"OMG! LTC! GR8! G2G and txt my bffs!"

Huh?! No, you haven't stumbled on some cryptic centuries-old language. While it's unrecognizeable to some, the above mix of letters, numbers and exclamation points is actually a form of the English language. So before you turn to someone your junior and blow your cover by sounding behind the times, allow us at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to help with the translation. 

"Oh my gosh! Like that's cute! This is great! I've got to go tell my best friends!"

It's likely this message would be viewed or found on a cellphone or computer and highly likely it would be written and then read by a "tween." Tweens are defined as children between the ages of 8 and 12, and, at least in the gift industry, those tweens are usually girls. The word is a take on "between" because the mentality of the girls at the tween age has moved beyond children's toys, but they are not yet teenagers. They are neither children nor teens - they are between toys and boys.

Tweens are associated with many things, as deciphered in the above text-message; the color pink, a love of social circles and all that entails and most important to you, a love of shopping for all the prettier, girlier things in a tween's life.

Keeping in step with the generational lexicon, TDA is adding two new entries to the mix:

GTT! GT4eva!

Translation: GO TEXAN today! GO TEXAN forever!

As another school year ends, so arrive the retail winds of summer. Yes, it's here. You can't run and hide. With the change of seasons and with all that free time on their hands, your tweens are fired up to shop. And the bounty of GO TEXAN products are the perfect choice. Tweens love that personal touch and plenty of GO TEXAN products are happy to please. Below are a few samples to whet the shopping appetite of you and your tween:

When it comes to the glittery world of bracelets, necklaces and earrings, check out C Lynne Designs at www.clynnedesigns.com/ or call (830) 237-6505.

Or take it one step further with some bling for your tween's favorite animal friend at www.horsebling.net/ or (512) 293-4297.

Trying to persuade your tween to write with pen as well as a keyboard? Then you'll definitely find your fair share of designer stationery and an assortment of note card styles at www.kellykaycreative.com/ or call (817) 570-7938.

Other fun and tween-friendly GO TEXAN favorites include:

After the Rayne (handmade soaps and bath products)
www.aftertherayne.com/kids.htm

BootTopPurses.com
www.boottoppurses.com/

karen's kreations
www.karensglabels.com/

Mary of Puddin Hill
www.puddinhill.com/

Sparkle Designs
www.sparkledesignsonline.com/

Teresa's Treasures
www.treasuresbyteresa.com/

That should get you started, but before you go, let's have a short quiz to see what we've learned. Ready?

GTT! GT4eva! OMG! TTYL!

Translation: GO TEXAN today! GO TEXAN forever! Oh my gosh! Talk to you later!

Want to know more about gifts made in Texas? For sure! Contact Mary York with GO TEXAN at (512) 463-8289 or e-mail mary.york@tda.state.tx.us, or visit www.gotexan.org/.

By David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
February 2008

Warm hospitality and even warmer weather are well-known Texas trademarks, but the Lone Star State is also a hotbed of artistic creativity. From music and handcrafted Southwestern décor to leatherwork and painting, Texans have a creative spirit all their own.

For art with both practical and decorative applications, Texas quilts can be heartwarmingly unique and personal, and are often passed through generations as a gesture of love and family pride.

And while Texas may loom large in all things Americana, the nation as a whole is warming up to the art of quilting.

"Quilting has become increasingly popular across all age groups in recent years," said Mary York, TDA's coordinator for fiber marketing. "As the country's leading producer of wool and mohair as well as cotton and leather, Texas offers an abundance of quality materials that are great for many different fiber arts."

No longer an exclusive pursuit of past generations, quilting is seeing the youthful influence of contemporary designs and interesting materials, including satin and velvet. Simple elegance remains classic as ever, but modern techniques and thinking beyond the box have resulted in bold new colors, innovative designs and complex patterns that bring new twists to the timeless craft.

"New approaches and techniques have introduced nontraditional fabrics such as leather into the art of quilting," York said. "Imagination and experimentation have broadened the scope, look and feel of quilts."

