TOFU BEAR & Friends
Retail: $8.00-$39.00

Alas, there’s not always time to make beautiful heirloom gifts for all of my fertile friends’ new babies so I’m always on the lookout for little bits that would make great, thoughtful presents for their wee munchkins. My latest find is a plush toy by one of my favorite yarn companies, Southwest Trading Company, called Tofu Bear. This little guy as well as his pals SOYnia Bunny and Little Edamame (“Ed”) Bear are all made from earth-friendly 100% SOYSILK ®, a cutting-edge fiber made from the waste produced during the manufacturing of tofu. Environmentally conscious AND cuddly-soft—what could be better?

Oh, and knitter’s bonus: in an upcoming Knitty Gritty episode the lovely Karen Baumer demonstrates how to make a toy-sized, fair-isle, steeked sweater that would be the perfect Tofu Bear accessory. Stay tuned!

Fashion Pick

TIE TOP
Retail: $76.00

Ok, perhaps it’s a little nepotistic to choose an Austin Craft Mafia member’s design as one of my picks but when something’s awesome, it’s awesome and the wrap tops from Karly Hand’s Identity Crisis Clothing are just that! I recently wore a one-of-a-kind sheer floral version for the DIY Craft holiday ad photo shoot and I loved the versatility of the extra long tie which I chose to wear obi-style. Karly offers a few fantastic regulars on her website (my favorite is the plaid version seen below) and a ton more few-of-a-kind numbers on the racks of Parts & Labour on South Congress in Austin, TX. Choose to go the off-the rack route or custom order for a perfect fit. Either way, you’ll look tie-tastic in one of these beauties!

Crafty Pick

KNITTER’S SATCHEL
Retail: $89.00

The first time I laid my eyes on a Jordana Paige Knitter’s Satchel was during a Knit Bit shoot last fall at The Point Café in New York. I loved it then, lying amidst the shop’s baskets full of luxurious yarns, and I loved it even more when I took the bag out for a spin several months later on my trip to TNNA in Indiana. This, my friends, is a good-looking bag. I love the Ocean Blue version so much that if it were a smidge smaller, I’d probably use it as my everyday purse! It’s got that great, classic “doctor’s bag” cut made modern by the faux-pebbled leather and silver metal hardware. It’s roomy enough to hold any mid-sized project but the real deal closer is all of the satchel’s holders, pockets and compartments (see below). With consideration for everything from yarn to measuring tape, Ms. Paige’s pouch is a stitcher’s-on-the-go best friend!