Friends, partners, and neighbors...

You never know what to expect when you walk into your knitting class and meet a student for the first time. Will they be friendly? Will they have patience? Will we get along? So far, I have been very lucky to have many wonderful students over the past 4 years. In Florida I had a group of regular students that came to class every Friday without fail. They were a such a wonderful and diverse group of women, and I'm proud to call them my friends today. It broke my heart to leave them, when I moved to Tennessee. My classes have been very sporadic since moving here, and I have yet to recreate the camaraderie I had with my Floridian group. Maybe that will never happen again, they say you can never go home, but I still continue to meet some great people in my classes. One of my more recent students is an incredibly interesting woman who always has the best stories to tell. When we first met she told me about how she taught herself to crochet when she was just 8 years old by watching her aunt. Armed with a steel hook and variegated thread, she would make chains long enough to wrap around the house several times. Once she tired of chains she watched her aunt enough to learn how to single crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet. Now this is the part of her story that really tickled me. She didn't know the names of these stitches, so she just made them up on her own. She called the single crochets friends, the double crochets partners, and the triple crochets neighbors. She could make just about anything you can think of just from looking at it, and she said she showered her family and friends with doilies. I swear, the ingenuity of children absolutely amazes me. I always say that children do not know the meaning of the word can't, and they could probably fly if only we didn't tell them that they couldn't.

Yep It's Monday

So how was your weekend? Mine was pretty uneventful which is not uncommon for me these days. Anyone out there work from home? It's actually a great gig, but you really have to make an extra effort to make friends that you wouldn't have to make working out in the world. I do miss the human interaction I had at my old job, but I surely do not miss the two hour (total) commute. I totally prefer the 30 second commute from my bedroom to my desk. Now ask me how cool it is to work in PJ's. Oh it is very cool.

I have to admit that I don't really make much of an effort to get out there and make friends like I should. This is probably because of the falling out I had with a friend I made in my neighborhood. I got blindsided by the whole situation, and I think a little shell shocked as well. But let's face it, I just need to get over it and move on. In my defense, I do make somewhat of an effort to dwell amongst the humans by teaching knitting classes. If that place would get their crap together and fire one awful woman, I am sure I would have more students. But I digress...I had a great student this past Friday. She was a very enthusiastic and fast learner, but the best thing about her was that she didn't want to jump 10,000 steps ahead in a 2 hour class. In my experience with teaching, you tend to have students that push and push to learn as much as they can in as little time as possible. These are the ones that end up coming back because they can't remember how to cast on. My best advice, hold your ground and stress the importance of crawling before you run a 5k.

Now I will abruptly change the subject as I am apt to do, by mentioning Interweave's book- hey look a squirrel!!! Ahem, by mentioning Interweave's new (at least to me) book, Lace Style. I have seen this book on several blogs, and will most likely add it to my library. Click here to check out the book on Knitpicks.com which gives you a look at the inside pages. I am loving the cardigan on the front cover already. I am such a fickle knitter, jumping from project to project like it ain't no thing.

Early Show N Tell: My Entry

Well, today was my first day at the craft store. I got to set up a little table by the front door where I could knit and chat with people as they came in. I was so excited. First of all, it was the first time I had picked up my needles in WEEKS!! Second, it was HUMAN interaction!! I got to be around PEOPLE! I swear I just talked everyone's ears off. Oh I know you are just so shocked. I met some really nice people, (Wow Tennessee has some nice people) and I think that my classes are going to be successful here.

There were two people there that I hope to see again. One was a Deaf woman that communicated with me by writing on a notepad. She was so eager to learn, and I really hope she comes back for classes. I need to brush up on my ASL so that we can communicate that way. I know I saw my ASL videos and books during the move. I'm going to have to dig them out!! I took Sign Language and Spanish at the same time in college, but i have forgotten a lot. I remember a lot more Spanish which has been very helpful, but it's sad that I have forgotten so much because I used to be fluent. It is really true when they say if you don't use it you lose it. I feel like she and I will learn a lot from each other, and it will be a wonderful experience for both of us.