Technology also has become more common. A quilt that once took months or years to finish by hand can now be stitched more quickly by machine. Purists may still hold fast to the handheld needle and thread, but for those who choose to devote less time, quilting can now be more efficient and feasible than ever.

Besides being the perfect cover for snuggling in front of late-night television, quilts make impressive wall hangings, table covers, crib accessories and bedclothes.

Ready to get started? Besides fabric, safety pins, straight pins and needles, the following basic tools will help you start stitching your first quilt:

• Rotary Cutter - As the name suggests, this handheld cutter resembles a miniature pizza cutter and features a circular blade that allows you to quickly cut through layers of fabric.

• Cutting Mat - Available in a variety of sizes, a cutting mat protects the surface you're cutting on and also can prolong the life of the rotary cutter blade.

• Quilt Rulers - Often made of acrylic and available in numerous shapes and sizes, quilt rulers measure your cuts and also provide a straight edge guide for your rotary cutter.

• Scissors - For best results, purchase both fabric and paper scissors. Paper is the primary material used for patterns. Having a pair of each type of scissor will keep each in its sharpest shape.

• Thread - Cotton is the preferred thread variety for both hand stitching and machine stitching.

• Seam Ripper - A necessity for quilters of all skill levels, the seam ripper does exactly what its name implies and allows for the correction of misguided stitches.

• Sewing Machine - Even the most basic machine can get you started with straight stitches and quarter-inch seams.

For more information about Texas producers and quilt-related products, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN Web site at www.gotexan.org/. Click on "Find Product/Members" and browse a comprehensive list of Texas-made products.

For additional information about Texas fibers, contact Mary York at (512) 463-8289 or mary.york@tda.state.tx.us.

By David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
October 2007

Home can be a whole lot sweeter when you deck the halls and walls with fine furnishings that reflect your unique style. From modern to rustic and artsy to whimsical, the right décor can make you feel right at home when rush hour stops at the welcome mat.

"Texans are known for their bold sense of style, and that certainly holds true when it comes to home decor," said Mary York, Texas Department of Agriculture's coordinator for fiber marketing. "Even practical pieces and contemporary styles will often reflect the spirit, culture and heritage of Texas."

Texas tradition is alive and well in the fine leather décor items handcrafted by Cripple Creek Creations (www.cripplecreekcreations.com/). Specializing in western- and lodge-style creations, this leatherworks company offers designer pillows, mirrors, tissue boxes, drawer pulls and even shower curtain hooks along with other accessories appointed with leather and southwestern motifs. Round up a designer décor of barbed wire, Lone Stars, horseshoes and longhorns, and make yourself at home on the range.

If your taste is more wild than Wild West, L.A. Grafix (www.furnituregonewild.com/) hits the mark with an explosion of brilliant, bold colors and psychedelic swirls. From artwork and decorative knick-knacks to children's furniture and mosaics, the furniture art from L.A. Grafix is sure to start its share of conversations. Of course, this being Texas, the galaxy of colors from L.A. Grafix also features its share of big and bright Lone Stars.

Home is where the heart is, but it's also where the head rests, and thanks to Cantwell Mattress Co. (www.cantwellmattress.com/) you can catch Z's with ease. At Cantwell, the bedding comes in all shapes and sizes, and offers such features as therapeutic technology, adjustable comfort and durable design. You also may choose custom-built shapes and sizes for RVs, boats, built-ins and antique designs. Bedding may not be the centerpiece of a home's décor, but it can be the shining star of a good night's sleep when it's time to get some shut-eye.

When lounging moves to the living area, it's tough to beat the 25 years of quality craftsmanship branded into Tahoe Seating (www.tahoeseating.com/). Specializing in luxurious southwest and cowhide sofas, chairs and ottomans, Tahoe is well known for plush comfort and rugged durability. Choose from animal-hide designer chaises, L-shaped leather loungers or custom, hair-on-hide designs that will turn any den into a rustic respite. Accessorize with patterned leather pillows, settle in around the TV and prepare to take a load off at the end of a hectic day.

