A little birdie told us about … hip Little Lark

February 6th, 2008

This modern mom is all a-twitter about Little Lark and its hand-printed baby clothes and cards. The Ts are hip little statements in graphics form that transcend the usual standbys of butterflies and trucks on girlish pink and boyish blue (though you can find those sweet colors stylishly paired with modern brown). Instead, it’s artful wear for all, including a small selection for mamas and papas who like a little sophistication to their Ts.

The clothes are deliciously comfortable. I’ve outfitted myself and my own little larks in shirts of the same vein (Tree and Birds styles) — we call them our mama bird and baby birdies outfits. I’m drawn to the simple strength and sweetness of the organic images — the birds, fiddlehead fern and tree branches designs — but love the playfulness of the gnome, robot and bike graphics, too. Little Lark offers shirts, onesies, hats, pants, bags, hoodies and even individually letter-pressed cards. I could’ve bought enough of the latter to supply my correspondence needs for a year — the paper is a great heavy stock and the colors of the crisp graphics and envelopes among my favorite combinations. But truly, the cards are so beautiful I framed and hung them in groupings to make some bold statements on my walls.

But there’s more to squawk about when it comes to Little Lark: The conscientious side of me loves that the attire is 100% cotton —onesies are organic— sweatshop-free, American-made fabric. The arty side of me loves the individuality of the pieces: The inks are hand-mixed, the designs hand-printed. Even the unique labels are hand-printed on recycled fabrics and pressed into the inner shirtback. I’m a sucker for packaging, and dig that the shirts arrive in their own little printed muslin bags.

This mama-owned business in Portland, OR, is creatively powered by Christy Nyboer, a painter, sculptor and mom to two boys. She and pal/neighbor Jean Sammis co-founded the company in 2006. (While the two still inspire each other, Sammis now focuses solely on Lark Press.) Nyboer is busy prepping the spring line and gearing up to carry LoveMily, “little old man meets baby” cardigan sweater designs (these cozy little handmade cotton pieces — we’ve seen ‘em — come in chocolate brown or heather gray).

We think all of Nyboer’s stuff is something to chitter about!

Mama Kate

Entry Filed under: Made in the USA,babies,baby,baby gear,children,environment,family,fashion,gift,hip mama,shopping,toddler