The other was a young boy. His mother was teaching him to crochet, but he was also interested in knitting. He acted really shy about coming up to me at first, but I finally got him talking :) I told him that lots of guys knit, and I think it would be totally cool if he would come take my class. I told him about my big, bad brother-in-law that knits, and his eyes just lit up. Then I showed him all the cool manly hats, scarves, gloves, etc. that he could make and told him how he could make them in the colors of his favorite sports team. Moment later, I see him and his mom walking to the register with arms overflowing with yarn. Score!!

You know I do not do this for the money. It has never been about that for me. I just can't explain the joy I feel when I give the Art of Knitting to someone. It is incredible to know that I helped their hands to create this beautiful art that will comfort them and keep them warm. Knitting is so much more than a way to get a scarf or sweater. You can buy those anywhere. Knitting soothes and comforts. It enriches your life. To know I helped give that to a person, WooHoo! I get so excited about that!

So here is my Show N Tell. It's a slide show of some of the wonderful creations my students have made. I feel like a proud mamma.

Feeling Guilty

I feel guilty about neglecting this blog. I have really enjoyed it, and I would like to continue. I just don't have anything knitting related to blog about yet, and I can't just keep posting about not having anything to post about!! Let's see if I can muster up one semi-knitting related post. Here goes nothin'...

Things are moving along slowly with the house. I think I am a little overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Rob will be able to live at home starting July 2, so I'll have lots more help then! Yay! In case you didn't know, he lives in DC for six days and is home for two. This is no fun, and I'll be very glad when it is over. Hunter comes home the same week Rob does! That is going to be one awesome week! I'll have my whole family with me. Yay!

I did find most of my knitting stuff, and I got a new teaching job all set up. My first class is on the 24th, so I got that goin' for me :) As far as my personal knitting goes, I think that I am going to start working on the Ab Fab throw exclusively. (When I find it) It will be nice to have something new and pretty for the house. I will worry about my multiple UFO's after that is complete.

Oh wait I do have another knitting related thing to talk about!! Yay! I am setting up my office which will also be my craft room. Rob is planning on making shelves, so that I can have a yarn wall. Fun! Rob says, "Um do you think one wall will cut it?" Yeah, I got a lot of yarn. You'll see soon enough. It will all come together eventually. I am hoping to have the boxes semi under control so I can at least show you some pictures of the house soon. In the meantime, here is a picture of Hunter from my visit with him. It was so hard leaving him that day. He is such a sweet baby!

One More Week!!

Rob comes home in a week! Yay! He will get to stay for a week and a half and then it is off to Denver for more training. I'm so excited I can't stand it, and I'm betting this will be the longest week of my life. I know that I haven't been posting much lately, but there has been a lot of stuff going on in my life and a lot of stress. I wish I could vent it here, but it is stuff I am unable to post to the world. Let's just say that it has been a pretty scary time for me. It just figures that things like this would happen while my husband is gone. Not to worry though, I'm totally fine and things are getting better. I haven't been knitting a whole lot unfortunately. I did make a sample for one of my beginner classses though.

This yarn is made by Mango Moon. It is recycled rayon, and it has a very interesting look and texture. I fringed it with beads and shiney ribbon yarn. It is a simple garter stitch on a size 10 needle. I think it is only 8 stitches across. This is an excellent project for brand new knitters. The thick and thin yarn is a little hard to get used to, but it is not so hard that a newby couldn't handle it.

Good luck to all the knitters involved in the Knitting Olympics. I would love to join but that would be absolutely impossible. I think an acheivable goal and challenge  for me would be to post more than once a week and squeeze in at least one hour of knitting a day.

Busy Busy Busy!

I am sorry that my blogging has been so sporadic, but I have been super busy lately. Let me say that I'm very happy to have all the things going on that make me busy (I'm finally making the best of living here in Florida), but my blog tends to suffer for it. Usually I'm not walking in the door until after 7 or so, and then I have to clean, cook, pay bills, etc. By the time I get to really sit down at the computer to check my emails, reply to comments, and read my blogs I look up and it's after midnight! Where does the time go? Then I wonder if I should blog or get some much needed sleep. Here lately sleep has won out. I haven't forgotten about the list of baby clothing pattern links, I just haven't had the time to sit down and do it. I am going to start doing a couple a night, and hopefully I'll have you a list soon :) To save on time tonight, here is what I have going on in nutshell...

• My knitting classes have really picked up I am very happy to say. I have wonderful students and I completely enjoy having the extra classes and students! The more the better!
  
