Tartan Chickadee

Truck camping?🛻Indeed, that’s not a thing. Is it?

Yes, it is.  ⛺️

It’s the traveler’s way of camping without committing to setting up a tent.  🏕️ It also allows you to drive to the next destination in a heartbeat.  Plus, beautiful views can be enjoyed right from the coziness of the truck bed. It’s fun, easy, and mobile with little extra cost.  Just load up a few sleeping bags, a pillow, and your favorite Arctic BlueBerry lap blanket, and voila, you’re off on an adventure.  

What’s super cool?
No tent cost.
No tent set up.
No tent to dry out.
No tent for the bears to investigate.

Win, WIN! 🤩

If you’ve ever been truck camping, drop a YES in the comments!

Oh, and if you like beautiful tartan created by the inspirational beauty of Alaska, follow along!  We’d love to have you join the journey.

I am BEHIND!! 😖

Drop a YES in the comments if you, too, feel “behind”

Social media and big companies always push us towards the next season, holiday, or event. It can be hard to slow down and just be. In fact, it can be hard to enjoy today.  

Here, we try to enjoy these long summer days without getting caught up in all the push.  It’s not easy.  Every time we jump on social, there are hundreds of posts with beautiful fall 🍁images, recipes, and items for purchase.

Fall 🍂will be here soon enough. Until then, we will bask in the fireweed and enjoy their glory.  Plus the Arctic BlueBerry Tartan hat keeps the bright sun off and bugs away.

Wherever you are, we hope you’ll take a few moments to enjoy today and let tomorrow worry about itself. 🤩 🌸🌻🌼

If you like beautiful wool tartan, handmade accessories, and images of Alaska, follow along.  We’d love to have you join our journey.

When was the last time you slowed down and enjoyed a good book?

There’s still plenty of summer ahead to grab your favorite novel and lounge in the outdoor beauty. The Arctic BlueBerry lap blanket is perfect for reading in the forest, picnicking in the park, or cozying up with a good book by the fire.

A few books on the reading list this summer include...
📚Wild Alaskan Flowers (which is always in the picnic basket)
📚Emma
📚Wuthering Heights

What’s your favorite book to read? Drop it in the comments!

And if you love tartan inspired by the beauty of Alaska, follow along. We’d love to have you on our adventure.

Are you proud of your state?

We are extremely proud to be Alaskans.

People either love or hate Alaska, and there isn’t much middle ground.

If you’re a lover...
Show your Alaskan pride and spread a little love wherever you go with the “Love you to Alaska and back sticker.” It’s the perfect little sticker for your travel jug or coffee mug. It highlights our first original tartan, Arctic BlueBerry, inspired by Alaska and its beauty.

Join our journey through Alaska and the tartan we create, inspired by its beauty. Follow along!

Are picnics a hassle for you?

They don’t have to be. 🧺

Pictured here on the “Simple Alaskan Picnic Guide”—the ultimate way to dine in nature, you’ll see everything you need.

It’s as easy as grabbing a basket, snacks, and a blanket. Of course, the Arctic BlueBerry lap blanket is a favorite for impromptu picnics, and the bucket hat is always an outdoor must.

Making the most of the Alaskan summer, dining in the great outdoors is always a treat!

Drop 💚in the comments if you, too, like to picnic.

Follow along if you like beautiful tartan, Alaskan scenery, and outdoor adventures.

Did you know orchids grow in the wilds of Alaska? 

Apparently there are three kinds!

Here is the Spotted Lady Slipper a gorgeous, delicate orchid that we had the pleasure of seeing last week in the mountains. It also turned out to be a gorgeous place to have a picnic, and thankfully, we had the handy Arctic BlueBerry lap blanket along - ☺️

Have you seen an orchid in the wilds? Tell us about it in the comments.

If you like beautiful places and tartan inspired by the beauty of Alaska follow along and join our adventure.

Who has time to picnic anyway?

We do!!

It’s picnic season, and we’ve been enjoying Alaska’s beauty. The Arctic BlueBerry Tartan lap blanket is handy, rugged, and luxurious, perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures. It travels with us wherever we go, and we GO a lot. Why stay indoors when the great wild is calling?

Here, we’ve spotted a pretty bunch of Nagoonberry flowers. Aren’t they pretty, with their bright pink blossoms and gorgeous green leaves? These little flowers eventually bear raspberry-like fruit, but we’ve never seen them. They grow along the forest floor and are easily spotted with their bright blooms. Gorgeous.

Do you like forest flowers, drop YES in the comments.

Follow along and enjoy the exploration of Alaska, its flowers, and the original tartan we create inspired by its beauty.

Bring on the snow! 😱

Say many Alaskans. Right!?

But today it’s Summer! Ah, summer. Summer is finally here! We’re packing up for picnics and Alaskan outdoor adventures. Our Arctic BlueBerry blanket is ready to go.

