The Blush List - Winter Pastels

Knitting // I love the shape of this knit Notknot pillow. 

Crochet //  These crochet flower pads from La Casita de Wendy have such a unique shape.

Etsy // Such a sweet winter tote bag from Created by Hannah. 

Style // The Whitepepper always has such lovely knitwear like this mint jumper and this fluffy cardigan.

Art // Lan Truong's illustrations are so vibrant and colorful. 

Food // This sea salt honey butter popcorn recipe from The Fauxmartha sounds like a yummy New Year's Eve snack!


Even though it is typically a springtime palette, I am loving all of the beautiful winter pastels this season. I bought a light blue coat earlier this fall and it is both cozy and cheerful to wear on a cold day. I need to look around for some pretty pastel yarns for winter knitting.

This weekend was wonderful. It was great spending time with family and extending the Christmas holiday by a few days. Side note: I am almost finished with Grace Coddington's memoir and I love it. I definitely recommend it if you are interested in fashion and looking for a new book to read. Are you reading anything interesting at the moment? A weekend filled with lots of family time and reading is pretty much perfect to me. I am just enjoying the rest of my break and preparing for exciting new projects coming this year. I went a little notebook crazy at Target earlier this week because a new year needs new organizational supplies! Haha. How do you usually prepare for a new year?

Happy Sunday to you!

Crochet Letter Envelope for Gathered by Mollie Makes

In the latest issue of Gathered by Mollie Makes I shared a new crochet envelope pattern. It is the perfect size for storing standard 4x6 inch cards, postcards, and other letter-writing accessories. This crochet envelope is made of three separate pieces that are sewn together. It is a great place to store the printable "Thank You" notes found in the latest issue too. I keep my envelope on my desk, filled with the letters I need to take to the post office. I really enjoyed writing more "snail mail" in 2012. I hope to keep it up in the new year!

This is a great project to make for yourself after a long month of making handmade gifts! I have been thinking about a new personal project for January too. Have you started on any projects for yourself yet?

Today will be a day filled with traveling "over the river and through the woods" to grandmother's house for more family holiday celebrations. I hope you are having a great weekend!

Sponsor One Sheepish Girl in 2013!

I can hardly believe a brand new year is just around the corner. 2012 was filled with so many unexpected ups and downs and I can only imagine what the days of 2013 will bring. It is exciting, and even a little scary, to think about but I'm ready for the adventures ahead! Of course, I am excited about the opportunity to continue blogging and growing in my creativity. I would love to have you as a sponsor in January! If you are interested in advertising your blog, shop, or website you can find my newly updated sponsor information here. I mentioned in my last sponsor call that I would be raising my ad prices in the new year according to my increase in blog traffic over the last few months. Also, you can now purchase ads for a 3 month (90 day) run at a discounted price.

Thank you so much for your continued support! I recently switched to Passionfruit ads so you can purchase your ad directly through my sponsor page and, if there is space available, your ad will appear on my site the same day. However, please email me directly if you have any questions: sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com.

I can't wait to get started on a brand new year! I'm already planning a different version of resolutions for myself for 2013. Something other than basic goals because I always have goals. I make new goals for myself everyday. This year I want to focus on trying new things and, of course, blogging about it. I will share more about this idea soon!

This short, holiday week definitely flew by fast! It was filled with good friends, good books, and lots of good food. The perfect way to end the year! I hope you have a great weekend! What do you have planned?

Snowman Ornament and a White Christmas

Every year I make my mom a Christmas ornament. Last year I gave her the first of many crochet teacup ornaments and she absolutely loved it. For weeks I tried to come up with something she would love just as much and I finally decided to go with her favorite Christmas theme, a snowman. She has always loved anything and everything with a snowman on it. When she opened her ornament yesterday morning she was so surprised that she cried a little bit. It made me so happy to see her so happy! The feeling of giving a handmade gift never gets old. 

I think her snowman ornament brought Texas some wintery luck because, for the first time in my lifetime, it snowed on Christmas! 

It was magical watching the snow fall all afternoon. Each time I looked out the window at the puffy snowflakes I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. A Christmas filled with snow, my wonderful family, and a warm home. I could not possibly wish for anything more. I hope your holiday was just as merry! I think it is time to go for another walk in the snow before it melts away...

How was Christmas in your part of the world? What handmade gifts did you give your friends and family?

Christmas Eve Cookies

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas Eve! I wanted to share a few photos of the sugar cookies we baked this afternoon. Even my dad gets into it and takes the time to draw a snowflake or two on a cookie before sneaking a few bites. Christmas music and movies have been playing in the background all day. White Christmas is definitely my favorite! The clothes, the music, the dancing...Bing Crosby! It is all so perfect. I feel so blessed to spend this time of year with my family.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Enjoy your time with friends and family. Do you like to bake a lot for the holidays too?

