Kristin's Knitting Inspired Holiday Cards - For a Limited Time Only

NOTE: Scroll down for new posts. This post will be at the top of my blog for quite awhile!

You asked for it! And here they are for a limited time only..... drumroll please.....

Knitting themed folded holiday cards!

These are not my normal postcards! Printed on super heavy glossy card stock with white envelopes. All cards are blank inside. Size: 4.25" x 5.5". These cards are only available on the blog - They are not listed on my website. These will only be available until my supply runs out. I won't be able to re-order before the holidays so jump on it if you want some!

Sets of 10 of a design - $12.50 each set plus postage & handling (you can find those rates on the shop page of my website here but they will pop up when you order on Paypal).

A Merry Knitmas

I painted this Christmas scene using gouache. Inset in a purple border. Image features handknit cabled, lace and colorwork stockings, a sheep painting over the mantelpiece, a shepherdess and her sheep, a knitter's gift list, balls of yarn, knitting needles and a tea cup.

White Lamb in Pink Coat with Crochet Flowers

Winter White Lamb wearing a pink knitted sweater with crochet flowers. Who will be able to say anything but ahhhh.... A perfect card for sheep and wool lovers at the holidays or whenever. (Don't worry - no © on card front!)

Black Lamb in Striped Coat

For sheep lovers too! A teensy black day-old lamb dressed in a red striped coat. How sweet! A perfect card for the holidays or whenever. (Don't worry - no © on card front!)

If you are an international or Canadian customer, I will send you an additional invoice for the cards once the freight is calculated at the Post Office. When you pay the extra freight invoice, I will ship the cards.

As always, my family and I thank you for your support of our farm and knitting enterprise! Happy Holidays to all of you out there! FYI - the pattern for the sheep/dog coat is available for sale by PDF download on my webpage here.

FINALLY Available - Olympia's Knit + Crochet Felted Flowers and Leaves for PDF Download NOW!

Back a few months ago, I went a bit nutty knitting, crocheting and felting flowers and leaves out of my Julia Yarn. Then I dressed up last winter's bottle lamb Olympia in a Floral Lei made of the flowers and took some photos. I guess it was a long winter! Lots and lots of you ordered the postcards I printed up for which I was very thankful. But I also got a whole bunch of requests for the pattern for Olympia's Floral Lei. Never did I think that would happen. You guys always surprise me......


I have finally gotten it together to finish the pattern called Olympia's Knit + Crochet Felted Flowers. This one is a great pattern (if I do say so myself!). You will have hours of knitting and crocheting fun. I have included both knit and crochet flower and leaf patterns. You see, when I began the project I made the flowers in crochet. Knowing my customer base (mainly knitters), I knew I also had to work up several different knitted flowers. These flowers are not hard to knit. There are several fun, if a bit odd, knitting techniques to try. (I know how you all like to try something new!)

Best of all, Olympia's Flowers are great for summer "take along" knitting and crochet. Small, portable, and you'll be able to knit them even in the heat. In the pattern I have given you oodles of photographed ideas for how to use the flowers. Is 16 oodles? I think so. Sure took me a long time to make and photograph them. I will try to preview more of the ideas as we go along this week. Here's Julia wearing a flower in her hair.


Isn't she getting old? Oh my - twelve in 2 short weeks!!! Where has the time gone?

The pattern costs $6.00 and includes 42 photos (WOW - no wonder it took me so long to prepare this pattern) including 16 finished product shots. It is available here on my Shop Page. Here's one of the ideas for a flower corsage to wear on your winter coat when the depths of winter arrive again (and that time will roll around before you know it!). Holiday knitting too, don't you agree?


If you have never ordered things by PDF download it is such a great way for some instant gratification. Order via my website, pay via Paypal, and your pattern will be automatically sent to you no matter what time of the day or night, no matter if you live in the States or Overseas. It is just the coolest concept, don't you think? No waiting, no shipping, and you can print out only the pages you need.