With the endless daylight and mild summer temperatures we simple run ourselves from day to day. We DO NOT stop.

Picnics, fishing, gardening, walking, hiking and so on.

The one thing that’s extremely hard to do is staying indoors. The paperwork piles up, IG posts slacken and chores are left for “later.”

Wherever you may be join our journey, hit the follow button and see where this summer takes us. You won’t be disappointed.

Our Arctic Blueberry pouch, handmade in Alaska, is perfect for organizing your essentials. Featuring our exclusive Arctic Blueberry tartan, it combines practicality with style.

Follow along as we explore Alaska and create original tartan inspired by its beauty.

Who wants a scratchy blanket?

Not ALL wool blankets are “scratchy.”

In fact, 100% lambswool is very soft. 

Arctic BlueBerry Tartan is our first original tartan, inspired by the beauty of Alaska and the tiny berry.  It’s a perfect blanket for chilly Alaskan nights, durable and built to last, and represents the beauty of Alaska. Campfires, fishing, hiking, picnics, we take ours everywhere!

Follow along as we explore Alaska and create exclusive tartans inspired by her beauty.

Dog bandanas: when your pup deserves to be un-stylish.

🤣

Or stylish!

Cause who doesn’t adore a dog in a cute tartan bandana? 🤩

Dog bandanas and bow ties were the popular suggestions from last week’s poll. So here are a few in small, medium, and large. They slide onto the dog collar, creating fun, stylish tartan charm that highlights the canine personality.

Would you adorn your dog with a tartan bandana, let us know in the comments!

The Wonders of Wool
Here are just a few amazing facts about wool.

Bio-degradable
When wool is disposed of in natural environments, microorganisms break down the keratin molecules, returning them to the soil as nutrients.Wool is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which is biodegradable.

Re-newable
Wool comes from the fleece of sheep, which naturally regrows each year.
Unlike synthetic fibers, which are derived from finite resources like petroleum, wool can be harvested annually without depleting the source.

You can’t design tartan.

Yes we can! And the design is exclusively ours.

What does exclusive tartan mean?

Exclusive tartan means we designed it, own the creation rights to it, and it can be woven only for Tartan Chickadee.

Our first exclusive tartan - Arctic BlueBerry was inspired by summer, Alaska, and yes the tiny blueberry. Since it’s exclusively ours, it can’t be woven for anyone else.

And now we’re crafting a vibrant new tartan inspired by an Alaskan fall.

Designing tartan is quite the process!

Join us and follow along as we work through this design adventure.

Dreaming up a tartan that’s as wild as Alaska! 🏔️

We’re working on a new tartan design inspired by the beauty of fall in Alaska.

Follow along for sneak peeks.

Hate itchy wool?

Ours is soft!

This isn’t the wool our grandparents used to wear—the itchy, rough kind. With advancements in textile technology and manufacturing processes, our wool products are very soft and smooth. Also, modern wool producers often use breeding techniques to select sheep with softer and finer wool, further enhancing the fabric’s overall softness.

Do you have any vintage wool in your closet? Let us know in the comments.

Follow along and join our journey!

Hate itchy wool? 😳

Ours is soft! 😃

This isn’t the wool our grandparents used to wear—the itchy, rough kind. With advancements in textile technology and manufacturing processes, our wool products are very soft and smooth. Also, modern wool producers often use breeding techniques to select sheep with softer and finer wool, further enhancing the fabric’s overall softness.
It’s truly amazing!

Do you own any vintage rough wool item? Let us know in the comments.

Join our journey and hit the follow button.

Would you hug this cute little face? 😀

YES!

A face like this deserves a hug, or at least a pat on the head. Wool is a crazy amazing renewable source that as also odor resistant and breathable. Read the slides for more 🐏

No one wears hats anymore!

Well, we all know that isn’t true.

Our wool Arctic BlueBerry Bucket hat is both stylish and practical. It provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in cold weather. Yet it’s breathable and prevents overheating and discomfort. Our wool bucket hat naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. It’s durable and resistant to wrinkles. Plus, it’s washable!

Arctic BlueBerry Tartan is our first tartan created from the inspiring beauty of Alaska.

Follow along as we create tartan inspired by the beauty of Alaska.

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Did you know..?

Wool is both recyclable and durable. Read the slides 🐑 and find out how.

Just a few simple reasons to like wool!

Wool is anti-bacterial.
Wool is a hygroscopic fibre, meaning it readily absorbs moisture – up to 35 per cent of its own weight – keeping the skin surface drier and discouraging bacterial growth.

Wool is also easy to clean!
Wool’s inherent resistance to staining and odor, combined with its ability to repel dirt, makes it relatively easy to clean with gentle washing.

The Horror of ALASKA 😬

People often ask, “What do you do in Alaska?” with a look of terror on their faces.  

We live. 

We probably do what the majority of most people do on a daily basis, and then a bit more.  

