Fiber Friday: Olbrich Botanical Gardens

I've said it before and I will say it again: The Growing Gifts shop at Olbrich Botanical Gardens is an unsung treasure trove of treats. Clothing, accessories like hats and scarves and bags, books and greeting cards, home decor objects like trays, vases and candle holders and lots of fun (and educational) items for children. I am often at Olbrich for evening lectures when the shop is closed. This being the holiday season, I made a point of stopping this week to see what they had in store for local shoppers. Almost everything that caught my attention was some kind of textile item.

I brought home this assortment of Alpaca socks (and one pair of cotton) to add to my stash. At $19.00 a pop these might seem like an outrageous extravagance. But I've been saving up to get them as they are the softest, warmest and most delightful socks I've found in years. The only ones to equal them were the hand-knit pairs my sister sent me for a few Christmases. I have cold feet year-round and wear these socks year-round as well, making them a necessity and well-worth the hefty price tag. 

The shop had a pair of these creatures for sale: this resting version and the other standing with its head bent down as though foraging. They are probably between 18 inches to 2 feet to give you a rough estimate of the size. Big enough to add a lot of drama to your holiday display.

They are from India, covered with white-on-white embroidery.

I did not get the prices on items (other than my socks) as the displays were so full that I didn't want to take a chance on upsetting anything by sticking my winter-coated arms in there twisting and turning price tags.

As you might expect, they had loads of felted, furry and feathered ornaments.

I was quite taken with the folk-art feeling of these felted trees. 

Olbrich's gift shop also had these funky 1950's style trees in an assortment of sizes and colors. Perfect for anyone doing color-themed decor or looking for mid-century modern holiday items. 

Matching garlands of felted spheres are available. Note that these are handcrafted by women's cooperatives in Nepal. Thus buying these supports women along with Olbrich.

Remember, members of Olbrich's Friends organization get a discount at the shop, among many other benefits. There are 8 levels of membership. You can find all the details here.

Comments

[Barbara H.]

There is a lot of temptation in that store. I'm glad it's not near me. It would put a serious dent in my effort to pare down. Those socks sound pretty wonderful and they will serve you well.

[Linda Brazill]

WE've lost a few of my go-to gift shops as owners have retired. This has become my new choice. Plus it is a benefit to the fabulous public gardens.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

The embroidered deer is a unique item. I love those socks. Anyone would like to have a pair of them.

[Kris P]

It looks like one of those perfect places to shop for gifts. There were a couple of those near my former apartment in Santa Monica, which I visited at least annually for years after we moved from the area, now both sadly shuttered to make room for charmless chain stores.

[Loree / danger garden]

What a fabulous place to do a little shopping. I have a growing collection of the bottle-brush trees, but might have to try my hand at making one of the felted ones. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Here's to toasty feet and tinsel! Looks like a wonderful place to shop.

[ceci]

Envy your your proximity to this wonderful garden, not to mention the gift shop.......

ceci