If you "don't do Paypal" I will be happy to take an order via US Mail. Just print out my "printable order form" and write down the name of the pattern. When I get your check, I will email you the pattern. That's easy!

As always, I appreciate your support of my work. I have tried to price the pattern reasonably so it sells well. Less than two cups of cappucino and just a bit more than those fluffy coffee drinks I see people ordering at Starbucks. (I have never succumbed to one of them - I'm afraid it would be a slippery slope to addiction.)

If you like the pattern, please pass the word around. I'd love to see an "Olympia Flower Trend" happen. How do you I/we do that?

You can order the pattern on my SHOP PAGE HERE and learn all about the specifics of the pattern here. As always, my family and I thank you very much. And finally, if you really want to learn how to knit flowers (plus lots and lots more fun), come to my August 14/15 "Get Stitched on the Farm" class. You can read about that here.

How'd I Do That? Olympia the Lamb in her Floral Lei

Thought I would let you in on the behind the scenes on taking the photos of Olympia in her Floral Lei. The idea began as I thought about images of lambs that I have seen in old Victorian postcards. Lambs are often depicted with flowers around their necks in the springtime grazing amongst a field of flowers or green grass. I thought it would be fun to portray this image in actual photos using a real sheep. It took me a while to knit and crochet the floral lei and then felt it. Olympia's birth and subsequent arrival in our farmhouse because her mama didn't want to take care of her made my project possible. Most of our lambs are not very tame nor friendly. Olympia is particularly good looking too - she's half Romney, half Coopworth and has a dainty face - perfect for my photo idea.

After taking the photos of the other lambs in coats, it became clear this wasn't a job for one person. I would need a photo assistant. When you're on the type of budget I am, you have to be resourceful. If The Farmer were more willing and patient, I would have asked him but he thinks I'm a bit nuts, if not a slight bit creative. I don't like to order him around in his barn and that's what I knew it would take to get the photos I had dreamed up in my head. He hasn't been on many photoshoots and doesn't quite understand the process, nor have the interest in it.

Enter our friend Stuart Kenney, Dad to Matt and Bridget (models from Color by Kristin and good buddies of Julia) and a friend of ours. Stuart is a musician (he plays upright bass and the banjo) so he doesn't have to run off to a day job. He used to be a glass blower too and understands art and loves the process. He's also been the subject of many photoshoots for the various bands he has been in. Stuart is always supportive of my work and curious to see what I'm up to. He also happens to drop his kids off at the school at a similar time to Julia's arrival (late...). I asked him if he was busy that day and if would mind helping out for the sake of art. He said he could help me out.



We met up at the barn. I had given Olympia a bath the day before in the kitchen sink (she didn't mind). I wrapped the Felted Floral Lei around her neck and told Stuart what I was thinking of. I had brought with me one of my large painted pieces of masonite I frequently use for backdrops for my photos.

We climbed into the creep feeder. It was the perfect place because the large sheep can't get in and the little lambs didn't want to be near us. We set up the backdrop and then hoped for the best. The light in the greenhouse barn is really nice - filtered and soft.

Olympia is very tame and wasn't interested in the other sheep. It took about an hour and probably 400 photos to get the 3 images I printed onto the postcards. Stuart would hold Olympia until I got into place (on the ground laying in the straw and manure - the glamour never stops here on the farm). Then he would slip Olympia in front of the pink backdrop.

We tried all kinds of things.... making funny noises, calling her name. The best was when Stuart started clapping to get her attention. The rest of the sheep thought it was The Farmer calling them for dinner. All 200 adult sheep came roaring into the barn baaaahing away - it was hysterical.


It is hard to know what you are getting when you are shooting animals. Every millisecond of their movement and expression is different. I knew I needed a lot of images to get the perfect one.

Stuart was a great assistant. Unbeknownst to me, Stuart starting doing cranialsacral massage to Olympia to calm her down. In between takes, I got up out of the manure and there's Olympia asleep in Stuart's arms. Amazing. He calmed her down, then set her down in the set and I clicked away. Awesome.


It was a fun morning and the images were what I was looking for. Thank you Stuart!

