The Hole Thing ®

THE HOLE THING in Appleseed's Catalog

2010-10-30T18:08:00.005-04:00

THE HOLE THING's new felted flower pins are now available in the Appleseed's Holiday 2010 catalog, online, and in Appleseed stores.

THE HOLE THING On Daily Grommet

2010-06-23T23:04:00.000-04:00

THE HOLE THING is featured above on Daily Grommet. They came to my studio recently to learn more about my felted wool goodies and taped this video clip. THE HOLE THING'S garlands and necklaces and pins are available for purchase at the end of the video, or if you'd like you can go direct to Daily Grommet.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-07T12:24:00.006-04:00

Special orders available at THE HOLE THING

Welcome to THE HOLE THING

2009-07-16T18:48:00.002-04:00

THE HOLE THING'S array of felted wool products are made solely from recycled sweaters. Many of them have die-cut holes in them which create windows for whatever is worn underneath. Kind of like polka-dots. We call them our swiss cheese sweaters. The leftover dots are then recycled, and appliqued onto other products. Ta-da!

THE HOLE THING is featured in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Studios Magazine.

THE HOLE THING may be purchased Here.

Your Vote

2009-01-13T11:58:00.010-05:00

THE HOLE THING would love your vote for the Leading Moms In Business 2009 Competition. It ends March 31, 2009 and you can vote as much as once a day. It only takes a second I promise! Just click here. Thank you thank you!

Louise

Greening Your Grocery Shopping

2008-09-28T18:26:00.006-04:00

Greening Your Grocery Shopping

First of all invest in some grocery bags that you can use over and over again. I bought 6 of these big ones from Ikea for .99 cents each and I love them. I cannot tell you how much easier it is to carry them into the house as opposed to all those plastic or paper bags (that the average household uses more than a thousand of a YEAR). You can even carry them on your shoulder like a beach bag.

Rethink your week: In an effort to save gas try to combine grocery shopping with other errands such as going to the bank, the cleaners,the liquor store,to get gas, or the library etc.

Shop once a week ( I know, I know..) but you won't believe how much this will simplify your life buying dinner for all 7 nights. Five minutes of planning can go a very long way. No more wondering at 5:00 PM what the heck you are going to have. Start by making a master list on your computer of everything you like to cook. Put your list into simple categories such as pasta dishes, salads, soups, seafood, meat dishes, chicken, etc. Print the list out and put it in the car for reference. Before I shop I make a grocery list and on the side of the list I write the numbers 1-7 ( or fewer numbers if you know you already have plans for dinner out on certain nights). Next to each number I write down a dinner idea. This is never set in gold as you can move dinners around to suit the day and your own personal cravings. If you have a family or roommates it is especially helpful to ask them if they are having a yearning for anything in particular to give you menu ideas. I know this all probably sounds extreme but you won't believe how great it is to have the shopping and planning done all in just over an hour. This saves on gas guzzling repeat trips to the grocery store but also on take-out food- not to mention all the waste that take-out packaging creates.

Buy in bulk. You've heard this before, but individual packaging truly creates a ton of waste.

Shop off hours: Standing in rush hour/weekend traffic burns a lot of gas. If you can't shop during a weekday, shop after dinner if you can. Not only will you avoid traffic, you will also sail right through the grocery store. Ta da!

Buy local, buy in season, support your local farmer's market.

Be more conscious: I've been noticing how easy it is to use more than I actually need of household items such as toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, dish soap, paper towels and even toilette paper etc.

Now here is the biggest thing: Consuming red meat creates MORE of an environmental hazard than our fuel emissions do. What you ask? Can this be? Maybe you have heard this before- and it is true- check this out. Personally I am not at the point where I can give up red meat entirely without feeling very deprived. But there is something that we meat lovers can do- we can eat it less frequently. We can also eat less of it when we do eat it by using smaller amounts in our cooking. We don't need to use a pound of meat when we make lasagna- we just need to flavor it-so trying using half of what a recipe calls for. Also join me on the national trend of Meatless Mondays.

