From M and The Pitty :)

Mug Rug Swaps

My dear swappers.. you make my heart soar with joy and my eyes puddle up with tears. Thank you everyone that asked to Angel. Your my heroes!!
I will send you an email in the next few days ... I am waiting on some return emails.
Once again thank you so much for being such Angels. I know the ladies that did not get their swaps will be so thrilled!!!


I am sorry to say there were a lot of flakers for this swap... so far I am out 5 swaps. If anyone would like to be an Angel to make up these swaps... please send me and email... and those that did not complete will not be allowed to swap in any of my swaps again.

Sorry......... that's just the rules!

Repost from Pins and Needles ;)

My Christmas Gift To You
A repost from Pins & Needles

Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the Pins & Needles Land
Each stitcher was working on her last project at hand.
There were knitters, crocheters, apron and Annie sewers and quilters too!
All knew the clock was ticking ...
and they still had plenty to do!

Now those gals from Down Under, Mistea, Jindi, Vanessa and Khris were leading the band,
Ever so mindful that for them Christmas Day would soon be at hand!

When up in the Northland there arose such a clatter,
Every stitcher from Washington to New York sprang up to see what was the matter!
OH. they all cried with relief, it's just Nadine, Kay, Denise, and Sherry,
All working to made their Christmas merry!

But way down in Georgia it was quiet as a mouse,
As Doris sat crocheting in a brightly lit house.
Gizzy was sound asleep, so cozy and warm,
As he dreamed of doggie treats on Christmas Morn.

On the cold Kansas prairie the north wind was blowing,
Maybe by Christmas it would be snowing!
But that didn't damper Auntie's machine, it was whirring!
And what about Miss Pitty? Oh, she wasn't stirring.

Over in the Ozarks, Sue was still apron making,
Of course that is only when she wasn't baking!
And then there was Angie , feverishly working on her Prims,
But meeting her deadline was looking rather "grims".

And back up in Indiana, Brenda still has not gone to bed,
She's staying up drawing Annie patterns that are swirling in her head!

In the states of Texas and Florida, Jennifer and Robin were so relieved to see
That all of their gifts were finished, wrapped and under the tree!

And Cynthia in Virginia is done with her rug,
You know, it's the latest craze, the one to hold her mug!

Across the Big Pond is rughooking Heather,
I wonder if her studio is as quiet as a feather?

So to all of my ♥kindred spirit stitchin' Sisters♥ ~
Are you all crazy, out of your head??
Enough of your stitchin'!!! NOW ~ get off to bed!!!!! LOL!!!! :)

A Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you!!!!!!
Love and Hugz,
CJ♥♥

Merry Christmas Everyone :)

A Country Christmas Story...

I received this in and e-mail from Sharon Z.. I just had to share it!!!

"Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and
went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't
worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in.. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I
wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" "You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?

Yeah," I said, "Why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be
Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that,
but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked.. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"
"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children -
sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his
angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmasdinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.

Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you; I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life."

Don't be too busy today. Share this country Christmas message with someone. God loves you! Have a real country Christmas! It is what we do for others that make CHRISTmas a wonderful blessing.

Christmas Traditions

Thanksgiving signals the beginning of the Christmas Holiday. Usually on that evening there are two movies that I have to watch... One is the
Velveteen Rabbit
and the other is
How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
(Please click on the titles to read the stories of these wonderful fun books)

This year has been very different for me.. I haven't watched any of my Christmas Movies or even put up a Christmas tree. For some reason.. I am just not into the season. I wonder if that is because I live alone? I have had a trying year this year and maybe just maybe I am just tired.
Now don't get me wrong... I am excited for the New Year to begin.. that means a whole new beginning and new promises made to yourself to do better in the up coming year.

