Bag it in style
Betty Johnson got hooked on knitting at an early age in Houston — and she hasn’t stopped. When she first moved to Dahlonega 20 years ago, Johnson started hand-spinning her own yarn. She made felted hats and knitted wool scarves. Then Johnson decided to design a line of chic purses in her home studio.
The purses, simply designed and rich in colors, are crocheted and then felted. They are lined with exquisite fabric and feature pockets, a key holder and a mirror with a crown. Johnson worked with a leather company in Ohio to produce her raised leather, bridle handles. With some leftover leather, she branded a tag with her trademarked sheep logo to hang on the purse handles. The attention to all the details adds a big wow factor.
While the black and brown combination purse is the top seller, there are other colors, including tan, black and a sporty red and tan. Purses range from $125 to $175. Find the purses at www.royalfleecery.com or in Dahlonega at the Carriage House Shoppes.
Table talk
In his Westside Atlanta studio, Skylar Morgan designs warm yet modern furniture for homes and commercial spaces. Originally from Montana, Morgan moved his company to Atlanta 10 years ago.
At Skylar Morgan Furniture + Designs, there are two divisions. One is devoted to building high-end, custom furnishings, such as hardworking tables and reception desks. His work can be found in various Atlanta-area restaurants, including The Optimist and the Barcelona wine bar.
The company’s other division makes playful, multifunctional pieces, such as the coffee table. Made of walnut and reclaimed oak beam, the one-of-a-kind table ranges from $1,200 to $4,500, depending on the size and materials. Other custom pieces include side tables ($375), console tables ($1,200) and dining tables ($5,000). For information, check www.skylarmorganfurniture.com or www.smf-d.com. For an appointment, write: info@smf-d.com
Haute pots
In 2005, Paul Weller moved to Asheville, N.C., to work as a silversmith with a small company. Last year, he went solo and started Aeropablo Designs, which makes modern and functional tableware.
Inspired by the aeronautical design of the 1940s, the Spitfire teapot ($500) is a best-seller. It features a swiveling lid and a stay-cool handle. Made of stainless steel, the teapot is available with an accent of vintage suiting, including gray pinstripe, blue stripe and brown. It also can be ordered in an all-metal polished-satin finish. A matching cream and sugar set is $250.
A new addition to Weller’s collection is the 1-liter Bubble Pitcher ($400). The pitcher’s sleek, double-walled construction features Weller’s popular bubble design on the outside and a drip-free spout with an ice guard for easy pouring. Use it to serve water at the table or for mixing cocktails. Visit www.aeropablodesigns.com
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from across the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please share them with us. Send suggestions to: ljerkins@bellsouth.net. In the subject line, write Southern Made. Include your name and a contact number.
About the Author
