The Beginning of a Pyrex Collection/Addiction

Meet the newest member of the Pyrex club! I feel so official. Officially what, I'm not sure, but it's official. Haha. I've tried thrifting in the past because...you all make it look so cool! I get a little envious when I see so many amazing pictures of different bloggers' daily vintage finds. It always makes me think, "Hey! I want a pile of awesome/inexpensive plates or dresses too!" So I set out on a vintage-seeking adventure only to discover that, in fact, I live in Dallas. I wasn't aware that a big city like Dallas could be so deprived of thrifty goodness, but unfortunately that is the state of things. I visit Goodwill and Helping Hands every now and then only to find rusty pans, creepy glass figurines, and "#1 Dad" mugs. I was prepared to accept my fate of never being a cool, vintage kid until I stumbled upon this site, Pyrex Love. I'd seen Pyrex before but, for some reason, one look at the colorful pattterns and I knew I couldn't give up just yet. I spent hours looking at all of the different plates, refrigerator sets, casserole dishes, cups, mugs, and mixing bowls until I literally had to step away from the computer. I was already addicted before I even found my first piece! 

On Saturday I decided to get back up on the thrifting horse and search for Pyrex and Pyrex alone. No distractions. I went to four different thrift stores all over town until finally, at the last Helping Hands, I found it. I turned a corner and there it was! A stack of white, milk glass cups and plates all taped together with a glorious "$4" stamp on top! Hooray! I also found this beautiful blue refrigerator dish to round out my first thrift store success. 

I think I finally understand the vintage hype. It is such a rush when you spot something good in a sea of random knick knacks! I still have a lot to learn, especially in the patience department, but now that I finally made my first vintage discovery, I'll have a little more confidence when I go out there searching for treasure the next time.

Do you collect Pyrex? I would love to see your collection if you have pictures on your blog! Do you have any vintage-saavy tips for this newbie?

The Blush List - Summer Days

Knitting // This light and airy cap sleeve lattice top looks like a great summer knitting project!   

Crochet // I love this crochet heart blanket so much. I have to keep telling myself that I don't have time to start another big project this summer...even though I really want to! ;)

Etsy // This embroidered vintage tennis player pillow is so perfect! Tennis is one of my favorite sports to watch (and play!), especially during the Olympics. 

Style // This dress combined with such a dreamy flower-filled setting is my idea of the perfect summer day. 

Art // This is the sweetest art print by Katie Daisy. It isn't summer without a famers market! I need to go again soon so I can make some peach jam or....

Food // ...this summer peach and balsamic pizza! This recipe is so mouthwatering because it has some of my favorite flavors, all on top of a pizza crust. Yum!


Another wonderful summer weekend is coming to an end. I might be ready for sweater weather again, but I can't help enjoying the colors and flavors of this oh-so-hot season.

I loved watching the opening ceremonies on Friday! What a spectacular show! The fact that so much of the ceremony was dedicated to literature made me extremely happy. On Saturday afternoon, I made another attempt at thrifting. I am such a newbie and I get a little frustrated at the lack of vintage finds in the Dallas area. However, when I thought all hope was lost, I stumbled upon my first piece of Pyrex. This find fueled my new Pyrex addiction. I can't wait to build up my collection! I think I will end this weekend with a swim, some family time, and get ready for the week ahead.

Enjoy the rest of your day! What did you do this weekend?

Weekend Plans - Ready for the London Olympics!

Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe the London 2012 Olympic games are finally here! I've been waiting for this day since the closing ceremonies in Beijing. I am a huge Olympics fan. During the Beijing games, Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal on my 18th birthday. My friends and I were having a sleepover, so we huddled around the TV to watch him make history. Actually...I couldn't watch the last few laps because I was so nervous! My friends kept telling me to turn around but I just couldn't take the excitement!! When he won we practically exploded!!! It was such an amazing moment. That's what I love about the Olympics. For a few weeks we all come together to cheer on the best athletes in the world. We always need a little unity. :)

I baked some earl grey muffins this morning to enjoy during the opening ceremonies. A little tea tribute to the London games! :) It might be a thousand degrees outside, but that won't stop me from drinking tea, knitting, and having a muffin! I'll just turn down my AC for the next few hours. Let the games begin!

Who else is super excited about the Olympics? What is your favorite sport to watch?

DIY Embroidery Hoop Brooch Display

Like any respectable, 20-something, granny-in-training, I love a good brooch. I don't wear much jewelry, but when I do, I usually grab a cute pin. They are just so fun! It's like wearing a little piece of art on your shirt all day. Over the years I've developed a small collection that I hope continues to grow over time. Recently, when I saw my favorite brooches all huddled in a mass on the top of my dresser, I realized they needed a proper display. To continue my embroidery obsession, I decided to pin them to some fabric in a giant hoop and hang it on my bathroom wall. 

To make it extra special, I embroidered a few extra "brooches" directly onto the fabric. The embroidered brooches definitely declare this hoop as a "brooch only" space. Haha. 

I added a sparkling jewel too! To make the embroidered brooches I just doodled the shapes onto the fabric with pencil and started stitching. This project really inspired me to make an entire hoop of embroidered doodles! 

It is so fun seeing projects from my journal of ideas come to life! Now my brooches can act as wall art when I'm not pinning one to my favorite sweater. I can't wait to add a few more to my collection. :)

I love the idea of turning things I already have, like fabric and brooches, into something new. I guess that's the beauty of DIY. :)

Have you tried any new projects lately?

