New Monthly Series - "What's in My Yarn Bag?" with Elycia!

When I was little and my grandmother came over to visit, I would immediately grab her purse so I could look through all of the different pockets and pouches. It was like I was on some sort of treasure hunt, searching for mints, her pink lipstick, and a purple agenda filled with her pretty cursive handwriting. I guess that's why I like "What's in My Bag?" posts today! It's like getting a small glimpse of someone's unique personality, all laid out in front of you. That's why I wanted to start this new, monthly series called "What's in My Yarn Bag?" featuring fellow yarn-loving bloggers and the different things they like to tote around with their projects. 

Just one look at her blog and you will see why this first yarn bag says "Elycia" all over. Hello cats, cameras, and color! :) 

What do you typically keep in your yarn bag? 

The essentials for my yarn bag depend on what I'm working on but I always try to keep some little mini scissors (we called them "snip-its" in highschool), a yarn needle, a measuring tape if what I am working on needs to be a certain length, and of course all of the needles and patterns I need for the projects I am currently working on.

Are you working on any fun projects at the moment? We want to see! 

Why yes I am! Back at the beginning of the year I decided it would be a good idea to start making a granny square blanket for our king sized bed. It is going to take me forever so it is a background project that I work on when I am not making something else. The other thing I am working on right now is a cat scarf. That's the white thing that doesn't look like anything in the photo. It is going to be so cute!

Do you like to carry your yarn bag with you and work on your knit/crochet projects in public?

Yes I do! I don't like to start projects in public unless I am going somewhere for a long period of time because I don't like to rush at the beginning and I need to be able to concentrate. If it is something very repetitive that I have already started then I love to bring it with me and sneak in a few stitches whenever I can.

What is your favorite part about yarn crafting? 

I like that yarn crafting is so portable. I love sewing but when you are sewing with a machine you are kind of tied down. I love that you can take yarn crafts on car rides and to family visits and be able to enjoy people's company while making something. 

Thank you so much for sharing Elycia! I can't wait to see the progress on your blanket. 

What do you typically carry in your yarn bag? 

Weekend Baking - Cinnamon Apple Scones

I officially have a new favorite scone recipe. The second I saw these cinnamon apple scones on Pinterest I knew I had to give it a try. Actually, I say that about a lot of recipes I see on Pinterest, so it's nice when I actually make one! Haha. It has two of my favorite fall flavors combined in a delicious triangular bite. The fresh apple pieces made it taste like a tiny piece of apple pie! Seriously. These are so good. They tasted the best straight out of the oven with a hot tea.

I was a little nervous baking these because the dough was extremely wet making it difficult to work with on the baking sheet. I separated them into the little triangle wedges, but apparently not far enough apart, because they ended up baking together into a big, round, super-scone. Oops. I just sliced the giant scone into pretty wedges and no one knew the difference. ;)

Weekend baking in the fall doesn't get any better. I think I need to bake another batch of my favorite pumpkin cookies for Halloween this week too. Have you tried any new recipes lately?

P.S. - My mom embroidered that tea towel. Isn't she awesome?

The Blush List - All Bundled Up

Knitting // Isn't this sheep made by Mary Kilvert adorable? I am quite jealous of her awesome heart sweater. 

Knitting #2 // The beautiful combination of shapes and colors in the knitwear from Seven Gauge Studios is so inspiring. 

Etsy // These bamboo owl brooches from Tiger & Hare are so stylish with their berets and umbrellas. 

Style // Ashley's gorgeous gold coat looks warm and cheerful! 

Art // I love this illustration by Kelli Murray. Her little details are beautiful. 

Food // This apple and brie grilled cheese sandwich recipe from How Sweet It Is has been calling my name for days.

What a perfect weekend for bundling up and going outside! Yesterday I had a great time wandering around Bishop Arts District and checking out some of the new shops.  It was so nice to go out and enjoy a cold, sunny day. I am always thankful for days like that. I also had fun staying cozy inside by carving pumpkins, making soup, baking scones, and watching a few of my favorite Hitchcock movies (Notorious and North by Northwest). I hope your weekend was just as enjoyable! Did you go to any fun fall festivals or halloween parties?


