Merino Singlets for Adults!

Look what we have been up to the last couple of months! These beautiful 100% merino singlets for woman are due to arrive and will be online to buy in March 2011. Just in time for our Autumn and Winter season.
Cosy Toes is expanding every year and this year we are introducing more adult merino socks and adult merino clothing.

Exciting Entries in RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award 2010

Rural Women New Zealand are delighted with the quality of entries in its Enterprising Rural Women Award 2010, which closed recently.
"The entries reflect the resilience of rural women entrepreneurs, who are continuing to grow their businesses by looking for new markets and new ways of working in these challenging economic times," says Rural Women New Zealand national president, Margaret Chapman.
Many of the businesses are embracing internet technology and social networking to market their products both in New Zealand and overseas.
"Increasingly we operate in a global market, and this underscores the urgent need to improve rural broadband access to insure these businesses have the tools they need to operate competitively."
Another recurring theme among the award entries is a passion for making better use of New Zealand's high quality raw materials, such as merino wool and the desire to support and retain onshore manufacturing.
"Many of the entrants have brought new life and work opportunities to rural communities, offering local employment as their businesses have grown," says Ms Chapman.
The high calibre of entries is going to make the task of judging very challenging, she says. The award is being judged by Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International, Doug Langford, recently retired chairman of Access Homehealth Ltd - which is sponsoring the award - and Margaret Chapman.
A North and South Island winner will be chosen, both of whom will attend the award ceremony at the Rural Women New Zealand national conference in Oamaru on Tuesday 25 May, when the supreme winner will be announced.

Understanding Our Fibres - part one

Historically, the textile industry has relied on raw materials produced in particular counties, hence we have Egyptian flax, Indian Cotton and Chinese Silk, and New Zealand Wool.
Despite technology, most designers and fabric merchants still praise the use of natural fibres. Raw fibres feel clean and crisp against the skin, however synthetics are more durable and less expensive to manufacture.

The modern ability to blend fibres improves the performance and aesthetic qualities of fabric. Natural fibre blends, such as wool/silk or silk/cotton, result in fine, luxurious fabrics. Blends that combine natural and synthetic fibres, for example polyester/cotton, are durable and require minimal care.

For the New Zealand and Australian market, there is mixed demand for natural and man-made fabrics. High standard natural European fabric is sought after and purchased for quality, then later dyed to specific colour specifications. In contrast, synthetics are made to order, pandering supply and demand. Fabric merchants agree that the Italian and French are at the forefront of design, producing individual synthetic brocades that hold their shape and style. By comparison, Asia produces predominately for the mass-market manufacturer.

Fashion is based on culture, and in store availability reflects this. Sydney mimics LA, where style and cut makes way for fast, disposable fashion. New Zealanders by comparison, have a high regard for style and choose darker, heavier fabrics. New Zealanders are culturally more discerning, particularly regarding fabric choice.

*** article from Simply You.***

New Merino Wool Tops for Cosy Toes

Just new for Cosy Toes....Devine little 100% merino short sleeve baby tops. These are very soft and the colours are just gorgeous!
Made in New Zealand and fully machine washable.

Baby sizes: 000 (0-3 months), 00 (3-6 months), 0 (6-9 months) and 1 year.