green vanilla baby

Beginning-of-the-year Destash!

2011-01-21T12:07:00.005-06:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted anything here... I apologize for that!

Be assured, though, I have not been idle- I've had quite a few custom orders to keep me busy. Like the sock monkey hat rush... crazy! All of a sudden, those were in high demand.

Anyway, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported green vanilla baby, placed an order or spread the word about my work: THANK YOU!!

Between orders, I've been making things here and there, and now I need to destash my collection. I'm marking everything down, meaning savings for you! As soon as I get a few free moments, I plan to get a photo or two up of what's in stock, and I'll list everything then. Check back under "In Stock"... that's where you'll be able to find it.

As always, if there's something you wish to order (either in-stock or custom order), please email me! I accept PayPal, so ordering is easy. And, of course, I still accept check/cash payments. Again, thanks to all of you!

~ Princess ~

2010-06-15T16:58:00.002-05:00

As summer s-l-o-w-l-y makes it's way here (it's been rainy, chilly, damp and all-around gloomy), it's time to bring something more warm-weather appropriate to green*vanilla baby.

Enter the Princess Headband!

Light-weight, airy, fit for even the tiniest of princesses. It's dainty, elegant, and the perfect accessory for her prettiest little dress or her cute jeans and tank. Best of all? It can be worn year-round, for any occassion.

Adjustability is key: the Princess Headband ties at the back of the head, so it fits from day one to pre-teen. In usual green*vanilla baby fashion, all headbands are made of 100% cotton (bamboo available also). And yes, this item can also be ordered in a slightly larger teen/adult size too!

(Close-up of the band and flower detail)

Princess Headband:

Infant/Pre-teen: $10 ($12 for bamboo)

Teen/Adult: $12 ($14 for bamboo)

When ordering, please specify size and colors. Color choices can currently be found under "Trim, Slings and Embellishments". If you prefer bamboo over cotton, be sure you let me know that too!

Gallery

2010-05-12T07:16:00.002-05:00

The Gallery is now open!

I've added photos of most of the available styles (it's easier to see them all in one spot rather than sifting through blog posts) and a few photos of a commissioned project for a high-end designer.

Stop in and take a look around!

Wrap it up :)

2010-04-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

As an advocate of baby-wearing, I love the variety of slings and carriers out there. Personally, I prefer the more "natural" ones myself. Like the pouch sling, or the Moby Wrap.

I have two wraps available... both are made from 100% knit cotton, meaning that they're natural AND stretchy. And easy to take care of- simply throw it in the wash along with your whites/lights and go.

They have tapered ends for less bulk when tying...

... and a sweet little birdie right on the front, in the middle, so it's easier for you to center your wrap. The ends are unfinished for maximum stretchability, and are untreated (you can always use Fray-check after your purchase, if you want). Even left untreated, your wrap won't fray with correct use. Two wraps currently in stock (white, 22" wide, 15' long): $25 each.

Love your mother!

2010-04-07T10:08:00.002-05:00

In this case, I mean Mother Earth. The poor thing deserves a little respect, and how better to show you care about your planet than using eco-friendly shopping bags?Sure, you can buy small canvas bags at almost any grocery store for a dollar or two, and if you want to, go for it! These, my friends, are slightly nicer. 100% cotton, super-sturdy, available in almost any color... and SOOOO stretchy!

They're constructed exactly like most plastic grocery bags, but hold way more. When laid flat next to your average plastic bag, these cotton bags are only slightly shorter. However, once you start filling them, you'll find they hold more than plastic! Just for a strenght/capacity test, I put my 15-month old daughter in one (she weighs about 17 pounds)... she wasn't too thrilled, but the bag held fast.

So, with ultimate strenght AND stretch, you really can't go wrong. And relieving the environment of a few plastic bags is a big bonus. Think of how many plastic bags you bring home in a week. How about a month? A year? Yikes!! And while paper is biodegradable, it takes trees to make them. Cotton, on the other hand, is reuseable and sustainable.

Next time you're at the store and the bagboy asks you if you'd like paper or plastic, you can smile and say "Cotton, thank you!"

Cotton shopping bags: $20 each.

(Discounts on orders of 5 or more)

New: For Mommies Only!!

2010-04-07T09:54:00.004-05:00

Pretty much everything I offer is for babies and kids (although there have been quite a few adults ordering cute hats in THEIR size), so I thought it would be nice to offer something geared more toward mommies.This lovely hat is super-soft and slouchy. As we all know, slouchy means no hat-head!

