Handmade. I don't care if it's olive oil soap, semi-precious jewelry, handturned cherry wooden teething rings for baby or vintage-styled paperie, if it's artisan-crafted, I've got to have it. (And yes, I have purchased every one of those things over the past month. What? I'm doing my part to support the Handmade Movement--and the economy in general!)
As a disclaimer, I'm not just buying these things for me--I'm constantly on the prowl for fabulous little treats--knitting and non--to bring to Inish Knits. Customers are always looking for one thing--big or small--that is unique and lovely and has a little Michigan-infused flavor. So how's this for local flavor?
Stitch markers, made by my neighbor and friend, Liz Saile, who's got a charming shop across the street:
Prehnite, found in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula;

Epidote, also from the U.P.;
Frankfort greens, which are especially dear to me, as my dad is a Frankfort native;
Lake Superior beach stone, another fave; I've spent lots of my life on those Lake Superior shores;
Of course, the Michigan classic--and found only at Inish Knits--Petoskey stone stitch markers.
But quite possibly the prettiest--and most popular--are these Leland Blues. Ultra local, there is a very limited supply of these stones. As in, fewer than twenty pairs.***
Leland blues are so right now--and under such limited production (once they're gone, they're gone!)--that I just couldn't help myself. I had to have some of my own.
Leland blues come in 32 (!) naturally occuring colors--the duck egg blue is my favorite--so Liz made me a special set. And some earrings to go with, natch. (The fifth marker of my set immediately jumped onto the lace cowl.)
And then there's the matter of soaps. I kinda can't stop. Depending on my mood, I can choose:
naughty--
or nice.
And you'll be seeing more soaps, salves and lotions at the shop in the near future--I'm happy to be working with some very, very cool women who make very, very cool stuff.
Next time, there'll be knitting. Or yarn. Or both.
***Looking for the perfect Up-North gift for your knitting circle? Do you deserve a little pampering? (The answer here, in case you were wondering, is yes. It's always yes.) Each set of Michigan stone stitch markers is $25.00--a set of five stitch markers with all sterling silver findings and to denote the beginning of round marker, you'll find a small Petoskey stone. These markers fit needles up to US 6 (they're very popular with sock knitters!), but Liz can easily make a pair to acommodate needles upto US 11. Email me at inishknits AT charter DOT net to reserve a pair--and yes, mail order is always available.