So that's the story folks. Good weekend everyone. Postcards available in the shop here.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow at the Knit-a-thon at the Wellesley Booksmith. I'll be there in the afternoon.

Olympia the Lamb as Art

Just when you had thought you have seen it all...... Kristin presents.....
Olympia The Lamb bedecked in her very own Floral Felted Wool Knit and Crochet Lei.

Olympia the Lamb with a Handmade Felted Wool Lei

Olympia the Lamb looking Sideways with a Wool Floral Lei

Olympia The Lamb with Wool Floral Lei Baaaaahhhing

These images are also available over on my website for sale as postcards on my shop page. The Lamb in a Wool Lei Series comes packed 12 of one design or assorted 4 each of the 3 designs in the shop now.

Sheep as Art? What do you think? Hop on over to my store to support the Sheep As Art Project just in time for the arrival of spring. A pattern for your very own Lamb Lei coming soon.

p.s. The ©2010 Kristin Nicholas isn't on the images on the postcards.

Lamb in a Striped Sweater on Op-Art Backgrounds

I've been having a bit of fun lately - amusing myself with the photographic images of our lambs wearing sweaters. My amusement has now morphed into this little series of three Op-Art Lamb in Sweaters on Different Backgrounds. Just in time for sending out for Spring's Arrival.

Here are the three versions of this one cute little lamb:

Lamb in Sweater on a Floral Op-Art Background

Lamb in Sweater on a Polka Dot Background

Lamb in Sweater on a Checked Background

These images are available in sets of 12 of a design or assorted - 4 each of the three designs in the Op-Art Sheep Series. You can find them on the Shop Page of my website.

The lamb is of course wearing her "Lamb Sweater" which you can make for your favorite pooch (A Dog in Sheep's Clothing) - an easy to knit pattern also available on my Shop Page for instant gratification PDF download.

Enjoy.

Out-Takes of Sheep in Sweaters and More

Just want to let you all know that the Sheep in Sweaters Cards are back in stock. You can order them on my website here. I'll be working on the back-orders this weekend.

Like I said before, getting the 4 photos that I deemed printable was a long challenging process. Although I have deleted most of the rejects because they take up so much space on my hard-drive, I did find these few that I thought I would share with you today.

Don't these two look like they are having a conversation? I'm thinking it goes something like this?

Black Lamb: "Who made your sweater?"
White Lamb: "The woman over there with the big black thing she is pointing at us?"
Black Lamb: "Oh yeah, me too? I think she has lost it. What about you?"
White Lamb: "Definitely. I hope spring comes soon so I can take this thing off."


Here's Number 10 modeling the little striped sweater. Sort of puts the whole thing into silly perspective, don't you think?


Has anyone finished The Dog in Sheep's Clothing Sweater yet for their 4 footed friend? If you send me a 72 dpi photo, I would love to post it here on the blog. I'll give you credit, of course.

For those wanting to knit their pooch a sweater, here's the link to purchase the PDF downloadable pattern.

The Giveaway for Gail's book "Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece" ends today at 3 p.m. so if you haven't had a chance to sign up, click on this link.

This Friday (as in tomorrow!) I'll be at RJ Julia in Madison CT for a talk called "The Joy of Color". You can check that out here. Guess what I'll be doing tonight? Hope to see some of you there.

I'll be back later on today with the name of the winner of Gail's book!

Upcoming Happenings and Another Crazy Lamb in a Sweater Photo

Back from a few days away for Julia’s school vacation and now plugging away at all those postcard and book orders you sent my way. You guys are awesome. Thank you so very much. And The Farmer and Julia thank you too. You know, I must say, I can never quite figure out what will resonate with my blog readers. I probably should not admit to this but it is the truth. I thought the lambs in sweaters idea was a cute one but boy, was I surprised by all the excitement. I’m going to give you some of the details behind taking the photos later in the week but let’s just say it wasn’t the easiest project I have taken on with my new interest in photography.

