Almost Done, Almost Christmas

Hello!
Today I have two exciting things to share with all of you!  First of all, I got a new lens for my birthday last tuesday!  It has a zoom feature and is a 200 mm lens where as my previous lens was not capable of zooming in AT ALL.  It was a super awesome present that I know I will be enjoying for a very long time!

Second of all, I am almost done with my dad's Windschief hat!  I know, I know.  I've been working on the project for an extremely  l o n g  time, and it should have been finished months ago, but it's been quite boring project that I've had a few issues with. :P  All I need to do is find my tapestry needle (which always seems to be missing) and then I can weave in the ends and get that project off the needles!  I'm not going to show you a picture until after Christmas, when I can get my dad to model it!:)

I haven't been knitting a lot lately, but I have been doing a good amount of photography and other crafty stuff!  Here's a collection of photos from this week!

Ok, so this was really fun!  I had my brother jump onto our guest room bed and caught some cool pictures!  We both had a lot of fun doing this activity, and it was fun to see the photos we got!

He looks like he's levitating or something, haha.

And I have been wandering around my neighborhood, taking photos of plants and stuff!  But I always do that, so I hope a young girl carrying around a big camera doesn't seem to suspicious anymore. :)

Surprisingly enough, this photo actually doesn't have a black and white filter on it!  This is what the Oregon weather was like a couple days ago.  The gloomy fog created a mysterious affect that I really enjoy.

This photo does have a black and white filter on it, and I think it looks so cool!  These drops were a bit high in the branches, and thanks to my new lens, I now can capture photos of things that aren't right in front of me! :D

I tried making bows the other day and this is one I made out of an old t shirt!  There was no sewing required, just a good old hot glue gun. :)  I think these work great for hair and gift toppers for christmas!

I also made this cute little necklace charm from a tiny cork jar and glitter.  It was so easy to make and tons of fun!  I've been loving quick and easy DIY (do it yourself) projects lately.

Hope you all have a merry Christmas and/or happy holidays!

Emily

FO: Seed Stitch Cowl

It's been a long time since my last FO post, but today I have a project off the needles to share with you today.  I recently finished the Seed Stitch Cowl I was working on for a long time... it took much longer then I would've hoped, but here are the finished photos!

I chose to knit a cowl because I think cowls are the perfect winter gift.  They keep your neck toasty warm and can be pulled up over your nose to keep your face cozy in the chilly air.

I think this cowl will be a present for my younger cousin.  It's a small sized cowl, and will fit her perfectly because it's a little too small for me.

I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted because it is fluffy and warm, and the color is so pretty!  I love the purplish grey color.

Emily

And just for a little extra fun, here's a picture of my hair today.   I did a "Pancake Lace Dutch Braid", and I've been wearing this a lot during the fall and winter.  I know this more of a crafty blog but why not throw this in, too? :D

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Hello!
Wow!  I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted!  It's so easy to get wrapped up in the holiday fun and forget to knit and post, but I'm here to share some photos with you today.  Boy, have I missed blogging! :)

Raindrops on a car window...

At the beach in Spring Lake, New Jersey: (from left to right: my brother, cousin, and I)

Warm and cozy Christmas lights...

My favorite ornaments are the sparkly ones...

And the classic sphere ones... this one has my first initial on it...

And the ornaments with heart felt sayings...

These penguins are probably our cutest Christmas decorations...

 Apple cider is my favorite drink during Fall and Winter...

Here's an artsy photo to end this post!

Happy Holidays!

Emily

P.S. Look forward to an FO post coming soon! :D

Knitting Again

Hello,

It's been a while since my last post, and I'm glad to be back and blogging again.  Today I have some WIP pictures today.

I am now working on a moss stitch cowl as a Christmas present.  The yarn I'm using is called Malabrigo Merino Worsted.  It is seriously the softest thing ever.

I took a long break from knitting, so its really nice to get the needles in my hands.  I think that by taking breaks, it allows me to enjoy knitting more.

What helps you to stay on track with your knitting and keep your interest?

Emily

Giveaway Winner!