One of our favorite winter activities is a “fire pit.”  If we don’t have one a few times each winter, we feel cheated. The roaring fire, the smoke, the crisp, clean scent of snowy air, the rustle of the trees, and the quiet—it’s a beautiful thing. 

It’s a beautiful life.  

And yes, we enjoy our Arctic BlueBerry tartan blankets and cozy neck wraps.  They are wonderful accessories throughout the year. 

The Arctic BlueBerry Blanket has been on countless excursions, from mountaintop picnics to winter marshmallow roasts. 

Hit the follow button if you like beautiful mountian places, original tartan and handmade accessories.  

Nearly every online place that sells wools states “dry clean only.” 
Most, if not all, wool items can be washed at home and, with proper care, will last for many years.  Perhaps these companies state “dry clean only” for ease. 
However, Tartan Chickadee wool smalls can be hand-washed and are often hand-washed.  With patience and care, all the wool smalls wash up beautifully. 
It’s truly a disservice to the wool industry to state wool must be dry-cleaned.  What did people do before dry cleaning arrived on the scene? 
Needless to say, if you have wool smalls that need a touch of cleaning, follow the easy 3-step method, and go watch our reel.  It’s not as hard or dramatic as portrayed.  
What’s a “wool small”?  Items like neck warmers, scarves, socks, hats, etc., anything that can be easily submerged in a kitchen sink or small basin.  

Will you try washing your wool smalls at home?  Let us know in the comments.

The blueberry 🫐fabric created by  has sat in the drawer for months but has finally made it onto the assembly line and partnered with the Arctic BlueBerry tartan, creating a stunning cosmetic bag. The “assembly line” is me, myself, and I. As in all things creative, everything takes more time than estimated. But these little gems are great for cosmetics and much more.

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All Good Things Are Wild and Free

💜

If you love beautiful places, Alaskan adventures and tartan inspired by nature follow along. We always have room for one more on this beautiful journey.

It’s finally here! Our limited edition Arctic BlueBerry Cosmetic bag.

Made from our exclusive Arctic BlueBerry Tartan with a complementing back of wild blueberries designed by . It’s a handy little bag that’ll be useful in several ways. It holds nearly everything needed for an overnight away, toothbrush and bath soap included.

Can you pack all your cosmetics in a single cosmetic bag? Let us know in the comments.

I have way too many cosmetic bags!

Never. 😁

This handy little cosmetic bag is fun on both sides and has all the room for cosmetics and oh, so much more! With our exclusive Arctic BlueBerry Tartan on the front and blueberry fabric designed by on the back, lined with a charming polka dot, This sister bag to our popular “biggest little bag” comes with all the room and charm but without the wide mouth wire. It’s sure to come in handy with spring and summer adventures just around the corner.

All our tartan accessories are handmade in the heart of Alaska. If you like beautiful places, tartan, and adventure join us and follow along.

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Did you know wool is biodegradable, as well as renewable?

It is.

Wool is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which is biodegradable. When wool is disposed of in natural environments, microorganisms break down the keratin molecules, returning them to the soil as nutrients.

Wool is also renewable because it comes from sheep’s fleece, which grows naturally yearly. Unlike synthetic fibers derived from finite resources like petroleum, wool can be harvested annually without depleting the source.

The Wonders of Wool are endless.

Are you familiar with 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭’s motto?

“FROM THE LAND COMES THE CLOTH”

The tweed must be made from pure virgin wool that’s spun, dyed, and handwoven by islanders at their home in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The colors must reflect the natural colors of the local landscape. 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 is known for its robustness and resistance to weather, making it ideal for outdoor wear. Each bolt of cloth is inspected by the 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 Authority, who affixes the Orb Mark as a sign of authenticity and quality. When you purchase 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 you purchase a beautiful story and a way of life.

What’s your favorite tweed color? Let us know in the comments.

We are on our last tweed...

Gray and Red 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 is the last tartan in our tweed collection. This understated handwoven tweed has been around for years. You may have seen it in other wool products as well, by Pendleton Wool or even Codet. In fact, there’s a pair of bib overalls in the closet in this exact pattern that are nearly 50 years old. When you buy quality, it lasts and lasts.
𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 is also woven by artisans in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland using traditional methods passed down through generations. Each meter of 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 fabric is inspected and certified by the 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 Authority, ensuring its authenticity and quality.

Do you own any tweed in this classic pattern? Let us know in the comments.

It’s really hard….! 😩

Modeling.

But it’s always fun having friends who are willing to model our Tartan Chickadee products. We’re especially fortunate to have a gorgeous redhead who looks great in the blue and black dogs tooth 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭!

Did you know 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 production supports the local economy of the Outer Hebrides, providing employment opportunities and preserving traditional weaving skills.

𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 is environmentally friendly, as it is made from 100% pure new wool, which is a renewable and biodegradable material.

When we support companies like 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓼 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓭 we help support history.

Do you like to model? Let us know in the comments.