Let me add to my last post - I don’t mean to make it sound like I’m going to use all my ‘buckle down’ Back-To-School Fall energy for eating squash. The other cool thing about this time of year is that you can get some fun projects on the go. Think of all the free time you’ll have now that you won’t be spending hours doing yoga on the beach, or lolling around reading trashy novels.

I started knitting a scarf three years ago at this time. It’s beautiful burnt orange wool from Norway that feels so good in my hands. I made the scarf way too wide so if I ever finish it (yeah right!) it’ll be more like a shawl than a scarf and good thing cause it’d be way too itchy to wear around my neck. But it can’t be a shawl either because it’s got too many holes in it. I decided I wasn’t going to rip out rows, that was just too depressing, I was just going to knit for the sheer meditative joy of it. And boy it must get me into the zone, it looks like I have a mouse in the house.

I’m thinking about starting another knitting project just so I can get intimate with some new wool. I’m hoping to go to a Pacafiesta event this weekend where, as far as I can tell, everyone brings their Alpacas, angora rabbits and other furry creatures to Exhibition Park and then knits, weaves or crochets their body covering into attractive garments. Holey orange shawls, if they’re lucky.

Knitting not your thing? There are plenty of projects you can start. And don’t give me this “I’m not creative” thing. Ever held a crayon in your hand? Then you’re creative. It was just beaten out of you by your algebra teacher and it’s high time you resurrect it.

It’s not about being *good* at it (no judgement!). It’s not about the *commercial value* of whatever you create. Don’t be such a capitalist oinker, you’re going to give your creations to the people that love you unconditionally. No expectations right? We do it because it’s fun. We do it because being boring responsible adults all day gets old. And finally, if you’re female and think that knitting and other crafty projects are too cute and girly and grandmother-in-an-apron, then read this.

K, are you over it? Great, here are a few resources to get the creative juices flowing:

Craftzine - good knitting illustrations and dead-easy Coco Lip Balm

Instructables - feel like there’s still so much to learn? Sure there is, learn how to make a boat, a chair, or a chocolate latte.

Get Crafty - you don’t need Pacafiesta! You can get your cat involved in the comfort of your own home. Here are tips on converting Snowball’s fur into felt.

There are some fun how-to’s here too - don’t miss hostess snack cake sushi and marble magnets. Impress your friends at cocktail parties with your mad skills!

Also, check out ReadyMade Magazine, WikiHow and PingMag from Japan.

Don’t just sit there - make something!