In case you hadn't noticed the new additions at the bottom of my page here, they are knitting badges, courtesy of Cast On. Check them out here to see what you've earned! There are some I hope I'll never earn (the divorce ones, for example) but they're still fun to play with!
So far, I have earned (the descriptions come from the Cast On site):
The “MacGyver” Badge (Level One) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a non-knitting tool in a knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used paper clips as stitch markers, or successfully whittled and then utilized bamboo skewers as dpns.
Paperclips are what I tend to rely on. They have regularly served as stitch markers, and occasionally (but more frequently than I should admit) when unfolded, as cable needles. I also keep a letter opener in my bag instead of a yarn cutter (Bonus: it's one of the ones where you can put in pictures or business cards, so my MIL put in pictures of my bunny - the letter opener was a present in my stocking the Christmas before last - love it!).
The “MacGyver” Badge (Level Two) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a knitting tool in a non-knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used a strand of Regia Bamboo to slice cheese, or repaired a small appliance with a metal knitting needle.
No cheese slicing here. But, have used metal knitting needles in non knitting circumstances! Hair sticks, from time to time (the wooden ones work better). And did actually have to pop a key off my keyboard with one. Old keyboard, key got stuck. Long story short, the knitting needle was the only thing tiny enough for slip under there and pop it up. Not incredibly creative, but definitely non-knitting use. Oh, and I don't know if it counts, but Zach likes using knitting needles as kitty toys (I'm trying to stop both him and Scruffy from continuing this habit).
The I Will Impress You With My Math Prowess Badge - The recipient is a whiz at substituting yarns and calculating gauge, can space increases and decreases evenly and is fully comfortable with the basic math encountered in all knitting projects.
Regularly substitute yarns, with the gauge changes that come with that. I think there are few projects that I've actually done with the recommended yarn, and several that I changed yarn weight altogether (my Shetland Shorty was one).
The Knitting Whilst Under the Influence Badge - This applies to both actual knitting under the influence, as well as achieving moments of stunning intellectual clarity about ones knitting under the influence. Presumes talking about knitting whilst under the influence a given.
Haven't had epiphany moments yet whilst KUI, but have definitely had my influenced knitting nights too. Besides Anne (remember B this year?), our knitting group will participate sometimes too (we had a White Russian night one Knit Night before Christmas). Just remember - there are projects that you should NOT work on while under the influence, particularly anything with lace, difficult yarn (think mohair or Fun Fur), or complicated shaping. You'll just pay for it in the morning!
So far, I have earned (the descriptions come from the Cast On site):
The Proselytize Knitting Badge - A requirement for all Knitting Scouts, the recipient must do his or her bit to present knitting in a positive light, whilst at the same time avoiding all references to “hipness”, grandmothers, and yoga.
As it says, a requirement for all! I KIP regularly (our knitting group meets at Starbucks), I talk up knitting when I can, and the only time I reference yoga is in jest or when talking about the knitted yoga bag set I made :)
The Inordinately Fond of Novelty Yarn Badge - In which the recipient professes an arguably unhealthy affinity for yarn with slubs, sparkles, spangles, fur, feathery bits, and an unconscionable proportion of man-made fibre. Recipient makes no apology for the preference.
This is one that I have earned, but with a disclaimer. Whilst I make no apology for my preference for ribbon yarns, ladder yarns, yarns with metallic-y bits, and lightly feathery yarns (think Tiffany from Lion Brand), there are definitely novelty yarns that I cannot stand. Fun Fur and similar variations I just about refuse to work with. Fancy Fur was, I think, the worse of them, though it was always a tear for me. They had some absolutely gorgeous colorways (the ones I really liked were black yarn and black fur with colored slubs - looked like stained glass colors) but I hated the texture. Also, just because I like my novelty yarns doesn't mean I will avoid a nice alpaca. Just sayin'. I am an equal opportunity knitter; there are just some eccentric novelty yarns in my stash too. :)
This is one that I have earned, but with a disclaimer. Whilst I make no apology for my preference for ribbon yarns, ladder yarns, yarns with metallic-y bits, and lightly feathery yarns (think Tiffany from Lion Brand), there are definitely novelty yarns that I cannot stand. Fun Fur and similar variations I just about refuse to work with. Fancy Fur was, I think, the worse of them, though it was always a tear for me. They had some absolutely gorgeous colorways (the ones I really liked were black yarn and black fur with colored slubs - looked like stained glass colors) but I hated the texture. Also, just because I like my novelty yarns doesn't mean I will avoid a nice alpaca. Just sayin'. I am an equal opportunity knitter; there are just some eccentric novelty yarns in my stash too. :)
Paperclips are what I tend to rely on. They have regularly served as stitch markers, and occasionally (but more frequently than I should admit) when unfolded, as cable needles. I also keep a letter opener in my bag instead of a yarn cutter (Bonus: it's one of the ones where you can put in pictures or business cards, so my MIL put in pictures of my bunny - the letter opener was a present in my stocking the Christmas before last - love it!).
No cheese slicing here. But, have used metal knitting needles in non knitting circumstances! Hair sticks, from time to time (the wooden ones work better). And did actually have to pop a key off my keyboard with one. Old keyboard, key got stuck. Long story short, the knitting needle was the only thing tiny enough for slip under there and pop it up. Not incredibly creative, but definitely non-knitting use. Oh, and I don't know if it counts, but Zach likes using knitting needles as kitty toys (I'm trying to stop both him and Scruffy from continuing this habit).
Regularly substitute yarns, with the gauge changes that come with that. I think there are few projects that I've actually done with the recommended yarn, and several that I changed yarn weight altogether (my Shetland Shorty was one).
Haven't had epiphany moments yet whilst KUI, but have definitely had my influenced knitting nights too. Besides Anne (remember B this year?), our knitting group will participate sometimes too (we had a White Russian night one Knit Night before Christmas). Just remember - there are projects that you should NOT work on while under the influence, particularly anything with lace, difficult yarn (think mohair or Fun Fur), or complicated shaping. You'll just pay for it in the morning!
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