Described herein are embodiments of a yarn-carrying and dispensing apparatus. The embodiments described allow knitters to easily transport, carry and use balls of yarn for knitting and other knitting materials. The embodiments prevent the ball of yarn from rolling away or getting tangled or intertwined. The embodiments also easily and smoothly dispense the yarn, making the knitting more efficient and easier for the knitter. The embodiments provide additional elements to accommodate a knitter: (i) a ruler allowing, for example, to measure a knitting sampler; (ii) a needle gauge and needle openings, allowing, for example, to measure the size of a needle; and (3) an insert allowing, for example, to hold one or more balls of yarn.

A method for production and/or storage of a consumable liquid is provided. The method includes (i) providing a liquid container, which is open on one side and has a container wall with an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface is formed at least partially as a surface of a solid natural stone; (ii) cooling down at least a partial section of the liquid container with respect to the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere; (iii) introducing a liquid into the liquid container that has been cooled down according to step (ii); and (iv) initiating a chemical and/or biochemical conversion of the liquid that has been filled in, such as fermentation or a conversion of sugar to alcohol, for generating the liquid or a pre-product, wherein during the conversion no further measure or process for cooling the liquid container and/or the liquid residing therein is, respectively, taken or performed.

A method for production and/or storage of a consumable liquid is provided. The method includes (i) providing a liquid container, which is open on one side and has a container wall with an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface is formed at least partially as a surface of a solid natural stone; (ii) cooling down at least a partial section of the liquid container with respect to the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere; (iii) introducing a liquid into the liquid container that has been cooled down according to step (ii); and (iv) initiating a chemical and/or biochemical conversion of the liquid that has been filled in, such as fermentation or a conversion of sugar to alcohol, for generating the liquid or a pre-product, wherein during the conversion no further measure or process for cooling the liquid container and/or the liquid residing therein is, respectively, taken or performed.

Double-walled decorative articles such as flower vases and candle holders comprise an inner form defining a receptacle and an outer form, spaced apart from the inner form, to create a cavity. A bottom opening in the outer form enables decorative filler materials to be introduced to the cavity such that the decorative materials do not enter into the receptacle, which may contains flowers, water, candles, hot wax or other substances. A removably replaceable plug or cap is used to close off the bottom opening following the introduction of the decorative filler materials. The inner and outer forms may be provided as a unitary item or separate pieces may be joined. The decorative filler materials may be provided in conjunction with the article as part of a kit, in which case the amount of filler material is matched to the volume of the cavity.

Double-walled decorative articles such as flower vases and candle holders comprise an inner form defining a receptacle and an outer form, spaced apart from the inner form, to create a cavity. A bottom opening in the outer form enables decorative filler materials to be introduced to the cavity such that the decorative materials do not enter into the receptacle, which may contains flowers, water, candles, hot wax or other substances. A removably replaceable plug or cap is used to close off the bottom opening following the introduction of the decorative filler materials. The inner and outer forms may be provided as a unitary item or separate pieces may be joined. The decorative filler materials may be provided in conjunction with the article as part of a kit, in which case the amount of filler material is matched to the volume of the cavity.

A transparent gahnite-spinel glass ceramic is provided. The glass ceramic includes a first crystal phase including (Mg.sub.xZn.sub.1x)Al.sub.2O.sub.4 where x is less than 1 and a second crystal phase including tetragonal ZrO.sub.2. The glass ceramic may be ion exchanged. Methods for producing the glass ceramic are also provided.

A liquid container for producing and/or storing liquids, in particular alcohol-containing liquids, intended for consumption comprises a container that is open at one end, can be closed by a lid and container walls with an inner wall surface that is at least partially, in particular substantially entirely, in the form of a surface of a solid natural stone. Also described are various methods for producing such liquid containers and a method for producing and/or storing drinkable liquids using such containers.

A liquid container for producing and/or storing liquids, in particular alcohol-containing liquids, intended for consumption comprises a container that is open at one end, can be closed by a lid and container walls with an inner wall surface that is at least partially, in particular substantially entirely, in the form of a surface of a solid natural stone. Also described are various methods for producing such liquid containers and a method for producing and/or storing drinkable liquids using such containers.

The present invention encompasses a system which enables arrangements of various shapes and sizes to be packaged for delivery and transport utilizing a standard container. Systems in accordance with the present invention utilize a first and second container each capable of receiving a foam base utilized in the creation of an arrangement of a predetermined size. The first and second containers are of different sizes so that one may nest inside the other. Once nested, the containers form a locking engagement with one another.

The present invention encompasses a system which enables arrangements of various shapes and sizes to be packaged for delivery and transport utilizing a standard container. Systems in accordance with the present invention utilize a first and second container each capable of receiving a foam base utilized in the creation of an arrangement of a predetermined size. The first and second containers are of different sizes so that one may nest inside the other. Once nested, the containers form a locking engagement with one another.