SouleMama Sponsor ~ Silk Oak ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Silk Oak. In Jan's words:  

"Silk Oak, Hand Silkscreened cotton clothing, made with Love in Ithaca since 1977!"

SouleMama: Tell us about your customers.

Jan: The thing I love most about Silk Oak is the connections that it forges between people all over the world. Our customers span all ages and, over the last 36 years, old and new customers have become friends. People tell me their stories, inviting me into their lives and proudly tell me where their purchases are heading off to. Last week, at my booth at the Ithaca Farmers' Market, Doha and Spain were the long distance winners! I feel privileged to be a part of family traditions and making people happy!

SouleMama: What's your favorite thing that you've made recently?

Jan: I found a pattern on Ravelry for a crochet Viking Helmet. I made the first one for my 1 year old Grandson. It was amazing! There's another one in the works for my almost 1 year old Granddaughter, since I think Viking Helmets are gender neutral! However, my 28 year old son thinks that he should be next in line for an adult size. Lucky for him, the pattern has adult instructions, too!

SouleMama: What role does handmade play in our society?

Jan: I've seen handmade ebb and flow in the last 40 years. In the 70's, at the height of the back to the land movement, we had a desire to learn how to do things that would increase our self sufficiency. I loved it! For a girl who had grown up in NYC, it was empowering to learn how to make bread, cheese and yogurt, as well as how to crochet, spin, weave, embroider... That was before the materialistic, craziness that ramped up in the mid 80's. I think handmade took a backseat for a while, as people became obsessed with brand consciousness.

More recently, I've been thrilled to see the rise of the DIY movement. We're reclaiming lost skills and putting high value on things that are made by hand. I think we need this more than ever! It gives us an opportunity to slow down and connect with others. I think it's a visible way of showing our loved ones that they are important to us. I always find myself thinking of how blessed I am to have someone in my life when I'm making something for them.

 

 

For today's giveaway, Silk Oak is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ $100 Gift Certificate to the Silk Oak shop! 

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In addition, Silk Oak would like to offer Soulemama readers 15% off through August 31st. To receive this special discount, please enter "SOULEMAMA" at checkout.
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winner is...

Oh this would be super duper awesome! My kids love these designs!
Posted by: Tanja

Thank you, Silk Oak!