We're back!

Well, it has been a busy start to 2011 here... and it's going to be a busy summer! There's so much to share, but that will all have to wait just a little longer. In the meantime, here are pictures of the very first garment I've made for me, personally... it's a great stretchy halter perfect for the summer months.

Cherry Blossoms!

Here in Washington, D.C., we have a Cherry Blossom Festival each year, timed to (hopefully) coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. The cherry trees were a gift from Japan to the United States, and the Cherry Blossom Festival is a multi-cultural event to celebrate our friendship. The Cherry Blossom scarf is a long felted wool "branch" with small knit "blossoms" – evoking the fickle Springtime when the air is crisp but the sun is bright, and the branches are bare but for these pale blooms.

More images of the Last Phyllis Wrap... for now.

Completed last year, I’m finally posting a few more images of the last Phyllis wrap I completed. I chose some bright and sparkly buttons to accent the rich black mohair and keep the wrap both formal, versatile, and lively.

New Jewelry!

This weekend's work resulted in the blue Lucky Star necklace, sister to our (currently sold-out) pink version. We also have a brand new bracelet design for Spring- the Aqua Triangle stretch bracelet. Both will be on display this Saturday at Art Carnage, so stop by and check them out in person!

Thanks, New Crochet Students!

My first Basic Crochet class at First Class was wonderful. As usual, all my students were patient and dedicated, making it easy to teach. I did manage to mix up my terminology a bit, as it was my first time teaching crochet in formal setting - I kept mentioning knitting terms! Everyone managed to follow along and hook out their first few rows. We even managed to touch on increases, decreases, and knitting in the round at the end of class.

The next Beginner Knitting and Basic Crochet classes are already scheduled for June 4 and June 11, respectively. Both classes fill up so be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot!

Knitting Review

I'm so excited - my Beginner Knitting class got a review, and it was very nice. You can visit the First Class page to view it.

I had a great time teaching knitting this session, and we'll hold the class again June 4. Also, the first Basic Crochet class I'll be teaching is this Saturday! There are still a couple seats left, so sign up quick if you'd like to join us.

Thank You, Knitting Students!

Today I taught another wonderful knitting class at First Class in DC. The class filled up quickly, and we had just about as many students as I could handle, but everyone was wonderful and patient as I worked my way around the room for one-on-one help. We're planning to have another Beginner Knitting class in June.

In the meantime, there are still a couple seats open in Basic Crochet, March 5. If you haven't tried crochet I urge you to give it a shot. For those who already knit, crochet can be a great addition to your arsenal, particularly for edging and finishing. For those who tried knitting but found it too frustrating to continue, many frustrated beginning knitters find crochet much easier. (It works the other way, too, though! Some frustrated crocheters prefer knitting!)

If our June classes go well, we'll look into some Knitting II classes, for those who'd like to move beyond the first steps.

There's also a little bad news today- due to some schedule conflicts, Ika Ink/Atomic Cate won't be exhibiting at February's Art Carnage. We still LOVE Art Carnage and plan on returning for March's event, and we encourage everyone to attend in February and discover all the wonderful artists and crafters!

Thanks to all who support us with purchases, class attendance, and kind words. It means a lot, and we hope you continue to enjoy our events and creations!

Thank You!

My goodness, has a week gone by already? Ika Ink is still feeling good from a wonderful Art Carnage. Thank you to everyone who came out to see the work, and to all our fellow vendors and the entertainers for being... well, just awesome!

We had a splendid time and are looking forward to seeing everyone again at February's event.

Remember, February 19th is our First Class session for Beginner Knitting! The class is already half-full, so be sure to sign up soon to reserve your space.

And if knitting isn't your thing, sign up for our Basic Crochet class on March 5!

Oh, and don't worry -- we'll be posting more pictures of new creations soon!

Art Carnage Tonight!

Ika Ink is busy getting our boith together for Art Carnage tonight! If you're on Twitter, you can follow our doings @IkaInkLLC.

Art Carnage is held at The Soundry in Vienna, Virginia. Check out their site for directions and info on all the awesome art & performances happening tonight. http://www.soundry.net/category/art-carnage/

Art Carnage!

We're less than a week away from the next Arr Carnage (http://www.soundry.net/category/art-carnage/) event. If you haven't been yet, you must come out and experience one! These events aren't your typical craft shows - there are crafters, fine artists, dancers, poetry and comedy all intermingling for an action-packed 4 hours.

Ika Ink will have a table set up with prints, jewelry, and other odds & ends... stop by to find a unique piece or just to say hi! We love to chat about our work and art in general.

The Soundry is in Vienna, VA, and Art Carnage starts at 8pm THIS Saturday!

Two Little Octopi

These little guys are so adorable, I can't stop making them!

Not for Sale

Like any good crafter, I end up giving away more things than I keep or sell. This necklace is one of the gifts. Made of real peridot beads and golden accents (the rectangles have calla lilies on them) this went to my mom for the holidays... and now that she's received it, I can post pictures without ruining the surprise!

...And We're Back!

After a wonderful (and wonderfully un-eventful) holiday season, Atomic Cate & Ika Ink are back for the new year! And what a year this one promises to be… there are classes and art shows and design projects and illustrations and just general creations all waiting in the wings!

First up this year, we have another Art Carnage on Saturday, January 29 at The Soundry. Come join us for some delightful gifts for your Valentine (or anti-Valentines, if that’s your thing). We’re new to art/craft shows, so please stop by and offer us your opinion! We love to hear what our customers & friends have to say.

We also have two classes at First Class in Washington, DC. On February 19, pick up some needles for our second Knitting for Beginners! This will be the same fun class we had last year (which ran long… there‘s just so much to share). It’s perfect for anyone who has never touched a knitting needle but wants to learn, or for those who used to knit, once, in a galaxy far, far away… and need some help picking it up again.

There‘s also our very first Basic Crochet class, March 5! Just as with the knitting class, our goal is to get everyone set with the basics for their first project. Crochet is extremely versatile, and some find it easier than knitting — so there‘s no reason not to try both!

With both First Class sessions, I offer a $2 discount on your materials fee if you mention this blog. Of course, if you have any questions about the classes feel free to contact me!

Whew! That‘s a lot going on already this year, just in the first three months! Hope to see all of you soon!