Speaking of Holiday Traditions.. I just love this story!!! I have the movie Prancer with Sam Elliott and he plays the grumpy ole father in this movie. Mainly the story is about his little girl and this poem was quoted in the movie.. it is so very true to keep the Holiday Spirit in our lives year round........ Even though it doesn't feel like Christmas to me this year.. I still believe you should always keep kindness in your heart..

Is There a Santa Claus?

From the Editorial Page of The New York Sun,
written by Francis P. Church, September 21, 1897

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

"Dear Editor--I am eight years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon
115 W. 95th Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

I want to Wish Each and Everyone of you a

Joyous and Happy Christmas Holiday!

Aunt Pitty Pat and The Pitty

Ok I think I have given the wrong impression.. I am not sad because it doesn't feel like Christmas... maybe if it was to come a month or two down the road... Just because it doesn't feel like Christmas to me.. that's not a bad thing.. Heck I am sure I am not the only Grinch this year... I'm happy really!!! No worries my sweet friends!!!

Thank you everyone for your sweet words... they were very dear and full of concern...

and I thank you for them!!!

Hello Ladies...

Just a quick blog post... no I have not forgotten to ship out our Holly Jolly Christmas blocks.. I am still waiting on one set of blocks from Portugal. I have been advised they have been sent.. you know how slow our postal system can be.. just imagine in another country... I hope they will get here soon. As soon as they arrive. I promise I will get your lovely swap blocks sent back out to you.

While I have been waiting on the blocks.........
I was thinking of what we are going to be making for our first swap next year. I have talked to a couple of people about it.. they are very excited about the idea. I would share the idea with you now.. but I still have to iron out some details... so please bare with me on that...
I can say... this will be an expensive and timely swap.. so please if you can't afford to make the items or don't have enough time.. please don't sign up. No one likes a flaker!!! I will not be able to Angel this swap..... Sorry!!!! I think I will announce the swap right after New Years and will leave the sign ups open about 3 weeks. The rules and details will be on that swap post. I will assign partners shortly after the swap closes and you will have a couple of months to finish your projects. Yes I said projects because there will be more than one item to make in this swap... I know everyone will be excited about this up coming swap.. I know I am :)
Until then Happy Safe Shopping and Merry Christmas to my friends that believe in Santa!!!
So my sweet swappers hold on to your hat..... I will announce the swap soon :)

It has been suggested by several my prior swappers..
This is going to be a big swap and expensive.. I would only recommend upper med sewers or advanced sewers to sign up for this swap. That is due to the cost and the time involved in this particular swap. I know that I feel that this particular swap will challenge me... and I think I am at least an upper medium sewer. This will be a swap that you will have to work on all along and not rush the last couple of days. I know I am guilty of rushing sometimes... but this will be the beginning of a New Year and new projects ;)
This is a project that I have been wanting to do for myself for quite a while.. so I decided it would be fun to do it as a swap.
I know I always pride myself in letting everyone swap in my swaps no matter the skill level.. but I am sorry ladies this swap is very advanced!!! I hope my beginners, low to medium sewers understand... The next swap I will do will involve everyone...
Thank you for understanding!!!

Mug Rugs are received ;)

I thought I would share with everyone what my mug rugs looked like.. I had a great time making them. Yes I had more than one partner for one reason or the other ;) I just hate to turn anyone away that wants to play in my swaps.
Without further delay here are what all of my mug rugs looked like :)

For my Chocolate Lovers ;)

Here is a yummy treat just in time for the Christmas Holiday :)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles...
Don't these look yummy????
Your can find the how to at Love and Olive Oil.

Round Four for idea ;)

Here is another fun idea for the children in you lives... a Sketchbook Caddy. This idea found at Simply Modern Mom. There are a number these type of Sketch book kits.. but I really like how the water color pens and tablet are all in the same area.. easy access for the child. I am sorry but there are no instructions for this little kit.. but it looks very simple to make, by just looking at the photos. If I was making this I would add a pocket to tuck away those wonderful fun drawings.

