CYCA and swatching my way to a better me!

I have been a bad blogger lately, but I have a good excuse, I have been busy finishing my swatches for the Craft Yarn Councils Hand Knitting Instructors Program.  

My swatches are finally done and blocked.  I really took my time doing these swatches because I saw it as an opportunity, as with most things I make, to become better at my craft.  Although I am happy with my creations, there is always room for improvement.   I am a big fan of multitasking, so while making these swatches I experimented a lot with my knitting style in order to perfect those little things that I don't like about my knitting.  When making projects, I have learned how to hide or compensate for these little imperfections, such as hiding loose end stitches in my seams, using selvage edges, or making stitches more even by knitting in the round.  I feel like I have made some great progress upon completion of my swatches, but I am hoping that the Master Knitter that reviews my swatches will give me some pointers and useful feedback.  I have never had a more experienced Knitter critique my work before and I have to admit I am a little nervous, but excited for some direction.
The next things on my to-do list are writing my lesson plan for a beginner class and then actually teaching.   I have come up with a project, now I just need to write my plan.  Having never taught before, I am hoping to find some friends that would be kind enough to let me practice teaching them.  The program requires 15 hours of documented teaching time in order to receive your certificate.  I think my biggest obstacle when it comes to teaching will be keeping it fun and interesting.  I am passionate about knitting and all things yarn related and could probably go on and on about it, but I don't want to bore my students.  My hope is that my excitement about my beloved craft will be contagious and inspiring.