The windows of opportunity are open wide at Indian Creek Leather Studios (www.indiancreekleather.com/), where custom shades, swags, valences and decorative panels can dress and frame a room's natural light according to your specifications. Substituting carefully crafted, genuine leather for fabric, Indian Creek window dressings can conceal overhangs, drape rods and hangers, and hide or welcome the desired amount of daylight or privacy. From high-arched, overhead windows to more traditional eye-level frames and sills, Indian Creek makes unique window dressings for any room in the home available in a variety of color tones, styles and lengths.

Decorating a child's room or nursery is as easy as ABC with hand-painted décor from Mercy's Sake Inc. (www.mercysake.com/). Specializing in wooden bedding, dressers, wall art and accessories, Mercy's Sake offers a choice of 20 color schemes and also accommodates custom paint designs. Heirlooms in the waiting, these custom-crafted furnishings are painted, varnished and designed to last.

Make yourself at home by visiting the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN Web site at www.gotexan.org/. Click on "Find Product/Members" and browse for décor and additional information about Texas fibers and home furnishings. You also may contact Mary York at (512) 463-8289 or mary.york@tda.state.tx.us.

By David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
August 2007

When the after-work dress code lightens up for comfort, nothing beats the Texas heat like quality cotton wear. From the plain white T-shirt made famous by James Dean to more colorful garments with logos and designs, cotton apparel is an American classic that never goes out of style.

As one of the leading agricultural commodities in the Lone Star State, cotton not only is widely available, it's the fabric of Texas. Durable, versatile and available in multiple weights and finishes, cotton is king in Texas and beyond.

"Cotton is known for being cool and comfortable because it's lightweight and breathes extremely well," said Mary York, TDA's coordinator for fiber marketing. "Cotton is a staple of any wardrobe."

Updating a summertime wardrobe is easy at the Austin Cotton Company (www.austincotton.com/), where shirts are available in multiple styles and colors, including classic tees, tank tops and button-collared sport shirts. All are ready to wear or suitable for custom prints or logos. Choose 100 percent cotton or cotton/poly blends and buy in wholesale or retail quantities for your entire team or family.

At Annette's Touch of Class (www.annettestouchofclass.com/), women can stand out from the crowd with novelty tees and tanks decorated with western motifs and slogans, and further embellished with crystals. Other designs feature camouflage patterns, peace signs and cowgirl themes. Add printed leggings, funky socks or an embellished cap for a look that says "unique."

The whole family is covered at SOS from Texas (www.sosfromtexas.com/), where sunwashed, natural-colored organic cotton is used for a variety of tees, sleep shirts and baby items, including tees, snappies, blankets and bibs. SOS also offers custom printing or stock designs to help personalize your clothing. Organic cotton crew socks and a unique organic cotton tote bag will complete your look of leisure.

For a pick-up line that works, try the What's Your Vine? line of apparel from True Fabrications (www.truefabrics.com/). Bubbly with a sense of humor or complicated with a sly hint of sophistication, What's Your Vine? apparel is aimed at women wine connoisseurs. Snuggly soft and casually cool, each shirt features a color and slogan that reflects a "wine personality." Choose a "Mysterious and Seductive" pinot noir or a "Rich and Deep" chardonnay and make happy hour more relaxed than ever.

Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture GO TEXAN Web site and find out why picking cotton and staying cool has never been easier. For casual cotton apparel made with Texas pride, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture at www.gotexan.org/ and click on "Find Product/Members." For additional information about Texas fibers and cotton apparel, contact Mary York at (512) 463-8289 or mary.york@tda.state.tx.us.

