Happy Holidays!

Along with cool (cold!) weather and family times, Atomic Cate (and our group project, Ika Ink) gets a lot of work that must be done. We’re keeping busy with plenty of knit and crochet projects, as well as some great holiday designs for Christmas & non-denominational seasonal cards.

While I won’t have much to post in the upcoming month, there are a few ideas I wanted to share with the crafty types for the holidays:

Crocheters, get out those steel hooks and cotton thread for some delicate, lacy snowflakes! Crochet is well-suited for this project, and you can use a little commercial stiffener or some sugar water to firm them up for use as ornaments. And don’t forget those coffee cozies — they went FAST at the last show to folks who were buying them as gifts.

Knitters, there’s so many gifts to give that will show you care without costing a ton of money or time — hats, mitts (a.k.a. fingerless gloves or wrist-warmers), scarves — choose a simple pattern and some heavier yarn and you’ll knock out that gift list in no time.

Jewelers, a simple sterling snowflake charm on some french wires made by hand is so much better than something mass-produced. Or maybe a winter themed crystal and silver necklace — the project doesn’t need to be complex, people really do love receiving gifts that were hand-crafted.

All these projects should work up quickly in time for the end of the year. And if you’re headed out for something glamorous on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to pick up something mohair or glittery for a fabulous wrap or spectacular necklace. One of my favorite outfits is the little black dress with one eye-catching accessory!

I’ll try to keep everyone posted on our doings through the end of 2010, but just in case it gets too crazy… See you in the New Year!

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended Art Carnage 316. The event was a great success for Ika Ink! The most wonderful part was meeting our customers and hearing what YOU had to say about the products... and you were all so kind!

We hope to see you again very soon, but in the meantime, you can check this blog for our work and purchase already made items on etsy & atomiccate.com. And, as always, feel free to contact us with custom requests!

Another Phyllis Wrap

The latest (and probably last, for a while) Phyllis wrap in black. The Phyllis wrap is hand-knit lace in a mohair blend with a lovely halo. This wrap is versatile; you can wear it as a scarf, a cowl, or a wrap in several styles depending how you fasten the buttons.
I choose the buttons individually for each wrap, based on the color and the recipient... unfortunately this wrap is pretty labor-intensive, so I don't take many orders!

New Classes are Posted!

As I announced earlier, I’m pleased to again offer Knitting for Beginners at First Class!

This is a class geared toward absolute beginners; those who have never touched a needle are encouraged to sign up. It’s also a great refresher course if you started learning a while ago but need help remembering how.

I’m also very pleased to offer Basic Crochet! Crochet is a fabulously versatile craft and it’s very simple to learn the basics. This class is also geared for those who have never touched a hook, but a great refresher for those who once knew how, long ago…

Knitting for Beginners is Saturday, February 19, 1–3pm. Basic Crochet is Saturday, March 5, 1–3pm.

See you there!

Our First Show!

I am pleased to announce that Atomic Cate + Art Kunk (together as Ika Ink) will be at Art Carnage 316!

Art Carnage is a mostly monthly art market with a carnival theme. There are live performers of all types — music, dance, and visual artists — and a ton of fantastic vendors to choose from. Forget the same-old mall crap — this is a great opportunity to get your holiday shopping done in a fun environment!

Art Carnage 316 is Saturday, Nov. 27, from 8pm to 12pm. See you there!

Time for the Holidays! (already!)

Alas, Thanksgiving isn’t even upon us yet here in the U.S., but if you’re like me you have to start early with the holiday cards and gift planning to get it all done in time!

Besides crafting gifts for friends and family, I also like to send out holiday cards that aren’t the typical cliché. So I’m pleased to bring you these two fantastic designs:
Merry Squidmas (featuring the art of Dana Kunkel)
and Winter Titmouse

Merry Squidmas is light-hearted and quirky, perfect for anyone on your list whose taste is a little… different — or for anyone who likes the underwater world!
Winter Titmouse is a bit more traditional, but stays away from the usual bird (the cardinal) to feature a more demure little fellow. And because it’s secular, it’s perfect for those on your list whose religion you may not know, or for business purposes.