• I have been knitting this hat (very interesting site) as a sample for my LYS. So far I'm about halfway done. My goal was to have it finished by tomorrow, but it's not going to happen.
  
• I am working on a lacy wrap from Vogue. I don't have nearly as many rows completed as I would like, but I can already tell it is going to be beautiful.
  
• I am about to start one of those neat spiral looking scarves in a yummy pink alpaca. This is also a sample and will come after the hat.
  
• I have the yarn to knit Butterfly, but I haven't swatched it yet. I think maybe I should make up a schedule for all of my projects. Monday is LYS, Tuesday is wrap, Wednesday LYS, Thursday is Butterfly...
  
• I got a copy of Knitting Blogger's Favorite recipes in the mail the other day! I was so excited to see my recipe in there :) The book really turned out great and I can't wait to try other bloggers' recipes! Thanks Elizabeth!!
  
• I am learning how to do chain maille and doing a bit of beading when I get the time. If you are interested in learning about it, here is a wonderful link. This interest came from the inability to find a single silver bracelet that I liked in the store. I plan on making a bracelet that looks something like this.
  
• Speaking of beading, I will hopefully get to my friend Debbi's house on Friday to do some beading. This has to happen in between apple pie baking and a knitting class. I'll try not to cancel on you Deb!
  
• I have been making the best of every spare minute I can catch with my husband. When your SO works even more than you do (that's a whole lot) you have to choose quality time over quantity of time. We went to Buca di Beppo over the weekend, and boy oh boy does that place rock! If you have one near you and you love Italian food, go as soon as you can! You won't be disappointed!

So there you have my life in a nutshell. I'm sure I'm leaving something out ie. the war between myself and my cell phone provider. Hehe! I owe you a ton of pictures of all my WIP's, but right now the bed is calling my name. May you all have happily busy days :)

Camera Update and Stuff

Before I say anything, I must mention the horrible earthquake that happened recently and say once again the people affected by yet another horrible tragedy are in my thoughts and prayers. Something's gotta give. Right?

I bought a battery for my camera on Ebay. Hopefully it will get here very soon! It is driving me crazy that I can't post pictures of what I am doing. I started a really cute felted bag in Purple Lamb's pride with Mulitfizz mixed in. It is going to be super cute! I am also going to make a matching felted cell phone case. These are samples for future beginner knitting classes. There is nothing better than felting for a beginner class. Uneven stitches?? What? Who cares! It will all felt out! This is great for the self esteem of a new knitter and eases a lot of frustration. If you teach crochet or knitting I highly recommend adding felting to your classes.

Take a sec to vote on the next pattern search. I'm going to close the poll Friday which will give me the weekend to find the links. Sunday is the start of my vacation yay! Hopefully I'll have a battery for my camera by then so that I can get some long overdue pictures taken. The main one being the picture of my beautiful blue shawl. No I haven't forgotten about that :)

I should have pictures tomorrow of the latest jewelry set I made for my grandma. She's going to take them tomorrow. I'm actually pretty proud of this set. The chandelier earrings came out very well if I do say so myself :) I just love designing and creating my own jewelry. It is so much fun to have that near instant gratification. I am planning on getting into more complicated projects as soon as I can allot the time for it. That is easier said than done. Have a great Wednesday everyone and don't forget to vote!

Teaching Kids To Knit

I was lucky enough to have a kid in each of my last two knitting classes. Teaching children to knit is always interesting to say the least. You never know what is going to happen. You could have a squirmer that can't sit in his/her seat long enough to learn how to cast on. You could have the impatient temper tantrum type that rips the yarn off the needles and whines incessantly. You could have the kid with the great attitude that doesn't make it past cast on during the class and is still as happy as a Stacie with a chocolate bar. But then when the knitting gods are smiling down on you and the moon is in the right phase, you will get kids like the ones I have had in my last two classes.

The first was 9 years old, and she totally blew my mind. She picked up knitting faster than most of the adults I teach. I think I only had to show her how to cast on twice, and she took it and ran. I can tell 99% of the time how a class is gonna go by how fast the person learns to cast on, and I knew I was in for a treat in that class. This kid even corrected her knitting without me showing her how. She TINKED you guys!! If this kid keeps on knitting, she'll be INCREDIBLE by the time she is my age. There will be no stopping her.

