Return, to a lot of things

Well, - that was a long break form the computer.  I think I went into deep hibernation and hopefully I will now emerge from the crisp new earth ready to flower again and show you all new things.

I am also back fresh from my training at The Fiber Craft Studio (click here or see below)

http://www.threefold.org/fiber_craft_studio/applied_arts_program.aspx

This is located on the Sunbridge College campus but is now under the umbrella of the 

Threefold Educational Center community 260 Hungry Hollow Road Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977.

I highly recommend this program to anybody who is teaching Handworks, aspiring to & also for personal growth.  I can't speak enough about how much this program is enriching my life.

Here we are looking at out 4 legged animals that we did using the pattern with a spine (a wakeful project for the 3/4th grader)

Here are 2 puppets we returned with this Spring as homework.  She is having quite a cute dialogue with the two of them.

I am also taken with the beauty of the campus and simple things like their doors.

I am giving a small talk tonight at out Parent Study night about Handworks and why we teach different subjects at different grades, it should be fun. 

2nd & 3rd grade

Second grade knitting - it will be a stripped ball.  The example I showed the class has the colors in a neat tidy rainbow and just assumed that the kids would follow... Oh no, they have to follow their own path and of course choose their own color order.  Then I thought of course they do!  

The pattern is just cast on 20 stitches (for a large handful ball) knit 4 ribs (1 rib = 2 rows of knit) of each color to make a rectangle.  Shape wool batting in a ball by winding it like yarn.  Place the ball in the center of the knitting and sew up the short side of the knitting to the other short side.  Then take a fat needle and wind it around the very edge (long edge of the rectangle) to "gather", pull the string to close and tie.  Repeat on the other side.  Its a great ball - if you put a jingle bell in it - wrap it in paper first then the wool.

This is the crocheting from the third grade.  They were limited to two colors (light and dark) which was a tough class in its self!  Kids love to compromise.  They drew, with the two colors, how they would strip the flute case.  Its great to give them limited freedom.  Two are finished and 4 are on their way.   Next project will be a sample bag so i can teach them new stitches and how to blend color.  Then off to making their crochet hat.

First day of teaching

I had a great first day.  We had opening ceremonies with lovely 2 cellos playing while the parents and siblings arrived.  There was a short history and then the teachers & staff were introduced - there are 16 of us!  It was a beautiful and powerful sight.  Then the older grades played a song while the 1st graders carries a flower under a flowing silk to their new teacher. Andi then told a story (for us all to hear) and then we walked up to the school house and revealed the new school sign.  It was very emotional and I loved being a part of it.

Class went very well and I dived into it.  The 4/5 grades are making their designs for their handworks bag - some of which have a strong opinion (imagine that!).   The 2/3 grades are in a mixed class as well and it will prove difficult if I don't get some parent help.  I have two people in the works hopefully I will get more.  Grade 2 are going to learn how to pearl (with 3 that don't know how to knit) and Grade 3 will be crocheting (with 2 that don't know how).  There are 12 total.  Sigh - I love it already.  They have release forms for everybody so I hope to have photos of the kids hands working every once in a while.   

Handworks curriculum

My friend here

http://teachinghandwork.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-curriculum-this-year.html

has posted her great curriculum for handworks and now I have finally worked mine out (not too sure of 5th grade but...) all of it is still a work in progress:

Grade 1:
Story about wool and Farm - leads into stick twist twisties.
Making knitting needles (3/16” )
Practicing slip knots & winding yarn, casting on.
1st project: white yarn (1 oz) balls for cat.
2rd project :Flute case done with several colors - try to use all extra wool balls from all the other projects
3th project: 4 legged animal - lion or lamb yellow or white yarn.
(Plant dyed by 4th grade)
Extra projects - other animals made from a square. (Butterfly, bunny, squirrel. box, mouse)

Grade 2
1st project: Knit and Purl a ball - 2 colors
2nd project: Knit and purl gnome
3rd project: Crocheting a chain as long as them (is it even?)
4th project: Square pot holder - Round potholder - Star table mat
Extra projects: Crochet a ball bag, knit a bear

Grade 3:
Alum yarn for sun jar for 1st grade
1st project: Collect things for a sun dye jar for 1st grade
2nd project: Crochet recorder case with 2 colors
3rd project: Crochet a small pouch to teach different stitches and color gradation
4th project: Crochet a hat with 3 colors
Hopefully - January
5th project: Knit horse with a spine

Grade 4:
1st project; Handworks bag = study of form and color (bag stays with them thru 5th grade)
2nd project: Painted cross stitch pouch Mirror image
3rd project Painted cross stitch box lid 4 way
extra projects: Chain stitch a hackie sack ball, make an extra cross stitch pouch.

Grade 5:
Tell a story discuss the characters make the puppets.
Discuss the doll head size and what the colors would mean to each doll.
1st Project: Crochet in the round a puppet
2nd project: Make drop spindles, wash wool fleece, spin wool, dye it with “dried” flowers, roots.