Cotton by the Numbers

Did you know? One bale of cotton can make:

215 jeans
249 bed sheets
409 men's sport shirts
690 terry bath towels
765 men's dress shirts
1,217 men's T-shirts
1,256 pillowcases
2,104 boxer shorts
2,419 men's briefs
3,085 diapers
4,321 mid-calf socks
6,436 women's knit briefs
21,960 women's handkerchiefs
313,600 $100 bills

Source: Texas A&M University Cotton Program

David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
May 2007

For great gifts that are tough to beat, think Texas-made leather. From luggage and wallets to handbags and clothing, leather goods are durable, elegant and reliable.

With help from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), you can stitch up your gift-giving needs by shopping with GO TEXAN producers who specialize in cowhide, deerskin, alligator and other fine leathers.

"Leather has a rich tradition in Texas where dedication to quality craftsmanship has long been a symbol of pride," said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "Livestock and leather have been part of Texas agriculture and the Lone Star lifestyle since the earliest days of our state's great history."

At home on the range or in the heart of the city, leather always earns its keep.

"Leather is one of our most versatile commodities," said Mary York, TDA's coordinator for fiber marketing. "Hides produced in Texas are used to make footwear, clothing and fashion accessories, but they also add a unique flair to home and office furnishings. Of course, you can't talk about Texas leather without mentioning leather saddlery and tack."

Talk of Texas leather almost always points to cowboy boots and thanks to Ponder Boot Company (www.ponderboot.com/) your feet will scoot to center stage. Offering only custom creations in a variety of colors and designs, Ponder Boot Company uses the same boot-making method used by artisans of the 1800s. Characterized by a one-piece top, wooden pegs in place of nails and only the finest leather and hides, Ponder boots are worn by movie stars, politicians and plain ol' regular folks who insist on the finest in footwear.

Quality also gets branded into the many choices at JDS Leather Co. (www.jdsleather.com/). For money that never looked or smelled so good, carry it in a handmade leather purse, wallet or checkbook. Ranging from bright and bold to classic tanned finishes, gifts from JDS Leather Co. may double as conversation pieces thanks to their highly artistic designs. Patchwork patterns, Lone Stars and images of the Wild West and great outdoors make the multitude of choices at JDS Leather Co. both classic and contemporary. Add a leather cell phone case as a bonus on-the-go gift.

If being on-the-go, means a high school or college graduate will soon be leaving the nest, a leather handbag, shaving kit or checkbook cover from Jon Hart Design (www.jonhartdesign.com/) can send them off in style. Handcrafted and personalized, Jon Hart merchandise is widely known for the commitment to excellence in every stitch of its in-demand luggage and carryall items. Check out the leather makeup bag or the tabletop catchall for jewelry, coins and odds and ends. Your graduate golfer will also enjoy teeing off with Jon Hart's 100-ball shag bag.

When it's time to get back to business, do it with a leather briefcase, portfolio or desktop accessories from King Ranch Saddle Shop (www.krsaddleshop.com/). King Ranch is world renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and its selection of boardroom furnishings and accessories is no exception. Made from the finest leathers and trimmed with classic hardware, King Ranch business products are elegant and sophisticated while retaining the rugged spirit of the classic Texas rancher.

Roping a great gift is also a cinch at Luskey's Western Stores (www.luskeys.com/) where belts are one of many top-notch choices. Crafted from hornback alligator, hand-tooled saddle leather or hand-tooled basketweave leather, all belts are available in three sizes for a sure fit and feature snap billets to accommodate most any Texas-size buckle. Belts come in black, brown or peanut colors and run the gamut from ornate to understated. Add one of Luskey's sterling silver buckles for a true Texan look.

For a comprehensive list of GO TEXAN leather producers, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture at www.gotexan.org/ and click on "Find Products/Members." You also may contact Mary York, TDA's state marketing coordinator for fiber, at (512) 463-8289 or mary.york@tda.state.tx.us.

 David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
February 2007   

Whether fashionably frayed or tailor-made, Texas denim and western wear can be as rugged or polite as you please. From the boots up, Texas-made denim and western wear are uniquely comfortable, extremely versatile and always ready for a night on the town or a day at the ranch.

