportation, waiting in line at the grocery store, lunch breaks, steeling five minutes here and there – anytime you have to wait for something are great times to get a small knitting project done.

Knitting blogs or blogs that occasionally speak about knitting:
Stitchywich
Carrieoke
Show and Tell: “Use it or Lose it” knitting
Okay Knits

How to knit
How to knit – The basics (YouTube)
How to knit a scarf
Knitting Help

Vogue Knitting | Chic Knits | Knit N Style If only I can knit like that! Fashion knitting is a skill I would love to have, but I think I will stick with blankets, throws, and scarves for now. 

More on handmade gifts.
Tsh at Simplemom.net has a few sewing projects you can get started on now: Holidays by Hand: Celebrate the Season With Your Sewing Skills

Also, Green and Clean Mom Blog presents: 2008 Green Holiday Gift Guide
Getrichslowly.org/blog offers a host of ideas tips in A Do-It-Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Gifts You Can Make Yourself

http://craftingagreenworld.com/

Does anyone have more homemade gift ideas?  Candles, soaps, handmade cards – anything?  Please share what you do (or would like to do) and any related links.