Winter 2018 Land & Lifestyle Trends

Founded on the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, Minnesota, the Faribault Woolen Mill is a living testament to American craftsmanship. Founded in 1865, Faribault woolens are renowned for their comfort and quality. From providing woolen blankets for pioneers heading west to comforting our troops through two world wars, their woolens are woven into American history. Today, fifth generation craftspeople take raw wool and create blankets, throws, scarves and accessories of remarkable comfort and quality. FaribaultMill.com

Quoddy makes slippers with one purpose: to keep your feet comfy.Yet their slippers are every bit a Quoddy shoe. Light as a feather because they use the softest twin face shearling for comfort and insulation. Built to last with handsewn true moccasin construction. Their methods go back centuries, back to the native Passamaquoddy. Made to cradle your foot in comfort. Meant to last a lifetime because they can be renewed by the same hands that created them. Quoddy.com

In the heart of the deep South, you’ll find an Alabama sock-making tradition generations deep. Little River Sock Mill is part of this American legacy. They’ve been manufacturing socks for over twenty-five years at their small mill, located in Fort Payne, Alabama. They live and work in the shadow of Little River Canyon, their namesake. The sophisticated knits they design are a nod to the beauty and depth of this place. They craft each sock with pride and care, honoring the land by using the highest quality organic cotton and sustainable practices. Their designs are classic, infinitely wearable and filled with a sense of place. LittleRiverSockMill.com

Have you ever wanted to stick your hand in a fire and grab a burning log? Toss a handful of dry ice without getting frostbite? Reach into a boiling pot and pluck a fresh lobster? Well, you can quit chasing those radioactive spiders around, because Give’r gloves can do it all—and then some. Give’r founder Bubba Albrecht, a native of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, originally created the gloves to help himself and a few friends navigate the sub-freezing temps that run nearly year round in the neighboring Teton mountain range, but before he knew it, he was making ‘em by the truckload for friends and fans. Give-r.com

Enjoy the warmth, smell, crackle and feel of a wood campfire, without any of the smoke. With capacity for up to four standard firewood logs, the BioLite FirePit creates hyper-efficient flames with patented airflow technology and gives you a front-row seat to the magic thanks to the x-ray mesh body, enabling 360 views. Control the size of your flames manually or remotely with the free Bluetooth app. BioLiteEnergy.com

Upstate Stock’s cozy, back-to-basics knitwear is just in time for the chilly months ahead. Their beanies and gloves are made in hardworking upstate New York by a small, family-run manufacturer that dates back to 1946 and that even did stints outfitting the U.S. Military and NYPD. As for their stuff’s ability to both feel cozier and sturdier than the competition, you can attribute that to their clever use of ragg wool, blended to be softer and retain its shape for years longer than a regular-old wool garment would. These get the job done, period. And at a price that’s hard to beat for U.S.A.-made quality. UpstateStock.com

Tree Ring LLC was founded in 2009 to manufacture and sell fine writing instruments and watches that commemorate milestones of individuals, society and natural history through the growth rings of a tree. Trained as a forest ecologist, Dave Wager came up with the idea for the tree ring pen while in graduate school. While spending hours in the research lab counting and measuring tree rings, he discovered that a tree’s rings could be displayed beautifully on a wooden pen. The pen-making remained a hobby while Wager pursued a career promoting responsible forestry through the Forest Stewardship Council. In 2009, Wager decided to turn the hobby into a business and launched Tree Ring LLC. His handcrafted wooden pens can be customized with your birth, anniversary or another important year. TreeRingPens.com

Outside artist Alan Yarmark’s studio there’s a spectacular display: the wide, reaching Sangre de Cristo mountains. He uses these views as inspiration for this remarkable, detailed mug. Starting with layers of rich glazes, Alan dips the stoneware piece, leaving organic “dripping” edges and a raw center. Next, he transfers a rendering of mountains, lakes, and evergreens to the unglazed band. The result is this rustic, eye-catching design that makes a memorable housewarming or birthday gift for nature lovers. Handmade in Villa Grove, Colorado. UncommonGoods.com

The Spinster Sisters Co. skin care line, which remains sulfate, phthalate and paraben free, now includes a full range of face, body, bath and shaving products. Crafted from ingredients that are simple and recognizable, the fragrant aromas, nourishing oils and hypoallergenic formulations are enhanced by beautiful, vintage-inspired packaging. Spinster Sisters Co. is committed to using ecologically sound ingredients, procedures and packaging to craft our all-natural skincare at the Microsoapery in Golden, Colorado. Their Soy Lotion Candles are excellent for aromatherapy and massage. Not only do they add an enchanting smell to the room, but they also leave your skin soft and luminous. Soy Lotion Candles are sure to relieve all your stress. SpinsterSistersCo.com

Darn Tough socks are designed, knit and shipped from the Cabot Hosiery Mill in Northfield, Vermont. The Cabot Family has been knitting socks for three generations and for 30 years in the Green Mountains. Their all-weather performance socks are knit from fine gauge Merino wool and custom-blended Coolmax yarns. They offer six series designed to fit the active lifestyle: Ski-Ride, Hike-Trek, Run-Bike, Kids, Life-Style and Hunt-Fish. The Life-Style line of socks, made for everyday use, is perfect for around town or a day at work. DarnTough.com