Can't take my eyes off you...

Somewhere between me organizing the shelving unit and starting school, Roscoe found a favorite spot on top of the microwave, next to my red tea basket. I suppose at one moment he looked down, bent over all the way, and noticed some sparkly numbers on the microwave.

When I noticed him noticing the numbers, he was so mesmotized (mesmerized+hypnotized) that I could not gain his attention...for FOUR minutes. (I know this because I was also watching the numbers while trying to get his attention. Also, it is an exceptionally long time for a bird, especially for Roscoe.) Even when I took five pictures, I could not distract him. I thought he was having some kind of attack. I thought the change of the numbers would frighten him...and yet he gazed.

"And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!" --Edgar Allen Poe


-吴碧芙

Cracking the Tea Code

One year ago, my aunt brought out her "tea wallet," which is a little travel accessory for tea bags. We discussed how we might duplicate the design. One year later, nobody has offered a prototype, until today. I searched the internet, and found a variety of designs for "tea wallets," some of which are for sale on Etsy. There are very few of these "tri-fold" designs, but I did find a tutorial for making one. Then I logically changed a few details to make the design a little easier and more intuitive for me.

Lacking proper cutting, measuring, and sewing tools, I created a prototype, which a better, faster seamstress, with more advanced tools, might be able to perfect (cough...Mom...cough). When the wallet is folded and fastened, the button looks entirely off-center, urgh.


But the most important thing is that it's functional. (Am I right, or am I right?) The pockets hold 6 tea bags, and there are 5 inner pockets for sweeteners, or other condiments. The 5 inner pockets exist between the two layers. There are actually six spaces, but I sewed the ribbon into one of the pockets.


-吴碧芙