Blueball Mountain Spindle & Needleworks

La Vida del La Fiberistas

2011-07-18T13:26:00.000-04:00

Some months are just special, you know. July is probably high on my list of favorite months. I love the warmth of July. The air is sweet with the scent of flowers (exnay on the pollen count, for now), the spring frenzy is past and its time to just enjoy La Vida de La Fiberistas (Life of the FiberWorker). Visit with Special Friends like the Friendship Spinners. The monthly meeting was July9th. Being surrounded by Creative Energy has got to rub off. I feel energized by the sheer convergence of the multiple fiber talents.

And the things I learn! Did you know the first computer was was designed to keep track of weaving patterns? I don't know the name of this ....er....contraption, but it is beautiful and much more understandable than computer code.

I bought this beautiful black Lincoln/Shetland X fleece from Tori K at the meeting. Whenever she brings her fleeces, one or two always follow me home. You can see the slight curlyness of the Lincoln with the super fine Shetland, and the glossiness of both. The little bits of hay will fall right out.

Into the dye pot it went the next day.

Ooooo it turned into this glossy blue/black. this will go straight into the carder to keep some of the curl.

Then I decided that it was time to dye another fleece that I had waiting in the barn. An unknown breed but likely a BFL from the picture I was shown.

It turned into this beautiful blue cloud when run through the picker. Can't wait to do something with it. I think I will dye the rest of the fleece different colors and then mix them up....oooo fun!

A few days later I had a visit from fellow Fiberista Stephanie of LunaBudKnits. I have been out of her fabulous hand dyed Lace and Sock Yarns and it was time to restock. Nothing like the personal service. It was fun hanging out and talking Fiber Shows and Fiber Business. Her shop in Nicolasville will be opening soon.

I picked her loveliest colorways. Do I have to share? Oh ok, you can see them and pick up a few at the shop.

Some wonderful new goodies are coming into the shop all the time and I will write about them soon. I've been delayed on getting the July newsletter out, having too much fun playing as I hope you all are able to. I'll get to the newsletter. In the meantime, these days should be treasured. Soon enough , it will be cold and gray.

Winter has its virtues too, but for now, lets enjoy the slow, dreamy days of summer. When magic happens, and a beautiful young couple comes into the shop unexpectedly, after hours, to have their wedding pictures taken in the shop window:

and play with the yarn

and gaze into each other eyes, dreaming of their enchanted life together:

I think I made the right choice in coming here. Despite the hardships and difficulties in the world, it can be a beautiful life. Treasure the moments that you are given with friends and strangers alike.

Happy July!

Tour de Fleece - Just for Fun

2011-07-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

Even though I'd rather be spinning than most anything else. I find I have to schedule my time to fit it in to everything else. The Tour de Fleece, a, mostly on-line fiber marathon promoted very effectively by Ravelry, allows just that for me. Everything else that is not vital gets pushed aside while I schedule time to spin as much as possible. Here is a bit of the the results from this last week. Still not as much as I'd like. More spinning will be scheduled into my life. It is like Food, Air, Water, Spin.

There are many fiber preps to choose from and each gives a different result. Spinning from a layered batt is one that I love. From making it on the big Strauch Double Wide to the finished yarn:

The Layed Batt from one end.

Opening up the treasure chest.

Stripped and rolled into pretty rolags.

Spun into a thick and thin singles on my Schact Matchless.

Plied with a fine laceweight on my Gorgeous Green Country Spinner.

Skeined and ready to wash.

The question remains: Shall I keep it or sell it at the shop. It will be there, till I decide. Lots more pictures and information are on my FaceBook Page ( Blueball Mountain Spindle and Needleworks ).

Hop on over and become a Fan, if you like.

Celebrating the Fourth with Some Down Time

2011-07-03T21:08:00.000-04:00

July 's warm moist days and long evenings are the perfect times to contemplate the journey. There seems to be color and scent everywhere flooding the senses. It is a great time to kick back and take it all in for a little while and celebrate the abundance of one's life.

It has been five years now since leaving the hustle and bustle of my past. When I first saw the house there was not a flower or plant other than straggley lawn grass around the house. This is what it looks like today.