Who couldn't use a Draft Dodger pillow for their home.. to keep old man winter from nipping their toes and noses??? I have found a fun tutorial at: Sew 4 Home.

Here is an awesome idea for us peeps that live in the cold regions of the Countries. A soft and cuddly Microwavable Sock Creature.. find the instructions for one of these little heater kitties at
Instructables.

Here is a fun idea for your little ones on the go a portable chalk mat and storage. you can find the tutorial on how to make these at Craftaholics Anonymous..

Even though this says its a Dad's day gift idea.. it would still be an excellent thing to make your Husband or sons for Christmas.. A car Kit. You will find this at DIY Father's Day Gift.

I have shown lots of things for our two legged babies.. what about our 4 legged babies.. how about making them some Ice Cream for Christmas? You will find the how too at Christy. Ice Cream for the Dog ;) I can tell you the Pitty Loves her Frosty Paws Ice Cream.. I will have to try this one out on her :)

Coupons Put in their place... I found this very interesting and useful idea at Blue Cricket Design. I don't know about you .. but this could come in handy at the market ;)

Another fun list of Gift Ideas

Everyone has young children, teens and adults on their Christmas list.. I have been saving ideas throughout the year to share with you. I hope you come up with some wonderful fun handcrafted items for your family and friends. By sharing these tutorials and ideas,.. you will be able make those extra special handcrafted gifts :)

I will post some more Ideas before Christmas if time allows:)

LoL every time I talk with Nadine in Washington she is always telling me how cold her tootsies are ... well I found this fun and wonderful idea I thought I would share with all of you for those cold winter months.. This item Warm and Cozy Toes would also make a wonderful Christmas gift ;) You will find the tutorial for this idea at Quilt Fabric Delights Creative. Speaking of cold tootsie.. I could use one of these right now in my chilly old farm house ;)


Anyone could use a nap sack.. so run over All About You and look at this very fun back pack.. I have had this little tutorial for quit a while now and plan on making myself one right after the Holidays are over ;)


I don't know about you.. but I hate a seat belt to chew into my neck.. here is a very fast and fun idea for anyone on your Shopping list this Holiday Season. You will find the tutorial for these easy and fast Potholder seat belt covers at Obsessively Stitching.

What about that little guy on your list.. here is a very fun and useful way to make and apron for him.. make his own tool belt just like dad :) The tutorial for this fun project can be found at One-Hip-Mom.

Every once in a while you need to have a high chair for your little one and there is not one available. I have found the perfect solution .. take one with you.... were ever you go. This very clever and useful idea was made by .. This Mama Makes Stuff.. it's a fabric travel high chair... All you moms of toddler really need on of these ;)

What person on your list could turn down one of these wonderful useful Bible book covers? You will find the tutorial at Fussy Monkey Business. I could also see these use for any avid reader to keep and carry their books around. Enjoy this fun project :)

I have found some very cute ideas on A Lemon Squeezy Home... here is one such item.. she has made this very useful and creative Bike Basket... run over to her blog and check out some of the other clever ideas she has ;)

Anyone on your Christmas list could use one of these little lunch money cuffs. I could see the jogger in your family using one of these each time they leave the house to go run. Great way to store those few dollars for a cool drink and a house key. This very practical and useful little item can be found at A Lemon Squeezy Home :)

Do you want to give jewelry for Christmas.. I have found the perfect idea on what to make your teens.. Wear your Jeans! I found this fun tutorial at Mich L. in L. A. I can see these little bracelets made with all sorts of materials.. great idea.. and so cleverly cute!!!