In the second class I had a 7 year old who was super enthusiastic and very impressive as well. She joined the class with her mom because her mom didn't know if she could handle it. Can I just say she BLEW HER MOM AWAY!! I got so tickled at her when she would hold up her knitting and say, "Hey Mom look how much more I have done than you!!" Kids are amazing I tell ya. If you ever get the chance to teach a kid to knit or crochet, do it!  It makes me feel so good to have given them the gift of knitting. I know that sounds cheesy, but I really mean it :)

I looked up some links online that give some tips on teaching kids if you are interested.

To Knit...

http://www.maggiesrags.com/tips_children.htm
http://www.woolworks.org/kids.html
http://anacleta.homestead.com/knittingwithchildren.html

To Finger Knit

http://www.kidscanmakeit.com/AC0023.htm


To Crochet..

http://www.crochet.org/teach/toc.html
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa050199.htm
http://www.geocities.com/crzy4hook/

Cotton Ease Hoarders Unite!

I just joined a yahoo message group for other hoarders of Cotton Ease. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that went on a major Cotton Ease binge. There are at least 65 others just like me <grin> Now that we have this big ole stash we need to start figuring out what the heck to do with it. My first suggestion would be to go to ChicKnits. Several of her knitting patterns use Cotton Ease. My favorite is ChicKami. What a cute little top! I bought the pattern a while back and one should find itself on my needles soon.

I had another knitting class tonight. There were six people which is more than I have had in a long time. I find it so interesting how some people pick up the needles and fly and some people can't get past casting on in the first lesson. It's amazing how each individuals mind works so differently. To teach knitting you have to be pretty flexible and learn how to bend with each knitter's needs. You may have to try different ways of holding the needles or yarn, and it is a good idea to know how to knit both English and Continental. Some people can't knit English to save their life but pick up on Continental in a heart beat and vice versa. Some people may pick up English just fine but they need to hold the yarn a completely different way than you do. Make sure that if you ever teach someone to knit that you tell them there is no right or wrong way to knit as long as the stitches are coming out right. Like I always say, "We are knitting for World Peace and noone's life is hanging on the balance if we do not make the perfect stitch. This is all supposed to be fun!" I may not know all there is about teaching a person to knit, but these things are important lessons I have learned over the past couple of years teaching.

Well I'm off to bed. I have to get up at 6:30 am to run with my hubby! This a whole new thing for me, and I'll tell you all about it soon. Let's just say for now that joining Knit N Fit has made me some great new friends and positive changes in my life. Have a great weekend everybody!!

Slacker!!

'Member when I said that I finished the lace on Soleil, and I could start the stockinette. You would have expected me to get some of that done right? Wrong! Here is poor Soleil waiting for her stockinette. Poor Soleil don't worry I'll get to you soon. I'm off tomorrow and I promise you some quality time.

I had a knitting class on Friday night. It was one of those lucky instances where only one person signed, and I was able give her my undevided attention. She is left handed, so I taught her how to knit continental. I have found that my left handed students pick that up the best. One felt most comfortable "throwing" the yarn with her left hand and that was fine by me. I don't care what style they use to knit as long as their stitches are coming out right. Anyways, Staci (we have the same name that is too cool) did very well and is anxious to start the next class. I've nabbed us another one everybody!

Saturday I actually got paid to sit and knit in the store to promote my classes. How cool is that! I decide to make a drop stitch scarf much like the one I made for my grandmother. I use Lion Brand microspun and size 13 needles. Almost everyone that came up to see the scarf ended up walking out of the store with some microspun. Boy I wish I worked on comission! LOL! Unfortunately I didn't have anyone sign up for a class. Better luck next time.

Sunday I just worked and didn't do a darn thing crafty. When I got home Rob and I went shopping for dinner and then went on our walk. I am really getting into this walking thing. I even jogged a little bit and was surprised that I didn't get all winded. I'm seriously starting to see the benefits of not smoking now. I love my new lungs! Inspired by my renewed interest in physical fitness, I joined a new Yahoo! group called Knit 'N Fit.


Since our beloved obsession involves a great amount of time sittin' on our booties, I think this is a great idea to inspire and support fellow knitters with physical fitness. Now someone needs to come up with a Crochet N Fit.