The front porch still needs work but it is less noticeable being surrounded by a variety of summer blooming perrenials. I loved those columns from the first day I saw them.

The daylilles and the hollyhocks are past their bloom but their luschious leaves still frame the east side of the house. The old bourbon barrel stands guard in its corner.

The side porch seats have peeled down a bit more of their red paint revealing the lovely mustard underneath. This wonderfully shapely old bike will either go to the shop and be covered with knitting or become a planter near the front fence. I'm searching for a metal basket for the front and side saddle newspaper baskets for the back. We shall see. Today it got scraped of loose rust and sprayed with acrylic to protect its soft brown and worn blue finish.

Ah! Chickens! Can anything be more entertaining? They have multiplied and set up their little family groups headed by a rooster. The Buddy the Rooster and his two hens that we got last year, have thoroughly adapted and flourished. I've lost count of how many therre are now. They free range throughout the entire farm keeping the whole environment free of excess ticks and other pesky bugs. They roost in the trees and the ram shed in addition to the chicken coop. They also love hanging with the Ewes in the front pasture. In spring there are plenty of eggs to share with friends but by July those smart chickies hide their clutches and soon parade their babies around. Right now there are two little families of baby chicks.

The garden project has not been as successful the last three years for a variety of reasons having to do with weather and timing (plus focusing on the wool and yarn shop. ) Luckily, I can raid my down the road neighbor's peach tree. These beauties are almost ready to go into a pie.

Two new Shetland ewe girls, Coco and Ashley, joined us this spring and most of the rams born two years ago have found new homes. The pastures can now be managed better for breeding and hopefully, next spring, we will again have lambs born at All One Farms. Can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Welcome to the New Shop on Dixie Ave

2011-06-26T19:38:00.000-04:00

Come see what is fresh and new for Summer

New Yarns, New Patterns, New Accessories

Fun Yarns to inspire you

Take a class to learn a new skill like Crochet Flowers

Rock some fresh project bags at Knit Night

Make some Yarn Jewelry---So Easy!

Look for the growing collection of Hand Made in Kentucky items like the Hand Woven Dish Towels from Weavers Corner.

New Yarns and Knitting and Weaving and Spinning Tools come in every week. Don't Miss out!!

New Shop Opening on January 4: progress continues

2011-01-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

Here's what it looked like as I was leaving this evening. More shop angels came today and got more yarn stocked and added gauzy curtains to the side of the front windows. Martha came by and warped a knitters loom, and started the weft .... to show what a great little loom it is. I 'll post those pictures later as they were taken on another camera. Meanwhile, it is all starting to shape up. I just love it and hope all who visit will too.

There is still more work to do on the walls and figuring out the shelf storage but it is definitely developing. The plan to open on January 4 is still on as it is all moving faster than I thought. What a gret thing to have so many wonderful friends to chip in and help with it all. I am truly blessed.

The New Shop is Ready and The Move has Started!

2010-12-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today the first truckload of fixtures and yarn left the old shop and moved into their new home on Dixie Avenue. It was like a huge exhale and I can finally breathe easily again. With the help of my dear Shop Angels, dozens and dozens of bags and cases of yarn and tools and needles were transported around the corner and await being placed onto shelves and walls.

The space feels amazingly spacious and open. The light is wonderful and the two huge windows are such a pleasure.

The walls and floors are freshly painted

and there is just a little cleaning of the unpainted Terrazzo floors in what will be an enclosed classroom/meeting space.

Down the right side, past the new cash desk, there is a long section of display space leading to another smaller enclosed room

that will be a work space for me where I can keep my projects separate from the shop goods. I really love this!

Beyond, there is a yet another room which will be an office space for keeping all the files and catalogs and all the paper that accumulates.

A few other big pieces from the barn at the farm will be moved tomorrow and then the restocking and creating the space will begin. For me, that is the most fun part of all.

Happy Holidays From My Family to Yours

2010-12-28T22:16:00.003-05:00

Making a little holiday music

The girls enjoy their new chew toys

David enjoys his new little second cousin, Tommy

We all enjoyed a beautiful holiday dinner at my sister's house

Small Biz Saturday Sale!

2010-11-25T17:57:00.003-05:00

The shop will be Closed all day Friday.

