May's Kids Knifty Knitter class project

I just wanted to share this coming months Kids Knifty Knitter project for my class at Michael's in Boulder. My kids class is always packed with a great bunch of kids that take my class every month. It's my favorite class to prepare for since the projects are always quick and fun!

This months project is a little "Stuffed Mousey Pal" as I'm refering to it. It only took me about an hour to create at an instore demo. So, it should be about right for a two hour kids class. Isn't he cute!

Another knitting teacher gig

So I've been asked to teach at a second Michael's store. The events coordinator at the store here in Michael's recommended me to a new store opening in the area. I'm flattered and I've already given a tentative yes for two classes this coming month. I think I might be getting in over my head a bit. Anyone else teach at 2 different stores and manage to keep everything straight in thier head?

Anyway...no looming picture tonight. But, here's a picture of the kitty - Yakko. He's "in the doghouse" today though...he's been bad. He's still cute though...

New Mini Handbag Pattern

Well, after being so busy I finally had a chance to sit down and do some looming this weekend. I taught a class at Michael's but then came home and I came up with a new pattern for a Mini Handbag. I love small handbags and this one will soon be a staple in my collection I can tell. Take a look at the finished design here - it's on the homepage of my site and on the top of my patterns page. What do you think? You like it?

The finished stats are:
Size: without handles it measures 9.5 inches across by 4 .75 inches deep
Yarn: 2 strands held together of Bernat Soft Boucle or 2 strands of any other bulky weight yarn.
Loom: I used the Knifty Knitter Green loom, but any round or rake with at least 30 pegs will do the trick.
The handles: Joann Essentials wooden black "ring style" handles. I got them at Joann Fabrics.
Approximate time to complete: 4 hours (give or take)
Techniques used: cast on, flat panel technique, e-wrap stitch, increasing, and decreasing. Instructions are given for increasing and decreasing and how to shape the bag and sew on the handles.

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UPDATE: I took some more photos of the finished bag. Scroll down to see them...

Activities and inspiration

I've been so busy I feel like I haven't been able to do everything that I really want to do. I just got a new job and with a new job comes all the learning about a new schedule - when I have to get up in the morning to get there, how long it takes me to get there, when do I get home...all that kinda stuff. Looming, blogging, and figuring out patterns have taken a back seat to some other things. Jeanne (a yahoo looming groups member) and I have finally figured out the correct yarn for her needle knit sweater I'm making her. I got the whole back done for her yesterday. I'm glad to
finally have that in progress. But...besides work and sweater I have been working on...

1) Stitch markers. I've always wanted to try my hand at these. They are super easy and fun to make. The ones pictured on the left are some quick samples I made to figure out construction, baking time, and materials. I like these because they are bright, fun colors and easily seen in your knitting. These aren't being sold anywhere - I need to use them myself to see if there are any adjustments I need to make in my "design". I've seen some cool ones around the web - so right now I'm only building up my inspiration level.

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2) I've been "gathering inspiration" - as I like to call it. I do this in my Graphic design work as well. This consists of gathering visual things that translate into designs. In this case it's for looming patterns. Yesterday one thing I collected - not only for the inspiration - but for the needle knitting patterns it contained - was the spring issue of Interweave Knits magazine. There was so many things I started drooling over in Borders, I just HAD to buy it. My favorite pattern in the issue is pictured on the left.

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And then 3) I am working on a little sleeveless shell for myself (see below). I purchased the pattern from Chicknits last summer. I love the pattern. This is the second one I've made. The first one I've worn so many times it's already showing wear. Very versatile - can be worn around town or to work. I'm going to a wedding in May and I want at least one new thing to wear!

Hand knitting update...

For the past few weeks I've been working on some small projects - biding my time until I can begin a sweater for one of the loom group members. Since I can't stand to be without a knitting project small things like socks and baby shoes keep me occupied without a lot of commitment. A large project like a sweater, especially when its not for me and someone is paying for my knitting, takes up most of my knitting time. So, these couple things I made in the mean time are now up on Etsy.com. Hopefully they'll bring in a little extra $$ this month.

The socks on the left are 100% wool. Made from Paton's merino wool that they now carry in Michaels (YEAH!). The cuffs, heels, and toes are made from a dusty blue color and the body is alternating stipes of dusty blue and blue and white tweed. I love the way they came out. I'm also loving using two colors for socks.

The infant shoes below are made with 100% coton Patons Grace yarn. I've always wanted to try the yarn since it has a beautiful sheen to it. One skein isn't a lot of commitment and these shoes came out nice with it. I'd definitely use the yarn again on a larger project.

They are an ankle strap style with a little purple button on the strap. I think they are adorable- but we'll see how they sell.

New looming pattern in the works...

So I did some looming this morning. The funny part is I couldn't find my loom yarn pick...so I ended up using a small sock knitting needle. This worked fine as the project I was working on didn't require too much pulling and forcing of yarn over peg - as it sometimes does. Of course me not being able to find my yarn pick is now going to force me to stop all crafts and CLEAN MY CRAFT ROOM. I hate doing that. But, enough is enough!

The project I was looming on this morning is a new pattern for my loom pattern site. A sneak mystery peak is pictured on the right. Can you guess what it is? I don't usually use flash in my pictures - but here it was so fitting. It looks so mysterious...

It's not finished yet - I still have to write up the directions and gather all the how-to pictures. I'm excited about this pattern as I think it broadens the looming horizons by using alternative materials and creating things other then a boring hat or scarf. Plus this is a great pattern for the coming warmer weather!

Stay tuned...