I want to alert you all to some things that are happening very soon. On March 5th, I’m going to be speaking at a fabulous bookstore called R.J. Julia down in Madison, Connecticut. The talk is on a Friday night at 7 p.m. The title of my talk is called “The Joy of Color” and it’s going to be a very fun slide presentation and Q & A. Please tell your friends – anyone who knits, crochets, quilts or sews will enjoy what I have to offer. I promise the talk will be worth the drive if you have a long distance to drive. Also, if you are a knitting or quilting guild member or own a yarn store, let your friends and customers know about the talk. I would love to have a good turn-out. It’s a long drive down and a long drive home late at night and Julia will be in tow (another school day off). We would both like to meet whoever comes. There is a nominal fee of $5.00 and you can sign up on the RJ Julia website here or pay at the door. The cost of the talk can go towards the purchase of Color By Kristin. Please spread the word. There will be door prizes too. A really fun night out.

This coming Sunday, I’ll be giving a class at Knit or Dye in Brattleboro. I’m pretty sure there are still spaces left in the class. You can call Rachel at Knit or Dye to sign up. All of the information is linked on my sidebar.

On March 13th, I’ll be teaching 2 classes down in Ridgefield, CT at a fabulous Yarn & Gift Store called Nancy O. The information for that class is on my sidebar at left.

On March 20th, I'll be teaching 2 classes in Harvard, MA at the fabulous "Fiber Loft." Reba has been trying to get me to come down and teach for years. Last year, the class didn't fill and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this year. You can check that out on my sidebar at the left.

Over at Craft Gossip, they are running a giveaway for Color by Kristin. The deadline to sign up is February 25th so hop on over.

Today, I leave you with another "lamb in wool sweaters" photos. Like I said earlier, taking these photos was one big adventure. I had to photograph lambs that were only a couple days old because they were the only ones who would fit in the sweaters (lambs grow very fast). One of the first days I attempted my project, I dressed a little white lamb in the pink sweater. There was snow on the ground and it was a bright and sunny day. (I actually prefer taking photos on gray days.) The little lamb in the pink sweater was extremely active and try as I could, it was really difficult to get a good photo in the snow and away from anything brown (and that would be just about everything in the barnyard). I was actually taking photos of two lambs at the same time and had just put the first lamb back in the barn after "undressing" it. Trying to get two lambs in a photo - that was a complete failure. The Farmer called to me and said "you've got to come here." I ran out of the greenhouse as he doesn't often sound excited about anything especially when slogging about feeding hay. He pointed and I couldn't believe my eyes. There lying down on top of our giant 200 plus pound Romney ram was the little white lamb in the pink sweater. I snapped very quickly and in a second the lamb had jumped down off the ram. I did get this photo. It really does show the scale and size of all the animals, doesn't it? The medium sized ewe is at the left, the giant ram taking up almost the entire photo, and the little two day old lamb, wow! Cute, huh?



If you are really astute and paying attention to details, you will see that this isn't the exact pink sweater that I showed you the other day (photo is up on the left on the sidebar). Originally I only made and attached 3 crocheted, embroidered flowers on the sweater. Immediately upon looking through the camera at the lamb I could tell that if I made a wreath of flowers at the neckline of the sweater, it would look much cuter. Back to the crochet needle, the yarn and the embroidery and a day later I was at it again, working on the photos. These photos took a crazy amount of time to get right and if I wasn't determined and slighty nuts, I would have given up.... (or maybe if I was smarter?)..... The Farmer just kept looking at me with amusement and bewilderment, I will admit. "What will she do next?," is probably what he was actually thinking and if you all hadn't been so supportive with buying the cards, he probably wouldn't be quite as patient as he will be now if I decide to dress any other sheep in outfits.

You can purchase the postcards of the lambs in sweaters here on the shop page of my website. And don't forget that the "Dog in Sheep's Clothing" pattern is availble IN EIGHT SIZES for download on my website. For all of you with different shaped dogs (big necks, long backs, short legs.....) I have enclosed a page on how to customize the pattern to fit your particular dog. Enjoy your day......