what the heck ARE those things in the new banner?

Leave it to Jenna to ask the pithy questions in the comments

I changed my blog banner and decided to add Cast On Knitting Scouts badges that I've earned so far.

I never was a brownie or a girl guide or a campfire girl. Not sure why -- we just didn't do it in the Singer household. But as a gear ho™, I do love me some stinkin badges and I've definitely earned these:

Left to right, the badges are:
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. I feel quite sure I do my part in this area, and gladly.

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. Example: My Vespa helmet's visor has been prevented from rattling when I ride by the judicious application of hemp yarn around the snaps.

The “I’ve Been Published in a Knitting Magazine” badge - The recipient has been published in a print or online knitting magazine. The Montego Bay Scarf published at Interweave gets me this one, though one could argue that my column might qualify as well.

The “I’ve Written a Knitting Book” Badge - The recipient has written and published a book in which knitting patterns and beautifully photographed knitting feature prominently; Or, the recipient has written and published a book in which he/she writes eloquently about the knitting experience. No extra credit, but proper snaps if the recipient actually makes any money at it. By April 2008, it'll be 4. I'm still stunned by this fact.

Further down on the badge page, you'll notice a badge that gives the finger to three publications. You earn this badge if you've had a submission rejected by them. I'm simultaneously horrified and sympathetic to find Knitty as one of the three.

I know how much work goes into a Knitty submission. I really do. Writing rejection notes used to make me physically sick to my stomach with the guilt of having to say no. But I've had to train myself to stop that, because the guilt serves no purpose. I deeply respect the amount of time, effort and hope that is expended with every submission, and figure I can take a little one-fingered salute in exchange. As long as you guys know no malice is intended by my rejection, I'll assume no malice is intended in your salute. :-)

There, Jenna. Better?