slm - products i'm into right now

(what I wore to the trunk show. Made by me from an altered vintage pattern and delicious Nani Iro double gauze)

Phew, what a week! I wanted to post again last week but after announcing the arrival of mr. sköna, I realized that I was not quite prepared for the workroom's trunk show. So I worked like crazy all week, sewing, sewing, sewing. The trunk went really well and I met lots of nice people. It was sunny most of the day and it made the lovely workroom even more lovely.

So, a new week, a new slm post. I have collected a few links of great sustainable produts and I wanted to share them with you. Most of these I haven't tested out in real life but would like to. If you have first hand experience with any of these items, let me know.

Here we go:

+ Soap nuts. Am I the only one who didn't know about these? I love everything about them: the ancientness, the fact they are not actually nuts (I'm allergic), their simplicity and gentleness (Aren has sensitive skin).
+ Bulk bags. I have been thinking about this for yonks. I buy a lot of items in bulk and dread bringing home the useless plastic bags. I think using silk and nylon is genius. It be even better if the fabric was upcycled.
+ MEC Natural Bike Lube. So nice not to have use a petrochemical to keep my bike in good shape. Speaking of bikes...
+Velorbis. Le sigh. I feel the Dannebrog might be the perfect bike. The red! But the Victoria Classic is pretty amazing as well. Ah, the Danish.
+ Paraben free deodarant . Sustainable? Well, in the sense that it keeps you healthy by not being loaded with parabens. I have considered making my deodorant as I make many of the things that we use/consume on a daily basis but for me, this where I draw the line. I am happy to support a small business and not have investment is special pots and supplies.
+ Homemade spelt crackers. I am really excited to try this this recipe. Most cracker recipes I have come across are loaded with oil not unlike most premade crackers. Now I am not anti-fat (in fact I fully embrace most vegetable fats, olive oil, mmmm) but I like the idea that they are lower in calories so you can load up on delicious toppings.

Anyone seen anything else good lately?

etsy shop up and running!

Sort of. I got a few things posted and then etsy didn't want me to add anything else. So for now there are 2 hats and 2 wallets available. More tomorrow! mrskona.etsy.com

Thanks so much for all your lovely feedback and support. It means a lot to me.

slm and busy 5 - mr. sköna

Simple, strong, sustainable.

I please to announce the launch of my line of men's accessories: mr. sköna. I have been working on this project for a long time and am thrilled that it's finally ready for it's debut. My etsy shop will be online in the next few days.

mr. sköna is about sustainable products that are well made and designed. When I started thinking about selling items, it was important to me that I was making items that were going be used for a long time, that used as little new materials as possible, that had minimal packaging (which is hard because I love packaging) and that were aesthetically pleasing. I used my background as a costume designer and my well-honed thrifted skills to find materials and create products inspired by nature, Scandinavian design and traditional menswear textiles.

I use only natural materials (cotton, linen, leather, wool) 90% of which are upcycled. Natural materials feel nice against your skin, wear well and are easily recycled. The only new materials I use are thread and elastic to ensure the quality and lifespan of the final product as most vintage notions are no longer in good shape. My studio (a tiny room in our apartment) is powered by green power from Bullfrog (a local green power supplier). All products come in linen pouches which alleviate the need for gift wrapping (though if you are buying for yourself, it's like getting a gift), serve as protectors when the item isn't in use and can be reused to wrap another gift.

As well as the etsy shop, mr. sköna will be at The Workroom's Holiday Trunk Show, December 7, 12-5pm and City of Craft, December 13, 12-8pm (click on the buttons on the right for more details). I'm a little nervous but mainly excited and hope that these products find good homes.