A future collection?

Did anyone notice the amazing collection of string holders Mario Batali had on The Chew today? If not you can see his fabulous collection here.

What fascinating things! These were a staple in many a household where you would need to tie meat or kitchen items. Batali said they were popular in butcher shops as well. How neat! Quickly looking around on the web, they come in a variety of styles. They are not all chefs heads, slurping on spaghetti. Cats are quite popular (although there are some very ugly ones) and black face items. And Dutch Girl heads. Can't understand the meaning there....but I seem to like the rod iron ones best.

They average about $100 although the chef's head on ebay is getting quite a lot of attention because of The Chew episode. Ah! I think I must start a collection to join my pie birds!

Clicking Needles....

This is what I have been working on in the evenings:

I found this fun design while digging in a basket in an antique shop in Rye, England. Cost me a whopping 30p ($0.75 cents)! While the pattern recommends an angora yarn, I am using a very simple but nice smokey grey acrylic, with the birds in an off-white. The pattern recommends using a red yarn for the birds beaks. Can you imagine that? I figure if I don't like the appearance once I have completed the sweater I can stitch in some colour when I am finished. I'll photograph the front of my own soon...oh and put a bird on it!