Inspiring things

I've seen this in a few places on the Net recently.

Crochet cozy for a Smart Car

(The photo was taken recently in Italy by Flickr user "Start the Day"). I mean, it is perfection. From the use of different patterns for each panel of the car, to color choices, to the perfect fit... I just want one. Badly. But if I can't have a crocheted car cozy, I was thinking of perhaps covering my vacuum cleaner. It's boxy and has wheels too, right?

Danger! Danger! Books...

I am a sucker for craft books, especially those that focus on technique rather than projects. A few months ago, I found a site called "Amazon Japan in English". It's Amazon, but they translated all navigation and user interface elements into English to make it easier for non-Japanese users. I quickly looked up knitting and crochet and -- be still my heart -- there they were, all the Japanese technical books that I have seen and lusted after, all available at market prices. (When you get them from U.S. vendors, the prices tend to be inflated even after factoring in shipping costs.)

I have already ordered one batch of four stitch dictionaries and was delighted with the experience. It wasn't cheap, given postage, but they were reasonably priced. And it took only two days from the day I ordered to the day they arrived in my mailbox. The only shipping option is international express. Yes, two days. I almost had to sit down to let the waves of excitement die down.

So, here are the links:

Amazon Japan in English
Crocheting books
Knitting books
Beading books

    

Comments

[Charleen]

That cozy is amazing! People would certainly sit up and take notice (which is probably very important if you're driving one of those little buggers)!