Patch NYC

In the fall of 1997, designers John Ross and Don Carney established Patch NYC Inc., with a small collection of hand crocheted wool hats. Inspired by a hat made by John's mother, Yasuko, for her son's first winter in New York the designers created a collection using hand-dyed wool from the Union Square Farmer's Market and vintage buttons for embellishment.

Bolstered by the success of their hat business, the designers added scarves the following year. Having an appreciation for embroidery, appliqué and beading techniques, the pair decorated their scarves with intricate details inspired by vintage items they had picked up at the New York flea market. These meticulous detailing techniques would come to represent their signature style, which has now spread to home décor items, such as cushions, dinnerware, wall art and decorative accessories. They also have a fun and inspirational blog.

More than a decade after their arrival in the Big Apple, the designers today boast a rather impressive roster of buyers from around the world. They've also expanded into women's jewelry and have a successful line called Hunter, a sterling silver jewelry line for men. Their products are now available in Canada, England, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Dubai, Lebanon, Mexico and Australia.

Patch NYC creators Don Carney, left, and John Ross. A sample of their gorgeous scarves.Fun with burlap and buttons!

Don's excellent etchings grace these heavy linen cushions.

This is one of my Patch NYC pillows from Anthropologie. Printed with entomological and aviary imagery (complete with encyclopedic definitions) it is a unique piece that I treasure.