Halloween Party in Bali??

Yes, a Halloween Party in Bali!A Fundraiser, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bali Ubud, toward buying an ambulance for a local fee-free birthing clinic.

Yes, that’s Tandy “in the pink”. What’s my costume? “A clinging vine” – a long green knitted (of course!) vine braided into my almost-waist-length hair, then looped and pinned around my head and shoulders. I had fun trying out a variety of flower and leaf patterns – roses, sunflowers, trumpet flowers, sort-of-poppy, oak leaf, and more. Oh, in case you’re wondering, that is not a large-ego sized TANDY in red-and-white in front of me. It’s a Tango cookie tin – just happened to be perfectly positioned for the photo!

Who is with me? Well, Daisy from Java is in the Kabuki makeup taking money. She’s our current Treasurer. And sitting beside me is Reki of Lady Bamboo Villa – hence the bamboo leaves in her hair!
Who attended? A WIDE variety - from Bali, from other parts of Indonesia, from Singapore, Australia, India, Germany, France, USA, Canada, and more. Some who live in Bali, some who live part-time in Bali, and some who were just in Bali for vacation!
More costumes and party-ers:

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!

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!