Nothing finishes off a nice hat better than a matching cowl! Also known as a circle scarf or mobius wrap, a cowl is a wonderful alternative to a traditional scarf because there are no ends to tuck in. It sits around your neck so nice and cozy!

In addition, the cowl is long enough to wear as a capelet too, if you should so desire.

The set shown is made from super-soft acrylic (yes, I have strayed from my usual all-cotton offerings!) in a rich chocolate, with a turquoise crocheted edge and crocheted flowers in burnt sienna to top it off. The flowers are attached to alligator clips for added versatility; wear the set with them or without! The hat and cowl set is currently available for purchase ($40); custom orders are welcome, of course.

*(PS: I should add that my area of interest is crochet; however, this is knit. Yes, I've taken up a little knitting. A little variety never hurt anyone, right?)

New Items

2010-03-03T18:07:00.000-06:00

I know I should update here more often, but well, I've been a little busy!

I apologize for the unprofessional photo, but it's what I've got for now...

Hello, sock monkey hats!!

These hats are 100% cotton (of course), and made to order. All the normal size options apply, and I have to say, out of the seven orders I've filled in the last few weeks, half of them were for adults. So they really DO come in any size!

I'm also thinking of adding eco-friendly shopping bags to my list of products. I've already made one and with a few minor tweaks, will soon be perfected. The bags are perfect for grocery shopping (that was my original idea for useage) or for running other errands. I've made them to resemble your average plastic bag... when empty, they are slightly smaller in dimension but fill to hold more than the plastic variety. I will post photos soon... this is a great option for those of you who are concerned about the environment! And not to worry- they're not your old-fashioned "old lady" bags... all the same embellishment options apply so you can dress up your environmentally-friendly shopping bags any way you'd like!

Come on out!

2010-01-29T22:03:00.000-06:00

If you're in the Clintonville, WI area tomorrow, stop by the Community Center for a craft and vendor show!

Yes, green*vanilla baby will be there, but there will be many more crafters showing off their talents as well. The show starts at 10... there will be several items available for immediate sale, as well as an order form and printed info to look through (I only printed one copy, so it's in a binder, but it's all the info you can find online here).

So... show your support for the local artists and come see us all! Of course, there's the annual Chili Cook-off (which my co-worker Tim is entering) and other activities for the Winter Whirl.

Hope to see you there!

Get 'em now!!

2010-01-11T09:54:00.002-06:00

I have several hats in stock that need to find new homes!!

They are all new, never worn... they were used as display items, so they're in excellent condition. All four are currently listed in my etsy shop, but if you want one and don't have an etsy account, you can purchase directly from here. Just contact me for details!

Olivia Hat: 2 in stock

0-3 month (1), Brown/Turquoise,your choice of pink or pumpkin flower

3-6 month (1), Brown/Turquoise, your choice of pink or pumpkin flower

Mon Chere Hat: 1 in stock 6-12 month, Pink/White

Madison hat: 1 in stock

6-12 month, Currant/ Natural

Again, these items are in stock, ready to ship right this minute! Cost is $20 each, free shipping if you're in the Continental U.S.

Ellie is here!

2009-12-24T09:34:00.006-06:00

This new little addition to the green*vanilla baby family is cute, sweet and cuddly... ... and the model's adorable too, I must add! The Ellie hat is made of 100% cotton, in a sort of chunky and textured yarn. It sports a cute puff detail along the border and a sweet flower adorns each earflap. The pom-pommed ties complete this cute little number (please note: the ties aren't intended to be tied...). Perfect for everyday or special occassions, and ideal for photography props! There are several color options available- I will add sample swatches later. In the meantime, you can contact me for color options if you want to order- just shoot me an email at greenvanillababy (at) gmail (dot) com.

~ Ellie hats are $25 each.

