This post is part of a NOTCOT series on inspiring, independent design thinking, brought to you by Saab. At Saab, we believe in independent thinking. It’s in everything we do. Learn more here.

A perfect example of “inspiring, independent design thinking” ~ i love the work of Vienna based, Hard Graft ~ and the latest to join the collection is a black version of the now classic 2Unfold. It’s amazing to see how things have grown and evolved since i first posted about their Unfold bag in 2008, back when they were still Working Class Heroes. There’s actually something magically efficient about how much this sleek and manly/neutral bag can handle - ” This multi-use laptop bag has the perfect proportions to be as versatile as possible - you can easily carry your 17” MacBook in the bag as a briefcase, shoulder bag, backpack or fold it into a courier bag and clutch whilst keeping your 13” MacBook safe inside. The 2UNFOLD doesn’t only look good on the outside - every handle, rivet etc. is reinforced and supported on the inside, to ensure this bag carries your busy life with ease and style. The back zipper pocket easily fits your iPad and hard graft case. In the main compartment you’ll find a pocket for your phone and wallet and as well as your MacBook there’s space inside for more, such as your camera, magazines, sweater etc.” Amazing right? Take a peek at the details close up on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bags - fashion - felt - gifts - leather - shopping - wool

Hard Graft’s Phone Fold Wallet in Grey is so lustworthy… for those moments when you can’t grab a full purse/wallet, and only need to run out the door with your phone, cash, and a few cards (key’s will have to be figured out separately!) ~ how cute is this nice grey version of the Hard Graft fold wallet (originally in brown). So tempting. I love the attention to detail: Metal snap keeps wallet closed (snap is not exposed to phone) and the headphone jack even has access! And it can fit your iPhone 4 with bumpers, albeit a bit more snugly… perfect to grab and toss into a clutch for a night out… see more pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - felt - gifts - iphone - leather - phone - shopping - technology

TO WIN: Leave a comment ~ telling us about your favorite green thing! ENTER BY 12/19. WINNER: Tom in Sunset, UT!

Hey ~ sorry ~ today kind of escaped me between the new toy and a bunch of businessy/ad related work/panic that kind of took over my day ~ the kind of takeover where you suddenly realize its midnight and you're still working... Anyhow! To catch up we're going to do two giveaways today! So first up is the 30th NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway (can you believe it's been 30?!?!?!) ~ from our eco-friendly friends at Branch Home ~ they are literally going green with this giveaway, having given us 4 pairs of these gorgeous Felt Swallows! So 4 light green and 4 dark green, and they hang on a simple, shiny, satin ribbon ~ made of 100% eco-certified felted wool in Germany, these birds are about 6" and ready for anything from decorating your tree, to hanging in your car, adding to a present's wrapping, or even letting the kids customize with their names, glitter, and more!

So to win this bundle of eco-friendly felty birdies, leave me a comment with your favorite green thing. (Yes, that is intentionally vague, anything green, from kermit to your recycling bin...) and don't forget the coupon from branch on the next page!

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Tags: felt - gifts - giveaway - green - shopping

Our favorite felt/leather technology carriers, Working Class Heroes, has evolved and is now known as Hard Graft. And honestly, nothing has changed, other than their moniker, and the quality and designs are, if anything, better than ever! So i've got an exclusive sneak peak for you of the latest line (and quite possibly my favorite yet)... here's
The Dapper Collection!

I've always loved their leather pockets on felt, which my original laptop sleeve from them had, and now they've brought the motif back as the signature feature in
The Dapper Collection. Also, they've mastered the Kindle case (see pics of a prototype i've been playing with on the next page), and it has a pocket which perfectly fits the iPhone. Honestly, its the perfect little bundle to grab when you're off to read in the park or at the beach. They've also got an adorable iPhone case, which has a pocket for some cash/cards... and a revival of the laptop wallet with top buttons and a new larger pocket also perfect for iPhones! So check out more pics on the next page, and see the full collection for purchase at Hard Graft!

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Tags: accessories - felt - gifts - iphone - kindle - laptop - leather - shopping

For those days when you just really want to get a Glock 9mm with Tactical Light on your flight, MP Industries Berlin has got your back with their line of FELT weaponry. Also in their collection are: an original japanese katana, medieval flail, ak-47, claymore anti personnell mine, special forces FN P90 subpub, SOF sniper rifle, standard police issue revolver, frag grenade, bruce lee nunchaku, special forces colt m4 carbine.... and perhaps more to come... see some of my other favorites on the next page. (Thanks, Joshua)

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Tags: art - felt - guns - weapons