Do you have that itty bitty baby girl in your family that needs an extra special Holiday dress? I have found the cutest little Onesie... take a look I found it at Crafting with Intention. I could see this little dress made in all sort of bright colors... for butter cream yellows to Robin's egg blue, and everything in between.. have fun with this one ;)

Here is a cutie for sure.. I know I would love one of these.. little gems.. Isn't this little bag adorable? It's called a featherweight purse.. I can really see where it gets its name.. so small and smart looking.. run over to Blue Primrose and take a look see ;)
I could see this little purse made with satin and laces to make it that special nite out bag... Have fun with this one ;)

Does your tween like to look different than her peers?? Then here is the perfect idea for her. You could make several of these wonderful fun skirts in several different colors... I found this wonderful exciting tutorial on Sneezerville. Heck you don't even have to be a teen to want to have one of these.. I just wish I was this thin to pull off this awesome skirt!! I don't know about you but .. my thinking is .. make one of these for each of the important holidays with fabrics to depict that special day ;)

I just love making softy toys and these very cut and adorable dolls can be found at Gwenny Penny.. these little guys are called Niblet and Biscuit ;) Aren't they fun?

Here is a very clever idea of those little girls on your list.. in fact it could be modified to keep those little racer cars or hot wheels in ;) You will find this fun project at UK lass in Us.

Isn't this little doll house as cute as it can be.. Yes I could see this made into a garage for all those little boy cars too :) Add in a little road mat map and your all set for an afternoon of fun filled games :)

Christmas block up-date.... I still have 4 sets of blocks out.. if they are not here by the time the blocks get here from over seas... all blocks will be sorted and returned to each player then. Please contact me if you don't see your name completed on the list....

Thanks for waiting on the blocks to come from over seas.. they should be here very soon :)

Round two on Gift Ideas

The Holiday Season is approaching rapidly .. and all of us are looking for some fun and easy ideas to make our loved ones.. I have found some amazing fun ideas throughout the year and would like to share some more of them with you today. I hope you enjoyed the last bunch of Christmas ideas that I posted for you. Please share your photos if you use any of these ideas .. I would love to see what you have created ;)

As you know AuntPittyPat held a very fun and new exciting Mug Rug swap here. I had a lot of fun creating and making my rugs.. I have found another fun idea on how to make another type of rug... Run over to Samplings from a Blue Ribbon Girl to see how to make this fun Rug ;)


We can have some howling winds in Ta Town in the winter time. They can be very bitter freezing cold winds, and throw in some snow and freezing rain.. your frozen like a Popsicle!!!
I came across this lovely scarf at luvinthmommyhood it's called the Infinity and Beyond Scarf. It would make an awesome gift for all the lovely ladies on your gift list.. run by check out this amazing scarf!!



I know a lot of us have Children in our lives.. I fell in love with this little monster bag.. what an exciting idea on how to make a fun activity bag for your little ones. You will find the instructions for this little bag at Ucreate w/kids.

This cute little bag could be modified to use any sort of animal.. you just have to make the little pocket to put the crayons in :)




I don't know about you but I love to have different cute wallets, coin purses and little pouches in my purse to help keep everything organized. I came across this adorable little sewing project. It calls for a spring hinge sort of thing but I think one could always use Velcro :) Run by take a look its at Petite Purls.

This cute little bag is called Lunch Money :)

How many of you like to decorate for Christmas.. raise your hands.. ok I know most of you .. so here is a fun filled idea from Susie Harris Faux Snowballs... these would look so cute in a bucket sitting by the door with a sign that says free snow balls ;)

I don't know about you but my old farm house is often cold in the winter. This little item would be awesome to put on and cuddle up with a great book or watching your favorite movie.
This fun item was found at: Fabric dot com blog
I would like to introduce you to the Cuddle Bug... looks very warm and cozy :)

I don't know about you but I love to build snowmen.. What a perfect gift for those Tweens on your Christmas list. Such a cute way to give a gift....You will find all the items needed to make a delightful whimsical snowman.
I found this very fun post at A girl and a glue gun.

Some assembly required.

Several of my friends and family have fire places.. here is a fun and easy idea on something wonderful to make them for this Holiday Season.

Fire Starters.. I found the instructions at Design*Sponge