CPSIA and the Handcrafted Community

2009-11-30T09:50:00.002-06:00

I'd just like to give a shout out to all handmade artists and supporters... you guys rule! Especially our buyers; without you, we'd reall be up a creek. Actually, everyone in the handcrafted community is up a proverbial creek right now. I've posted on this before (more on my family blog than here) but I'd like to touch on the subject again. It's something that we're all quite familiar with now: the new regulations for the CPSIA. I don't even know where to begin. First (but not the most important) is that the new regulations are worded in a way that most normal people can't really understand. Too confusing. The real issue, though, is that the new standards being put on handmade items are outrageous. Anything intended for kids age 12 and under is now required to not only have a proper CPSIA label but a FTC-appropriate label as well. Most materials are to be tested for lead, phthalates and other things... these tests run $300-$400 at a minimum. That means that independent crafters and toy/clothing/accessory makers will have to shell out thousands of dollars to test a set of items that collectively will sell for a mere fraction of that cost. This has come about due in part to the lead-tainted paint on toys manufactured in China recently. What lawmakers and CPSIA leaders need to realize is that almost all items made in the US are perfectly safe. If manufacturers of the components can pass testing and have a valid Certificate of Compliance, then those things should not have to be tested again when they become part of a toy, accessory or article of clothing. I should mention that yarn and fabrics are expempt from having to be retested once they are used in a product, but that doesn't mean a thing for handcrafters, since many of us use embellishments, zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. This is killing off the handmade/handcrafted community. No independent creator can afford this kind of testing, forcing many to rethink their hobby or livelihood. For anyone who is involved with Etsy, you know what a hullaballoo this has caused. With the economy the way it is, the new CPSIA regulations will just make things worse. So many people have lost their jobs, and many depend on selling their creations to try to bring ends just a little closer to meeting. The CPSIA is crushing that option! It's unfair to sellers, and also to buyers. I encourage everyone to try to turn this around... if not because you care about the people who sell their wonderful handmade items, then for yourselves, because chances are, before too long your favorite handmade things will no longer be available. Help us save "handmade"... write your congress person, the CPSIA, anyone who will listen! Click on the "Save Handmade" button to help (no donations, just resources for changing the regulations).

For myself, and on behalf of the thousands of handcrafters/artists, thank you for your support and loyalty! Let's get this changed!

New Options!

2009-11-25T11:52:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to introduce a new yarn to the green*vanilla store!

A friend of mine requested a hat for her little one, but I wasn't able to find the colors she wanted in 100% cotton (or bamboo), and when I stumbled on this bamboo/silk blend, it was love at first stitch.

Not only is bamboo an eco-friendly choice because it's incredibly renewable, it's also super-soft. 100% bamboo yarns are light-weight, sturdy and supple, but when blended with silk, it becomes something new altogether. It's SO yummy-soft! Just dreamy... I about melted into a puddle when I started working with it. It's hard to describe, really- you'd have to feel it for yourself. An added bonus? It's semi-shiny! Not weird, glittery shiny, a soft glowing shiny. I do believe it's my new personal favorite!

The bamboo silk is available in 12 beautiful colors and is now a new option for all hat styles. Please note that because this is a luxury blend, it IS a bit more expensive; add $10 to the regular price of any hat for the bamboo silk.

(*Please note: if you are looking into ordering and want color swatches emailed to you, let me know; I'd be more than happy to do so!)

Winter Wonderland!

2009-10-16T17:26:00.004-05:00

Ok, so there's no snow on the ground yet (at least, not in central Wisconsin), but it's comin'!

The Winter Wonderland hat is perfect for keeping little ones warm- there's even earflaps!

The snowflake embellishment is hand-stitched...

... and the tasseled ties are long enough to tie. In normal green*vanilla baby fashion, the Winter Wonderland hat is made from 100% cotton and is available in all sizes. Available colors are Blue and Pink (but if you want something specific, like an all-white hat with a blue snowflake, please contact me- I can work with you on other options!) Winter Wonderland hat: $25 (adult: $30)

Olivia hat

2009-10-07T21:46:00.002-05:00

It's new, it's here, it's fresh off the top of my head...

the Olivia hat!

I had a little extra time (as much spare time as a mommy of a two-year old and a nine-month old can have) and some yarn that was begging for a new idea, so this is what I came up with:

Spicy/pumpkin orange is one of the most delicious colors out there, but it can be hard to find the right colors to pair with it. Fortunately, chocolate brown and turquoise are equally delicious and just happen to blend well with orange. I just wish my daughter loved it as much as I do... she's decided that she no longer wants to model hats for me!

Of course, the Olivia hat is hand-made with care in a pet-free, smoke-free environment and is 100% cotton. If you like the design but want different colors, please contact me to let me know what you have in mind. I plan to get an updated and revised list of colors up soon, fyi.

Olivia hat: $20

Available in all sizes!

We're still here!

