Ripped yarn looks like Ramen Noodles
So two months later with nothing to show...except a slew of failed projects! I have been diligently knitting hoping to finally finish something that is blog worthy. I wanted to finish something, anything, to prove to the world...yes I AM a knitter, not just a knitter wanna-a-be!!! However, that day has not come yet and I have three more failed attempts to show instead. Oh well. Things always go wrong in my knitting and the teeny mistakes such as a knit stitch that somehow became purl, that mysterious extra 'M1', or that tiny 'yo' that disappeared...bug the living crap out of me. This is why I never finish a project. How can I let that twisted stitch GLARE at me the rest of the time I knit, when I know I can just RIP it out and start all over. ::sighs:: I have amazing casting on technique...
FAIL #1: Raul's First Knitted Gift 
They look lovely don't they. I was super excited to get this project going. I spent so much time researching what would be the best pattern to showcase this yarn variegation, without resorting to boring plain knitted socks. I finally decided on the Twisted Tweed Socks pattern, recommended by fellow ravelry knitters. The pattern is written in both toe-up and top-down fashion, jackpot! So I casted on for toe-up and merrily knitted away! I knit really tense, which I guess, one could say, reflects my personality. These were fast because of all the slipped stitches and I was so proud of these awesomely different looking socks. You see, my boyfriend is amazing because he said I could knit whatever I wanted and that he would like them. Awesome. I was only knitting them when he wasn't around, so they would be a surprise, which was also exciting to me! When I got to the heel, I hesitated because it was different than the Wendy Johnson slipped stitch heel I've accustomed myself to in the past. I got it done with no mistakes! Yay! So I began excitedly knitting up the leg, almost up to the ribbing edge. I hadn't tried the sock on since I began the heel, so after a while I thought it'd be a good idea if I did.
O-M-GEE. I could BARELY get the darn thing on everything was sooo tight! You see, I'm a size US Women's 6.5 and he's a US Men's 9...so clearly his feet are larger than mine and if I couldn't get it on... I almost bursted into tears. I was so caught up in the excitement of handing him his first hand-knitted with love socks...and they don't even fit!! The purpose of hand knits are so they fit perfectly! I ripped them off the tiny size US1 needles and RIPPED them apart, until I realized I had to take a picture. ::sighs:: Don't worry, I found a different yarn and different pattern, and I'm more in love with the new combination, so no hard feelings "first knitted project". I'll probably come back to you with larger needles and a more tranquil mind. NEXT.
FAIL #2: Solid Green Cosette Wrap 
Beautiful Malabrigo Yarn and a beautiful wrap by nevernotknitting. I decided to knit Alana's Cosette Wrap. I had a sweater's worth of this smooshy green mal and thought, why not! It would be sooo cozy to use and snuggle up with. The verdit...the more I knit with it, the more I keep thinking...little green riding hood. ::sighs:: It's TOO green, I would never wear it! I will find something with more stuble variegation or something more neutral maybe for this pattern next time. This apple green Malabrigo would still be an awesome sweater...so it will be frogged and saved until then. Last one...
FAIL #3: Emilee's French Press Slippers (attempt ONE) 
This was knit with one skein of Cascade 220 and my first felting attempt. Again the problem...knitted too tightly. I think I need to learn to swatch. Bleh. They fit, but are a bit snug. Plus, I made a horrible mistake while seaming. I was careless and on one of the shoes I seamed up the opening! So I had to take out the seam once I realized what I did, and apparently I didn't take out the seam enough...because the left show in the back...has way too much heel. :( It doesn't even fit. Other than that- lovely pattern and I am going to successfully knit them the next time! Maybe some light grey ones would be cute!
On the Needles: Raul's First Red Socks <3 
Okay- finally to the happy stuff. So I needed a fresh start, a new beginning. I asked my boyfriend some of the colors he'd like and he said red! This BEAUTIFUL skein of Wollmeise 100% Merino Superwash screamed at me! He has been trying them on while I go (I learned from the last pair of failed socks) and he likes them! (Or at least he is a wonderful boyfriend who is really good at faking excited over a knitted gift). I'm at the heel, and it'll be only up the leg from here! I just love Wendy Johnson's Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns. I can't rave enough about it! This pattern is awesome. I'm loving the mock cables, even if some of them are twisting the wrong way at time...he'll never notice...
Soon to be on the needles: Buzzzy Bee Quilt Oh my goodness has the the beekeeper's quilt been just talked and talked about on the Ravelry Forums! Geesh! Have you seen the video of the designer talk about her new pattern? Click here, if you have time...you should watch it!
