While on my early lunch break, I decided to pick up a couple balls of yarn that have been sitting aside my desk for the past few months and start a scarf while listening to the Big Illustration Party Time podcast featuring Mai Kemble.

(By the way, for anyone interested in entering the grand world of children's book illustration, this is an excellent podcast to listen to! I learned a ton of new stuff!)

Knitting is sort of like a small meditation for me... however, I have one stitch type I do - odd number of cast ons, Knit, purl, knit, purl, knit, flip over and knit, purl, etc. It's a simple enough pattern for me so I can pick up and put down without being confused about where I am in the process.

I like the bumpy, knotted texture and it hides all my mistakes nicely. ^_^;

I first learned the basic basics from my mom and Canadian roommate in 2002 when I was living in Japan, surrounded by really awesome yarn and textile shops. My first attempts... I think I dismantled them. They were pretty horrible. ^^;

So all my current scarves look like these. XD

It's still too hot to wear them here in Hawaii...probably won't cool for another couple months... but I will have a chance to wear them later this month on our trip! :D Yay!