Here is my last tip: When you buy pre-packed packages of food- whether it is chicken, or cheese or snow peas- choose the ones that weigh the least. This is a small effort that adds up. When you consume less there is less demand for the stores to stock more of it- and for the delivery trucks to deliver more of it to the store. Turns into a big energy saver in the long run I assure you. You also end up consuming less food this way which is helpful in the battle of the bulge, not to mention in lowering your grocery bill as well.

I dedicate this post to my Mamacita. A domestic goddess born in 1922. Please feel free to comment with any tips of your own.

New England Flower Show

2008-08-31T16:35:00.000-04:00

The New England Flower Show, is the 3rd largest in America. The theme this year is Rhapsody in GREEN. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society will have my whimsical felted wool sweaters and accessories available for sale at their booth. The show takes place at the Bayside Expo Center. Adult ticket prices are $20. Come have a breath of spring !

Good Housekeeping's Green House

2008-07-31T22:19:00.000-04:00

Good Housekeeping

Last night I went to the opening party for Good Housekeeping's Green House at 151 West 122nd Street. The Green House is a four-story brownstone that is New York's greenest residential home. With interiors designed by Robin Wilson Home it features environmentally-friendly construction because of the type of lumber and cement that was used, but also, guess what the house was insulated with? Denim ! How neat is that? The sustainable home also featured energy efficient everything- from it's solar heating system, appliances, and point of use tankless water heaters, to the environmentally friendly paint used on the walls. But these were really the less interesting details of the home if you ask me. The furnishings were amazing as well. In an effort to use what is already available and not produce something new, many pieces in the house were vintage. THE HOLE THING ® was the featured children's clothing line, as well as gorgeous tiles made of 100% recycled glass, rugs made of recycled nylon ( that can be recycled again), and furniture and linens that were all earth-friendly and wonderful. Robin Wilson Home really proved that eco-friendly is synonymous with beautiful. You can view a video of the house here. The home will also be showcased in Good Housekeeping's Your Good House magazine's November 2008 issue.

Felted Vase of Sunshine

2008-07-02T17:24:00.001-04:00

This vase was designed by my niece who is just 10 years old. Isn't it neat? I gave her one of my hole sweaters awhile back. She preferred that it was a vest so we cut the sleeves off. Soon after she called to tell me that she had made a vase out of one of the sleeves. Makes me wonder what she'll be doing later in life. Can't wait to find out.

Available on Etsy.

Go Green

2008-06-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

10 Ways To Make A Difference:

1. Recycle your old cell phone at Green Phone and earn as much as $35.

2. Carry it out when you shop and leave the bag behind.

3. CFL light bulbs use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer. It's as simple as that.

4. Dust off your bike.

5. 401K: invest in environmentally conscious mutual funds.

6. Go meatless at least 3 times a week.

7. Let your grass grow a little longer. It will have a thicker turf and longer roots so you won't have to water it as much or use as much gas throughout the season to mow it.

8. Keep a chart of how many kilowatts of electricity you use each month. When the bill comes try and beat last months usage. Make it a game.

9. Buy a laptop. It uses much less electricity than a desk top.

10. Keep your car tires filled for better mileage.

11. Okay one more...Buy local, buy in season, support your local farm.

The Country Living Fair

2008-05-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

Country Living Magazine

With summer quickly coming to an end Country Living Magazine is hosting it's third annual fair in Columbus,OH from Sept 12-14th. THE HOLE THING houseware products will be featured in the fair at an event hosted by editors Sarah Newell and Frances Baily on opening day, the 12th, at 4:00 PM and Saturday the 13th at 2:00 PM (in the Country Living craft room). I won't be able to attend the fair this year unfortunately but anyone who is can enjoy my felted wool goodies and what promises to be a fabulous fair.

Simple Ways to Live Your Dreams

2008-02-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

*Spend time alone and you'll hear your inner voice.

*Break the rules. Do what you want, if it harms no one.

*Follow your passion- whatever it takes.

*Stop worrying about what other people think. It's your life.

*Get over your fear. Fear is normal, so embrace it and then you'll get past it.

