The word handmade, when it comes to fashion, can conjure up images of dowdy, knitted sweaters from grandma that were shoved in the back of your closet only to surface when grandma came to visit.

But handmade has come a long way and can be a great way to add unique items and personal style to your wardrobe.

Etsy.com it doing its best to connect people who make these type of items and those who want to buy them.

Everything on the site is handmade. The items run the gamut, from furniture and pet wares to art to jewelry and clothing.

Ways to browse items on the site are endless. You can search by category or check out the showcase page where a seller selects his or her top item to be featured on the page. There is also a featured seller and recently listed items. Or get more detailed and search by color, treasure (items handpicked by members),  pounce (shops waiting for a first sale or those who just sold an item), shop local (there are several sellers in Nashua), time machine 2 (which are just listed items) and editor’s picks.

So next time you want an original piece, head online for something handmade.

Tags: clothes, fashion, handmade, jewelry, Nashua, sell, style