Sorry folks. I just cannot deal with Black Friday. I’ve never liked the frenzy of it.

But I know that many wait for it in hopes of finding some goodies on sale.

My compromise is to do a Sale on Small Biz Saturday instead. There will be yarns, kits and accessories on sale, including:

Portland Tweed 30% off (stock only)
CEY Sprout 30% off (stock only)
Aslan Trends Artesanal 20% off (stock only)
FrogTree Alpaca Sport and Melange 20% off (stock only)
Frog Tree Origami Sweater Kits 30% off (stock only)
Misc. odd Knitting Kits 20% off (stock only)
Reya Sock Yarns 25% off (stock only)
all Single Patterns 25% off
Namaste Bags 10% off (stock only)

Spend $50 in one non sale yarn purchase, you will get 10% off

on that yarn.

There may be some other items on sale as I go through the inventory.

All Sales are for in stock items only. No special orders or prior sales or holds. No combining with other coupons. All are final sale.

The shop will open at 10:00 am as usual for Saturday and will stay open until at least 6:00 pm

Thanks! Hope to see you here on Saturday!.

Lighting Up Old Town Elizabethtown Kentucky

2010-11-21T19:10:00.002-05:00

My little shop, for now, is still located at 29 Public Square, Elizabethtown

I think I must hold the title as the Tiniest Yarn Shop in Kentucky but it is also the Friendliest and it is fully stocked and ready to serve your Holiday Knitting needs including Lessons, Gifts, Gift Certificates, Kits and of course, the best yarn around at the best prices for all budgets. Come and visit.

You Have Shown Me Your Hearts

2010-11-07T08:59:00.001-05:00

I am feeling so thankful for the wonderful friends that have shown what 'being there' for a friend means.

This weekend's Open House was a huge success despite all the drama of not moving at the last minute. I could not have pulled it off without the most wonderful group of friends and supporters I have ever known. Kay, Claudia, Ron and Keith, Amy, Cheri, Yvonne and RoLynn and, of course, Alan. You all were there, despite having deploying sons, major surgical procedures, ninja turtle body braces, horrible divorce issues, driving hours to get here, taking days off from your own work and cheerfully staying 'on hold' to move heavy furniture and then moving it back, packing, unpacking and then restacking shelves, bringing me coffee and a smile, words of encouragement and hugs and so many seemingly little things that are so meaningful to me. You all nurtured me and pulled me through, and away from what to me, felt like the jaws of death. (I said it was my drama!)

And I cannot ever say enough about the faithful and supportive customers who came out to rally and brought or sent all their other friends to the shop, too. The words thank you, just do not cover it.

Namaste! I am humbled by your sheer 'goodness' and generosity of spirit.

There is No Place Like Home -- Dorothy

2010-11-04T08:45:00.000-04:00

And home is still at 29 Public Square, Elizabethtown, Ky 42701

It was enticing, the beautiful space, with it's brick wall, columns and huge display windows but it seems it was only OZ and yes, a Wizard blowing smoke and whistles. It was not real and not meant to be.

And so, the big move did not happen and will not happen but the result is that I've had an opportunity to rearrange the whole shop, clear out the unneeded stuff and the shop SEEMS bigger! The back room is now fully devoted to displaying all the beautiful new yarns and accessories that have come in. More are due in today. It feels all fresh and new and I hope you will all love it as much as I am. I will be working on it more today but the shop is OPEN again....and

The OPEN House is ON for Friday and Saturday...

Come out and see! I have received some fabulous Door Prizes and giveaways from Classic Elite and Cascade. Everyone who comes in will get a ticket for the big drawing tomorrow afternoon. And every purchase get's you another ticket into the pot...so you have two chances to win some really special prizes and there will be freebies for the early birds while they last!

The Shop is Moving to a New and Spacious Location

2010-11-02T00:58:00.003-04:00

It was just 7 short months ago that I had the guts to open a small Wool and Yarn shop in Old Town Elizabethtown, KY. I'd always dreamed of having my own business and i knew that it would be 'shop'. A small place where people would gather to create. And so it is!