Speaking of Crochet, have you ever tried Tunisian Crochet? Do you realize that you can create a knit stitch with this method? I was just looking through my bookmarks, and I came across this. That sure does look like knitting to me! Make sure you check out the other tutorials they have on Tunisian Crochet. This website is a wonderful resource.

Well my eyes are trying to close on me. I'm off tomorrow (or today however you look at it. it's 1am!) so I plan on getting some knitting done. I'm also getting together with my grandmother, so I'm hoping that I'll get some pictures of Angel. See you soon :)

Friday Already??!!

I can't believe it is Friday already. Geez time really flies by doesn't it! I get to work 7am to 5pm today so I should be nice and pooped when I get home. The good thing is I actually get the whole weekend off! Tomorrow should be a pretty full day. I'll be going to my knitting group meeting in the morning and I have a class at that God awful antique shop from 3-5. I can't wait! I wonder what tea we'll get to drink. Ooooooooooh I'm so excited! I can't say that I have ever been excited about going to work before now. It's too bad I can't do this for a living.

I'm not sure what I'll be doing on Sunday. Maybe I'll just get to work on Shedir. I have two more pattern repeats left before I start decreasing. Don't let how long it is taking me to finish this hat discourage you from trying it. I only get about an hour or so a night of knitting. I could see this hat being finished in less than a week if I had more knitting time. Ideally, I would love to get Shedir finished by Monday. That's some pretty wishful thinking. We'll see what happens.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have another great Show N Tell lined up for Monday. Remember anyone can participate. All you have to do is email me at faerycrafty1 @ yahoo.com with a picture of your project and write up a little something about it. It doesn't have to be knitting. It can be any craft. See you Monday!

and the rest...

Ok so where was I? Oh yes, I taught my first lesson at the antique/bead shop last night. I had a wonderful time, and I can't believe I actually got paid to do it! First of all the shop is actually this huge, beautiful, pink Victorian house that is richly decorated and full of the most beautiful antiques you have ever seen. I'm not the best writer in the world, but I'll try to describe the evening as best I can.

She walked me into the kitchen that is equally as exquisite as the rest of the house. This is where they serve tea throughout the day, and one wall has shelves full of the different gourmet teas that they offer. They carry so many different types of tea that you could probably have a different flavor for every day of the month, and they create this wonderful scent in the kitchen adding to the pleasant experience. She tells me this is also where classes are held. What? Isn't that just awful?! I have to teach a class and spend two hours in this comfy, fabulous kitchen surrounded by delicate china and sweet smelling teas. Then you are going to pay me for my trouble? Ask me later how to act completely professional on the outside while jumping up and down, doing happy dances, and squealing like a teenager on the inside. Maybe I should teach a class on that.

My student showed up and we all sat around the table sipping tea from intricately patterned antique teacups (yes the woman even served us some of the gourmet tea. can you say spoiled!) and discussed all that the session would entail. I like to sit and chat for a bit so that I can find out what my student's goals are. Some students only want to learn the knit stitch to make scarves, while some want to learn anything and everything they can. I get way more excited about the latter. This student's main goal is to learn the skills necessary to create preemie hats and booties to donate to hospital where she works. I liked her right away.

Needless to say this was the best class I have ever taught by far. The atmosphere was incomperable, and as if it couldn't get any better my student was a dream. She picked up knitting like it was second nature. Her stitches were nice and even, and they weren't too tight or too loose. She had those Goldy Locks kind of stitches, juuuuuuuust right. Heehee. Ok I'm silly. Seriously though folks, can you believe I got PAID to do this????

Do you think I'll be going back? You bet your patooty I will be! As a matter of fact we have already scheduled a class for this Saturday. I told her to practice her knitting and purling all week long and to start looking for patterns she would like to make. I'm convinced that she'll be knitting hats in no time. She is a fast learner and very enthusiastic which makes all the difference.

