Embroidered Birthday Cards and Yarn Bombing Plans

Hooray for Friday! I hope you all had a great week. I have been in a bit of a slump lately, getting over my cold and just feeling "blah". There is nothing like making gifts and plotting my yarn bombing tricks for the weekend to help send the "blahs" away. Two of my very best friends have birthdays in October so I decided to stitch them special cards. You can never go wrong with a handmade card, especially when I have embroidery thread and paper sitting around just waiting to be turned into something fun! I delivered the finished birthday card this afternoon. Hopefully my sweet friend Sarah is reading it now! Happy (early) Birthday Sarah! :)

I am also planning my yarn bomb for Sheepish Yarn Bombing Day tomorrow. I am so excited to see what you all come up with! I am definitely doing something fall related...I just can't decide what! I doodled a few ideas this week so I just need to pick one and finish making it tonight. There is rain in the forecast tomorrow so I might have to cheat and do my yarn bombing on Sunday. If you are doing a yarn bomb tomorrow please tweet, Instagram, or email me your pictures! Use the #sheepishyarnbomb hashtag too! Don't be nervous. This is going to be fun!

Can you share any hints about your yarn bombing project or are you keeping it a secret? ;)

Sponsor One Sheepish Girl in October!

I am so excited about the new month ahead! This October I am looking forward to cooler weather, trips to the pumpkin patch, candy corn, learning new things in an online photo class, making plans, working on projects, and appreciating my daily life.

I mentioned that I have been working on some secret projects over the past few months and I am excited that I get to share a few of them on the blog in October! Yay! If you want to join the fun in October and advertise your shop or blog please contact me to reserve your spot. I have large, medium, and small ad spaces available. You can find my sponsor rates here. Please email me at sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com if you have any questions!

Thank you so much for your continued support! It is always so exciting to see what a new month will bring on this blog. :)

Crochet Boutique Book Review + Small Bow Pin Pattern

I was honored when Lark Crafts reached out to me and asked if I could review a copy of Rachael Oglesby's new book Crochet Boutique. I have admired Rachael's work for years now and I am so excited to see her work in such a beautiful collection of projects. The patterns throughout Crochet Boutique vary from wearable hats, scarves, and gloves to beautiful items for the home like a crochet lampshade and granny square cushion. The patterns are scaled by difficulty, beginner, easy, and intermediate, and require yarns that are easily found in local craft shops. All of the designs use basic stitches that are thoroughly explained making this book a great start for beginners. Her modern and cozy designs are getting me even more excited about the chilly months ahead. I personally can't wait to make the Bobble Beret pattern. All of the projects in this book would make great gifts for the holiday season too!

Rachael kindly offered us a free crochet pattern from her book for the Small Bow Pin. You can download the pattern details here. This bow is easily made in a matter of minutes so you can wear it in your hair or pin it to you favorite sweater right away.

Have you had the chance to check out Rachael's new book?

Sheepish Yarn Bombing Day!

I mentioned on Twitter and Facebook yesterday that I was planning a fun yarn bombing activity we could all try together. I thought we could all go out on Saturday, September 29 and declare it Sheepish Yarn Bombing Day! If you haven't given yarn bombing a try, Saturday will be the day to do it! If you are like me and have yarn bombed before, let's do it again! When I attempted my first yarn bomb I was extremely nervous, with shaky hands and a butterfly-filled stomach to prove it. Surprisingly I was able to stitch the knit square on the fence and run away without the excessive finger pointing I expected. I've managed to summon up the courage to try yarn bombing a few more times and after each one I receive comments from people saying they want to give it a try but fall into at least one of the following categories:

1.) I'm too nervous!

2.) I don't know how to knit.

3.) I don't know how to crochet. 

For some reason, yarn bombing seems to be done mostly with pieces of knitting rather than crochet. However a crochet square can be just as easily attached to a fence or tree limb as a knit one! If you can't knit you can always wrap a little piece of yarn around a chain link fence in a heart like I did this summer. If you crochet you could crochet a few fall leaves and hang them from a tree when you are out and about Saturday afternoon. You can even use knit or crochet pieces you already have made, like an old granny square from a blanket project that is just sitting around. It doesn't have to be anything huge or loud, just a little something to push you out of your comfort zone and express yourself with creativity. You might be surprised by the confidence boosting power of such a small act. I certainly was!

I can't believe it but my strawberry yarn bomb from this summer is STILL there! It survived the heat, rain, hail, wind, and probably a few curious pulls and tugs. For my yarn bombing on Saturday I am going to come up with something fall related to add to the railing on the other side.

It makes me smile to see that my yarn bombing is still there. I know it is just a little scrap of knitting but obviously someone who works near that railing likes it enough to keep it around. Hopefully this next yarn bomb will bring about even more smiles.

That's the main goal for Saturday: do something creative that makes you, and your community, smile a little bigger. I hope you can join the fun! If you are on Twitter or Instagram use the hashtag #sheepishyarnbomb so we can see each other's pictures! I will do a group post next week with everyone's photos too. So start planning! I can't wait to see your pictures and hear your stories. This is going to be fun!

