A Stitch In Time ...

By Kate Betts

A STITCH IN TIME ...

The handcrafted look has trickled down from high-fashion runways to the kids' clothing business, turning up in catalogs like Mini Boden, where appliqued sweaters ($54) and cords ($44) have a hippie vibe. At Garnet Hill, T shirts and shoes get the applique treatment, and cozy slippers are stitched to resemble animals ($36).

STICK 'EM UP!

Wall Freckles are a quick and clever way to decorate a child's room. These movable stickers are backed with low-tack adhesive and can be cut, colored in, layered and reused without damaging surfaces. They're available online at modernseed.com

RIDING IN STYLE

Call it the Murakami effect: strollers, like Vuitton handbags, are being fashionably customized. Dutch design company Bugaboo is introducing a line of limited-edition strollers by Dutch fashion designers. The first edition, left, by Bas Kosters, comes in a series of 1,000. At $2,000 apiece, it's like buying art. See bugaboo-by.com

DOUBLE-DUTY DECORATION

When Swedish furniture giant Ikea asked 28 designers to come up with new products, they produced all kinds of ideas, including the ultimate couch-potato pillow, above. Designer Maria Vinka was inspired by the idea of burying her feet in a pile of pillows to keep them warm. Just don't jump up to answer the phone.