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!

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.