Are you able to participate? If you can't do something on Saturday, do it on Friday or Sunday maybe? The whole weekend can be filled with yarn bombing! :)

The Blush List - Warm & Fuzzy

Knitting // I love this knitted triangle pattern blanket.

Crochet // Take a look at the cutest, tiniest, crochet creations I have ever seen! I had no idea such a small crochet hook existed!! So amazing. (Found via Frankie)

Etsy // Maybe, one day, when my sweater collection starts to overtake the closet, I could reuse them for an awesome sweater blanket like this one. 

Style // For the sake of a future sweater blanket...I guess I need to keep my sweater collection growing, huh? I don't need more sweaters because I am obsessed or anything. ;) I want all of the Madewell sweaters this fall!  

Art // This is such a dreamy art print by Rebekka Seale. I think catching up on my rest this weekend really helped my cold. 

Food // Mmm. Yet another pound cake to try! These mini brown butter vanilla bean loaves sound incredible. Talk about feeling warm and fuzzy inside.


I hope you had a great weekend! Thanks to medicine, rest, cups upon cups of hot tea, and your very kind words I am feeling much better today. This week is already looking better than the last! I am excited about new projects, ideas, and inspirations, just waiting to jump from my idea book into reality.

Also, I am planning a fun yarn bombing adventure for all of us as knitters, crocheters, and general craft lovers this week! If you have always wanted to try yarn bombing but have been too nervous to do it, hopefully that will change. :)

I am settling in to watch the Emmys and work on projects. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Crochet Oranges for a Cold

"When life gives you lemons...crochet an orange?" That makes sense to me!

This week passed me by in a blur of sniffles, congestion, and sneezing. Don't you love when a cold just comes out of nowhere and gets in the way of a week's worth of to-dos? Ugh. I am finally feeling a little better today even though my head is so stuffy I get dizzy when I walk. Not too fun. So, of course, I thought a little crochet Vitamin C might help keep the sniffly blues at bay.

For me it is easier to create random objects like an orange slice with a crochet hook instead of knitting needles. It is like doodling with yarn! Haha. Does that make sense at all? Instead of drawing the design on paper first I just pick up a hook, some yarn, and see what happens.

I've come to the conclusion that crafting is medicinal. Even when I'm sick it brings a smile to my face. :)

If you are suffering from sinuses too I feel your pain! I hope you get to rest and recharge this weekend.

Pumpkin Bread, a Fox Mug, and Light Leaks

Just a few of the random things found in my latest roll of film. I baked two mini loaves of pumpkin bread Sunday afternoon in my Pyrex refrigerator dishes. They are the perfect size for baking bread. Since I have two dishes now I can make one to give and one to eat! Also...I'll take any excuse to use a piece of Pyrex. :) This pumpkin bread recipe is so delicious and moist! I highly recommend baking it for the upcoming pumpkin-y season. Wait...pumpkin-y? Pumpkin crazy? Pumpkinfest? Haha. All of the above I guess. Anyway, I've come to the decision that as many days as possible should include a slice of pumpkin bread and a fox mug full of coffee. Actually, make that a slice of pumpkin bread, a fox mug full of coffee, and long walks with my camera. It is just good sense. 

A few flower photos from a long walk around the neighborhood worked their way into this roll of film. I love the random light leak splashed across the last photo. I don't know why light decided to leak into this particular photo but I am happy it did. A random splash of color to make a simple picture a little more interesting.

Baking and picture taking. These are such simple moments that bring me a lot of joy.

I just enjoyed another slice of pumpkin bread, the perfect fuel to get me through the day! Have you baked anything fall related yet?

The Blush List - A Sheep Sweater + Giveaway Winner

Crochet // This crochet poppy potholder is too beautiful to use! 

Crochet #2 // Another amazing crochet blanket tutorial that I would love to make. I just can't decide between this one and the vintage-inspired floral blanket. Which one do you like?

Etsy // This lace collar is gorgeous in a perfect mustard yellow, one of my favorite fall colors. (via Kelli Murray)

Style // I'm going to pretend that the designers at Madewell had me in mind when they decided to produce this sweater. I mean...it has sheep on it. A sheep sweater!!!!

Art // Sarah Walton's embroidered illustrations are incredibly inspiring. I love her use of colorful fabrics. 

Food // Soup weather is fast approaching and this roasted tomato version, topped with a cheesy slice of bread, looks like heaven in a mug.

Happy Sunday friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I am thoroughly enjoying this rainy day with some tea and catching up on blog reading. I will never get over the amazingness of the blog world. I am so thankful to be a part of this community.

Anyway, I had a great weekend working on projects, finishing up a paper embroidery, baking pumpkin bread, and watching old movies. I watched Arsenic and Old Lace for the first time Friday night. Oh my...that movie is strange. Haha. Cary Grant is hilarious and adorable, but the storyline gave me the heebie-jeebies. I was not expecting to get the creeps from an old Cary Grant movie! Have you ever seen that one? I definitely recommend it, even if you only see it once.

