Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Windsocks

Let's start with the stats:

They're made of a lightweight cotton material. The fabric was washed before they were sewn and there was no dye run.
The length without the cord is around 4'.
The nylon hanging cord is approximately 10".
The diameter is 4.5".
They weigh in at a little over 1.5 ounces.


When I first started sewing windsocks, I knew what they looked like but wasn't sure how they were made. I wanted my windsocks to be pretty and sturdy, so I found some lightweight cotton material and created my own pattern.




Having looked at few more windsocks, I have discovered that many are made from taffeta or nylon and most are glued rather than sewn. They're probably good products, I just like doing things my own way.



That's why every piece is sewn, tabbed and triple-stitched.



Even the streamers are triple-stitched to the bottom of the sock and the sides are treated with poly to keep them from fraying too much.



The cords are made of commercially braided nylon that is wrapped with color-coordinated craft wire to retard wear.


Someone wrote to ask how color-fast they are. Here is a picture of the windsock that has been hanging in my garden for about a year and a half. We get some pretty intense weather (See my crispy brown grass i nthe background?) and this one did fade a little. Most cotton will. Personally, I think it gives it character.




I have given away a few socks to see what other people think. Some have hung out in gardens, a few have decorated libraries and childrens rooms and one was actually flown as a kite by a friend of mine who is seriously into flying anything he can get on a line and airborne. So far, everybody seems to like them! I hope you will, too.



Click here to order this item.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

We're So Bona Fide!

One July 15th, I received word that my trademark for ZenDixie was officially registered with the USPTO. Looking at the parchment certificate that arrived in the mail a few days later still makes me a little giddy.

So.

Now it's time to get to work.

The store is a work in progress. If you want to see what I've done so far, feel free to take a look! You can find it here.


Pretty soon I'll have more information about the products you can find there and some upcoming fundraisers.

Peace, y'all!
Jas