Green Living Show 2012

For all of you who follow us on Facebook and Twiter (@Freedom_CC) you could not have missed the fact that this year again we participated at the Green Living Show. This past weekend was packed with action. Our booth and products have attracted some media attention from the talented people at House and Home as well as the Globe and Mail that featured this beauty of ours and named it the Green Living Show Clock, all of which made us very proud.

What meant even more though is that we met some new friends and renewed acquaintances with people we met in the previous years. One of the show neighbors that we struck friendship with is Melissa from Totem Bags. Melissa sources promotional banners from past advertising campaigns, pairs them up with repurposed seat belts from old cars and turns them into one of a kind messenger and tote bags or accessories for your laptops or iPads.

We ran into Celine Mackay (that we originally met three years ago) and her crew from Canada's independent print publication Pure Green Magazine that focuses on green design and lifestyle. Within a very short time they went from an exclusively online publication to full print production and are enjoying a much deserved success with it.

Our solar friends that we got to know at last year's Home Show were there as well educating the public about the importance and benefits of leveraging solar energy. To learn more about it and the programs offered with the installation of solar panels  check the info on the InPhase Power's website

Participating at this year's show would not have been possible without the help and dedication of some of our close associates, Emma, Romeo, Julianne, Priya, Cristina and Anna, who volunteered their time to help us build parts of our display,  staff the store and the booth. Thank you all.
And now, on the week following one of the most fun shows we get to participate at we say
so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good bye - until next year, or hopefully sooner.

Hana Clothing - Made in Canada Series

Eco-Friendly-Cool! Many of you have loved the cute little polka dot blouses in store and here is the fantastic maker and her story ...

Now in my third year of designing, I have recently launched hana clothing. Born out of a love for sixties kitsch and Japanese design, my line blends bold prints and classic silhouettes with heaps of cuteness! Sugar, spice and everything nice - it's all about eating jujubes and wearing pretty dresses!

In keeping with a strong dedication to eco-conscientious choices, all of my materials are sourced locally, including both new as well as fine vintage textiles. The digital printing process used to print my limited run textiles (featuring photographs of my various collections of vintage tchotchkes) is one that is eco-friendly and chemical free. I work from my home studio in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood, and make deliveries to local boutiques like Freedom Clothing Collective by bicycle.

My line of clothing includes blouses, wrap skirts and dresses which can all be custom ordered and made to measure in any size. I will happily alter any piece to have it fit just so!

-Hannah

“Let's eat jujubes and wear pretty dresses.”

Kate Made This - Made In Canada Series

You know we love colour right? And for the most part we have all home surfaces covered with it, so really, it was a no brainer when Kate came to us with her rugs. Adding colour to the floors!!?!? Well that is just icing!

I love to make Rag Rugs! I take unwanted bedsheets and cotton and transform them into one of a kind rugs. I like to think that I'm giving discarded linens a second chance and a new identity.

Ever since my sister Sarah (SLO, also sold at Freedom CC) taught me to crochet, I've been "hooked". I started making toques for family and friends. But as soon as I finished my first rag rug, there was no turning back. It was functional, colourful, cozy and easy to clean. So I made more and more until my house was overflowing with them. Sarah suggested that I show them to Freedom Clothing Collective and see if they would be interested in selling them. Lucky for me they were, and my rugs have been happily at home there since Aug 2011.

Although most of my rugs are made in my home studio, the beauty of my craft is that I'm not bound to my workshop. Many rugs are created while hanging out with my kids at the park.

I comb thrift stores and charity shops for beautiful/colourful/unique bedsheets or fabric and wash them at home. Then I cut them into strips and join them together to make a thick cotton yarn. Finally, I crochet the yarn with my giant hook to create a soft and very durable rag rug. I like the way colours & patterns seem to change depending in their placement in the design. As each one is so different, I am continuously inspired by the possibilities.

Although I am about to forfeit my sunny home studio to make room for my third child, I'm not worried. I know I will always feel the need to create. And now I'll have one more reason to sit in the park and crochet!
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Come by the store to check them out!

psst... they are now on sale! 

A perfect present for yourself for doing all that Spring cleaning :)

From Spain with Love

In case you are looking for some new tunes to add to your listening repertoire check out this cool band from Barcelona, Spain. Joan and his manager Ana  from We Love Petit came to Toronto to perform at the local music festival and while waiting for their last performance next door at the Piston, they decided to check out what our local talent had to offer. They didn't walk out disappointed.
Here is the video to one of their tunes we really love and want to share with you.
Joan and Ana, thanks for stopping in, sharing your music with us and safe travels home.
Jelena, Karen and Marsya

http://vimeo.com/welovepetit/blackbird-daisy-petit