Interwoven Threads now at Crown Center

if you're morally opposed to mail or have a hatred for the Internet...or if you would dig another way to do better, get this: Interwoven Threads can be purchased at Gifted Hands in Crown Center. Gifted Hands is a boutique store with everything from handmade jewelery to abstract paintings. the best part of the store is that it's not just a store. Gifted Hands is a mission first, to educate and raise awareness among young women about domestic violence and abuse. some scary statistics on national and Kansas City-area domestic violence occurrences here.


each company/artist featured (Interwoven Threads, for instance) giving 40% of each sale to support Gifted Hands mission. in addition to a diverse store, a large meeting room is within the store where art projects, education and meetings can take place to raise awareness and fight domestic violence.

i am thrilled to be able to work with Gifted Hands. its innovative retail strategy is in line with Interwoven Threads, and the help and positive influence Gifted Hands provides is something i'm honored to support. it's a new way for Interwoven Threads to incorporate a donation aspect, and another way for you to spend your money with someone else in mind.

so, if you've purchased a couple shirts already, but want your money to go to a new cause, head over! the store is on the upper level between Franklin Covey and Halls.

also, the new shirt designs are done! big thanks to Suzanne Frye of Stir Frye Design. i'm currently in the manufacturing process, which now includes a more earth-friendly shirt color dye! i think everyone will be pleased. unfortunately, in the process of changing manufacturers and embarking on a new phase for Interwoven, time slows a bit. be patient! shirts soon.

The water bottle solution

i could go on and on and link and link about bottled water...we all know it's an evil enterprise and absolutely unnecessary. here's stephen colbert's take on it, in classic truthiness and humor.



my friend sara was in town this weekend and gave me a Platypus bottle. not only will it be great for travel, hikes and sport, but its anti-microbial and compact-construction sure beat my Nalgene and Sigg bottles, which I'm truly in love with. i've had my Sigg bottle since 2001, when I purchased it in London, and have a couple loving dents but otherwise no other sign of wear. it's still the freshest-tasting, most versatile bottle i own. even makes a great wine flask for movies. but i can tell the innovative Platypus will win me over soon enough.
whether Nalgene, Platypus or Sigg...or even a nice flashy pint glass from your favorite brewery, just use a reusable container when drinking your water. come on. even Colbert has your number on this one.

overdue update

things have been crazy in life and Interwoven world lately, but like all times harried in my world, i am loving each bit and looking forward to some new developments.

news:

new shirts! designs are finalized and i've included a new organic cotton manufacturer into the fold (apparel pun!), which should both create a new option for look and open up a wider color palate.

i'm truly stoked about the upcoming shirts and can't wait to share them!

also of note: Interwoven Threads will soon be available at Gifted Hands in Crown Center. Gifted Hands is a phenomenally inspirational organization devoted to educating and empowering girls on the topic of domestic violence and abuse. each sale of Interwoven Threads creates a donation of 40% to Gifted Hands! so, it's a new way to do better with your T-shirt purchases, as well as another way to buy should you have some sort of eCommerce allergy. the store is right next to Halls on the second floor.

new Web site coming! easier to buy, learn about donation options and hopefully more scalable to future growth!

i spoke to an amazing group of homeless advocates the other day (thank you, MAACLink), to share the Interwoven Threads story and will be meeting with the group again next month. as i told the group before i began yammering away, i was intimidated by the reach and work they do in the Kansas City community. it was refreshing to hear how much is going on and the breadth of resources available in this community.

also, Interwoven was featured alongside good friend and collaborator Barlcay Martin in Urban Times this week. check it out online by downloading the arts and entertainment PDF, page four.

more soon. if you haven't grabbed the current designs, now's the time to stock up on short sleeves. not to be a downer, but a couple of the designs are going to go away once they sell out...so grabb'em while i gott'em.

do something

via I Heart Mountains, a great guide to addressing global warming. simple steps, set in a visual map...it's the perfect image to pass on to friends and family.

Introspection

Jeff Risley posted an insightful take on corporate social responsibility, greenwashing and consumer demand for greener business. i added to his thoughts on WoolardSpeak. check 'em out.