With rodeo season kicking into gear, the Texas Department of Agriculture and its fashion-minded GO TEXAN marketing partners invite you to expand your western wardrobe with a crisp, colorful cowboy shirt or a soon-to-be favorite new pair of jeans. Visit www.gotexan.org/ for a comprehensive list of Texas-based fashion, fiber and cotton producers who help us get dressed for any occasion.

"Texas agriculture touches our lives every day," said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "Quality Texas cotton alone brings $1.8 billion dollars to our state's economy."

The Texas cotton industry leads the nation in production and has significant impact on worldwide wardrobes. According to GO TEXAN member John Johnson, communications director for Lubbock-based denim manufacturer Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (www.pcca.com/), cotton-made jeans, jackets and other western apparel remain comfortable classics that continue to evolve.

 "Denim has long been an American tradition due to its durability and comfort," Johnson said. "Denim adds versatility to any wardrobe, and today it is acceptable for almost any occasion when combined with a blazer or jacket."

Since the proliferation of designer jeans in the 1970s, denim pants have taken on many shapes and sizes. From low-slung bell-bottoms to styles with baggy or skinny legs, jeans have changed with the times but always are a cinch to stay in style.

"The finishes, washes and versatility of construction have catapulted denim to the high-end fashion market," Johnson said. "Virtually all fashion designers include denim in their product offerings. Even mass merchandisers are looking for more fashionable denim styles."

Patricia Wolf, a GO TEXAN member and owner/designer of Patricia Wolf Designs in Smithville (www.patriciawolf.com/) specializes in women's wear inspired by southwestern and Native American themes. She agreed that the look and feel of denim will not soon fade away.

"As denim ages, it becomes more attractive to the eye and comfortable to the body," she said. "It's gone from the uniform of the working cowboy in the West to the uniform of everyone everywhere. Denim will never go away. Not in our lifetime."

Above-the-belt western wear also stands tall in today's fashion circles. John Ruddock, a GO TEXAN member and the president and co-owner of Ruddock Shirts in El Paso (www.ruddockshirts.com/) said demand for western wear often ties in with popular culture.

"During the urban cowboy era, there was a big rush on western wear," he said. "Then there was the line dancing and Garth Brooks era. We're waiting to see what the next cycle will be. Overall, western wear is more widely accepted today. You see a pair of boots or a clean, starched western shirt in more places today than ever before. Hats, too."

Trends in fashion may be cyclical, Wolf said, but western style remains an influential touchstone for high-fashion designers and makers of everyday casual wear.

"Jeans, western cut shirts and denim jackets will be around in the clothing industry for a long time to come," she said.

For more information about GO TEXAN western wear, cotton or fiber, contact Mary York, TDA's coordinator for fiber marketing at (512) 463-7472 or mary.york@agr.state.tx.us. GO TEXAN is a comprehensive marketing campaign promoting Texas agricultural products, including food, fiber, livestock and horticulture.

Texas Made, Parity Paid

Denim is a faithful old favorite in Texas and beyond, but Slaton-based entrepreneur Jerry Kitten is adding a new twist to the time-honored mainstay.

Through his company West Texas Blue Jeans Ltd., Kitten and designer Gina Lee Fraser are developing and marketing a new line of Texas-made blue jeans produced from cotton obtained through parity pricing. Parity pricing is what farmers would receive for their cotton if farm prices had increased at the same rate as expenses.

"I was born and raised on a farm, so I'm looking out for the farmer," Kitten said. "It's an innovative marketing concept, but I think I'm on the right track. I think people will pay a little more to know these jeans are American-made. We've got orders from 18 states so far, and realistically, if we can do this with cotton, we can do it with wheat or corn or any other agricultural commodity."

Designed as working style jeans that incorporate comfort and durability, Kitten and Lee's products are priced from about $69 per pair and are marketed as Gina Lee Tractor Jeans for women and GL Tractor Jeans for men.

For more information, visit www.westtexasbluejeans.com/ or call Kitten at (806) 773-2262 and Fraser at (806) 773-1196.