More Crochet Coffee Cozies

These coffee sleeves (shown on standard medium & large disposable cups) are simple and as soft as suede. And thanks to the fact that they're actually acrylic, they're totally durable and washable!

The Adjustable Coffee Sleeve Pattern!

My first public, free pattern!

Yarn: I used Lily Sugar’n Cream 100% cotton. Cheap, washable, and perfect for this project. Of course, feel free to use anything that gives you a similar gauge.

Hook: US 8/H, 5.00 mm

Gauge: Approximately 14 sc & 16 rows = 4". Gauge does NOT need to be exact. It’s a coffee cozy, not a tailored sweater!

This pattern has no right/wrong side.

1. CH 33
2. Turn, sc across (32 st)
3. BUTTONHOLE ROW: ch1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch2, sc in 3rd sc, repeat from * 2 more times; sc across (32 st)
4. ch1, turn, sc across (32 st)
5. INCREASE ROW: ch1, turn, 5sc, 2sc in next sc, *6sc, 2sc in next sc, repeat from * 2 more times, 5 sc (36 st)
6-7. ch1, turn, sc across (36 st)
8. INCREASE ROW: ch1, turn, 3sc, 2sc in next sc, *9sc, 2sc in next sc, repeat from * 2 more times, 2sc (40 st)
9-13. ch1, turn, sc across (40 st)
14. BUTTONHOLE ROW: ch1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch2, sc in 3rd sc, repeat from * 2 more times; sc across (40 st)
15. ch1, turn, sc across (40 st)

Fasten off!

You can sew on some regular buttons, or you can crochet up a couple. That’s what I did, and here’s how:

Buttons - Make 2
- ch2, leaving a nice tail at the start of your work (for sewing and stuffing into the button to make it more firm)
- sc6 in second ch from hook
- work 6sc around
- *sc2tog, repeat 3 times
- leaving a nice tail for sewing, fasten off
- sew buttons on to cozy about one or two stitches from the edge.

And that’s it! Easy as pie… which would go excellently with that cup of coffee.

Adjustable Coffee Sleeve

Crocheted in 100% cotton, this coffee cup cozy has two crocheted buttons that adjust the diameter to fit different sizes of disposable cups.

Knit & Crochet Classes!

I’m pleased to announce I will be teaching two more classes in early 2011!

Basic Knitting (same as my original class) will be Saturday, February 19, from 1-3pm.
Basic Crochet (new!) will be Saturday, March 5, from 1-3pm.

You’ll learn the foundation techniques in knit and crochet. At the end of each class, you will be able to walk away with the skills to craft your first project — be it a scarf, potholder, trivet, washcloth, or even a small change purse… there’s so much you can do!

As before, these classes are held at First Class, Inc. I’ll be sure to post more about these terrific beginner classes as we get closer!

Violet & Blue

"Fuzzy" dice dangles (violet/blue) and a blue Silk & Silver necklace in action!

A little more light-hearted: The "Fuzzy Dice" earrings

I love these little dice dangles! They're not actually fuzzy, but they're cheery and come in a bunch of color combinations (shown in violet/violet, orange/orange, and hot pink/light pink). They're affordable, too, so you can have a pair in every combo!

Green Aventurine

I finally made use of the beautiful green aventurine heishi beads I had (and matching pendant). The strong sections of heishi are broken up by little sections of silver. I loved the bold shapes of the heishi in the delicate translucent aventurine.

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A Stitching Success

My Beginner's Knitting class with First Class had five students show up (two more were registered but were unable to make it - they are provided a make-up class when it's next held). I was very proud at the end as everybody seemed to understand the basics (cast on, knit, and cast off) in the Continental style. I was also lucky that we didn't have any lefties. (Not that I don't love the left-handers, it's just easier to teach the way I actually knit.)

It was particularly lovely how students would help instruct fellow students while I was dedicating time to one-on-one instruction. I could hear them discussing the right way to throw the yarn, how the loops should look, and all sorts of things. I also really enjoyed the *questions* they asked - every student took a genuine interest in getting it right.

Class went so well, in fact, that I will be teaching another Beginner's Knitting class in the next session. I also might do a "Beginner's Knitting II," and the crochet classes as the wonderful current teacher is moving away. Beginner's II will likely be more practice on the three basics, as well as the purl stitch. We can also get more in depth on types of yarn and needles.