2009-10-01T16:44:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to say that yes, I'm still here. My computer has been down for a few weeks. There's nothing to make one feel isolated like a dead laptop. Anyway, it will be fixed soon (as in, within a few days), so keep an eye out for new changes!! They're coming. In the meantime, I will be busy filling orders for fellow plasma donors at Biolife. Thanks, ladies!

Mon Chere!!

2009-09-04T23:26:00.003-05:00

Another new addition to green vanilla baby is here!

Inspired by my daughter, the Mon Chere hat is my personal pride and joy (second only to my children, of course). I wanted something that my daughter could wear with multiple outfits, something that would go with more than one thing. She's totally girly, quite petite and has taken to being very dainty. Those qualities are represented in the delicate cherry blossom detailing, individually hand-crocheted and carefully stitched into place. As with all other green vanilla baby items, the Mon Chere hat is hand-crocheted from 100% cotton. The hat is made from a medium-weight sporty yarn with a slight sheen to it. It features a scalloped edge and, of course, the sweet cherry blossoms. Custom color requests are welcome... available colors are not shown, but if you have something particular in mind, please contact me. More than likely, it's available! Mon Chere hat: $30

Introducing...

2009-08-31T21:18:00.005-05:00

... two new additions to green vanilla baby!

The Madison hat.

The Cheyenne hat.

Both styles are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton and are available in a range of colors. The color shown is "currant"; the edging on the Madison hat is "natural". At this time, available color choices are not shown- please contact me regarding colors! Custom color combinations can be requested, as well as any personal touches or tweaks that you'd like done. Madison hat: $20 Cheyenne hat: $25

*If you would like to order, please specify which color(s) you would like as well as the size(s) you need. Sizes are as follows: 0-3 month, 3-6 month, 6-12 month, 12-24 month, 2T-4T and 5T-preteen. Hats can also be made in adult sizes (add $5).

Every girl needs a hat...

2009-06-18T17:40:00.003-05:00

Made to be worn either alone or with the green vanilla baby Diaper Cover, this hat is perfect for that adorable little girl in your life. It's stretchy and breathable and available in several sizes!

As always, custom orders are welcome! Just let me know what color/size you need.

Hat sizes:

0-3 months

3-6 months

6-9 months

12 months

24 months

I can be contacted with any questions about sizing!

*Hat: $25 each*

New Item!!

2009-06-11T21:25:00.004-05:00

Now available: crocheted diaper covers! These covers are hand-crocheted of 100% cotton crochet thread. They can be made to fit either disposable or cloth diapers. Please note that these are not treated to be waterproof- they are accessories for your adorable little one. If you would like to order, please indicate the size and color(s). Watch for more deco options and little boy covers to come soon!

*Diaper covers: $35.00 each*

Now Available!!

2009-06-09T12:04:00.002-05:00

Now available at the green vanilla baby store on etsy.com:

The green vanilla baby Crocheted Sling

The current listing is for the sling shown, in natural with sage egding. The pouch is gently tapered for a comfortable fit and is made to fit a 24" measurement. green vanilla baby crocheted slings are made from 100% cotton. If you are interested in a crocheted sling in another size and/or color, please feel free to contact me! I'm also offering crocheted slings made of bamboo; these are available in natural and white (any color edging in cotton is still available with bamboo slings). 100% cotton crocheted slings: $95.00 Bamboo crocheted slings: $105.00 (Please note that the price of these slings reflects the time it takes to make one; these are very time-intensive. It takes upwards of 15 hours to make just one!)

Esty Shop

2009-06-04T08:07:00.002-05:00

Just a small update: I have finally set up shop on etsy.com. Currently (as of 8 am on 6/3/09) there are no items in the shop, but I'm working on it. I have one crocheted sling completed and will add it as soon as I have photos. Remember, custom orders are always welcome, so feel free to shoot me an email with any requests!

Coming Soon!!

2009-05-29T07:43:00.002-05:00

Welcome to green vanilla baby! Watch for products to be available as well as a shop on etsy.com; you'll be able to find pouch slings in a variety of prints as well as specialty crocheted slings. I also anticipate a few cotton baby books and hopefully other naturally made toys. Check back in for updates, products and news... but please be patient, as green vanilla baby is a one-woman-with-two-babies operation. I'm in the process of getting things going! Once a few products are available, I will open a shop on etsy; I will also post all creations here for viewing, and any orders can be purchased through etsy.com. Stay with me.... !