Isn't she freakin adorable! It made me want to start the pattern all the more! Have you started it? They are little hexagons made with sock yarn scraps that are filled up with polyfill to make little honeycomb puffs! I'll probably take me a lifetime...but I'm totally going to attempt this! Wouldn't it make a wonderful statement piece! Okay, I'm going to go back and knit my smooshy socks! I hope to post more often...which means finishing more projects! Mwah!
FO: Grandma’s Socks
I finally did it! I finished the socks. It kind of had to, since Grandma came to visit this morning. I was knitting like a mad woman last night! Then since it has been so hot at night, they blocked on my sock blockers overnight really well.
FO: Grandma's Socks
Pattern: Wendy D. Johnson's Slip Stitch Heel Basic Socks from her book Socks from the Toe Up
Needles: 32" circular size US 1
Method: Magic loop two at a time
If you can see in the picture, my heel is puckered... 
I am going to investigate how to fix this for my next project.
Currently working on: Raul's Socks
You don't understand how excited I am to be able to finally start knitting these up! I just love the yarn. It's my first time working with such a variegated colorway. I'm a bit nervous about experiencing unflattering color changes, pooling, unwanted striping, or completely different looking pairs...but excited all the same to see how the colors unravel! I just keep knitting "one more row" to see how the colors will lay. I'm not going to uncover what pattern I'm knitting, just in case he happens to be bored enough to read my blog. ;)
I noticed I'm a mongamous knitter. I've also noticed I've finished three pairs of socks...all gifted for other people. I need to find a pattern just for me. Maybe Alana Dakos Cedar Leaf Shawlette?
I'll have to think about something. I really do love all of Alana's (from nevernotknitting) patterns. Plus she is goreous and models her designs so well!
From the Shop:
New Project Bags! I just LOVE them! We design things to our advantage. I'd been dying for a cute project bag with pockets inside, but I didn't want a zipper because my sock yarn would always get stuck in the zipper. Click here to check them out. :)
Well! Back to knitting Raul's socks. Til next time. ;)
Love and squishy yarns,
The Never-Ending Socks
I swear, I have been knitting these socks...forever. My grandma asked for plain knitted socks. This means no patterns, no lace, no cables...just plain. ::sighs:: I've been using Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson
My boyfriend and I went to visit Monterey, CA to test out our cameras. We are both aspiring photographers (Zamora Wong Photography), and it's really fun to be a photography couple. :) Always being striving to capture the moments. Here are some of my shots that I took just for fun.
Raul took the picture of me by the ocean. I really love it. :) You can see how the sight of the ocean just makes one instantly relax. The birdy on the bottom was such a trooper! He was not scared what-so-ever about people surrounding him and I was able to get super close. I think he was a bit snoody though with me, since I took pictures of him without giving him any snack to eat. No worries, the little girl on the left was throwing him pink colored popcorn. (Which sounds absolutely awful to me...pink popcorn...really?) XP
So while in Monterey I happen to stumble upon a yarn store...and I happen to drag my poor boyfriend in there with me. You see, I NEEDED something in the yarn store. Really! Well, not really... haha. But I bought a new skein FOR my boyfriend. When I am finished with my never-ending-socks, I shall knit with this beautiful Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi in the colorway Shenanigans, which is the coolest name ever! I won't let myself start knitting the awesome pattern I have in store for it, until I finish my grandma's socks...but that didn't stop me from already winding up to balls identical in weight! It's it lovely?
Well, I'm off! I trying to take picture of all my stash and categorize them on Ravelry! It's a daunting task, but I think it will be better in the long run. Plus, I just LOVE taking pictures of yarn!
Peace, Love, and Happy Stash Organizing!
Where has the time gone?
Um- Why hello there! Geesh. Talk about neglecting a blog! I don't even want to try and calculate how long it has been since my last post... ::sad face:: Well, I'm back...AGAIN. Hopefully this time it will stick. I finally graduated graduate school and like most college graduates, moved back in with my parents. It's been a bit difficult to get use to the loss of independence, but I am very grateful to have my family as a backbone to keep me stable. :)
So this post is not going to be too long. Just a little nibble, to prove that I'm still alive and kicking! This blog will continue to be dedicated to my knitting (or really lack of time for knitting), me and my mom's business (that I've now began to work on full time!), and all the other little bits and pieces of my life in a nutshell.
Since it's pretty late, I'll just leave you will a little sale that is happing in me and my mom's shop, Mother and Daughter Knits.
Peace, Love, and Butterflies! Until next time...