Hello Everyone!
It's time to announce the winner of last month's giveaway.  I randomly selected a winner...

Congratulations Mobyknit!

I'll be sending you a private message shortly so I can collect your shipping address!

For those of you who entered but didn't win, don't be sad... there's always next time. :)

Emily

Oh Autumn...

Hello!

I'm afraid I don't have much knitting news to share with you right now, but I do have some lovely autumn photos I took!  Enjoy...

Also, if you don't/do like these kinds of photography posts, let me know!  

Emily

WIP: Windschief

Hello!
It's been a busy week as always, but I fortunately have found some knitting time over the past week.  If you remember from my last post, I am trying hard to finish all of my Christmas gifts for family and friends early so that the weeks leading up to Christmas aren't extremely chaotic.  So far, I am doing pretty well. :)

My dad has been patiently waiting for his Windschief hat.  It's been a long time since I've knitted him a hat, and the plain stockinette one is beginning to look a little bit, well... old.  This time, we decided that his hat needs a bit more interest, so I settled on making him a Windschief.

I think it looks very nice so far, and I'm looking forward to giving this to my dad on Christmas morning, even though he'll probably want to wear it earlier, I think I'll hold onto it for a while longer.  ;)

Emily

Christmas Knitting + FO

Hello Everyone!
I recently finished my first Christmas Present of the year - a Honey Cowl for my 16 year old cousin.  I know it's a bit early to be thinking about knitting presents for the holidays, but, since I failed to complete all of the Christmas gifts on time last year, I am very determined to not let history repeat itself!

I used Madelinetosh DK for this project, and I only have a few yards left.  It was a pleasure to work with, the plies never split, and the colors are just to pretty to be true.  It seems like all Madelinetosh yarns come in beautiful color ways... I guess that's why I've been knitting with it so much :)  I'll be doing a full review on this yarn soon.

You may remember when I knit a Honey Cowl for my mom, but I used a magenta double held fingering weight yarn instead.  Well, this time I actually used the yarn the pattern called for, and I like the result much more.

I'm so happy to already have my first Christmas gift off the needles!  Are any of you busy Christmas knitting? When do you usually start knitting for the holidays?  What are your tips for getting those presents done on time?  Let me know! :-)


Have a great day!

Emily

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! :)

Trial and Error

Hello Everyone!
Lately, I finished a design of my own and let's just say it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it to.  It's a hat, and it's supposed to be slouchy, baggy, and really warm and cozy.  However, while I was knitting it, I realized that I didn't have much yarn left so I had to start decreasing a bit earlier then I had planned... here is the result.

I'm not exactly happy with the final product.  I mean it's not eye-shattering hideous (at least I don't think so), but this hat is definitely not the comfy, roomy slouch that I was hoping to create.  It got really clinched up at the crown because I had to stop short due to not having enough yarn, and it looks like a contorted beret with an unreasonably thick brim.  When my mom was modeling the hat it kept on slipping off because it wasn't long enough, that was a big issue. ;(

However, other than that, I really like how the hat turned out!  I used a combination of the seed stitch and owl cables to create a super cute look.  It's interesting how the seed stitch looks like little dew drops, dappling the surface of the knitting. Of course, I'm going to reknit this project, making sure to have enough yarn, and hopefully improve the design.  Be on the look out for the pattern release in the next few months...

I learned a lot from just knitting this one project:
1. Make sure to have enough yarn for the project - get the extra skein if you need it!
2. See what worked and what didn't work - it's a trial and error process.
3. Designing isn't easy, and it's hard to see your work not turn out as planned, but you need to keep trying!
4. Ending a slouchy hat early makes a wonky looking beret. ;)

Have you ever tried designing/knitting something and not having it turn out as planned?  If so, did you give up on the project, or start over and try again?  I'd love to hear your knitting experiences and the things you learned from them! :)

Until Next Time,
Emily

October YARNful Giveaway!

Hello Everyone!
It's time for the Yarnful October Giveaway!  I really hope you like this one, the yarn is just too gorgeous.