If you've been to the shop, you know that it is 'cozy'....it is quite small. I've loved this shop and I am so proud of it. It has been such fun to come here every day and just play/work at what I love. It has been something that I created from the stuff of my dreams and it will be hard to leave its safe walls. In these short months, I have met the most wonderful people, spinners, knitters, crocheters and even a tatter or two. So many have told me how happy they are to have found the tiny shop and that they love coming here. And I have loved being found. It is so gratifying to see the looks on the faces when they come in.

But as the shop has gotten more popular, the space seems to have gotten smaller. The time has come to move to more spacious quarters. The opportunity was offered and after a long time pondering what it would do to my small dream, I decided to go for it. Although there were many delays, once the decision was made, the new shop is finally ready and I will begin the move to the new shop tomorrow, November 2 and the shop will be closed. It will be the first time that I will be closed on a week day. But there was no way to avoid and so it must be. I hope to be open again in the new space on Wednesday. I will be just around the corner at 110 North Main Street. Park in the back as usual and look for the canopy over the door:

or the BIG WINDOWS on North Main Street:

Open House Weekend:

Come visit the new shop during our weekend Open House celebration on November 5 and 6.

Lots of treates and activiteis are planned including Door Prizes, Special Trunk Shows from Alchemy Yarns and Classic Elite, New Yarn Selections from JoJoLand, Mango Moon, Frog Tree, O'Wool, and Cascade. New Cottage Rovings from my Paula Rover, more spinning fibers and blending materials from Ashland Bay and Ashford plus Knitter's Looms, Drum Carders and Fiber Processing Supplies and Dyes.
I am very proud to also include the wonderful collection of Primitive Furnishings and Folk Art by Kathy Anthony of Sugarbucket Antiques. Kathy will have a special section within the shop to showcase her hand made Christmas and Winter Ornies which she has been hard at work on in between hand building her own Log House.

Come check it all out. I'd love to see you!

Sweater Class Full House

2010-09-09T18:34:00.002-04:00

Tonight is the first night of the First Sweater Class held at th shop. The class is full and I even had to turn 1 away just because of space limitations.

Even with the cozyness, everyone is concentrating and enjoying learning the formulas for developing a pattern to their own personal measurements. Martha Richards is not only an experienced knitter and experienced teacher (among other things), she is also funny and engaging. We are planning more sweater and larger project classes for the future. Can't wait till we can hold them in THE NEW SPACE!....:-)

Too Hot to Knit with Wool? How about Cotton Bamboo? Lacy Alpaca? or Fresh Linen?

2010-08-12T17:05:00.001-04:00

Something I hear now and then is that folks don't like to knit in summer because of the heat. This seems to be a state of consciousness because, if we are the lucky ones, we have the ac blasting indoors during these steamy days. I think what we mean is that we don't like to WEAR knitting in summer. Because traditionally, knitting is thought of as only for cool weather garments.

Now that there re so many beautiful lightweight and cool yarns available, we can be knitting cooly while creating these just refreshingly lovely tops and accessories. Choose to knit in Pima Cotton, Cotton Bamboo or Linen for a fresh feeling while knitting and wearing.

Just in time, a new shipment of CEY Heron Island:

This high quality pattern collection booklet features nine warm weather designs, all with intriguing stitch details. Here are just a few to tempt you back to summer knitting:

The Heron Island Collection is normally $15.95. This month, on sale for $12.00....and remember the additional savings detailed in the Classic Elite Trunk Show and Sale apply to this pattern collection when purchased at the shop with any sweater quantity yarn purchase of Classic Elite Yarns including CottonBamboo, Firefly, Premiere or CottonTail.

(All photos in this post are courtesy of ClassicEliteYarns)

Classic Elite Trunk Show and Sale

2010-08-05T16:56:00.001-04:00

Classic Elite Pattern Samples are around the shop now till the end of the month to inspire your knitting projects. These beautifully crafted pieces are in CEY unique quality yarns such as the Firefly Linen/viscose blend in the pale peach Smocked Pull Over above from the Picnic pattern collection. The tomato red Leaf Yoke Pullover visible below is knit up in Premiere a just luscious Pima Cotton/Tencel blend. The pattern is in Summer Book 2.