Also, congratulations Marisa! You are the winner of the Stitch22 giveaway this week! I will email you with the details soon. Thank you for entering the giveaway!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Weekend Plans 10/26 - 10/28

Happy Friday! When I saw today's chilly forecast on Monday morning I knew the possibility of 50 degree temperatures would get me through the week. It feels so good outside! Once I saw the cold weather predictions I may or may not have set aside a few sweaters to wear this weekend. Ok. I did. Aside from wearing my Gatsby sweater, I'm looking forward to... 

- Baking these cinnamon apple scones for a warm treat. I can smell them already!  

- My Etsy Dallas teammates are getting together tomorrow to discuss different social media tips. I'm excited to see everyone.
- I can't wait to curl up with the latest issue of Mollie Makes and the second issue of Gathered. So much Mollie goodness all in one day!
- Tonight is pumpkin carving night. I've been trying to think of a clever design for my pumpkin but, honestly, the cutting part freaks me out a little. If I get too fancy something is bound to go wrong. Haha. I will probably just stick with a boring, triangle-eyed, Jack-O-Lantern. No, not boring. Old school. ;)

That's about it! Thanks for sending me pictures of your awesome crochet pumpkins yesterday. They look so great. Are you doing any pre-Halloween crafting this weekend? Are you working on a costume? Please share! I'm not dressing up this year so I will just live vicariously through you.

Enjoy your weekend!

Crochet Pumpkin Treat Bowl Pattern

This little pumpkin might not hold enough to keep the Trick-Or-Treaters happy next week, but it is the perfect size for a secret candy stash in the house. I was inspired by a pumpkin bowl made of wicker that I've had forever and dutifully put on display every year. This one is a lot cuter (and softer!) than the original and looks perfect on my shelf. The chocolate treats inside don't hurt either. Since pumpkin decorations are acceptable through Thanksgiving that means my secret candy stash can stay filled for a few weeks after Halloween. 

Finished Size:

About 3 in / 7.6 cm tall and 4.5 in / 11.4 cm wide

Materials:

Size H8/5 mm crochet hook

Size G6/4 mm crochet hook

Orange, brown, and green worsted weight yarn

*This pattern is for personal use only! Do not sell this pattern or reproductions of this pattern for profit.* 

Pumpkin Bowl:
Using the larger crochet hook, ch (chain) 2
Round 1: 6 sc (single crochet) in the second ch from hook. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch for the beginning of the first round. Move the marker up for each new round.
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. 12 stitches.
Round 3: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch. Repeat these steps around. 18 stitches.
Round 4: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches. Repeat. 24 stitches.
Round 5: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 3 stitches. Repeat. 30 stitches.
Round 6: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 4 stitches. Repeat. 36 stitches.
Round 7: Working in the back loops only, sc in each stitch around. 36 stitches.
Round 8: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches. Repeat. 42 stitches.
Round 9: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 6 stitches. Repeat. 48 stitches.
Round 10 - 14: Sc in each stitch around. 48 stitches.
Round 15: Sc2tog (single crochet 2 together), sc in the next 5 stitches. Repeat. 42 stitches.
Round 16: Sc in each stitch around. 42 stitches
Round 17: Sc2tog, sc in the next 4 stitches. Repeat. 36 stitches.
Round 18: Sc2tog, sc in the next 3 stitches. Repeat. 30 stitches.
Bind off.

Lid:

Using the larger crochet hook, ch 2

Round 1: 6 sc in the second ch from hook. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch for the beginning of the first round. Move the marker up for each new round.

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. 12 sc.

Round 3: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch. Repeat these steps around. 18 sc.

Round 4: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches. Repeat. 24 stitches.

Round 5: Work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 3 stitches. Repeat. 30 stitches.

Round 6: Working in the back loops only, work 2 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 4 stitches. Repeat. 36 stitches.

Round 7: Sc in each stitch around. 36 stitches.
Bind off.

Stem:
Using the smaller crochet hook, ch 2

Round 1: 4 sc in the second chain from hook

Sc in each stitch around until the piece is about 1 in / 2.5 cm
Bind off.