Sponsor One Sheepish Girl in August!

I had my first snow cone of the summer yesterday, further evidence that this crazy, post-graduation summer is almost over. I've definitely made some wonderful memories so far! Even though it has been a bit busier than I expected, I am always grateful for the time to knit, work on new things, and dream big as I share my crafty adventures on this blog.

August is my birthday month so I know it is going to be a great one! If you would like to sponsor my blog next month you can find my rates and ad sizes here. I have large, medium, and small ad sizes available. If you think your shop or blog is a good fit, I would love to have you as a sponsor! Please email me, sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com when you are ready to purchase your ad space or if you have any questions.

I have some time this afternoon to work on an organization project and I can't wait to see how it turns out. I hope you have a lovely day too! :)

A Visit to Purl Soho // Yarn Heaven

Out of all of the landmarks, museums, bakeries, and generally awesome NYC things I saw last week, I took the most photos inside a yarn shop. That makes perfect sense to me! I mean, I knew Purl Soho would be a magical place but I never expected the explosion of colorful yarn, fabrics, and all-around fiber goodness that awaited me inside. Of course the coolest craft shop would be in Soho, one of my favorite areas in New York. The huge yarn selection lined both walls of the shop, each shelf filled with a color or texture I never knew existed. It is yarn heaven on earth. 

I felt a little silly taking so many photos. I was a yarn-obsessed tourist and I definitely let it show. Look at that giant crochet hook! So cool! Haha. Unfortunately (or fortunately...) my tiny carry-on luggage kept me from spending money on bags full of colorful yarn. However, I did recently order some crewel wool from their online shop for the ABC sampler.

I love visiting new yarn shops. Entire stores dedicated to crafts are some of my favorite happy places.

Have you ever visited Purl Soho? What is your favorite local yarn shop? Mine is definitely the Shabby Sheep!

Seeing the Sights in NYC

funny face! 

"These little town blues..."

Oh I love New York. I can't believe last week was my fourth visit to NYC! I had so much fun seeing the sights with Danielle. Even though she is one of my closest friends last week was the first time we spent more than 30 minutes together, face-to-face! We met in person for the first time when my mom and I went to New York last Christmas. This time around we had a few days to hang out together. Thank you for being such a awesome host and tour guide Danielle! You are the best.

- On the first night after dinner we walked along the High Line gardens. The view and the flowers were just so beautiful. I wanted to stay up there near the old buildings all night. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip and it was free!
- We saw Newsies on Broadway! It was awesome. I can't believe I haven't seen the movie yet! That needs to change soon. Young Christian Bale, singing and dancing? Come on! ;)
- My favorite exhibit at the Met was Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. Unfortunately no photographs were allowed inside the special exhibitions, but it was so so SO incredible. The fashions were jaw-dropping. I didn't expect the words and quotes from each designer to give me such inspiration. We also explored the paintings. The two above are by Vincent van Gogh and Henri Fantin-Latouer. The views from the rooftop garden were incredible!
- I went to Brooklyn for the first time this trip and had the opportunity to tour Etsy HQ thanks to my friend Cheyne, the Etsy teams coordinator and former Etsy Dallas member. It was so exciting to get the grand tour of the offices! I would love to work in such a creative environment!

Such a fun trip! I can't believe I got the opportunity to visit London, Paris, and New York this summer!
I wonder where I'll go next?

Where have you travelled this summer?

Weekend Plans 7/20 - 7/22

Happy weekend! I wanted to post this yesterday but I needed a little break from the internet while I started catching up on everything I missed during my time in NYC this week. I still have a few things to finish up, but I am ready to enjoy some fun, crafty things this weekend!

1. Batman is my favorite superhero. Yes, this is further confirmation that I am a gigantic nerd, I know. It's ok. I'm cool with it. I am really excited to see The Dark Knight Rises because the last film, The Dark Knight, is one of my favorite movies of all time! I'm sure this one will be pretty amazing. I was heartbroken when I heard about the shooting in Colorado on Friday. I am praying for the victims, families, and loved ones involved in this terrible tragedy.

2. I need to catch up on my New York journal entries! I was having way to much fun running around with Danielle to stop and write it down! I need to get it down quick before I forget our adventures.

3. While in New York, we went to the Lomography store and drooled over all of the amazing film cameras. I was particularly in awe of the LomoKino. This little beauty makes short films with 35mm film and I am SO excited to try it out. I think I did a happy dance in the store when I saw this one. I mean, it is probably the coolest thing ever.

4. Lastly, I am going to keep working on my ABC sampler because I am addicted. It is just so much fun seeing each letter come together!

Well, that's it! Actually, I still have to unpack a little. If I don't do it now I will have an open suitcase filled with clothes on my floor, staring at me all week. Haha.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! What are you up to?

"New York, I Love You" Instagrams

I had the BEST time in NYC the past few days. These are a few of the Instagrams I took around the city. I love traveling and I feel extremely blessed each time I get the opportunity to visit an amazing city like New York. Right now I am sitting in the airport terminal waiting for my plane home. I was extremely nervous about traveling alone to NYC. Thanks to Danielle's help catching the right trains, I actually did it. As I sit here safe and sound, with Adele playing over the speakers, I feel such a sense of calm and accomplishment. Silly I know, but this was a big step for me. I got such a big jolt of confidence out of this trip. I need to remember moments like this, when my doubts and insecurities are getting the best of me. Yup. You can do it Meredith. :) Thanks for the memories New York! I can't wait to share more pictures. I hope you have a great day!