Organic Magazine- April 2005

How The Hole Thing ® Started

2008-01-01T22:07:00.004-05:00

Until January '07 I worked as a knitwear technician in the sweater design department at Susan Bristol Inc. for 16 years. I knitted swatches illustrating design ideas to be shown at design meetings, used as sales tools, and factory prototypes for producing sweaters. I also added embroidery and other embellishments to the swatches to further express my love of color. Though I liked my job very much, something was missing in my creative expression. You could say there was a hole there.

Personal projects rounded out my expressions in wool, such as the quilt I designed and made from old wool sweaters that once belonged to my kids, husband, and other family members. I felted the sweaters and cut them into squares, creating a quilt of memories. It was while making this quilt that I had what one might call a “sweater epiphany.” The felted wool, my fondness for playful circles, dots, and pearl edgings came together. And that’s how The Hole Thing ® started.

The beauty of my sweaters (and now many accessories and housewares) is that they are all made from recycled wool and are environmentally friendly. They are also warm, whimsical, and very fun to wear.

South End Open Market October 18th

2007-12-21T10:46:00.000-05:00

Twenty-four members of Boston Handmade, including THE HOLE THING, will be gathering once again for their biggest show ever at the South End Open Market on Sunday October 18th from 10:00AM-4:00PM.
If you haven't yet been to this fabulous weekly market, or even if you have, don't miss it. Artisans, farmers, and antiques in Boston's wonderful south end - what more could you ask for? How about free and easy parking while you are there? They have that too :-)

Lexington Open Studios

2007-12-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

Artists & art-lovers, please join us for the first Lexington Open Studios. Sixty-five Lexington-affiliated artists & artisans who live, work, teach, or create art in Lexington will open their collective or home studios to the public on May 2nd and 3rd from 11AM-5PM. THE HOLE THING'S studio address is 4 Ward Street, Lexington.

For more information please visit Lexington Open Studios.

South End Open Market

2007-12-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

Boston Handmade will be featured on Sunday, June 14th, from 10 am - 4 pm, at the South End Open Market. In addition to the regular market artisans, farmers, and antique vendors there will be 20 Boston Handmade members,including THE HOLE THING, exhibiting their art at the event. South End Open Market is located at 540 Harrison Avenue in Boston.

Wrap Yourself Around

2007-12-17T21:41:00.001-05:00

White Scarf

Oh broad band of felted wool

so soft and warm and delightful to the eye

Wrap yourself around my shoulders

circle my neck

go over my head to keep out winter's chill

till the spring thaw comes again.

Groovy Girl

2007-11-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

This groovy girl was fixin' for a HOLE THING sweater. After choosing one, she decided that she preferred it to be sleeveless.

Luckily, the beauty of felted wool is that you can cut it any way you desire and instantly be able to create what you have in mind. Felted wool holds it shape- it doesn't fray or unravel.

So out came the shears and we chopped those sleeves right off!

Bellissimo!

More hole things at www.theholething.etsy.com

2007-10-19T22:17:00.000-04:00

By Louise of THE HOLE THING

This Saturday October 24th is the Needham High School Craft Fair from 9:30-4:00. In it's 29th year, it is a very well established craft show that is the annual kick off for the holiday shopping season. The show is well attended by some of the best artisans in the Boston area and is so large that it fills two gymnasiums. THE HOLE THING will be there again this year with lots of felted wool goodness in booth #37 in Gym B.

Ladies Who Launch

2007-10-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

If you have started a business or just have an idea for one I highly recommend Ladies Who Launch for putting a little mojo into your plan. If their cutsie name is stopping you don't let it. LWL is a national group with chapters in 36 cities ( plus Canada & Africa) and is growing fast- as is my business after taking their 4 week "incubator workshop".

When I signed up for Ladies Who Launch THE HOLE THING had been on the market for 5 months and I "felt" I was well on my way with a good idea, but the reality was that I was alone with my creations, my celebrations and all my concerns. I won't give away the surprise of all that happens in the workshop but I will say that I quickly bonded with the other women and now we are a wonderful support to each other. Brenda Stanton & Paola Abello, the leaders of the Boston chapter, are terrific. They are both very knowledgeable, warm, smart and supportive.