Stash Enhancement
It has again been a while! ::sighs:: I had a post ready almost right after I had posted the last one, but I didn't want to seem too blog eager and bombard the web with yet another Emilee knitted blog post within the same week. Then life caught up with me and decided to bulldoze me over with flute camp and college. So here we are, an entire month later. I hope to get a hang of this. From now on- as soon a I feel like posting, I shall post. :)
So here are some pictures of some new additions to my stash collection! The Stockton, California yarn shop Knit Witz was retiring and they held a great sale of 30-50% off yarn! Needless to say- my mom and I decided to indulge in a little yarn collecting. Here is what I purchased for myself. (Mind you, this yarn stash is a reflection of two greedy trips to this yarn store within a 3 week span.)
Lets start slow...
This is Cascade Yarns Cash Vero and I purchased just two skeins. Now recently I have become a bit of a yarn snob. Sticking my nose up at anything acrylic. Sometimes I have refused to even touch the stuff- making myself believe I am allergic. But of course, I am in fact not allergic. This yarn was just so soft to the touch- and I just love grey. I think it would make a wonderful hat. Plus at 50% off the original price, why the heck not?
Now this is when I lost it a bit...with sweater quantities...
So as you can see, I purchased 8 skeins of Cascade Yarns 220 Wool. I couldn't help it! 50% off of $7.60, are you kidding me!?! I was already working with some on my minimalist cardigan (which by the way has since been given up on and soon to be frogged), so I knew I loved working with the yarn. Knitters know how much hand knitted sweaters can cost. If this pile ever magically transforms into a sweater- (and assuming it would take all the skeins) it would have only cost me $30.40 (not including the hours, months, and in my case, most likely years it would take to knit it). Great deal huh?
It gets worse....
These are my luscious 5 skeins of Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted. As soon as I found out about the sale, the first thing I did when I walked into the shop was- Do you have any Malabrigo!?! I bought the last 5 skeins that were left in that shop at 35% off. I was even luckier that they were all the same colorway: Saphire Green! Since my first skein of Mal, I have dreamed of wrapping myself in a soft, smooshy sweater of it. My dreams may be able to come true!
The motherload that broke the bank...
Aren't they a beauty? These are a picture of my 9 (yes...9) skeins of Mirasol Yarn Nuna. It's made of 40% silk, 40% wool, and 40% bamboo. These are my three favorite fibers...and the color is gorgeous! It was $11.50 a skein and 50% off!!! It so soft against the skin with a beautiful sheen from the silk blend. I would have never been able to have this much yarn in such a yarn snobby fiber blend if it wasn't for the discount! As you can see- it was a bit difficult for me to capture the true beauty of the colors. The first picture is a better depiction of its color, while the second picture is used to show my insane collection of it. I have no clue at this point what pattern will be worthy for its hand in marriage. We shall see.
So this was my first little- yarn buying frenzy, and unfortunately it will not be my last. I have finished a couple little knitted projects here and there. One is a sock present, so I don't want to put pictures up until I ship it out the Saturday! As I stated earlier- bye bye minimalist cardigan ...hello divorced skeins of Cascade 220. Once I bind off these gift socks, I will be in search of new patterns. No more monogamous knitting for me- it's time to bring out the big guns and cast on several projects to enjoy at one. Until next time readers.... ::smiles big and smooshes her stash against her face:: <3
I’m back!
Okay okay- so it's been a while since my last post. About seven months...or 212 days to be exact. A lot has changed since that last post...but the most important thing that has happened is that I completed my first pair of socks!! Look look! I have proof!
Completed: Diamond Gansey Socks
Pattern: Diamond Gansey Socks by Wendy D. Johnson
Needle: US 1 - 2.25 mm
Method: Magic Loop, Two at a Time
These took me the past nine months to complete! It was not because the pattern was difficult (it was a joy to knit!), but my schedule was just so hectic. My Aunt requested green socks, and though it has almost been a year later, they are finally finished! Thank goodness she is patient! Unfortunately, since there was such a huge time lapse, I do not remember much about the yarn I used! I know that I acquired it through a trade from Ravelry.
I used the Magic Loop Sock Knitting Method, Two at a Time. I am in love with this method of knitting socks! At one point years ago when I was seven, my grandmother tried teaching me how to knit socks with DPNs. I remember being so frustrated, accidently dropping needles, stabbing myself, and dropping stitches right and left. She was the most understanding and patient grandmother ever, and she must have been optimistic to attempt to teach a seven year old sock knitting! Years later, I still encountered the same frustrations with DPNs. I also can not imagine knitting one sock at a time! I think if I was to knit socks this way- I would have a drawer full of single socks because I would be too unmotivated to knit the same pattern all over again. I love that when I was done knitting this pattern- both pairs were finished!
