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?

One popular knitting tool that a lot of knitters reach for over and over is a row counter. There are several different versions of this device, from a barrel-shaped counter that goes on the end of a needle to the so-called "kacha kacha" counters and electronic row counters.

Whichever type you prefer, they're a handy way to keep track of where you are in a pattern that has regular row repeats, or to ensure that two socks are going to come out the same length if you count the number of rows in the leg and foot, for instance.

While it's certainly possible to keep track of what row you are on simply on a piece of paper or the back of an envelope, sometimes it's nicer to use a tool made for the job.

Do you use row counters? Do you have a favorite device? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Harry Potter scarf (first movie), photo (c) Sarah E. White.

With a new Harry Potter movie coming out next week, I thought it would be appropriate to take a moment (and a few more words than normal) to honor the film series that has provided a lot of great fodder for knitters (and even a whole book of Harry Potter knits).

While it might be a bit late to knit a project for the new film (I have a felted house scarf and a bookmark knit in Harry Potter colors) there are a bunch of other great options for wizard-inspired crafts.

For instance, don't miss Rain's great costume ideas for everyone from Harry to Luna Lovegood to the Death Eaters.

Our Family Crafts Guide, Sherri, has a good collection of magical crafts, and you can check out a ton of Potter collectibles in the cupboard under the stairs. Enjoy!

Share pictures of your knitting projects and fiber finds.

If you're planning knitting adventures outside the home, or just want to keep your knitting essentials corralled neatly, there's nothing better than building yourself a little knitting tool bag to take with you or have by your side when you're home.

As I mentioned yesterday, I don't consider a lot of extras perfectly essential when I'm out with my knitting (mostly just a tape measure, scissors and a crochet hook), but for people who don't want to travel that light or are working on projects that require more tools, there are a lot of options for things you can bring along.

One must have that I think is important for any knitter to have is a hand-knit tool bag; mine is the knit pencil bag, lined with fabric to ensure that everything stays inside where it needs to be.