After completing the workshop you become part of the greater Boston network that holds monthly meetings and on going get-togethers. You are also a member of the national LWL which is a great source for networking & many other opportunities. I can't say enough ! Ladies Who Launch is an excellent way to spread your entrepreneurial wings- even for those of you who aren't quite sure that you have them.

Peace Baby

2007-09-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

This stack of kid's felted peace sign t-shirts is for a new store in Boston called OAK. The store, whose name is short for "one of a kind" is located at 31 Gloucester Street at the corner of Newbury Street. It is a hip & cozy boutique full of wonderful handmade creations. They have everything from clothes & accessories to lots of very cool gifts that you won't be able to resist. Adult and kid's peace sign shirts are also available at The Hole Thing.

Peace baby :-)

Girl In A Hat

2007-08-12T16:13:00.000-04:00

...Girl in a hat with circles appliqued onto it. After making my Swiss cheese sweaters for several months I quickly realized that something creative needed to be done with all the circles that came out of the holes. I had hundreds of them. This might just have something to do with the fact that my 86 year old Mom grew up in the depression and likes to use up "every little bit" :-) Plus, they were all so beautiful together in that big basket... Now, the circles have become the hallmark, and the real beauty of, THE HOLE THING, recycling them in my felt & button necklaces, felted pins, and t-shirts as well.

Treading Lightly On The Earth

2007-07-01T14:25:00.000-04:00

I can't be happier that we are waking up to the reality of all the harm we're doing to our planet. What do you think it is that has made us more aware? Is it the effects of global warming that we've all experienced to some degree or Al Gore's documentary " The Inconvenient Truth"? Maybe, but I think that more than anything it is suddenly very hip to be Green. Eco-friendly products are everywhere. We're building and decorating our homes with them, we're wearing them and as time goes on more of us are even driving them. They are the new luxury.
We began this decade with an awareness to "recycle, reuse and restore" and are now adapting to a new concept which is "Refuse". Do we really need one more plastic toy from Toys R Us or another pair of sneakers? People forget that it takes energy and creates pollution to manufacture all the things we think we need. The reality is that a lot of what we buy only gives us temporary happiness.
Having recently visited Costa Rica, I am impressed that this developing country has such an ecologically conscious attitude. Their commitment to save the rain forest is commendable. From hotel's suggestions not to change sheets and towels daily, to the use of bio-degradable soap, energy efficient light bulbs and environmental libraries- it was refreshing to experience up close how simple it is to make a difference. It is very clear there that it's not just our planet- that we share it with many, many species. Hopefully we can start doing a better job in all areas environmentally. Congratulations to Timberland, the clothing and shoe company based in Stratham,New Hampshire. They are the first US company to put a carbon index on their product labels. We will be seeing more monitoring of carbon imprinting by other companies soon I imagine.

Welcome to Summer

2007-06-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Caterpillar shirts are made with the leftover circles that come from THE HOLE THING sweaters. Pretty nifty ! Six other t-shirt designs are now available at www.theholething.etsy.com

Felted Bracelets

2007-04-05T21:00:00.000-04:00

The Hole Thing felted bracelets are now available on Etsy ( Betsy without the B ) http://www.theholething.etsy.com/ which is a fabulous website selling artisan's wares from around the globe. My bracelets have been a hit with all ages- from teenagers at Lexington High School to my hip 85 year old Mom. They come in a wide variety of colors ( see some in the bowl above-click on photo for better detail) and can also be special ordered. I will have more of my line on Etsy soon.

2007-03-10T22:58:00.000-05:00

A-Tisket A-Tasket

2007-02-21T00:52:00.000-05:00

This present might be just right for your little lady Valentine. She can put her tooth inside and tuck it in under her pillow at night to await the tooth fairy or she could put any of her little treasures inside so they always have a safe home. Available at www.theholething.etsy.com

Candle Light

2007-01-01T23:49:00.000-05:00

Candle light is soft and oh so forgiving.

Available at www.theholething.etsy.com