MATERIALS WE LOVE
At Rosy Toes Designs, the focus is on natural materials that are both friendly to the environment and a joy to wear. You will sometimes find materials that are not on this list, but here are some of my favorites!
Wool Felt:
*100% biodegradable and renewable
*durable
*fire-resistant
*breathable
*soft.
*insulative and will protect you from cold
*washable by hand or delicate machine washing (hand washing will retain shape &
size
*naturally repellant of dirt and water
*a thermoregulator (adjusts to cold and warm temperatures, keeping you
comfortable no matter the temperature around you)
*a moisture absorber
*odor resistant
*100% biodegradable and renewable
*durable
*fire-resistant
*breathable
*soft.
*insulative and will protect you from cold
*washable by hand or delicate machine washing (hand washing will retain shape &
size
*naturally repellant of dirt and water
*a thermoregulator (adjusts to cold and warm temperatures, keeping you
comfortable no matter the temperature around you)
*a moisture absorber
*odor resistant
Alpaca Felt:
*found naturally in 22 distinct colors, which can be blended in an infinite number of shades
*extremely strong and resilient - the strength of the fiber does not diminish as it becomes finer
*raised at high altitudes in freezing cold - developing more thermal capacity than almost any other animal
*microscopic air pockets create lightweight garments with high insulation values
*soft, supple and smooth to the touch with no lanolin to irritate those with sensitivities
*can be scoured or cleaned without using costly chemicals
*a fine fiber with an absence of guard hair in their prime fleece resulting in a natural, rich luster
*lasts a lifetime - will not easily tear, pill, stain or create static and it is easily cleaned
*found naturally in 22 distinct colors, which can be blended in an infinite number of shades
*extremely strong and resilient - the strength of the fiber does not diminish as it becomes finer
*raised at high altitudes in freezing cold - developing more thermal capacity than almost any other animal
*microscopic air pockets create lightweight garments with high insulation values
*soft, supple and smooth to the touch with no lanolin to irritate those with sensitivities
*can be scoured or cleaned without using costly chemicals
*a fine fiber with an absence of guard hair in their prime fleece resulting in a natural, rich luster
*lasts a lifetime - will not easily tear, pill, stain or create static and it is easily cleaned
Recycled Sari Silk - The recycled silk yarn I use is crafted from the colorful remnants from sari production in Nepal and Northern India. The gatherings are hand dyed and spun by women's groups in Nepal. Each skein of yarn is a little bit different, so no two items created from it will be exactly the same. The yarn is fair trade and child labor free.
Jacquard Ribbon - Many of my straps are crafted from high quality jacquard ribbon. Jacquard ribbon is woven, often in intricate designs. Sometimes it is reversable, sometimes not. Where necessary, I back the ribbon with the same style or alternate ribbon for added strength and stability. These ribbons add a touch of style not often found in purses and bags today.
Linings - The linings for my purses vary from bag to bag. It may be a cotton upholstery remnant, vintage wool or tton corduroy, cotton, recycled sari silk, or polyester brocade. I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting fabrics to line my purses!