George Ayres
Texas Department of Agriculture
January 2007

Here in Texas we're known for our many symbols. We've got icons galore from oil wells to ten-gallon hats to longhorn-hooded Cadillacs. We've got sweeping landscapes with horses and cattle, landmark buildings and historic monuments.

We're also known the world over for our footwear. We're talking about boots - one of the recognized symbols for Texas. A high heel, a rounded or pointed toe, slip it on and we're good to go. And that's just the beginning. In fact, there are almost as many different shapes and styles of Texas boots as there are Texans.

"Texas bootmakers have always enjoyed popularity with their craft," said Mary York, TDA's state marketing coordinator for fiber. "We have so many talented designers and artisans, and their rich legacy of craftsmanship and attention to detail are just a couple of reasons why boots made in Texas are always in demand."

Cowboy boots evolved from the designs of the calvary boot and other taller riding boots. They were born out of necessity as the working cowboy needed to quickly and easily mount and dismount his horse. In addition to working cattle, much of a cowboy's riding was cross-country, and weather conditions were often rough and unpredictable. Staying comfortable under these conditions brought about a more modern design.

As Texas settles into a new year, the statewide rodeo circuit kicks into high gear. With livestock shows and rodeos celebrating the life of the working cowboy in places from Houston to San Antonio to Fort Worth, Texans pull on their favorite pair of boots and join in the festivities.

"The leather sole cowboy boot is our mainstay," said J.P. Moody, co-owner of Rios of Mercedes Boots in Mercedes, Anderson Bean Bootmakers and Olathe Boot company. "Lately the dominant trend in our business is the wide square toe boot. From the most expensive exotics to the lesser expensive cowhides, that's our most popular order. It's ninety percent of what we're making right now."

The making of this precious piece of Texas footwear is vital to the role it plays - whether for the sake of working or for that distinct Lone Star style, the beauty of the cowboy boot is unmistakable since it's now worn by anyone, with anything, and for any occasion.

In keeping up with modern style trends, the cowboy boot has evolved. The original leather cowhide skin shares the spotlight with other fashionable skins, such as alligator, snake, ostrich, lizard, eel, elephant, sting ray, elk and buffalo, to name a few.

Moody also said that another trend they've noticed from a stylistic standpoint is boots with different colored tops, from electric blue to lipstick red to hot pink. "That and taller boots," he said. "Standard is the 10-inch length up the calf but we're seeing orders asking for 14- and 18-inch high boots."

"We look forward to this time of year," said James Oldham, purchasing and office manager for Montague Boot Company in Nocona. "It's livestock show and rodeo season, and Texans get out this time of year and buy new boots for those events, " he said.

Oldham added that ladies' boots have become much more popular in the last couple of years. "We've seen that business pick up, and we've also seen lighter colors in many of the boot styles."

The hard work and passion for bootmaking in Texas keeps the tradition well-respected and alive and well. No doubt, we've got our fair share of the finest craftsmen in the business, and the Texas boot is one trademark image we're proud to own.

For more information or to learn more about Texas boots, contact Mary York at (512) 463-7843 or mary.york@agr.state.tx.us or visit the GO TEXAN Web site at http://www.gotexan.org/. GO TEXAN is a unified initiative promoting the wide array of agricultural products grown and processed in Texas - from food, wine and livestock to plants and fiber.

For your convenience, we've included a listing of GO TEXAN bootmakers. Call or visit one of the following to find a pair of boots just right for you.

