Link Roundup

How Knitters are Human Computers - a guest post I wrote for the Codeacademy blog. Back in January, Codeacademy promoted an API course with the tweet “You wouldn’t knit your own sweater. So why code your own map?” While I certainly wasn’t the only person to let them know I found it offensive, I may have been the first (or only?) to reach out and say that I thought it was a missed opportunity, and why Codeacademy should be reaching out to yarncrafters instead of dismissing them. I'm glad that Karen Baker, Codeacademy's Community leader, agreed and gave me the opportunity to write this guest post. I'm also thankful that LeTonBeau, Daniella Nii, and Megan of Stockinette Zombies answered my tweets for help and made sure my post was accurate and comprehensible. 

The Crochet Project - have you been looking for a crocheter's version of Knitty or Twist Collective? Check out this collaboration by Kat Goldin and Joanne Scrace! This online only, bi-annual crochet collection features gorgeous photos of projects done in lovely yarns, with seasonal themes (Spring/Summer 2013 theme is botanicals, the upcoming Fall/Winter theme is Woodland Whimsy). 

Knit Edge issue #3 is live, with a (mostly) crochet edition of What We're Reading, an article about the Yarnbombing Los Angeles CAFAM Granny Squared installation, and a pattern for the Thousand Petals scarf designed by Ryan Hollist that combines variegated yarn, double-ended Tunisian crochet, and short row shaping. 

If you're looking to celebrate mango season in the Honolulu area, our family farm is producing an especially good crop this year - juicy and flavorful with a nice smooth texture. Follow me on Twitter (@mk_carroll) or on Instagram ​(mk_carroll) for delivery updates. This year most of the crop is going to Kokua Market. Short FAQ: although we don't use any pesticides/insecticides/fertilizers, we aren't labeling our fruit as such. We have no control over what our neighbors do, for starters, and third-party organic certification is not worth the cost for us. We don't ship off-island, and we're only selling to a small group of retailers - if you want to buy our mangoes, please check out Kokua Market. The mangoes are Hayden varieties.  

Kim Werker's asking craft bloggers to take a photo of their workspace in its normal state for her #nogloss project - you can see a pic of my desk at home (and I think I'm currently winning at "most clutter"). 

#SheepishHeartBomb

Meredith of One Sheepish Girl suggested that yarnbombers share their hearts this year. It was a great reason for me to do a little stashdiving and finish up a BikeBike sleeve that I'd started working on last year! If you spot one of these yarnbombs, please untie a bow and have a heart, or give one away.

#SheepishHeartBomb in Honolulu: love grows on trees (and in the vicinity of 808Urban)

#SheepishHeartBomb in Honolulu: love grows on trees (and in the vicinity of 808Urban)

#SheepishHeartBomb: it's raining hearts in Honolulu

#SheepishHeartBomb: it's raining hearts in Honolulu

Everyday crochet

why-I-use-coasters.700x525.jpg

There are several colorful (and one "manly") coaster in various locations around the house, used on a daily basis. Partly because they are cheerful and fun (except the "manly" coaster, that's just practical, ahem), and mostly because I'm clumsy and these coasters are also great for wiping up little spills. 

manly-01.jpg

These are also a nice way to use up odd bits of yarn. For this "manly" coaster I used the small skeins of kitchen cotton I had been using in dye experiments. The darker grey is dried kukui (Aleurites moluccana) leaf with iron mordant, and the lighter grey is fresh mint leaf with iron mordant. 

Something

"Nothing is carved in stone" - Dad's sense of humor here

"Nothing is carved in stone" - Dad's sense of humor here

Now I can tell Dad I put something around nothing, hahahahahaha - need any more proof I'm his daughter?