It's one of those things you can hardly believe is true.  How could this feather-light fabric do the work of a mammoth terry towel?  But I'm here to tell you, linen towels are super-absorbent.  It's the true luxe in bath linens.

More advantages - natural linen is stronger than cotton, dries faster than terry, even in humid climates, and takes just 10 minutes in the dryer - making them much greener, all 'round. And look how little room they take in the cupboard!

The Beyond Her bath sheet has a black leaf imprint on natural linen, approximately 36 by 60 inches (that's huge, yet it wraps up like a dream). The hand towel is 20 x 30 inches. Both have hooks for hanging. And both get even softer and more absorbent with each wash. You'll have them forever!

Care & feeding:  These towels can be machine washed using cold water and dried in the dryer on moderate heat.  You can iron them if you want to.  We never have and never will - and they look just peachy!

To buy, proceed to our shop.  

I've just entered a very interesting and inspiring contest, Martha Stewart American Made, which salutes American makers. 

Martha has judges of her own, of course, but there is a Public Choice category.  So if you're so inclined, go to the site, scroll through just to keep things fair -- and then vote for me! 

It's that simple. 

This is what makers live to see -- their work in action. 
And OMG - look at this note from a kindred-spirit customer who loves the sound of cicadas:

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate that you made something that was not only so unique, but also so sturdy and very well crafted. I try not to carry tons of heavy stuff, but (see attached) I can take it with me to the farmer's market or anywhere else I go and it's pretty much the only bag I need.

"I had debated buying it, because I'm a mom, and mom's spend all their money on the kids and the family and the house, for the most part... but there was just something about this when I saw the pic of it the first time that told me, "That's MINE!" :)

"Thanks again for this. It's more than a bag to me. It's me carrying something special to me around, every day, and it reminds me of so many happy things."

It's a good day for Beyond Her. Smile. 

I read the New York Times almost every day online, but I must admit I have a bit of a routine -- I read the same sections, in almost the same order -- and I definitely have to set a time limit.  This is literally against every rule for living creatively. So, admittedly, I may miss some things.

Someone I spoke to recently (who? can't remember) suggested that he always found something interesting by gleaning the "Most E-Mailed" list that they publish every day. 

Sure enough, the first time I tried it, I found a fascinating article about a 100-year-old brand, L.C. King Manufacturing Co. in Bristol, Tennessee, a struggling clothing factory that has recently, and almost unknowingly, become a favorite supplier among hipsters and Japanese designers.

For all these years, L.C. King has produced Pointer Brand,  its own line of work and hunting clothing and accessories, but now they're creating private label jeans and jackets, right there in their 100-year-old factory.  Clients talk about the "zen" of the place as well as the high quality of the products.  There's a story there.

As someone who has tried hard to buy US-made goods -- everything from dish towels to calendar frames --  this "discovery" is fantastic news. 

I can't tell you how disheartening it was to look up global producers of cotton textiles and see how many American companies have gone out of business in the last few years. (For the full story, read "The Travels of a Tee Shirt in a Global Economy, by Peter Rivoli, 2008).

And I will say that when I did find an American (usually family-owned) supplier, our relationship was instantly warm, friendly and flexible. We got each other. I want more of those.

The article also referred to a fantastic website directory of all American-made goods:  Maker's Row. Which means that now I at least have contacts to research for my own small minimums and quirky demands, something I just didn't have before.

Thank you NY Times (and the anonymous person who suggested this diversion) for opening my eyes! 

Our waxed canvas tote bags are 100% American made!

Canvas: James Thompson Fabrics, Valley Falls NY
Design & Eco-Friendly Screen Printing: Beyond Her, Houston, TX
Waxing, Construction, Leather: Chris Franks Design, Austin, TX

At roughly 8 x 10 inches, with dirt- and water-resistance and irresistible cuteness, this is the perfect lunch bag, wine tote, carry-all for odds 'n ends!

 And it looks great with a couple of bottles of wine as a housewarming gift or wedding present. Soon to be your favorite bag. See them all here!