Armando's Boot Company
169 N. 7th
Raymondville, Texas 78580
(956) 689-3521

Carmack's Custom Cowboy Boots and Shoes
6020 North Hwy 6
Waco, Texas 76712
(254) 848-2078

King Ranch Saddle Shop
P.O. Box 1594
Kingsville, Texas 78364
(361) 595-1424
www.krsaddleshop.com/

Luskey's Western Stores
3402 Catclaw Drive
Abilene, Texas 79606
(325) 793-9952
www.luskeys.com/

Montague Boot Company
1606 W. Pine
Nocona, Texas 76225
(940) 825-4108

Ponder Boot Company
2358 N. Main
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
(817) 626-3523
www.ponderboot.com/

Rios of Mercedes
P.O. Box 895
Mercedes, Texas 78570
(956) 565-2634

CT Chappell Boot Shop
P.O. Box 322
Saint Jo, Texas 76265
(940) 995-2901
www.trailtowncustomleather.com/

Blackjack Boots
1421 N. Lee Trevino Ste. C-1
El Paso, Texas 79936
(915) 598-2668
www.blackjackboots.net/

Teskey's Circle T Saddlery
3001 W. Interstate 20
Weatherford, Texas 76087
(817) 599-3400
www.teskeys.com/

T.O. Stanley Boots
4610 Durazno St.
El Paso, Texas 79905
(915) 533-1749
www.tostanleyboots.com/

Winter temperatures may not linger long in the Lone Star State, but they still manage to send Texans to the bottom of dresser drawers each year in search of gloves, scarves and sweaters.

When staying warm and dry is the order of the day, nothing fights chills and dampness like a hand-knitted hat or shawl. So why not knit your own? With just a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn, you could be well on your way to warming your ears with your very own hand-knitted hat or scarf.

Better still, with Texas leading the nation in the production of wool and mohair, you can find plenty of quality yarn and fiber to suit your stitching needs.

"Not only is Texas the nation's top producer of cotton, wool and mohair, but the Lone Star State is also known for beautiful exotic fibers such as alpaca and llama," said Mary York, the Texas Department of Agriculture's coordinator for fiber marketing. "Our fiber producers contribute billions of dollars each year to our statewide economy and are a vital part of Texas agriculture."

The beauty and versatility of Texas natural fibers makes them popular with knitters, weavers and spinners alike. A search on the Internet turns up numerous do-it-yourself craft magazines, many of which are targeted at a younger population that has taken to the time-honored tradition of knitting. The Texas Department of Agriculture also offers many leads through its GO TEXAN membership program, which helps market and promote Texas producers. Visit www.gotexan.org for a GO TEXAN yarn producer near you and start stitching today.

"A scarf is a good beginner project because you can use beginner stitches, and it's not very time-consuming," said GO TEXAN member Janet Kaslon of Spinning Rainbows in Como, Texas. "And if you wear that scarf, somebody is sure to notice it, which also makes you feel good."

As hobbies go, knitting is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to learn, Kaslon said. Local yarn shops and art-supply stores often offer classes and supplies.

"A beginner is going to need needles, some yarn, scissors and maybe a crotchet needle," Kaslon said. "I would start with a nice, wool yarn. Synthetic yarns can be slick and can slide off the needle easier. Novelty yarns are very textured and may also be more difficult to work with."

Once you've mastered beginner projects, Kaslon said the types of yarns, stitches and patterns can be as complex as the imagination. A scarf pattern is fairly easy to follow while a hat pattern can range from beginner to intermediate skill levels. Sweater patterns can offer more challenging possibilities.

"They can have a lot of cables and advanced designs," Kaslon said.

And lest anyone think knitting is just for creating winter wear to battle cold snaps, Kaslon said there are a number of projects to be enjoyed in the home throughout the year.

"Afghans and pillows can be used in the home," she said. "There are certain kinds of yarns that can be used for (making) rugs, too."

For a comprehensive list of GO TEXAN fiber producers and sellers, visit www.gotexan.org and browse the offerings of members such as Cotton Plus Inc, (www.organiccottonplus.com/), El Coyote Ranch (www.elcoyoteranch.homestead.com), Single Creek Cove (www.singlecreekcove.com) and many others.

GO TEXAN is a unified initiative promoting the wide array of Texas agricultural products, including fiber, food, wine and livestock. Visit online or call (877) 99-GOTEX for more information.

Start Stitching

Ready to start a new knitting project? Visit these GO TEXAN members and explore the colors and textures of Texas yarn.

