The Girls~~

"The Knittin Chicken Coop" now has new "Girlz"!!

None have names yet...but they will! They have settled in very well and are totally unfazed by Rudy & Milo's antics. It's quite hilarious to see them checking each other out!

Rudy thinks he has a new job~~



WATCHDOG!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

What is it??

Well, hubby's been at it again....but what is it?




Hmmmmmm....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Please Mr. Postman

(yes, I am all about music -- If you need the tune click HERE)



Wait oh yes wait a minute Mr. Postman
Wait wait Mr. Postman.
Mr. Postman, look and see,
Oh, yeah, is there a letter large box in your bag truck for me
Please, please Mr. Postman
I've been waiting long, long time...

Look what arrived at my doorstep yesterday!




Back in February I sent off 2 fleeces to be processed, a shetland and the largest part of a merino that I got tired of teasing out (the process is quite meticulous). So, I patiently waited, I really had no reason to be anxious...I have PLENTY of fiber to spin up!



I wish you could feel this--This is the shetland I got from Debbie Dull earlier this spring when I went to (or rather played hookey from work) help with shearing day. 2.5lbs of fibery goodness! I knew it was a beautiful fleece, I just had NO idea of how wonderful it truly is.

...and...drum roll please...

Remember when I went to that merino farm and bought my first fleece (actually I bought a second one later that same weekend)? Well, the method in which the shepherdess suggested I process the fleece was literally taking me forever (now 2 years to be exact).



Washed, double carded and pin drafted into 3lbs of FABULOUS fiber to spin. The fleece had lots of VM in it, I'm REALLY surprised at how clean it came out. There are going to be some small flecks to get out, but very little!

If you noticed the box and are interested I had this process at Ohio Valley Natural Fibers. Last year I sent an alpaca fleece with a friends order and was pleased with how they process it (no, I haven't spun it up yet--remember THIS picture) That's why I'm on a yarn/fiber diet...I have enough to make my own! Though I have recently fallen off the wagon, but I'm back on again...I promise!
OH...and if you decide to send a fleece (or two) to Ohio Valley, be sure and take advantage of their coupon for first time customers, just click the button on the left side of the page that says "Gift Certificate"!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Rudy--Farm Dog!

(queue music)

Green acres is the place to be
Farm living is the life for me
Land spreading out,
so far and wide....



Shearing days are upon us, for the next few months several farms in the region will be having their sheep sheared. Two farms are back to back using the same shearer, I didn't get to go on Monday...but my friend Tanya did, and I was envious! So Tuesday we drove up to Green Valley Farm to lend a hand, watch/learn and take pictures. The entire way up the road I'm repeating over and over..."I'm NOT buying any wool" -- "I'm just going to learn how to properly skirt a fleece" -- "I'm NOT buying a fleece" -- "I'm just going to help out" -- "I don't have any room for another fleece"!

Rudy encountered his first peacocks, llamas, sheep & shetland ponies! He had a BLAST...so did his momma!


I wished I'd had a video camera to show you him running in the field...I think the picture tells the story.

I do so enjoy watching a shearer at work!

Poor guy...he's part of a father/son team and the son came down with a horrible bug, leaving the father to do all 60 sheep - alone! Monday he sheared all 175 merinos...alone too!

I noticed something very cool, I didn't ask him about them and wished I had so if anyone out there has the answer please let me know. But, the shearer was wearing hand made shoes that looked a lot like 18th century "gillie brogues"

I'd just be interested in knowing if it's a personal preference on his part of something that's in the line of work or maybe his way of paying homage to his heritage?!?!



I did learn how to skirt a fleece properly...do you know how hard it is for me to "throw away" wool -- the poopy part is easy to throw away but I saw wool being pulled off that I would have tried to salvage!



Lots of laughter was shared while doing this. Several of the ladies I know from the Hawks Nest Retreat, including the shepherdess. I bought "Eva Braun" from her a couple years ago, which is what my Aran Wrap Cardigan is being knit up in. Eva is no longer in her herd, but I am going to have a nice cardigan from her!

It was so funny to watch the sheep emerge from the barn...


At first the llama (who pretty much guard the sheep) didn't recognize them and was worrying himself to death trying to "shoosh" them all away! I think he finally realized they were "his" sheep!
I love to watch the sheep come out...kicking their heels up -- singing like James Brown "I Feel Good"!!

I was tired when I got home...but it was so worth it...a good kinda tired!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Oh...in case you are wondering -- I DID come home with a (1) fleece. I couldn't help myself! So much for the pep talk and will power. I figure that was pretty good considering the other ladies had 4 and 5 fleece in their possession!

Support Your Local Farm~~

With all the food scares here lately, it was early last year when I decided to start buying locally. We have a very nice Farmer's Market and a local dairy, Homestead Creamery, that delivers...just like when I was a kid! There's even a vendor who supplies meats of all kinds. A good friend of ours is currently raising Highland cattle, which we have dibbs on a side. I know the grocery stores are now labeling the produce & meats as to their origin, but I still don't trust them.

I have a personal conflict with one of our local grocery chain, my Mom is a 31 year retiree and because of the union they continue to cut her benefits. Now you tell me who made this grocery store what they are today? Those retired from years of blood, sweat & tears! ...okay, enough of that I'll get off that soap box--sorry.

I've looked into joining a CSA, but feel just as good buying from our local farmers on the market and keeping them in business during these hard economic times. Speaking of which I can't wait till I make my first visit this year, I really miss good fresh fruits & veggies this time of year.



OH MY~~NOW...I've found the ultimate CSA! What a FANTASTIC idea...I really don't think it would be hard to convince local farms to do the same, in the meantime...I'm toying with the idea of joining this one!

Do you support your local farmers?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'