One of the best things about air travel (besides the ridiculously thought out programmed playlists), is the free magazine. While I used to just love it for the time-wasting crosswords, I now freakishly enjoy reading them for the random articles.

On a flight a few months ago I came across an article about Canstruction, a charity that collects tins for the homeless in a creative way. Instead of organizing another food drive, teams design and build ornate creations from cans and then donate the proceeds to fight hunger.

Yet one more example of how creativity and activism are in fact, intertwined.

What’s hiding in your cupboard? What could you build if you got together with some of the contents of your friends’ pantries, too?

One year ago I listened to my first podcast — Marie Irshad’s KnitCast. I really had no idea what it was all about, but a year later it’s all the rage and new crafty podcasts are springing up all over the place! Here’s a run down of some of the latest episodes of the programs I’m subscribed to. . .

• KnitCast — This past week Marie spoke with Annie Modesitt and I have to say that it was a fascinating interview. Annie talked about her unconventional knitting style, the life of a knitting designer and also a bit about self publishing.
• Cast On — I only discovered Brenda’s podcasts a few weeks ago, but I have already voraciously downloaded and listened to every episode. I anxiously await each one which she usually releases each Friday. Her weekly feature, Today’s Sweater, is reason enough to tune in; but her wit and podsafe music are always an added bonus!
• Knitting News Cast — Rhonda covers all kinds of news including yarn and book reviews. This week she talks about the Stitch n Bitch controversy, the Knitting Olympics, reviews several knitting books and much more.
• Pointy Sticks — The latest knitting podcast on the scene just came out last week. I really enjoyed Christine’s laidback attitude. Listening to her was like hanging out with a friend chatting about knitting.

You say you don’t have an iPod? No problem! I don’t have one either. You can go right to the websites I listed above and listen to the episodes on your computer through each website. Or my favorite way to listen. . . go download a free copy of iTunes, then go to the “Podcasts” section of the “Music Store” and type in “knitting” in the search box. All the knitting podcasts I mentioned will pop up and you can subscribe for free! That way you’ll never miss an episode.

mason dixon’s nora afghan rug auction for charity is happening now. Pics of the the gorgeous rug up for auction here - just a few hours to go.

Julie from Booga J is soon to be joining us at whip up - contributing on knitting news and info. If you don’t know Julie then you might know her Booga bag, I want one. great gallery of the bags everyone has knitted from Julie’s free online pattern.

And if you haven’t seen it already, there is a cute and free kitty pattern at wee wonderfuls available for download

Chinese plush toy artist living and working in Japan. She makes these wonderful alien/animal charactors from a luscious combination textured fabrics. She also makes needle felted delicate plush as well as some very cool amigurumi villains - her work is original and funny and curious. I just love it.

I first stumbled upon wawaya at flickr via cakeyvoice - which led me to her website -