• Pecos River Trading Co., www.pecostraders.com/
• SOS From Texas, www.sosfromtexas.com/
• Spinning Rainbows, (903) 488-3588
• Tenn Stars, (972) 551-1895
• Able Oaks Ranch Alpacas, www.ableoaks.com/
• The McRanch, www.mcranch-tx.com/

###END###

It's time to shop ‘til you drop! That means the Dallas Market Center, the world's largest wholesale resource, is opening its doors for a Texas-sized shopping extravaganza.

Texas designers will unveil their latest fall fashions and the Dallas Market is the perfect place for wholesale, department, western wear and boutique store buyers, especially those who were born to shop, to get in on the action!

Look for the GO TEXAN logo to find quality products proudly made by Texans. GO TEXAN is the Texas Department of Agriculture's comprehensive marketing campaign promoting all Texas agricultural products.

Dallas Market Center -What is it?

Dallas Market Center offers the largest selection of quality products from the leading manufacturers in apparel, gift products, decorative accessories, home furnishings, lighting, garden and floral accessories and gourmet food. More than 50,000 product lines are represented in the showrooms.

Tell me more! Tell me more!

The Dallas Women's & Children's Apparel and Accessories Market offers one of the most comprehensive collections of apparel and accessory lines located under one roof. In addition to the permanent showrooms, there is a complementary blend of temporary exhibitors as well.

The western resources at Dallas Market Center offer unsurpassed shopping for fall and holiday deliveries of western apparel including hats, boots, jeans, accessories, outerwear, sportswear and western tack and saddlery. There is also a Western Expo area of temporary exhibits with a "Home on the Range" section of western gifts, gourmet food and home accessories. A Dallas exclusive is the retailer-to-retailer roundtable seminar luncheon, key in today's retail environment. A Saturday night fashion show highlights the latest western fashions. This market is held in conjunction with the Women's & Children's Apparel and Accessories Market and the Men's & Boys' Markets, making Dallas the only Market Center in the country offering western retailers and manufacturers crossover buying and selling opportunities.

When does it happen?

For both the International Western Apparel and the Women's and Children's Apparel and Accessories Market, the dates are March 30 - April 2.

Who shows up?

The show is open to the trade - wholesale, department, western wear or boutique store buyers that want to get a look at the latest GO TEXAN fashions. When you want the best, GO TEXAN. 

How ‘bout some history and facts?

Founded in 1957, Dallas Market Center is the world's largest wholesale merchandise resource. Within its marketplace of more than 5.2 million square feet, retailers from around the globe sell products ranging from home furnishings, gifts, decorative accessories and lighting to textiles, fashion accessories and men's, western, women's and children's apparel. With more than 50 markets each year attended by more than 200,000 retail buyers from all 50 states and 84 countries, Dallas Market Center offers hundreds of events and seminars geared toward helping retailers expand business and increase profits. As a result, more than $7.5 billion in estimated wholesale transactions are conducted annually within the Dallas Market Center complex.

Hot trends and the GO TEXAN designers driving them!

This season promises to one to remember as GO TEXAN companies will be leading the pack with all the right fashion decisions.

Patricia Wolf, located in Smithville and whose couture western wear appears in stores across the country, says western accessories are still very strong, especially turquoise belts and jewelry. Mismatched tops and bottoms are also cool as long as there is a hint of common color in the separates to bring them together. And colors? Brown and turquoise are strong color combinations for spring and summer.

Painted Pony of San Antonio touts a market lineup to include jackets in soft, washed tapestries, embroidered silk and velvets in a variety of styles. New styles will include longer, knee length coats and jean jacket styling.

Pink Panache of Dallas will be returning to its Texas roots, stepping away from the herd and introducing a line called "Baroque Cowgirl."  Bold, semi-precious stones and opulent crystals are staples of this line of accessories and jewelry. Boutique-style with a western flair describes their decadent belt buckles that complement everyone from cowgirl to czarina. These Pink Panache cowgirls are "goin'" for Baroque!