The Wombat® — Cool Softwear for the iPad

My business partner Tom Pope and I have developed a different type of softwear — the Wombat® iPad Pillow, a plush mid-tech accessory for your iPad. This is our working prototype, but of course the final product will not be a hand knit item. BTW, for all you knitters, this is the Linen Stitch.

Wombat® iPad Pillow is adjustable, from a 30° tilt to dead-on flat for working vertically or horizontally. It’s easy on the wrists. It’s not a travel pillow, but it is designed to go from the table to the couch.

Don’t you just want to lay your head down on it? This is the Wombat® at rest. Flip it over, the feet raise it high enough to protect the iPad surface. Remember to flip your iPad screen-side in before you nap.

Soft corners allow you to plug in headphones or other external devices, just peel back. plug in, and play. So while you’re powering up your iPad, play your favorite iTunes and power-down for a quick nap.

We are TomTone Industries, the makers of technology accessories, the Wombat is our first product due out in the fall. And just like our favorite Aussie marsupial, Wombat® iPad Pillow also has a pouch. Isn’t this kick-ass cool?

Take a Trip with Travel Peanut

I'm glad I don't have a peanut allergy. How would I have gone through college without peanut butter? I love every manner of peanut — boiled, fried, roasted, salted, spiced with chili and lime. You might say peanuts inspire me.

Phillip the cat likes my new Travel Peanut, but for now it only goes from the couch to the floor, and under a chair. Take this loungey legume along  in a car, on a plane, or a train — it conveniently scrunches down into a bag. Travel Peanut has just the right ergonomic support for your neck, so rest your weary head when you’re on the road.

Now here’s a legume for people with nut allergies. This is two a part pattern: zippered slip case and casing. It makes for easy wear an care if you travel a lot. I want to stuff this pillow with buckwheat hull— imagine how good that would smell when you lay your head down and close your eyes.

My lab assistant, Phillip gave it a thorough road test for durability. He took thoughtful paws... conclusion: he confirmed we have a winner.

Egg-centric Accent

Breakfast in bed? This is Ovopillo (oh-voh-pìh-lo), an egg-shaped bolster that I designed for the couch. Can't you see yourself laying down in a nest of these? It's very plush. This zippered sham fits snugly over an oval form. The bold Fair Isle pattern is inspired by curry leaves.

Fair Isle construction requires concentration and a steady hand. I wouldn't watch Netflix while working in Fair Isle, but I'd catch up on my PodCasts. The long strands that lay on the back (aka, floats) must be woven and managed as closely as the pattern side. I own a few different types of knitting bridges and thimbles, but I prefer to use my ring to steady the strands as I work.

It's the prefect size for resting your head — 19" tall by 9" diameter. This would a hit with kids. Phillip the cat seems to like it too, although he may not be as egg-cited about it as I am.