Sunday, April 22, 2012

News from all over

This week I completed two projects and was able to give them to two grandaughters. Both items had been essentially completed for way too long. One was a mitred blanket which finally got its flannelette backing and the other a sweater, which only needed a few touches. Just have two UFOs--one I expect to complete during a weekend workshop in early May.

Earlier this month I ordered a small iPad cover as a gift from my computer in Ottawa. It seemed a straight-forward transaction and I assumed the purchase was filled directly from a location in either the U.S. or Canada. However, I was astounded when I received the details of the tracking information:

-  12 April - Order processed in China;
-    "     "    - Departure from Shenzhen, China;
-    "     "    - Departure from Hong Kong;
-    "     "    - Departure from Anchorage, AK;
-   13    "    - Departure from Louisville, KY;
-     "    "    - Arrival Mount Hope, ON;
-   14   "     - Arrival Concord, ON;
-   16    "    - Delivery Toronto, ON!

I realize this item wasn't alone on all the flights, however feel that the carbon footprint was extremely great. Made me feel guilty at how I'd added to the world's pollution. It shows how much manufacturing has moved off shore.

On a more positive note: I learned about the Twist Collective and their excellent newsletter via an email received from Foxfire Fiber & Designs. Another site I want to follow regularly: http://www.twistcollective.com/2012/spring/magazinepage_01.php

It is reported that Kate Middleton, a.k.a. the Duchess of Cambridge, supports Harris Tweed http://www.princesscatherinestyle.com/style-essentials-harris-tweed.