I am still a lazy knitter and did not knit a swatch. So the socks are a bit bigger than I hoped. I wear size women's US 6.5 shoes and my Aunt wears only a size US 5! So...she will be receiving semi-slouchy socks. I think I need to knit with size US 0 needles, but since I can afford another pair of circular needles at the moment, I'll just have to knit for larger feet. So my "someone special" will be receiving some socks in the very near future!
I found these great sock blockers in a LYS a couple of weeks ago. It was exciting to use them! They are Bryspun, Stainless Steel Sock Blockers, size Small. They were $16.50, but I thought it was a good investment, because I plan to always have a pair of socks on my needles. I use to be a knitter that would look at knitted sock patterns and go ::scoffs:: "Who would wear knitted socks when you could buy them in bulk quantities at Target in several different colors! Where is the practicality in that!" But then I realized, as a knitter, the things we knit are not technically practical. We knit hats and sweaters that are three, four, five-times more than something we could have bought in a store. We slave over the stitches and needles for hours on end, and stare at our imperfections and uneven stitches. Then, (well more in my case), we never finish the project or never even wear it in public. ::sigh::
However, after finishing these socks and trying them on...I'm in love. They are so comfy- and they don't even fit properly! Warm, toasty, and just such a joy to knit. I think the enjoyment of knitting socks, and having toasty warm toes or giving the gift of comfort- is totally worth it. So I already started another pair of Gansey Socks from Wendy D. Johnson's Book, Socks from the Toe-Up! <3
On The Needles: Minimalist Cardigan
My Minimalist Cardigan is on it's way to being complete! As of now I have finished the back, one front side panel, and I am 1/3 through the other front side. I knitted most of the back discreetly during Music History lectures. I really need to get over the dread of knitting a gauge. At this point, I have no clue if it will really fit...at all. But I will finish this project, seam it up, and take awful pictures of a deformed first knitted sweater! I'm contemplating if I will want to FROG it all and then knit it again once I know if this size will fit or not. We shall see if I am that CRAZY. This has been a wonderful car, on the go, and mindless knit. I'm an expert on the moss stitch now!
Well, I believe this is a good "starting back up post" for now. I will be posting another soon, to document the extravagant stash buying frenzy I went through just a couple of days ago. I am ashamed at my lack of self control when it comes to buying yarn at discounted bargains...but I suppose that comes with a knitter's territory. ;)
Thanks for reading this, may your day be toasty and filled with love, as a pair of hand-knit socks.
Love Always,
~ Emilee
I am a Knitter.
It is time. It is time to face the facts! I am a knitter, with no proof! No finished projects, no sweaters, no hats, mittens, socks, NOTHING! So I have decided with the New Year, it is time to really embrace my love for fiber and smooshy things. I will have knitted items by the end of 2010! I have decided to embrace a challenge set by “Chitty Chatty Swap Swappers” from Ravelry. I promise to have 12 finished objects in 12 months. I’ve decided to open up my blog again so I can document and prove to the world, I am indeed a knitter!
Look at what I have started so far!
A Voltaire scarf by Ingrid King for my boyfriend with yummy Cascade Yarns Eco Alpaca in a manly grey. This yarn is to die for! It is a mighty steep investment for me, since I bought two skeins for around $15.00/skein, but if you met my boyfriend, you would know he was worth it. 
Here is my progress and so far, so good.
Since a knitter cannot just knit one project at a time. I am also starting my first lace shawl, or lace project in general. I am going to attempt to knit the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark. I will be using a skein of Dream in Color Smooshy in the colorway, Raining Cats and Dogs from a Woolgirl Sock Club. I am still in the mists of winding the skein by hand, since I cannot, for the life of me, find my ball winder!!
One more that I could not resist! The Minimalist Cardigan by Ruthie Nussbaum!! I have been drooling over this pattern for ages now and I finally bought it, and enough yarn to knit with. I’ve decided to use Cascade 220 Heathers, a beautiful light purple. It was affordable because the yarn store “Knit Witz” in Stockton, Ca was having a 30% sale. Can you believe it? A 30% sale!! So I splurged and bought 5 skeins just in case. Oh man, I hope as my first sweater, this will work.
So you know my goals, and I hope you will be sitting next to me as I triumph one stitch at a time! (I know that sounded corny, but I’m in a jolly mood.) tehehe
Okay- I’m off to cast on my first cardigan! Cross your fingers!
<3 Emilee
