Picture post! FOs!!

Modeled pics of Raiu.

Front

Back (showing the slight racer back effect)

Shawls:

Gossamer by Kitman Figueroa

Yarn:  Knitpicks Palette

Larissa (which I did as a test knit awhile back, but never took pics of.  Now I can't find the pattern on Ravelry, so I don't know what happened...)

Yarn:  Baah LaJolla

Basic feather and fan shawl.

Yarn:  Mountain Colors Bearfoot.

FO: Raiu

Well, not the best shot, but I'm discovering I finally may have a desire for a tripod.  With Bret already moved and me not moved just yet... I'm finding getting posed shots of something this big is nigh impossible!  And, it's not like Bret actually wants to take pics of me, more that he is forced to... Hehe.  I'll get some modeled shots soon enough.  Raiu is a quick and easy knit, with sizes that range from 32"-52" bust sizes!  It can be worn as a dress or cowl, and I've seen a shortened version that is being worn as a tank.  I highly recommend it.

Quick question... does anyone use those simple programs that let you "write" things on your digital photos?  If so, what program do you like to use?  I've been thinking about the idea of doing more with pics on the blog, which would help me remember to use it more.  I thought it'd be fun to be able to add notes to the pics right away.  Is photoshop with a tablet (writing tablet, not an "ipad" type tablet) the best option?  Or are there other ways?  Thanks!!

Raiu

Been not feeling like designing lately.  Busy with work, illnesses, etc... so I decided to test knit a sweet little dress!  It is called Raiu (ravelry link), and is done in a lightweight DK yarn.  I used Polaris for mine... not quite done with it, but will get pics up very soon when I am done!  I am not typically big on "novelty" yarns nor acrylics, but so far Polaris has been very fun to use.  I suppose it's less a novelty yarn and more of a "blingy" yarn!  I am using the solid pale grey which I love.  I am on the skirt increases, and hoping to finish in the next day or two.  Stay tuned for some pictures in the next week or so!

Weather has been beautiful here... which won't stay this way for long.  :o)  How are things in your part of the world?

Busy busy days

Life managed to get ahold of me, and I failed to keep my blog updated.  Sad bears!

Knitting update:  I have 2 patterns I've finished, but still need to edit and publish, and 1 pattern that is in the works right now.  :o)  The newest pattern will be a freebie on Ravelry and posted here also once I am done with it.  I have also been busy trying to work on a couple other items for myself.  I wish I could post pics of them, but my camera is off somewhere in the nether world.

There are big changes happening for me in the next few months, but I really would like to get to posting here regularly.  I have said it before, but I'm going to try harder to post something here once a week or so.  Favorite-ing the blogger page should help me with that.  ;o)

Knitting Classes

I've been teaching knitting at a local yarn store in the area I live.  It's been just about the funnest "job" I've ever had.  I had 7 people in the true beginners class, and out of those students, 5 of them stayed for the next level!  It's such an honor to see that they really enjoyed it enough to want to stay.  :o)

The most rewarding part of teaching knitting is to see the "aha" moments of when they really get what they are doing.  Or having them see what a knit stitch is and what a purl stitch is.  Of course, some people don't quite click with it, but the majority of people do after a little bit.

I am currently debating what I want to do for the next class.  A few of the students would like to take on another level of knitting.  They have so far conquered CO (long tail), the knit stitch, the purl stitch, BO (generic k2, pull stitch over the other), and have completed a scarf.  They are currently working on knitting in the round and decreases (k2tog).  Next class I will be showing:  ssk as well as increases (yo, M1, kfb).

I'm thinking a simple cowl would be a good step for them.  I wanted to use Marisol, but I am now thinking that it may be too complicated at this point in time since some of them are still trying to figure out how to read directions.  I am in the process of deciding if I should design a cowl for them that introduces a very easy lace pattern, or if there's another good pattern or idea out there.

I am loving how happy the students are learning how to knit, and I am now wondering why I didn't try doing this before!  Can't wait for the next class!  :oD

Trogdor Hat

Right on the heels of my Marisol Cowl, here is my next pattern in line:  Trogdor Hat!  I call it that due to all the consummate V's.  If you don't get this, you must watch this.  This one is out for test knitting, and should be out within 2 weeks.  :o)

Now Introducing...

The  Marisol Cowl!  I designed this in September or October  last year for my partner in the Handspun Cowl Exchange done with the ladies in the Funky Carolina group on Ravelry.  Since then, I recreated the cowl using commercial yarn.  The yarn chosen was the ultra soft Cascade Eco Duo (70% superfine baby alpaca/30% merino wool; 197 yds/100g).  The cowl takes one skein of this yarn, or an equal amount of worsted weight yarn.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been.  :o)