Weekend Plans 12/21 - 12/23

The holiday weekend is finally here! I can't wait to spend the next few days baking, laughing, making memories with the people I love, and celebrating Christmas. This year was filled with so many changes and new experiences. I think that is why I am more excited than ever to return to a time of familiarity and tradition. Here's what I have planned this weekend...

- My best friends and I are having our sixth annual Christmas party this weekend. I love spending time with these girls even though we can't see each other everyday, at least once a year we come together to talk, laugh, cry, and simply be there for each other. We usually make chocolate chip pancakes for dinner, have a gift exchange (my gift is in the peppermint box), and talk for hours. Also, I think our Christmas party will be a good excuse to wear my new sparkly flats I got from Target last weekend. So festive! :)

- Recently I bought some Portra 400 film to test over the holidays with my Pentax K1000. I can't wait to see how the photos turn out. I hope my family and friends don't mind posing for a few pictures.

- I have been working on new scarves and headbands to add to the shop in January. There will be a lot of new things to share in 2013.

- I just started reading Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington. Her work for Vogue has always fascinated me and I love learning more about her background in fashion. This is definitely a good holiday read.


That's about it! I hope you all have a great weekend! If you are traveling to visit family, I hope you have a safe trip.

What are you up to this weekend? What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

"What's In My Yarn Bag?" with Studio Meez

For this month's "What's In My Yarn Bag?" interview I am happy to introduce the lovely lady behind the blog and shop Studio Meez. Her unique photography and knitted creations are simply beautiful. I love getting this peek inside her organized yarn bag and learning more about her love of knitting. I hope you enjoy it too! 

What do you typically keep in your yarn bag? 

My knitting bag/basket is always stuffed with too many items I carry along with me. It is filled with all the yarn I need for the project I'm working on, small scissors, a measuring tape, a darning needle, my favorite tin box where I keep small bits and bobs, my agenda with my notes and ideas, something to read for when I want to take a break from all the knitting and a finished scarf for when I'm cold.

Are you working on any fun projects or new items for your shop at the moment? 

Almost a year ago I bought a knitting machine which I'm still learning how to use and although I mostly knit with this machine, I still find much joy and pleasure in my knitting needles as well. At this moment I'm working on a new triangle patterned scarf and maybe it will turn out in a small handmade collection. No promises yet, since it's such a time consuming thing to do but I love impossible projects. Hopefully by the end of 2013 or a lot sooner there will be a tiny collection of old fashion knitted scarfs in my shop. Every scarf has to be unique in its own colors and knitted in this lovely triangle pattern which I'm obsessed with. 

What is your favorite knit creation that you've ever made?

I have to admit that I'm not a good knitter and most creations I make consist of a knit or purl stitch. Since knitting with needles is something I do to take a break and to relax, I don't try out difficult patterns. Like I said before I'm completely hooked on this triangle pattern which gives an extra dimension to a knitted piece that I love, so my favorite creation has to be the scarf I'm working on at this moment. It is knitted in a mix of fine merino and mohair wool and has the most beautiful colors. Recently I discovered the Beekeepers quilt from Tiny Owl Knits and I'm very excited to get started with it! I have a huge stash of wool leftovers that is waiting to be used and this is the perfect project for it!

Do you like to carry your yarn bag with you and work on your knit/crochet projects in public? Where do you feel most comfortable knitting?

Mostly you can find me knitting in my favorite chair near the window or while watching a good movie. Whenever I take long train rides I have to take my knitting work with me so I can do something useful while waiting and family and friends are also used to seeing me knit everywhere.

What is your favorite part about yarn crafting?

Knitting is something that calms me down after a busy working day. It is relaxing and soothes my nerves. But my favorite part has to be that I still find it fascinating, creating pretty much anything you have in mind with just a ball of wool and two sticks. I love the feeling I get when I finish a project and see the finished result knowing that my hands created every stitch. It is fun to show off your new scarf and know that it is something you made with much love and joy.


Thank you so much for sharing! I love the triangle pattern on your knitted scarves too. I can't wait to see your finished collection. 


I hope everyone is having a great week so far! Are you still working on any knit gifts for next week? I think I am finally finished! Only five days until Christmas! :)

CLOSED - Giveaway // Win a Set of Handprinted Pillows from Little Boston Print Shoppe

This afternoon I am happy to share a great giveaway from Emily Welch of Little Boston Print Shoppe. She creates these handprinted pillow cases in her tiny apartment in Boston. For this giveaway, she is offering one winner the two lovely pillow cases in the photos above. She also has a 25% off coupon for One Sheepish Girl readers when you use the code SHEEPISH at checkout.

Here is how you can enter to win: (This giveaway is open to international readers!)

Mandatory Entry:

- Visit Emily's Etsy shop and look around at her handmade pillows and prints. Come back here and leave a comment telling me your favorite item in her shop. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. If there is no way to contact you, your entry will not count.

Bonus Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each entry.)

 1.) Tweet this giveaway! Use the following sentence, "Enter to win two handprinted pillows from Little Boston Print Shoppe on @sheepishknit blog! http://onesheepishgirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/giveaway-win-set-of-handprinted-pillows.html"

2.) Like The Little Boston Print Shoppe on Facebook. 

