TSMK's Likes & Dislikes

Like: Wrapped In Lace

2010-11-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Going out on a limb here because it hasn't yet been released. But I've seen some of the designs in this book and I have a good hunch this is going to need to be on my bookshelf. Good stuff.

Like: Fage Greek Yogurt

2010-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is officially my new favorite breakfast food... after bacon. When did yogurt go from being kind of runny and gross to having the texture of really good pudding? This stuff is fantastic. I like it with honey, but the fruit varieties are great too.

Like: Unexpected Qiviut

2010-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

A good friend recently went on a trip to Alaska and came back with an incredible gift. A bag stuffed full of qiviut - ready to be de-haired and spun. Now - what to make?

Like: Majacraft Rose Spinning Wheel

2010-09-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough one recent afternoon to spend some time with a Majacraft Rose wheel. Although I had no prior experience with any double-treadle wheel, I found this one incredibly easy to use. In fact, I was able to spin far more easily on this wheel after a short afternoon than I spin on my own Ashford Traveler after many weeks of practice. Spinning on this one was a real treat.

Like: Boob Mug

2010-09-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Another Etsy treasure, this time by an outfit called RainyDayToys. I have no words to express the sheer awesomeness of this. The only way it is better is if it comes in different -ahem- cup sizes.

I wonder if Mrs. TSMK would still drink coffee with me in the morning if I was sipping my latte out of this piece of brilliance.

Like: TARDIS Desk Toy

2010-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Saw this while looking online at potential toys for my oldest son's birthday. This is just too cool. The TARDIS sits suspended in midair by magnets. Give it a spin and watch it rotate - landing who knows where or when.

Mixed Emotions: Blackthorn Needles

2010-09-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I picked up a set of Blackthorn doublepoint needles. I've now used them quite a bit, and I'm still not sure what to make of them.

On the positive side, they are incredibly light and have very sharp points: two features I prize in dpns.

On the negative side, their clever carbon fiber construction leaves them with a slightly bumpy surface. In fact, I suspect that if you looked at them under a microscope they would appear serrated. The surface feels good on my fingers, but I'm noticing that it causes yarn to fuzz up very slightly while knitting. Overall review - Mixed.

Like: Office Gardening Success

2010-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Desert Rose at one week past germination

Several months ago, I purchased a few packets of seeds and set about trying to get some relatively unusual plants to grow in my office. I had good success with a Tamarind tree as well as some Chinese Wisteria.

Mature Desert Rose

But one group of seeds just refused to sprout - until last week. Here it is - a one-week old Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) along with a photo of what it may eventually look like if I'm lucky.

Like: Handmade Copper Stitch Markers

2010-09-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

I came across these on Etsy. Made by SpindleCatStudio in New Jersey. They are made from copper tubing, shaped into a stitch marker, soldered together and then sanded smooth. Very cool - with a primitive/elemental kind of feel. I may need to ask for these from Mrs. TSMK for Christmas.