Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Baby Sweater

Finally, I finished this baby sweater. It's for my 4 mo old nephew, who won't mind that it arrives a few days after Christmas. I'm sure I reknit every part several times before I got it the way I wanted, and I am pleased with the final result.



I'll do a doublecheck with my sister to make sure all the proportions are correct on the live model, then I'll make this pattern available.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Fernbrook

I worked with a couple great groups of 4th - 6th grade kids today. School wasn't in session, but these youngsters came in for a day of activities that included candlemaking, origami, and loom knitting. Due to a miscommunication about starting time, and sleeting/snowing weather, I missed the first part of the first session, but one of my frequent students at Michaels was one of the teachers for the loom knitting sessions, and she got the kids started with the basic e-wrap stitch. When I arrived, I showed them how to turn around at the sides to make flat pieces. I tried a new way of explaining it, which went over very well with the kids. It was fun to listen to it be interpreted as end pegs can be lonely (one loop), and the other pegs get partners (two loops).

With the second session, we made I-cords. Some became flowers, and some became Christmas trees. This group had quite a few boys, and their I-cords got tied into loops that they wore as necklaces. One girl, who had been needle knitting since she was four and wanted to learn to make socks, wanted to make a hat from her I-cord, and she completed about half the I-cord needed to coil around someone's head for a decent sized hat. The prospect of stitching all that I-cord together didn't phase her at all. I bet it will be a great hat.

I really am impressed with how easily children can learn to use the looms. Their skinny little fingers fit between the pegs so easily; I'm sure that helps them wrap the yarn around the pegs. They seem to have less problems switching between clockwise and counterclockwise wrapping as well. And they're very creative. I always learn something from them.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

I-Cord Fun

I've been playing with some I-Cord designs for an upcoming kids' class. Here are a few prototypes I especially like.




I've got a couple patterns almost ready to put on the website, and the final knitting design of several other projects just about completed, but they'll all have to wait a few more days. My daughter's birthday party comes first!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

On the Big Brown Truck

My books shipped from the warehouse in TX yesterday, with an expected delivery date to me of Mon 12/18. For everyone who has already placed an order, your shipping envelopes are labeled and ready to go. I'll pop the books you ordered into the envelopes on Monday, and they'll be on their way to you!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

It's Almost Here

I offer you: Learn New Stitches on Circle Looms!

It's been hard to not count down the days. I haven't reached the status of J. K. Rowling; my book won't be available in stores the day it's released. You probably won't see it in stores for a couple months -- that's just how the distribution process goes. But, you can order it from my website, and it will be shipped in time for Christmas!



I will also be offering the beginner book, so you can order both as the perfect Christmas gift (be sure to include a set of looms and a skein of yarn) for everyone you know!