3.) Share the link to this giveaway on Facebook.

4.) Share this giveaway on your blog or tumblr. Please include the link to your post in the comments.

There are a total of four ways to enter this giveaway. Don't forget to include your email address in the comments!

That's it! This giveaway will end on December 22 and I will announce the winner on Sunday! 

Update 12/23/12: Congratulations...Rebecca! You won the Little Boston Print Shoppe Giveaway! I will contact you soon with the details. Thank you so much everyone for entering! 

12 Sheepish Days - Day 12 Festive Yarn Word Gift Wrap

Today I am excited for the final project of 12 Sheepish Days! I had so much fun creating these different projects using yarn to dress up Christmas packaging and I hope you enjoyed making a few this season. For Day 12, I have another simple way to to create a festive gift wrap with plain white wrapping paper and yarn. 

Materials:

- Plain white wrapping paper (non-glossy)

- Yarn

- Pencil

- Glue

- Scissors

First, wrap your gift box with the wrapping paper. Draw a festive word or the recipient's name on the top of the gift with a pencil. I think it works better if you write the word in cursive so you only need one long piece of yarn and don't have to stop to cut a new piece for each letter. Trace over the word with glue and, starting at the first letter, gently pressing the yarn on top. When you reach the end of the word, snip the excess yarn. Allow to dry completely. 

If you still have some wrapping to finish, this is a great way to quickly add a personal touch to a gift and still have time to get it under the tree! I think it would look great to spell out a phrase like "Let It Snow" or "Joy to the World" on different presents and place them around the tree.

If I get enough photos, I still plan on doing a group feature of your projects from 12 Sheepish Days. Please send me the links to the projects you tried in the comments section, tag your photos with #12SheepishDays on Instagram or Twitter, or just send a photo to my email, sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com. You can go back and find all of the other projects here.

I hope you are having a great start to the week! Which project are you going to try before next Tuesday?

The Blush List - Very Merry

Knitting // I love the style of this speckled hat pattern by Quince & Co on Frolic Blog.

Crochet // These snuggly crochet slippers by Lindsi of People Webs look so cozy!

Etsy // These Cirque Du Noel Christmas cards from The Black Apple are so cute! This time of year can definitely feel a bit like a circus. ;)

Style // How could you not "be happy" in a sweater? This sweater is so cheerful even if it is a little extremely expensive.

Art // Kelli Murray's beautifully illustrated gift tags are so festive! They are available as a free download here.

Food // Baking sugar cookies on Christmas Eve is a big tradition for my family. I love the look of this piped ombre reindeer!


I love each one of these festive finds. I can't believe Christmas is just a week away! Even though this time of year can be a bit stressful (life is more stressful than ever this year) I love taking the time to relax and spend time with friends and family. I don't know what I would do without their support. As the year comes to an end, we all start thinking about our plans for the future and what we would like to change in the New Year. These thoughts have been on my mind a lot lately. I look forward to the changes that are sure to come and I am excited about the possibilities of 2013!


Also, thank you for entering the Honeycomb Print Shop giveaway this week! The winner is...Scout! Congratulations! I will email you the details soon.

I hope you had a great weekend! I had a pretty busy past few days but thankfully I had time to do some Christmas decorating and knitting today. What are you up to? Are you getting excited about 2013 too?

Happy Sunday!

12 Sheepish Days - Day 10 & 11 Yarn Embellished Gift Tags Two Ways

I combined two 12 Sheepish Days projects together in one post because they both involve dressing up blank gift tags with yarn. The first idea uses paper embroidery, one of my favorite new hobbies that I learned this year. 

Materials for both gift tags:

- Blank paper gift tags

- Yarn

- A tapestry needle

- Sewing needle

- Crochet hook (I used size G6)

- A single hole punch

- Scissors

- Pencil

Embroidered Gift Tag:

This gift tag is similar to the embroidered gift bags I posted on Day 1! First, draw your design on the gift tag. With the sewing needle, poke holes around the design evenly spaced apart. Use the tapestry needle to make the holes a little bigger for the yarn. Thread the tapestry needle with yarn and embroidery your design using backstitch. Tie a knot, weave in the ends, and cut the excess. 

This crochet edge gift tag follows my tutorial for adding a crochet edge to paper. Simply punch holes evenly around the gift tag, join the yarn in the first hole with a slip stitch, ch 3, join in the next hole with a slip stitch and repeat around. I kept this tag simple and only crocheted a simple border but you could definitely add more rows for a thicker scallop edge.

For just a couple of dollars I have a whole set of handmade gift tags to add to my gifts this year! I wrapped a few presents earlier this week and I love how these look under the tree. There is only one project left in my Christmas gift wrap craft series and I will post it on Monday! I am so glad you have enjoyed these crafts the last few weeks. Which ones are you going to try?

I hope you have a great weekend! How are your projects and gifts coming along?