Can Cozy!

After everyone was stressed out by cables, there was a request to have a go at color work.  I put together a little project to use two colors at a time.  For some, it was a snap!  Others found they weren't THAT interested, and that's ok!
A couple of comments about stranded (two-color knitting):

• We used 100% wool, so if the 36 stitches weren't quite right for your container (can or bottle), try swishing it around in hot water, and letting it dry on the container for a perfect fit.
• I forgot to mention that I learned the hard way to keep track of which hand is holding which color.  For example, if you hold the red in your right hand, and the blue in your left, keep it that way.  I found that by switching part way through a project, there was a noticeable difference. (I have to write it down... I'll old.)

Of course, your can or bottle won't be offended!

We also learned a new cast-on:  Estonian Double Cast On, by Nancy Bush.  You can find it on youtube.  And I finished mine off doing the Estonian Double Bind Off... They almost match.  Here's where I found those instructions:  Cindy's Sock Knitting

Stocking stuffers, anyone?

Cozy Cable!

I'm teaching again!  And again...
I can't believe it... after "feeling" like I'm retired, I got hooked/called/snagged/whatever into teaching a brand new class (to me: unknown content) which meets for 8 weeks, 4 days a week, 3 credits.  However, you may point out, who said yes?  All I have to do is look in the mirror.
In addition to that class, I've been running a few sessions of "Knit Doctor" which was intended to teach tricks about fixing and avoiding mistakes. (Maybe that's something I should take to the personal level, but I digress.)  I had a great group of 6 women who were quite accomplished, and we shared many stories of knitting tragedies, while grumbling about picking up stitches.
In addition to fixing things, we explored cables one week.  Off the top of my head I created a little cable project that went like this:  (Green= cable to right/front, Purple= cable to left/back)

Cable practice:  Cast on 18 sts.
Row 1:  k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2
Row 2 (and ALL even numbered rows):  k4, p4, k2, p4, k4
Rows 3 & 4:  (as Rows 1 & 2)
Row 5:  k2, p2, sl2, k2, grab (use left hand) last 4 stitches from right needle, remove right needle, with right needle pick up stitches 3 & 4 from your hand (skipping over 1 & 2), with left needle pick up stitches 1 & 2, k these 2, p2, yarn forward, sl2, yarn back, k2, yarn forward,  grab last 4 stitches from right needle, remove right needle, with right needle pick up stitches 3 & 4 from your hand (skipping over 1 & 2), with left needle pick up stitches 1 & 2, k these 2, p2, k2.
Row 6:  (as Row 2)

 No cable needle necessary.  And clear as day to me!  Maybe it needs the visual demonstration, too.
While searching for one that matched my style, I realized how many variations there are!   Here's one that is closest to what I do:

Lessons learned in Class

For the past month, I've been teaching knitting.  Not the occasional tip or picking up a stitch when a friend appears in distress at choir practice, but officially offered two classes through the local Community Learning Center.  It has been a HOOT!  The director for the program is jealous.  I know!  She has mentioned that she wistfully peeks through the glass to see and hear our out-bursts of laughter.  And I give these women (one man signed up but never showed) such credit.
You know... you've done it too; signed up for something that you've ALWAYS wanted to do since you were a young adult.  Guitar, piano? Knitting? Skiing?  And then the reality of life smacks you and you realize that it takes gosh dern stick-to-it-iveness. And practice and sometimes hard work and frustration.  Well, these 12 women have gone through all of that.  Then there's the first time teacher... me.  I've been a life-long teacher, so I probably am pretty hard on myself because I know things have gone wrong, and I have only myself to blame.

Learned:
#1 - One hour isn't enough.  The time just flies, and suddenly there's another class waiting to come in. Or I feel I've just made a critical statement which I should back up before setting them out into the world.
#2 - Test your pattern.  No, duh!  In my defense, I thought I had.  I had looked over the pattern and started it, but imagine copying a FREE pattern, getting started to find out that there's something seriously wrong with row 19.  Yep!  "Take One, I'm Free, Use my yarn" right there attached to the yarn shelf.  When I got to Row 19, I noticed that the cable instructions wouldn't create what I saw in the pattern picture...  Luckily, it was the end of the hour!  I went home, and sure enough, I found a whole new re-make of the pattern through Ravelry.
#3 - Friends!  Suddenly I have a dozen new friends!  They are all happy, think I'm wonderful... (how long will THAT last? LOL) and are looking forward to my next class.  That is SUCH an 'upper'!  Even my Math students are asking if I'll be teaching the next level next semester.  The teacher/student relationship is so special.  I've been very lucky to be in this profession.

The questionable pattern:  Above Red Scarf. Reversible Cables Rib Scarf by Marilyn Losee from Caron International Yarns.  Don't get it off the shelf!