Arm Warmers: A History

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Some people call them fingerless gloves, texting gloves, wristlets, arm warmers, pulse warmers, but whatever you want to call them, at emiLime, we are huge fans. The design plus the amazing qualities of alpaca have made our arm warmers the most popular product. Many creative people use our alpaca arm warmers to paint, take pictures, play instruments, knit, and lots of people love to wear their in their chilly offices.

Some of our favorites emiLime arm warmers are the classic Star crochet arm warmers and the visually and tactilely interesting Zing and Flow alpaca arm warmers. Most people understand the design because of the popularity of smart phones, but we often hear from people that they don't understand how they keep you warm because your fingers are exposed.

Long before the advent of iPhones and Blackberrys, people were wearing wrist warmers so they could work outdoors while keeping their hands toasty warm while still being able to access their fingers. A customer told us how 30 years ago she bought a pair in Germany, after seeing them on the wrists of every shopkeeper at a Heidelberg farmers market. They were also spotted indoors on mothers doing their knitting or cooking in poorly heated country houses.

People living in the colder mountainous areas of Europe have used wrist [i.e. pulse] warmers for centuries. You often see people wearing felted or knitted cuffs for additional warmth in Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

The key to wrist warmers is their ability to trap the body's natural warmth inside allowing for the hands to be warmed by your own blood. By insulating the vulnerable blood vessels that lie closest to the surface of your wrists, the warmers prevent heat loss letting the warmed blood flow through your hands to keep them toasty. It's sort of like having an internal hot water bottle and using the arm warmers as a knitted coozie.

Alpaca wrist warmers are made from the premium insulating fiber. Alpaca has been keeping the cold away from the rural people of the Andes for centuries and combining it with a classic design from the savvy European shop keepers, it has been an instant success.

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10 Must-See Booths at the New York International Gift Fair

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The New York International Gift Fair is fast approaching and we couldn't be more excited!

Artists, Creators, Crafters, Designers and International Vendors come together in one place for a market like none other. EmiLime is getting ready for this fabulous event and you'll be able to find us at booth #6319 in the Handmade Global Design section among the other great international designers. 

Here’s our list of the top vendors you should check out -

1. Robert Held Art Glass

Robert Held owns the largest hot glass studio in Canada and his work is simply phenomenal. Visit his website to check out his collections, they are beautiful. Expect to see detailed bowls and vases, as well as jewelry and paperweights all custom designed, Queen Elizabeth II herself owns a few of his collections. 

2. Ethno Art Vision

Created in London by Emmanuel shuga Kasongo, Ethno Art Vision specializes in handmade accessories and home furnishings from recycle materials and according to Emily makes the most  incredible jewelry. 

3. Apartment Therapy 

If you have ever found yourself on apartment therapy’s website, you probably spent a good amount of time cruising all the creative small space design ideas. Perfect for NY dwellers, apartment therapy claims to “save the world, one room at a time." At the show feel free to peruse  through their design books and home accessories. 

4. The Raging Bowl

        Original handmade ceramics and pottery created by Marissa Schooley are stunning. Unique yet classic designs make any tabletop, counter, or meal look great with each piece having unique characteristics. 

5. Aid to Artisans

One of emiLime's neighbors at this year's fair, Aid to Artisans bring a passion for cultures and  handmade traditions of the developing world with a commitment to building profitable businesses.  That's what we call a win-win situation!

6. Dolan Geiman

        Looking for that perfect country and urban piece of wall art to fill that blank spot on your wall? Dolan’s designs are versatile and unique. With varying color combinations and textures while mixing country ideas with urban materials, his works will definitely give that spot on your wall some “wow factor." 

7. Catherine Weitzman

Catherine is inspired by the elements of earth, wind, water, and fire. Her jewelry reflects these elements with elegance and wearability with the highest standard of craftsmanship. 

8. IsArt

IsArt is a collective of 4 individual Israeli artists that create a range of styles from art deco, to culturally influenced, colorful and classic silver. Unique designs that are reasonably priced. 

9. Ugone and Thomas

Returning as a top exhibitor, U&T introduces their new collection of lighting designs. Combining whimsy with exactitude, the custom lighting designs combine materials such as marble, copper, and natural papers. 

10. Sydney Cash

Sydney is an incredibly unique artist. His sculptures are the centerpieces of the gallery while his jewelry is elegant, modern and understated. Sydney manipulates light to move through the works  and creates "light sculpture" that will definitely catch your eye!

To learn more about what emiLime will be doing at the show this weekend, check out our release here and leave us a comment about the vendor your most exciting to see!            

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