Tropical Twinsets (TM) Handknit in Lace

Just completed my first Tropical Twinsets (TM) Handknit in Lace, designed and knitted by yours truly using cotton purchased here in Bali!



What's the idea? Well, I love knitting lace. Most areas in Bali are warm-to-hot during the day. Most cool off a bit at night. So, a lovely light lacey top works great during the day. And at night? Dress it up a bit and cover up shoulders at the same time!
















Underneath this lace ponch is a lace tube with 2 long straps that can be worn at least 4 ways. As a spaghetti-strap top, with 2 straps crossed in the back (a bit more secure). With only 1 strap as a halter. Or thread the ties all the way around through the lace eyelets at the top of the tube and tie securely for the prettiest tube-top ever!

New building with 4 guest rooms at Bhanuswari

Mid-August, there was a Balinese Hindu ceremony to bless a new building with 4 guest rooms under construction at Bhanuswari.

The head priest and 2 assistants - Nyoman's mother is farthest from the camera.

And here is the view that guests in the 2nd floor rooms will have! You see additional offerings for the ceremony in the foreground. And on the right-hand side, there is construction for another villa.

Knitting Lessons at Yayasan Senang Hati

Attendance at the knitting group ranges from 4 - 8, a mix of men and woman, plus one boy. Ibu Ayu has attended and participated every time, and practices between lessons. As you can see from the photos, she is already doing lace patterns! Her husband has joined us for 2 of the classes, and has also continued outside of class. Both of them speak and understand English relatively well. And Ibu Ayu's husband taught himself and Wayan (the 9 year-old boy in the photos) a cast-on from notes.

At first, young Wayan observed - and then started coaching some of the others on technique! The first time he tried, he chose small needles and thin acryllic yarn - and was determined, but struggling. Recently he got knitting worsted-weight yarn and larger bamboo needles (donated by Rotarians from Australia) and it was much easier for him! He understands it, just needs some more practice.

I am enjoying visiting very much. We are having fun and learning together. Yesterday, Gusti Ayu accidentally created her own technique - inserting the needle from the top and wrapping the yarn backwards from the way I do - but the result looked like a knit stitch - and seems more comfortable for her!

Yayasan Senang Hati - Gallery

Several members of Yayasan Senang Hati (Happy Hearts Foundation) are artists who do painting, ceramic, cross-stitch, wood carving, sequined batik handbags and more which are sold in their gallery: