The tiny harmonica that went to space – #115

Two of this week’s five weren’t scouted by me. Alex sent a scarf knitted by the wind, and Stefan sent a departure board you hang by your front door. Thank you!

I like it when the scouting runs both ways. This newsletter gets better when you show me what I’ve missed.

The other three I found the usual way (by scrolling 100s of pages so you don’t have to). One of the items, the smallest object here, has been to space.

If you’re new around here: Every week, I share 5 of the nicest products from Europe I’ve discovered in the past 7 days.

I scout, you explore.

With love 🌞
Jakob

P.S.: Missed the last edition? The Clothes Horse from Dunkerton was the most-clicked product.

P.P.S.: If you’ve found something from Europe that belongs here, send it my way.

On windy days, Dutch designer Merel Karhof’s knitting machine works faster. When the air calms down, the scarf grows more slowly. A meter-wide windmill powers the machine from the side of a building, and every finished scarf is labeled with the date and time it was made. Alex sent this one in. Take a look at the scarfs it knitted.

Black grog gives this espresso porcelain cup its rough, stone-like surface, while the translucent green glaze leaves the foot bare. Designed and slip-cast by one-person ceramics studio Yird in Warsaw, dishwasher-safe, and (unfortunately) currently sold out.

In December 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford snuck this 3,5cm* harmonica aboard Gemini VI. Stafford reported a suspicious object piloted by someone in a red suit. Then Schirra played “Jingle Bells” while Stafford shook miniature sleigh bells. The little harmonica was the first musical instrument played in space and German manufacturer Hohner makes it to this day.
(It makes for a sweet little gift. My daughter has one she calls “Monika”.)

* ~1.5 inches if you’re reading from outside of Europe.

Swiss brand QWSTION spent three years developing Bananatex, a water-resistant fabric made from Philippine abacá fibers. The Travel Shopper folds down and switches between tote and backpack. No plastic required.

Stefan found a station board for people who prefer to do their waiting at home (or in the office). Swedish company T-Skylt shrinks it to 35 centimeters, connects it over Wi-Fi, and shows departures for supported buses, trams, trains, and ferries. Hang it by the door and leave at the right moment.