I hope all my students enjoyed my class as much as I did. I'll post more info on upcoming classes just as soon as it's decided!

Kira's Earrings

Hand-woven seed beads and fire-polished Czech glass. Approximately 1/2 inch in diameter; post backs.

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Less than a Fortnight to Knit

My Beginner's Knitting class is less than two weeks away! There are still spaces available. I've even started preparing a take-home sheet so you can remember the techniques we go over in class.

Mention this blog (atomic cate on blogger) and I'll give you $2 off the materials fee in class.

See you there!

Graduated brass daggers

Antique brass drops suspended from red poppy jasper, glass, and quartz. This one really has an Egyptian feel, even a little tribal.

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Shell daggers

Shell daggers create the focal point for these complementary pieces. Set in antique brass chain and bayong wood rings.

Aventurine & Carnelian

A great number of the pieces I’ve created recently include orange aventurine. If you know a little about stones (like me!) you might think aventurine should be greenish. Like so many stones, however, the precise properties depend on chemistry; aventurine can be green but can also be brown, blue, yellow, and orange. It all depends on what specific minerals make up the aventurine.

Aventurine is a variety of chalcedony. Chalcedony actually has many varieties, including agate and carnelian. You probably noticed that much of my recent work includes carnelian, as well! Carnelian has been used decoratively for thousands of years. In Roman times, many signet or seal rings were carved out of carnelian, because hot wax does not stick to it.

New creations

A two-strand necklace with orange aventurine and carnelian. The focal piece is lapis (and there are a few agate rounds in there as well). Earrings are bayong wood and lapis with gold wire work.

Chic ethnic

Aventurine, river stones, and mother of pearl earrings along with a lariat necklace of river stones, aventurine, jasper and bayong wood. I believe the drop pendant is jade, but haven’t been able to confirm it yet.

Even more jewelry!

More previews of the pieces for the hair-style photo shoot!



These are all rhodolite garnet chips with three strands. Very distinctive and sure to gather a lot of looks!

Jasper, Carnelian, Yellow Turquoise, Indian Agate...

The latest creations, three necklaces for the upcoming photo shoot. The tassle still needs some styling to look perfect.

Just a Month Away!

My class on beginner knitting already has students signing up. It is held on Saturday, October 2, from 1-3 p.m.

Don't miss this chance to get started with this great hobby!

The Leo Washcloth

Made as a birthday gift for a Leo. Knit holding two strands of of Sugar'n Cream together, with the face embroidered at the end.

My knitting class is official!

I know, it seems too hot to think about knitting, but it’s already August and autumn will be upon us too soon.

So for all you knitters-to-be, I will be instructing a knitting class at First Class in DC! This class is for absolute beginners; or if you’ve knitted a little before and are just looking for some guided refresher. Be sure to sign up early as seats are limited.

You can sign up here.

Here’s the listing in First Class Inc.’s catalog (so exciting!):

Phyllis Convertible Scarf

SOLD (custom orders available)

Feather-light lace knitting combines with sumptuous mohair blend fibers to create this fabulous, versatile scarf. The buttons along the edge allow you to wear this as it suits you — as a basic scarf, a cowl, a shawl, a wrap, or however you like it best! Available in many colours - buttons are then hand-picked to match the colour of the scarf. Custom lengths and widths available.

Silver & Silk Necklaces

32" silk ribbons adorned with sterling silver beads, in many gorgeous colours. Most tie at the ends, but clasp construction is available (pictured on grey above). Wear it long and flowing or wrapped for a multi-strand look. Also make great multi-strand bracelets.

Primitive Class Necklace & Ring

Black daggers and cat's eyes adorn this sterling silver ring (size 7, minor adjustments possible) while crystal seed beads and black daggers encircle the neck for this striking choker.

Shell Game Necklaces, Bracelets, & Earrings

Shells in circles and squares create these simple and stylish necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Each piece available in iridescent black, pale blue, green, and white.

Hello Kitty Rocks! in Black

Hello Kitty guitar picks with silver foil imprint are the focal point to these black & silver pieces. Classy and fun, they are sure to be commented on!