Inez asked for advice on how to get started teaching knitting classes. I'm not sure if this is how everyone goes about doing it, but this what I did. After I gained confidence in my abilities I went to my local craft store and inquired if they had a knitting teacher. I brought in examples of my work and a copy of a basic syllabus I wrote up. I joined a yahoo group for knitting teachers, and did some research online and in books. I had already taught several people how to knit successfully so I was confident that I could at least teach the basic classes. After getting more comfortable with teaching, I began to offer other types of classes like pattern reading, cables, and most recently a design your own poncho class. The way I see it is that if you can do it, you can teach it. The most important thing to remember is have patience! Also, the Craft Yarn Council of America offers a Certified Knitting Instructor program that you can complete in a Correspondence Program. I hope this helps :)

Well it's time for dinner. My tummy is growling and the smells coming from the oven are making my mouth water. Can't....concentrate....must....eat...food

The Class

I taught my first class at the antique/bead shop last night. I have a lot more to tell, but I have to head out the door for work. More later...

Friday!

What does a person who works too much need? How about another job!! I got a call from that bead shop yesterday, and they have some people dying to learn how to knit. I just have to give them my schedule and we'll set up prices and times. I tried to call today, but I wasn't able to reach anyone. I'll try again tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

As you can see, I've managed to find time to knit on Shedir. I think that if I had more time to knit that I would be able to whip this out in a few days. This week my knitting time has been scarce, but she's growing little by little. I must say that I am really enjoying working on this hat. Cables are too much fun! It's weird how some of the stitches look funky in this picture. They really aren't that uneven in person. Maybe it's a trick of light. Yeah that's the ticket!

I hope that you all have a great weekend. I have another incredible Show N Tell coming up on Monday. I don't know about you, but I am just loving this! If you would like to participate email me at faerycrafty1 at yahoo dot com. Send in a picture(s) and write up a little something about the project(s). Don't be shy! See you on Monday!

Another One

First of all I would like to say Happy Chanukah!! to all of my Jewish friends :) I had a pretty decent time at work today. Actually work kinda stunk(I can't wait for the holidays to be over!!), but afterward was great. A friend of mine that I work with has wanted to learn to knit for quite some time, but she has always been working during my classes. Today we both got off at 4pm, so we decided to have a private lesson in the break room. I have taught a lot of people to knit, and I can usually tell after the first few rows if the person gets it or not. Some people are just naturals, and some have a really hard time wrapping their head around the whole concept. There are the ones that turn to stone when they get the needles in their hands, and there are people that freak out when they can't get it right immediately. For the stone people I say, "Knitting has been described as "The New Yoga", now would you do yoga like this?(insert me doing very stiff movements with clinched teeth and a strained look on my face. Silly but it gets the point across) That doesn't look very relaxing does it? Now take a deep breath, shake your hands out, and lets try again." For the ones freaking out I usually say,"Remember this is supposed to be fun! You aren't knitting to save a life or knitting to solve world hunger. The cure to all the known diseases is not on your shoulders! Relax and have fun :)" Both of these little speeches usually get chuckles and tend to do the trick. I have also been known to bribe a few with chocolate heehee! I didn't have to give any of my speeches today. She was an excellent student and such a fast learner. I have to say she is one of the naturals, and I am happy to announce that I have bagged us another one folks!! Yay Kimberly! Welcome to the fold!

Gettin Paid to Knit

You can't beat getting paid to knit! Yesterday I got to sit at a table and knit for three hours on the clock. I answered questions about my classes, and I helped some people with their Knitting and Crocheting problems. It amazes me that someone would actually come to me for help! I have a lot of experience crocheting, but as some of you know I've only been knitting for about four years. Sure I know enough about knitting to teach a beginner's class, but how much do I really know about knitting? This leads me to consider the TKGA's Master Knitter program. I figure it would be a good way for me to find out what I know and do not know. It would definitely be a challenge.

Ever since I taught myself to knit I have tried very hard to challenge myself every chance I get. My first project was a baby sweater and my second was a pair of socks for my hubby. Whenever I pick something to knit I try not to think, "Can I do this? Is this a good project for a beginner?" I just arm myself with good books and google, and I go to town. Does my project come out perfect? Well I really wish I could say yes, but that would be a big ole lie! So far, (knock on wood) I haven't  had any irreparable disasters, but I have had some screw ups. The beautiful thing about knitting is that all you have to do is rip back and start over. It is all a learning experience, and I still have so much to learn.

The wonderful thing about keeping this blog, is that I can document my learning experiences. When I find a good site that helped me figure out a problem, I can share it with you. When I make a mistake, I can share that also. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to admit my mistakes, but hey maybe someone (besides me) could learn from it. It's also nice to get a "Hey it's ok I've done that too. Hang in there" from some really nice people :) Remember the chart reading incident? That was too funny. I almost didn't post that booboo.

