Good Objects

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This is a list of good objects. I will update it when I want.

A good object is a thing that when held, used, and scrutinized, no reasonable way to improve it can be found.

Goodness is in the eye of the beholder (thing holder?), and therefore, this list is subjective.

I usually avoid consumables on this list because I feel like they are inherently more transitory. A good object is reliable.

  1. The vintage OXO Can Opener that doesn’t make the sharp squiggly lid. They have a patent and have changed the design away from my favorite, but it is still a good object. It is the “smooth edge” that really appeals to me.

    The model I have is not available online, but this item here is similar.

    The one in my home was a Christmas gift from my father, who also loved the object, but when I asked for a smooth edge can opener as a holiday gift, he was unable to find one in any store he visited. As an expression of his generosity, he gave me his.

    It is the best Christmas gift he has ever given me.

  2. My black linen wrap blouse from Bellaha Tailors.

    It was made by skilled seamstresses in Vietnam who tried their best to communicate with me in english, and who did wonderfully with photographs. The fabric breathes well when it’s warm out and keeps the cold out nicely on brisk evenings.

    They have their own site, sometimes it’s in fine enough repair to order from, other times I order from their Etsy shop.

  3. My configurable eyeshadow palette from Noctex.

    I can’t speak to the formula of the product itself, but it was effortless to replace a color or two that I don’t use with a low-packaging eyeshadow pot I would.

    The back of the palette has a built-in magnet (a-la Z Palette), and each pot stays against it securely. The bottoms of the pots are labeled and can be swapped out at will. It’s marvelous– why aren’t all palettes like this?

  4. The two thick stainless steel spoons I bought in college.

    At a third-string discount store a few blocks off campus, I bought some fetching and lovely little spoons and forks. Two of each. They seemed a bit pricey at a dollar each, but they were my favorite, so I bought them.

    I don’t know what it is about them (the quality of the steel, perhaps?), but these two spoons are absolute tanks. They cut through ice cream better than any other spoon in my home.

    They are petite and lovely, with bamboo designs on the handles, and will go straight through a month-old carton of ice cream like it’s nothing. Every other spoon in my house (except the silver I’ve inherited, don’t worry, Aunt Summer) has bent when I’ve tried.

    If only I could have a whole set of them… But instead, I leave them in the bottom of the silverware tray, ready for me to have ice cream with a friend.

  5. The Lyon and Healey Ergonomic Tuning Wrench (in chartreuse).

    This is the nicest tuning wrench I own. It’s great because I don’t need to flex my wrist when I use it on low strings. It’s also great because it makes it easier to make small adjustments for very short strings.

    If you’re in the small group of people who tune harps, I suggest owning one. I like chartreuse because it matches the greenery in my bedroom and because it is bright and easy to see.

  6. The DRÖMSYN IKEA cloud lamp.

    Unfortunately, this exact model has been discontinued, but a similar product is available here. If you’d like to view the product info pamphlet (which has a few illustrations of the design), you can see it here.

    However, it is the DRÖMSYN that was good, not the UPPLYST. You may still get some fringe benefits, though. I cannot attest to your experience.

    Here is what the DRÖMSYN has going for it:
    – you can hang it upside down or right-side up or at a jaunty angle
    – you can put a light bulb of any color or strength in it (including a light bulb you tint by coloring it with sharpie until it is the right brightness)
    – you can cut out felt shapes and give your clouds little smiles
    – they make excellent lighting when paired behind a webcam– a poor-hex’s ringlight, if you would.
    – they look better the more of them you have many of them around a room– a feat few lamps achieve
    – they cast little back-lights that look like sunbursts against the wall

  7. Thermasilk Gloves and Long Underwear

    These things are fantastic. I have 42″ hips and usually wear the womens XL size. They’re tissue-thin and I toss ’em in the washing machine in a garment bag. Mine have lasted about 2 years so far and I haven’t seen any major signs of wear. A couple snags, but no holes or runs, and they’ve probably been washed about 15 times. At $60 they’re a little pricey, I tend to try to get them on sale, maybe around $45 a pair. I own 4 pairs (2 black 2 white) and find that to be generally sufficient.

    If you’re larger than me (I wear dress size 6-8 or so), you’ll probably want to order an extended size (mens cut only sadly).

    They’re thin enough to wear under normal pants, and light enough to wear year-round. I wear them under dresses and skirts to help prevent thigh-chafing in the summer.

    Additionally, thermasilk makes these wonderful 100% silk gloves. They’re a great deal for like $25, and they’re thin enough that you can use a touchscreen while wearing them. You can also layer them under other mittens or gloves. They do snag, so it’s best if you don’t wear them on their own for stuff like moving firewood.

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