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Green Sprout Hat (left, USD $35) and Bouquet Arm Warmers (right, USD $65) by Artish

I hope you have enjoyed our little "winter wear" series of posts :) Lucky last is a collection of colourful creations made by Leticia Maguire for her label, Artish. Leticia wants to make fashion personal, and both her online store and Etsy store are bursting with one-of-a-kind handmade scarves, hats, arm & leg warmers, and more... By the way, Leticia has just announced a massive sale with 50% off everything for the month of September! (So, take 50% off the prices listed on our image captions.)

Rose Cowl (left, USD $50) and Lion Tamer Scarf (right, USD $45) by Artish

I LOVE the colours Leticia weaves together, especially in the Lion Tamer Scarf pictured above. Vibrant colours can really seem to make your skin glow... I usually wear fairly dark clothes, so for me, accessories like scarves & gloves are ideal for adding just a small dose of "bright" into an outfit.

Red Basketweave Cowl & Wrist Warmers (left, USD $70) and Tightrope Scarflette (right, USD $35) by Artish

Over time, Leticia has developed an appreciation for fiber, and how it can be used in so many ways. You can clearly see this in her creations - the small details & unique combinations weave her personality into the mix. She is especially delighted when the blend of textures and colours in the end result surprise her.

"It's a real pleasure to create something, and watch it go out into the world, knowing that it will transform and evolve along with the style of the person who is wearing it."

Solo Cowl/Head Thread (left, USD $30) and Chai Tea Scarflette (right, USD $40) by Artish

I will leave you with Leticia's cute description of herself (on her Etsy profile):
"I love things that go fast, just about anything that is red, old fashioned bicycles, a cup of tea. I'm not sure that I could live without a computer and the internet, and I certainly couldn't survive without something to create something else with. I can't help tapping my toes to a catchy tune, and can't resist hot chips. I'm perpetually searching for the perfect handbag."

You can read more about Leticia's handmade knitted accessories on her web site (and online store) at www.artish.com.au or on her blog at www.artishhandmade.blogspot.com. You can also find Artish in the following retail stores:
NSW: Newcastle Regional Art Gallery (Newcastle)
VIC: in.cube8r (Fitzroy)
ONLINE: whipit australia

Recycled Wool Necklace Scarves - left: Orange, Soft Green, Purple, Neutrals and right: Purples, Greys, Black, Light Blue, Neutrals (AUD $38ea) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

Gaye Abandon makes the cutest & cleverest winter accessories - all from upcycled, felted jumpers. (No wonder they're warm!) We're long-time fans of the Gaye Abandon label - you might remember our "wallets & winteries" post from way back in May 2007... Designer Gaye Naismith is originally from New Zealand, and now calls Melbourne home. She loves thrift shopping and collecting vintage fabrics and patterns, old postcards and jumpers to transform into her handmade creations. The Necklace Scarves pictured above look like a string of woollen autumn leaves & they're available in just as many colours.

Tubeway Armies - left: Grey Rib and Red with Red Cross Stitch and right: Oatmail Rib with Handstitched Layered Circle (AUD $33 per pair) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

The original Tubeway Armies are a signature style of the Body Parts range. Along with the Scarves and Midriff Warmers, the Body Parts woollen accessories are made in partnership with Gaye's stitching buddy Melanie Hill (of Textile Allsorts). I love the stitching & vintage button details which make each pair unique!

Recycled Wool Midriff Warmer Haramaki - Grey and Geometric (AUD $37) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

The Midriff Warmers can only be described as brilliant... how did we ever live without them? In Japan, the haramaki (belly warmer) is a common item of clothing. It is traditionally worn next to the skin as an under layer, but the Body Parts pretties are designed to be worn as part of a layered look, peeping out from under your jumper or shirt.

I particularly like the geometric design pictured above. Not only does this four panel design swivel, allowing you to choose which panel faces the front, but the two patterned panels are cut with the finishing edge of the jumper at the top to form a fitted waist.

Upcycled Sweater Hot Water Bottle Covers - left: Grey, Red & Black and right: Orange, Red & Grey Stripes (AUD $45ea) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

More brilliance! These "hot under the collar" hottie covers are little jumpers for your hot water bottle. They feature the cuttest button up neck with collar which turns up to cover the rubber neck when the hottie is in use. (Of course, the hottie jumper can be unbuttoned for easy removal and is fully washable.)

Tubeway Armies (AUD $33 per pair) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

Find out more about Gaye and her clever creations at www.gayeabandon.com, www.madeit.com.au and www.gayeabandon.etsy.com.

Gaye Abandon will be exhibiting as part of Incubator at the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show which opens today (19-23 August 2009). She also has a stall at Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy every Saturday, and will be at Maribyrnong Makers Market on Saturday 29th August, 10am-3pm.

The Gaye Abandon & Body Parts ranges are also stocked at many boutiques around Australia:
VIC: The Cats Meow (Melbourne City), Claude the Bird (Armadale), Craft Victoria (Melbourne City), Flying Fishes (Lorne), House of Balaklava (East St Kilda), i dream a highway (Northcote), Petranilla (South Melbourne, Queen (Fitzroy), Sea of Love (Lancefield), Shiva Designs (Canterbury), Threads of Nature (Croydon), Tomorrow Never Knows (Fitzroy), Village Idiom (Yarraville)
ACT: The Hive Gallery (Braddon)
NSW: Cicero Clothing & Accessories (Leura), One Wise Owl (Pyree), Shady Fig (Nowra), woodpapersilk (Petersham)
SA: Storison (Hahndorf)
TAS: Cocoon (Launceston), Love & Clutter (Hobart)
WA: William Topp