Knitting in the News: Global warming shrinking sheep, and some less grim news

A report from the Scottish island Hirta in the Outer Hebrides has found that the sheep there have lost about 25 percent of their body mass over the past 25 years, shrinking an average of eight-tenths of an inch in size and about 3 ounces in weight each year. Researchers said the animals could be getting smaller because warmer temperatures make it more likely that small lambs will survive the winter.

Hopefully that doesn't mean less wool production from our furry friends, but in case you need cheering after that, read about a 17-year-old knitting circle making sweaters for disadvantaged local kids.

Or check out a profile of Magda Sayeg, the founder of Knitta Please talking about her latest project, to tag the entrance of the National Gallery with knitting.

Finally, Knitting Daily has a new editor for its daily newsletter about all things fiber. Kathleen Cubley took over last week; the Washington knitter teaches knitting and is a veteran of the publishing industry. Former editor Sandy Wiseheart is still blogging for the site in the form of What's on Sandy's Needles?