Prize: one skein of Madelinetosh Merino Light  in the colorway Margeaux

RULES (aka important stuff):

1. Write a comment on this post to get one entry.
2.  Follow my blog to get an extra entry!  Make sure to tell me if you do in your comment. :-)
3. If you live on Earth, you are allowed to enter.  Sorry knitting aliens, you'll have to sit this one out. ;-)
4. The giveaway is active until October 30th - the day before Halloween.
5. I'll be announcing the winner either on the 30th or 1-2 days after.
6. Rude/inappropriate comments will be removed and not counted.
7. One comment per person, no spammin'!
8. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win!
9. Have fun, cross your fingers, and if you don't win, try again next time!

Make sure to follow my blog for more giveaways, knitting posts, photography and reviews.  I do giveaways usually once a month, featuring many different yarns!

Good luck, and "may the odds be ever in your favor"!

Emily

The Liebster Award

Hello Everyone!

A couple days ago I received a super awesome comment from Knitiot of A Knitiot Abroad!  She so kindly awarded me the Liebster Award!  This is my first blogging award and I am very excited to have received it. :)

As part of the Liebster Award, I get to answer some questions set by Knitiot.  Here are the questions and answers.  I had a ton of fun answering! :)

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING?

  At first, my reason for blogging was because my friend had created one, and I had been really inspired by her.  I immediately put together a blog of my own at the beginning of  7th grade and went from there.  It wasn't really planned, and before that I hadn't even thought about starting my own website.   My blog began approximately a year ago, so I'm fairly new to the blogging world.  

HOW DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT?

My friend taught me to knit when I was only 10 years old.  I got a pair of bamboo knitting needles and some craft store yarn for my birthday, and I knit my first cowl.  I can remember how frustrating it was, always dropping stitches and ending up with one stitch less every row.  So, I signed up for a knitting class at my LYS and learned so many essential knitting skills like purling, picking up dropped stitches, and casting off.  After that, I began to teach myself from youtube and knitting books!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YARN? 

I am seriously in love with Madelinetosh yarns and Malabrigo.  Both are great quality yarns and are so unbelievably soft!  I remember how I used to adore Caron Simply Soft and Red Heart, those plastic-y, unnatural, acrylic yarns that I never knit with today.  While I know acrylic yarn has it's place, it's definitely not on the top of my list.  It's really amazing how my yarn preferences have changed over the past year.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST(OR WORST) FO?

So far, I think my best FO is my Owls Sweater.  It was definitely the hardest and longest project I've ever made, and I'm really proud of how it turned out!  I was super perfectionist during the process of knitting this sweater, and I think it payed off!   It was really satisfying to have my first sweater turn out beautiful.

WHERE IS THE STRANGEST PLACE YOU'VE EVER KNIT?

I haven't really knit in a ton of "strange" places, since I usually don't like to knit in public.  However, one time I did bring my knitting on the school bus with me, but I felt really awkward so I haven't done that in a really long time!  

WHAT SKILL WILL YOU LEARN NEXT?

I really want to learn color work knitting - intarsia and fair isle!  While pattern surfing on Ravelry, I can't help but admire all the gorgeous color work patterns available.  I haven't tried this skill yet, and I think it would be fun.  But other than that, I want to learn as many knitting skills as I can, increasing my knowledge of the craft. :)

Now to pass on the award to some amazing bloggers!

Jenn of Knitwise, Purlwise!

Jordyn of Only Living for Today

Jenn of Ludicraft

Vicki from Of Yarny Notions

Here are my questions for all of you! :)

1. What do you like about knitting?  Do you like more for the process of creating something or the finished item?

2. How big is your yarn stash? honesty please! ;)

3. Why do you blog? How did your blog get started?

4. Do you knit and crochet?  Or just one or the other?

5. Describe your perfect crafting setting.  Be very descriptive!

6. What is your absolute favorite thing to knit?

Make sure to pass on the award to a handful of your favorite bloggers.  Spread the Liebster Award love!

Emily

Review: Madelinetosh Prairie

Today I am going to be doing my first product (yarn) review on Madelinetosh .  You can view their beautiful fiber products at http://www.madelinetosh.com/

This yarn is very different from any I've seen.  It's a lace-weight, single-ply merino wool yarn.