Well, I better hit the sack. My LYS is having a crazy "get up at the crack of dawn wear your pj's and come shop" sale and I have to get up at, well the crack of dawn. Details later :)

Wednesday

I have put down Just Peachy for a little bit. I wanted to work on my 2x2 socks. Queen Kahuna has a method of knitting a heel and gusset without having to pick up stitches. You increase for the gusset as you are knitting the heel. I have never tried anything like this so it is a learning experience. So far her directions have been very easy to follow and I have not had any trouble.

I taught a Beginner's Crochet class today. I taught my students how to make Granny Squares. It was the very first thing I ever learned and I thought it would be a great project for beginner's. This way they can leave the class knowing how to make baby blankets, afghans, dishcloths , and more. The students were excellent and very fast learners. We had a great time. For their next class I am going to teach them a basic ripple pattern. My next knitting class will be on the 28th. I hope those students will be as good as the ones I had tonight.

Busy busy

I have had a really busy week. I haven't picked up my knitting needles once. I have been doing alot of beading at work though. I've had beading classes every day this week. I made a gorgeous bracelet with Swarovski crystals and memory wire. Here is a tip about memory wire. If you have used it before you will know what I'm talking about. The only glue I have found that really holds the end caps on is good old fashioned superglue. I tried the glue that they had by the memory wire (unfortunately I can't remember the name of it) but the end caps fell off even after I let them set for over 24 hours. So far the superglued ends are still holding up. I'm going to miss my knitting group again tomorrow. I have two beading classes in the afternoon. I was told yesterday that I didn't have to work then told today that I do. I'm so agrivated. This makes two missed meetings. Hopefully I'll be able to get together with them next Saturday. I'm afraid to get my hopes up.

Knitting Group and Job

Yesterday was awesome! I met up with my new knitting group at B&N, and I had a wonderful time. The ladies in my group are incredibly nice and after knitting with them just a little while it felt like I had known them for years. I wasn't nervous like I thought I would be. At first I started working on my Large Origami bag, but I decided to start working on a pair of socks. I am learning how to knit two socks on two circular needles. I think I have Knitting Attention Deficite Disorder. I'm so serious! I can't just start one project and stick with it. I have to have 257 projects going on at once. I pick one up, put it down, and go after another. One project just doesn't hold my attention for very long. I think that is true of quite a few knitters. Anyways, I had a great time knitting with my new friends and I can't wait to meet up with them again.
After I left B&N I went to fill out all the necessary paperwork for the teaching job. I met with the manager and he seemed very excited that I was there. They haven't had a knitting and crocheting teacher for quite some time. I also met with the event coordinator for the store, and she seems to be very nice. I wish that this could be my only job but you don't really make enough money teaching there. Maybe I'll be proved wrong, but that remains to be seen. Of course, I hope I am wrong.

My new LYS

My husband and I are going to take a trip to a yarn shop that is close to where we live. I'm so glad that I found one nearby. To tell you the truth it was one of my priorities. I had a yarn shop found before I ever set up the electricity. I am planning on buying the remainder of my Brittany Birch needles if they have them there. I haven't really had a chance to knit lately. All we have been doing is unpacking, arranging stuff, and cleaning. We do take some time out to go and get to know the area. I can't wait to go to the lys tomorrow!

As you know, I taught my mom how to crochet a couple of weeks before I left. She is now on her second baby blanket. That makes me really proud. I wish that I had taught her how to crochet sooner so that we could have done it together more. She is coming to visit pretty soon and I am planning on giving her a few more lessons while she is here. I didn't have time to teach her everything before so I just taught her how to make a granny square. That was the first thing that I ever learned. So like I said, I plan to teach her more when she comes to visit. She wants to learn how to read patterns. That shouldn't be hard at all because all you need to know to read patterns is what the abbreviations stand for.

I wanted to add pictures in here, but I have no clue where my camara is right now. I don't have any new finished projects to show, but I have a few works in progress that I could share. I really need to get my mom's hat done before she comes to visit. That way I won't have to spend money to have it shipped. The more money I save the more I can spend on yarn and needles right?? Hahaha!