Leaf:

Using the smaller crochet hook, follow the crochet leaf pattern I posted here.

Assembly:

Weave in all ends. 

Sew the stem to the center of the lid. Sew the leaf to the side of the stem. Now all you have to do is fill it with treats...or tricks. Your call.

I think this pumpkin would also make a great container for a small, just-beacause-I-know-you-love-fall, gift! I love "just because" gifts and decorations. There is nothing better than making something that brings out a smile and holds yummy candy all at once. ;)

CLOSED - Giveaway // Win an Embroidered Art Piece from Stitch 22

Happy Tuesday! I am excited to share a giveaway from this month's sponsor, Nicole and her shop Stitch22. She is offering one reader a handmade embroidered art piece of their choice from her Etsy shop! Isn't that dapper owl dashing? ;)

This giveaway is open to international readers.

1. Visit Stitch22 on Etsy. Come back here and leave a comment telling me your favorite item in the shop, including your email address in the comment!

2. Tweet about this giveaway! Use the following tweet: "Enter to win an embroidered art piece from Stitch22 on @sheepishknit blog! http://onesheepishgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/giveaway-win-embroidered-art-piece-from.html" Leave a comment with your email address.

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Tumblr. Leave another comment with your email address.

That's it! There are a maximum of three entries for the giveaway! Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway will end on Saturday, October 27. I will announce the winner on Sunday afternoon.

I hope you are having a great day! :)

Sponsor One Sheepish Girl in November!

One sleeve down, one to go! I sped through the first sleeve surprisingly fast so, in typical knitting fashion, the second sleeve is moving at a glacial pace. Let's just say I'm making great time on the cuff. Haha. At the very least the sweater is finally starting to look like a sweater! I hope I finish this thing before spring arrives so I can actually wear it! I think that is a reasonable goal, right?

Speaking of sweater weather, I have my fingers crossed that November will be filled with lots of sweater-wearing days. I am so excited for the holiday season, running my first 5k, and working on all sorts of fun projects in the month ahead. If you would like to sponsor my blog in November please visit my sponsor page here. I have large, medium, and small ad sizes available. Please email me at sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com if you have any questions! Thank you so much for your continued support of this blog.

I hope you are all having a great start to the week! A fun crochet project idea just popped into my head and I'm off to give it a try. Hopefully I can share the tutorial this week too. Wait. I'm supposed to be working on that sweater. This is exactly why I will never finish it! Haha. ;)

The Blush List - Woodland Cabin

Knitting // I love the latest knitting patterns from Tiny Owl Knits, a selection of woodsy, wrist warmers featuring a flock of forest animals. 

Embroidery // These beautiful, embroidered pot holders from Karen Barbé are too pretty to cover with a pot! 

Etsy // The dresses and accessories made by Isabel Knowles are so lovely. I'm especially fond of this foxglove party dress.

Style // This outfit looks so cozy and pulled together all at once. I love the combination of the trousers, the rhinestone collar, and, of course, the sweater. :)

Art // I love the warm colors used in Karolin Schnoor's illustrations. (via The Clothes Horse)

Food // I've made plain gnocchi before, but this sweet potato ricotta gnocchi looks even better! A perfect meal for a cold evening in the woodland cabin of my dreams...

This weekend I am feeling inspired by the beautiful colors, smells, wildlife and general coziness found around a sweet little cabin in the woods. I wish I had my own woodland cabin of escape! I guess I'll just keep dreaming about it from my room in the suburbs...

I hope you had a great weekend! I went out of town for a baby shower and celebrated the tiniest member of our big family. I wish I had seen this adorable baby mitten pattern before the party! I guess I will put them on my always growing "Christmas gifts to make" list. Also, thank you so much for your kind words on Friday's post about Gathered! Your support and encouragement mean everything to me.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! I am looking forward to the creative moments that lie ahead this week. What did you do this weekend?

Writing for Gathered by Mollie Makes!

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited to finally share this news! The new iPad magazine Gathered by Mollie Makes just launched and I am honored to be a contributing writer. I have been working on articles and projects for the last few months and it is so exciting to see one of my articles in the first issue!

