Perfect stocking stuffers

Need some cute little gifts to please the crafty person on your list? We have some great ideas for you!

Here's a super handy item from Nancy's Knit Knacks. There's a reason they call this the Perfect Notion Case--it has separate compartments of various sizes, making it the ideal way to keep your stitch markers, folding scissors, etc., nice and organized. ($5.50 each)

How cute are these tape measures?? And how will you ever decide which one to get?? Better grab several, and keep at least one for yourself. With one of these in your project bag, even the most boring swatch of endless stockinette stitch will become instantly more fun. ($7.00 each)

Knitters or not, everybody will enjoy soothing their chapped winter lips with these delicious lip balms from Crazy Rumors of Kennesaw, GA. ($3.50 each)

Need more suggestions? We'll be glad to help! Stop by and see us 11-6 Tue Wed Fri, 11-5 Sat, 12-5 Sun. And remember, on Thursday we're open until 8 for Knit Nite and holiday potluck. Hope to see you then!

Baby Me Boo for you

Take a look at these lovelies that arrived this week.

This is Baby Me Boo, a wonderfully soft blend of 50% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, and 20% bamboo. Hand-dyed by the talented artisans at Misti Alpaca, the thick-and-thin construction of Baby Me Boo creates a gorgeous, textured fabric.

When a yarn itself is this beautifully designed, you don't need a complicated pattern to create projects that look fantastic. That makes Baby Me Boo a great choice for beginners who aren't yet ready for a challenging pattern but want to make something that looks fancy, as well as for anyone who needs to crank out some nice gifts without much effort.

Convertible Scarf - Worsted Cowl

Basic Lace Scarf

These patterns and more are available as free downloads via Misti Alpaca. For more Baby Me Boo project ideas, check out what Ravelry users are making with this yarn.

Baby Me Boo is listed as a worsted weight yarn that knits up at approximately 4.5 sts/in on a US 7 needle.

Small Business Saturday

We hope everyone is having a terrific Thanksgiving weekend!

Make plans to shop at Sheepish on Saturday, November 29, for Small Business Saturday. American Express started this annual event in 2010 as a way to encourage shoppers to support locally owned merchants on the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

If you're an American Express Card Member, you can register your card on the Small Business Saturday enrollment site. When you spend $10 or more at a participating merchant (including Sheepish!), you'll receive a $10 statement credit. You can receive up to $30 total in statement credit for as many as three transactions. Take a look at the Shop Small Map to find other qualifying businesses in the area.

Even if you're not "officially" participating in Small Business Saturday through American Express, this event is still a fun opportunity to support independent businesses, visit with your neighbors, and get some holiday shopping done without having to set foot in a mall. So grab your friends and family, have lunch at a locally owned restaurant, and make a day of it. We look forward to seeing you all!

Local goodies: Crazy Rumors lip balm

Chilly weather chapping your lips? Treat yourself to some of these little lovelies, available now at our checkout counter.

Crazy Rumors lip balms contain 100% natural, vegan ingredients, and are made by a small company based in Kennesaw. You know we always like to support local folks!

Let's take a look at the flavors we have in stock.

The "A La Mode" collection features these four delectable options:

• Orange Creamsicle - a classic combination of vanilla cream & orange indulgence
• Raspberry Sherbet - delicious fresh raspberry with a touch of citrus tartness
• Mint Chocolate - soothing peppermint meets irresistible chocolate
• Banana Split - sliced banana swirled with delicious chocolate, vanilla & strawberry

Photo and descriptions via Crazy Rumors

And just in time for mistletoe season, you can soften your smooches with these "Candy Cane" flavors:

• Peppermint Twist - cool & refreshing lip tingling mint
• Pear & Peppermint - juicy pear perfected with cooling peppermint
• Pineapple & Peppermint - tropical pineapple swirled with soothing peppermint
• Plum & Peppermint - succulent plum partners with rejuvenating peppermint

Photo and descriptions via Crazy Rumors

Stock up now and you'll be all set for cold, windy weather. These will make great stocking stuffers, too!

We put the "craft" in craft beer

Are you the kind of knitter or crocheter who enjoys a nice adult beverage with your yarn? Then join us this Saturday, November 15, at 2:00pm for a beer share!

Bring a few bottles or a growler of craft (or home brewed) beer to share. Then we'll all enjoy samples of what everybody's brought, and maybe discover some new favorite brews. Snacks are also welcome!

Of course, bring a project to work on while you hang out and sample these tasty beverages (this might not be the time to tackle that complicated lace pattern, haha). And if you're interested in other social outings that combine yarn and beer, be sure to join the Pints & Purls group on Facebook.

Foster kittens #35 - 38

Can you believe we've helped 34 kitties find homes since we started fostering in June 2013? Meet our latest fosters, who just moved in today. One or both of their parents must have had funny tails, because these babies sure do!

These are the names they were given at the shelter.

Derby is a pretty girl with classic tabby markings. Doesn't she look like she's smiling? She has a distinctly crooked tail.

Deacon is a handsome little tiger fuzzball. He's a very happy, playful little guy. His tail is shaped just fine, but it's unusually short. So cute.

Denver might appear to be solid black at first glance, but some of his fur is more of a dark gray, making him look like a tiny silverback gorilla. He has an adorable little stub of a tail.

Diego has a boy's name, but she's actually a girl. We just love her serious, fox-like face and pretty white paws. She's the only one of the bunch with a "normal" tail.

These babies are about six weeks old, so they're not big enough to be adopted yet. But you can apply to pre-adopt them, and now's a great time to do it because adoptions are FREE throughout the month of November. That includes spay/neuter, vaccinations up to date, and microchip.

To inquire about adopting one (or more) of these kittens, contact Dekalb County Animal Services at  adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or 404-294-2165.