I also watched You've Got Mail for the millionth time. I couldn't think of a better "Yay! It feels like fall!" movie. It's the pencil quote....it gets me every time. ;)

Also, congratulations Floral & Feather! You won the UP paper embroidery giveaway! I will contact you soon so I can send it your way.

If you would like to purchase an UP paper embroidery of your own please contact me through my Etsy shop and I will set up a custom order for you!

Thank you so much for the support everyone! Enjoy the rest of your day.

Fall Weather + Weekend Plans

When I stepped outside this morning a cool burst of air met me at the door and brought a smile to my face. There is nothing like a cloudy and chilly day to brighten my spirits after a long week. Even though the first official day of fall is still a few weeks away, it's nice to know that a little cool weather decided to make its way to Texas earlier this year. I feel like I can think better when the temperature drops. If the stuffy heat of the summer is draining, the cool breeze of fall is rejuvenating.

I've already checked off a few of my plans for this wonderfully brisk weekend:

-Enjoy warm drinks in real mugs on a coffee shop patio.
-Take a walk around the neighborhood, camera in tow, and capture the first signs of fall.
-Work on a new crochet project.
-Catch up on a few shows on Netflix.

-Brew a pot of tea in my new kettle.

-Bake something! Possibly pumpkin bread? Although...this pumpkin donut recipe is quite tempting. 

I hope you all had a great week! What are your plans for the weekend? Has fall (or spring!) arrived at your doorstep yet?

P.S. - Thank you so much for entering the UP paper embroidery giveaway! I will announce the winner over the weekend.

"I Love Fall" Crochet Sign

I love fall, yes it's true. It is such a beautiful time of year for us yarn crafters! Now yarn actually feels good in my hands instead of all heavy and hot like it does in the summer. Lately I've been fiddling with these crochet leaves and I finally decided to use them for a fun sign declaring my love for the season. I typically skip over fall crafts and look straight ahead to the holidays so this was a fun change. However, my mom has already claimed this sign as her own, hanging it on the entryway coat closet doorknob, so I guess I need to get started on another one...

Materials:

- Worsted weight yarn in a variety of fall colors

- A H8/5mm crochet hook

- Tapestry needle

- Scissors

Pattern: This project is for personal use ONLY. Do not sell this pattern or reproductions of this pattern for profit. 

Base Square:

Dimensions: My final square measures 6 x 6 inches. You can definitely change the size of this square for your own sign!

Chain 21

Row 1: In the second chain from the hook single crochet all the way across. Chain 1. Turn

Row 2: Repeat this process until your square measures 6x6 inches.

Bind off. Weave in ends.

Leaves:

Chain 8

Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook single crochet in each stitch. When you reach the final chain, double crochet 5 times in the last space. On the other side of the chain, single crochet until you reach the last three stitches. Chain 1. Turn.

Row 2. In the back loops only, single crochet until you reach the base of the leaf. Single crochet, chain one, single crochet. Continue with the single crochet until you reach the last three stitches. Chain 1. Turn.

Row 3: In the back loops only, single crochet until you reach the base of the leaf. Chain 4. In the second chain from the hook, single crochet in the next 3 stitches. Join the stem to the base of the leaf with a slip stitch. 

Bind off. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Pumpkin:

I used this small crochet heart pattern for the base of the pumpkin. For the stem I simply chained 3 stitches, slip stitch starting in the second chain from the hook. Repeat until you reach the end. Slip stitch with the center of the pumpkin. Bind off. Leave a long tail for sewing. 

Handle:

Leaving a long tail for sewing, chain your desired amount of stitches.

Row 1: In the second chain from the hook, single crochet. Single crochet in each stitch to the end. 

Bind off. Leave another long tail for sewing.

Assembly:

-Sew the leaves around the edge of the base crochet piece. Weave in ends and snip off the excess. 

-Embroider "i" and "fall" on the square, leaving room for the pumpkin. Use the image above to help with embroidering the letters. 

-Sew the pumpkin next to the "i". Weave in ends. 

-Attach the handle by sewing the long tails to the top left and right corners of the sign.

-Weave in any additional ends. 

I love how this project turned out! The green, brown, and orange colors make me feel all warm and cozy. This sign definitely is getting me excited for when the leaves actually change colors. The first day of fall is on its way! 

I hope this adds a little autumn warmth to your own space.

The Blush List - Colorful Comfort

Knitting // These knit necklaces by Amy Laurence Designs are absolutely incredible. (Found via Deer Little Fawn)

Crochet // A crochet pillow from Marta Costa Studio would be nice to cozy up with on the couch. 

Etsy // A comforting note from Quill and Fox. 

Style // I love Jessica Silversaga's style and the idea of a long, literary, pre-fall walk. 

Art // What is more comforting, to make and eat, than homemade jam? I love this illustration by Kat Frank.

Food // A vanilla almond bundt cake with strawberry glaze is comfort on a plate! I hope to try a recipe from Always With Butter soon.


We all need a little comfort sometimes and I think an afternoon watching movies and chatting about life with my best friend is exactly what I need. Too bad we won't have a slice of that amazing cake to share. I hope she doesn't mind if I crochet a little while we talk. ;)

I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing day! How was your weekend?