With a new Sockapalooza starting, and various other sock related posts going up around the place, I thought I’d share a recent find with you. The link comes via a lovely new blog Suzanne’s blog that I only came across because I wanted to see who was reading my blog from Lichtenstein, but am so glad I did go looking! Suzanne linked to Claudia’s site - Rohrspatz and Wollmeise which is full of hand dyed yarns, with some particularly nice choices in sock yarns. Claudia’s site doesn’t have pictures yet, but if the wonderful vibrancy and colourways shown in Suzanne’s photo above are anything to go by, her colourways must all be fabulous. I’m in the process of placing my order….needless to say.

merwing always posts cool stuff, including fantastic embroideries, felt stuffies (I particularly love her owls), and her recent bright idea of using a ruler as a trinket shelf. If forced to choose my favorite thing she’s made, though, I have to go with this frogboy embroidery. It reminds me of those old comic book ads for Sea Monkeys.

These sweet multi-media works are by Toronto artist Heidi Jahnke, and are on exhibit at the c1 gallery this month. From the gallery site:

Small Delights is Heidi Jahnke’s newest body of mixed media work that consists of a quirky collection of constructed boxes portraying playful imagery of animals involved in their own miniature, fantastical worlds. Many of the pieces contain unexpected bits of text that give clues to the humourous narratives Jahnke has chosen to express, while her distinct colours support her devotion to childhood nostalgia.

I found this exhibit at Toronto Craft Alert, a cool, brand new website and newsletter all about Toronto crafty events and resources. If you live in the area you must check it out, and even if you don’t live anywhere near Toronto, you could still take a peek to learn about the thriving arts and crafts scene here!

Otsu is a vegan boutique in the San Francisco’s Mission District. Otsu (meaning strange; quaint; stylish; chic; spicy; witty; tasty; romantic) is dedicated to providing hard-to-find, high-quality, fairly-made vegan items including shoes, belts, wallets and bags. Otsu has a line called little Otsu, where they collaborate with artists and designers to create print products, with an emphasis on unique works that are valued for their artistry, functionality, and use of recycled and alternative materials. Submissions are now open if you are an artist and interested in submitting your work for consideration.
The image is panda card designed by Lart Cognac Berliner more info here (link via treehugger)