The structure of the yarn is very simple, since it is only made up of one ply.  For the most part, Prairie has a fairly consistent thickness, but like other single ply yarns, it does have it's imperfections.  While I was using this product, I noticed that the slightly varied thickness of the yarn actually made the knitted fabric look really pretty.  The only downfall I can see with the single ply structure, is that the yarn pills and creates a fuzzy texture.

Madelinetosh Prairie is a very soft yarn.  Like I mentioned earlier, it's a merino wool, so there is no question on where Prairie's cozy, soft, and warm feel comes from. :)

My absolute favorite thing about this yarn is the colors.  the colorway is called"Mare"and I have to say, the color combination is so unique and gorgeous!  The deep blues and hints of brown look beautiful together.  If you have time, I would take a look at Madelinetosh's other color ways, they are all so stunning and vivid!

You get a good amount of yarn for the price.  Each $20-24 skein contains 840 yards - that's enough for a large lace shawl or even a small sized lace cardigan!  I only used half of my skein to knit a Citron Shawl.

Overall, this yarn is a great choice for lace projects!  I hope you enjoyed this review, and if you have time, please check out the Madelinetosh webiste!

Emily

Sneak Peak!

Here's a SNEAK PEAK of a design that'll be available soon in my pattern shop!  What do you think?  I know my pictures don't completely reveal the design but I think a good mystery is fun once and a while.  Have fun guessing and don't forget to leave a comment with your opinion!

Some Important Information

Hello Everyone!
I wanted to pop in and do a quick post with some important information. 

1.  I have deleted my old Ravelry account and have started a new Ravelry account: I've changed the side bar link to my ravelry page to take you to my new page.  I also moved all of my patterns over to that account, so if you want to download my designs, they are still on ravelry! :)  My new username is: AYarnfulLife .  If you read this blog, please friend me or say hi!  I'd love to hear from you!

2.  For a while now, I have been debating whether or not to make my Forbidden Forest Cowl free. So, as a special treat, I made the Foridden Forest Cowl available for free download for the rest of 2013!

3.  Stay tuned for a delicious giveaway!

FO: Citron

Hi Everyone!
I know it's been a while since I've blogged here,  but I am so excited to be back - writing, knitting, snapping photos with my camera.  Now, I am so happy to be able to say that I have finished my Citron Shawl!

I cast on for this shawl at the end of summer, so it took me a long time to finish.  However, this Citron Shawl is actually deceptively a large project.  The stitch count goes all the way up to 540!  The first rows were fun and easy, while the last rows where long and agonizing.  None the less, it was a good pattern with a fabulous result.

The yarn I used is called Madelinetosh Prairie.  It's a single-ply lace, weight yarn and is luxuriously soft and light.  I love the colors - the rich blues and hints of brown really complement each other.  I'll be doing a full review on this yarn in the future, so stay tuned for that! ;)

The pattern is written by Hillary Smith Callis.  I love how thorough the instructions are and I think it is very well written.

Have a great day!

The Final Ruffle

Hi!
I've been working on my Citron a ton lately and I am finally ready to work the last ruffle in the pattern! Hooray!  Sadly, I did not reach my personal deadline, which was before school starts.  Clearly I am not a 'person of deadlines' because I usually never meet my knitting deadlines.  Anyways, I am almost done, and I'm hoping to finish my Citron this weekend.  For now I would like to show you some of my progress pictures!

There are 5 ruffles in the pattern total.  4 of them or finished, and there's only one more left.  When I finished the 4th ruffle I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.  I'm sure all of you have felt like that before, especially when you reach a certain milestone in your knitting project.  Since this shawl has so many stitches, one ruffle is a pretty big milestone, I think. ;)

As you can see, the shawl is pretty large now.  When I first saw the pattern I thought it would turn out too small and that I would have to add a few pattern repeats to make it the size that I desired.  But by the looks of it, after the 5th ruffle my Citron shawlette will be the perfect size!

Well, I should probably get back to knitting!  Stay tuned for the FO post!