Gathered is a weekly iPad magazine that includes craft projects, articles, artist interviews, and videos in a beautiful, digital-only publication. I started reading the first issue yesterday afternoon and I am blown away by how perfectly it works with the iPad. I am honored to be part of this exciting new adventure for the Mollie Makes team.

I will have more articles and fun craft projects in the upcoming issues so keep an eye out! I hope you enjoy the magazine as much as I do. This opportunity is definitely dream come true. :)

I hope you all have a great weekend! I am going to a baby shower and spending time with family. What are you up to? Have you had a chance to take a look at Gathered yet?

Tea & Knitting - How To Make an Earl Grey "London Fog"

I think we can all agree that tea and knitting are the perfect pair, yes? When I'm feeling down I always turn to a cup of tea and a knitting project to lift my spirits. The combination never fails to bring me out of a ho-hum day. My favorite tea drink is definitely the "London Fog". When I first tried one at Starbucks I was hooked by the perfect combination of foamy milk with a hint of vanilla. I have to admit, whenever I try to order one from my local Starbucks I feel a little weird saying "London Fog". Haha. It's like I accidentally predicted the weather in London instead of giving my drink order. When I explain the drink they usually say, "Oh! You mean a tea latte." and whip it up for me in a few minutes. So last year I got this amazing milk frothing machine so I could make my own at home just how I like it. Bonus: my face no longer turns red after an uncomfortable Starbucks order. ;)

London Fog

- 1 earl grey tea bag

- Steamed milk

- A splash of vanilla syrup (honey is good too!)

Brew the tea first and pour it into your mug, leaving room for the steamed milk. Add a splash of vanilla and then top with the steamed milk. Sip, knit, and enjoy. :)

This drink was the perfect motivation for me to cast on the second sleeve of my sweater project! I'm making progress already. Thank you again for the encouragement to finally finish it! 

Have you ever had a London Fog? What is your favorite kind of tea? 

Sweater Collection Wishes

// Scotch & Soda //

// Oysho Pull Angora & Pull Lapin //

// Louche Dot Chunky Sweater in Duck Egg & Coral //

// Topshop Knitted Heart Arrows Jumper & Fairisle Jumper //

A very small part of me wishes that shops would cease to sell such cute knitwear this time of year. My love of sweaters is changing from a collection to a serious obsession. I have more sweaters than anyone would ever need, especially someone who lives in such a warm climate where sweater weather exists for an unfortunately short period of time. Nevertheless, I can't help myself. A colorful, and slightly crazy, sweater always brings a smile to my face. 

Come on...bunnies, bows, collars, sheep, polkadots...how can you not feel a little happier with one of these sweaters keeping you warm?

If only a few of these sweaters were a little less expensive! I guess I just need to knit faster and work on some more sweater updates. Hopefully a few of my DIY ideas will look just as cute as these beauties. 

Have you spotted any other fun sweaters out there that are on your wish list? Wait. Don't tempt me... ;)

The Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Village and Chihuly Glass Exhibit

Last week I took a trip to the Dallas Arboretum and spent the day sporting a gaping mouth and a camera glued to my face. I can't remember the last time I visited the arboretum but I am certain that I never appreciated its beauty until now. From the second I passed through the entrance I was surrounded by pumpkins in shapes, sizes, and colors I never knew existed. They were everywhere I looked, lining the pathways, piled around bales of hay, and placed in adorable stacks of three. The pumpkin village made me so giddy that I added "house made of pumpkins" to my list of dream homes. It was pure autumn magic! 

The Chihuly glass exhibit was just as enchanting. The glass sculptures were placed throughout the arboretum, popping up in unexpected places like ponds and hidden gardens. I couldn't stop taking pictures! I kept apologizing each time I stopped to snap a photo (a terrible habit of mine!) until I was bluntly told by my mom, "Stop apologizing! Take as many pictures as you want! It's all so beautiful." Clearly I took her advice because I came home with over 300 pictures on my camera. 

Talk about an escape! I am so glad I was able to experience the arboretum this season. Hopefully I can visit again and see it all decorated for the holidays!

Have you ever been to the arboretum? Do you have a garden like this near where you live?