This adorable Center Cable Tee from the Heron Island Booklet, just glows in Cotton Bamboo. The combination of the mini cable and sweet lacey yarnover stitches create an extremely flattering shape. I know, I tried it on. Actually I tried them all on and they are all designed to glide over those little spots that none of us want to acknowledge!

Here's another view of the FireFly Pullover with the FireFly Scarf,

Another great CEY Summer Yarn is Sprout, a 100% Organic Cotton Chunky yarn that is not only great in the Basketweave Blanket (free pattern on the CEY website)

but also is great for little sweaters like the Sprout Baby Tunic (also free on the CEY website) and big girl sweaters too.

So I mentioned a SALE up there didn't I? Yes indeedy. You will get 15% off on both the pattern book and sweater quantities on these or any other CEY yarn and pattern sweater quantities combination from now till the end of the month. Lots and Lots of colors to choose from. Hurry in cause after this month, they may be gone to make room for all the new things coming in.

2010-08-05T15:01:00.000-04:00

Well, it certainly is high time I put something new on this old blog. It's been two months since TNNA and there has been a lot going on at the shop since then. I've got loads of new yarns in and more coming. I'll try to give a little taste of it here in some pictues.

Here is a view of the Shawl Wall featuring the lovely Lace Shawls of Claudia Miller. At the top left are two versions of the Ishbell pattern, the first in a wool/silk blend and the second in a woo/bamboo blend. The lovely blue shades of Zauberboll lace yarn look gorgeous on the Traveling Woman pattern and at the far right is Clothilde knit from Hand Dyed Silk/Merino from Lunabudknits is another beautiful interpretation. Claudi is an extraordinary knitter and is especially fond of Lace Knitting technique. She has a way of interpreting Lace Patterns with lovely yarns to create something truly unique. These shawls are all for sale at the shop and all affordable between $40 and $50.

If you would like to learn Lace Knitting Techniques from Claudia, she will be teaching a class at the shop on Saturday, August 21 from 10:30 to 1:30 pm. The class is designed to introduce students to lace knitting starting with the most basic and building to more complex designs. Students will also learn how to read and use charts. You can find more information and register on line here : http://blueballmountainspindleandneedleworks.com/?page_id=237

Off to TNNA

2010-06-09T16:38:00.001-04:00

I'm off to TNNA in the early morning. Four days of yarn and fiber goodness. I'm sure I will return with wonderful plans for new yarns and equipment for the fall. This is the MaMa of all yarn shows. Everyone will be there to share their latest and greatest offerings. I'm packing comfortable shoes, extra shots of bottled Starbucks and a few pennies to spend on samples and goodies.

Meanwhile, the little elves will be takeing over the shop for the weekend. So the shop will be open regular hours except for tomorrow, Thursday, June 10 when the shop will only be open between 2:00 and 6:00 PM.

Don't forget the SALE on ALL cotton and cotton blend yarns goes on throught he weekend. Stop in and grab yours.

Between 11 and 2, if you are downtown, stop in the the Pritchard Community Center where the local Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Small Business Expo. It is open to the public and if the little elves can get a few things over there, one booth will be dedicated to the shop. Stop in and say hello.

Handspuns from Luna Loca Batts and Roving

2010-05-18T01:02:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've had time to spin but in the last few weeks I have been focusing on getting back to my first fiber love. All the ingredients to spark creativity is all around me all the time. This started out as a 10 color layered batt of merino top spun thick and thin and then plied with a fine commercial blue thread.

I had a fun time with this bulky single spun loosely from loose Cotswold locks around a commercial lace weight. One of my most favorite styles of yarn has become popular and several have already sold at the shop. Another is on the Green Queen Country Spinner now.

On the left is a self plied bulky thick and thin spun from a crazy batt filled with bamboo, merino, angelina in blues, violets and greens. In the center is a thick and thin single softly spun from two bright sun filled colored batts stripped and held together in a racing strip. And on the right a rich worsted weight evenly spun yarn from roving I made on my Patrick Green Cottage Carder from bamboo, corriedele, merino and Shetland.

I now have available at the shop a variety of Little Looney Bags full of goodies that can be combined with the great color variety of Merino Top that I keep in stock for making your own batts. Lots more in the shop. Come in and get inspired.

Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festiva-Fiber, Friends and Fun

2010-05-17T23:27:00.001-04:00

What a great show ... The first annual Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Fair was this weekend. Over 40 great fiber vendors gathered at Master Station Park in Lexington to share a variety of beautiful fiber wares. Fiber animals, sheep and alpaca, bunnies and their lovely fleeces filled two buildings along with tons of fiber goodies from yarns and batts to all variety of tools and gadgets. The organizers went the full mile to create a show where everything ran smoothly and everyone seemed to be having a grand time. This will definitely be an annual event so if you didn't get a chance to see it this year, put it on your calendar for next year.

The Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival

2010-05-11T23:19:00.002-04:00

The long awaited Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival is this weekend (5/15-16) in Lexington.

I'm excited to be part of this exciting event. The list of fiber vendors and food, fiber animal exhibitions the the annual Sheep Dog Trials is wonderful. This will be an event not to be missed. Fiber Lovers and their families, come on out and celebrate this weekend. Take one of the wonderful workshops starting on Friday and shop and eat from the great variety of local and regional wool, alpaca farmers and fiber artisans. Sample great natural and local food. Check out the details here :

http://www.kentuckysheepandfiber.com/

and don't forget to stop by and say hello. I've been spinning like crazy and carding batts for weeks now getting ready for the event. I will also have Ashford Spinning wheels and the great Knitters Loom as well as Wild Carder and other carders and tools in the Ashford line. I will also have a great selection of felting fibers and ecru fibers for dyeing including Panda Top and Merino/Bamboo and Merino Superwash.

A sampling of some of the beautiful yarns in my shop will also be there.

Come on out...it's going to be a great weekend!

Local Yarn Store Now Open in Historic Elizabethtown, Kentucky

2010-04-19T15:56:00.002-04:00

TheElizabethtown location of Blueball Mountain Spindle and Needleworks hasofficially opened at 29 Public Square . The location in the historicdistrict of one of Kentucky's oldest town is convenient and there isalways something happening. I was lucky to find this little pocket of ashop right in the center of the ...centerof the town square. There is an excellent public and free parking inthe back leading to the back door and one hour parking in the front.

Butthe best news is the expanded inventory that I am now able to carry atthis location. In addition to the spinning tools and supplies fromAshford and the Shetland Wool rovings, fleeces and custom blendedLunaLocaBatts and my own Loqueria Art Yarns, I now carry an array ofyarns from some of the best yarn producers around. Selections fromregional Alpaca growers, USA based Mountain Colors (to dye for!),

NewEngland based Classic Elite Yarns including Fresco, Sprout, Firefly and Portland Tweed

are complemented by Fair Trade yarnsand products from Frog Tree (South America) and Frabjous (Nepal).

Andof course, how could I resist carrying the beautiful animal friendlybags and accessories created by Namaste.

Also in stock is theloveliest selection of colors from Cascade in 220 SuperWash. Comingsoon will be regular Cascade 220, so perfect for felting.

And let menot forget to mention the selection gorgeous Regia Sock yarns.

There re many options for gifts andaccessories including Shawl Pins from JUL

and several gorgeous Sweaterand Shawl kits from Frog Tree and Mountain Colors. More kits and giftitems will be coming soon too.

In this cabinet I also have a few of the lovely handpainted yarns from LunaBud Knits inSock, fingering, bulky and lace weights. These are in limited supplyright now, so get them while you can. I hope to be getting more fromSteph in the near future.

Also scheduled to arrive isMistiAlpaca HandPaints in both lace and bulky weights. I could notresist these. This is both visual and tactile lushness personoified.Come experience them yourself, soon.

Quality Knitting Needles include Hiya Hiya's full line of bamboo, steel circulars, fixed and interchangeable sets and Double Points. Brittany straights in all sizes as well as economical Chiagoo, and Boye Balene and others. Crochet Hooks, stitch markers, needle guages and stitch counters are also available.

The Shop is located in the Old Downtown Historic District which is crossed by Route 31 and Old Main Street.

Hours are: 11-6 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

10-5 on Saturday; I am closed on Sunday and Monday

If you need directions orhave questions about anything that is in the shop or at the farm store,please do not hesitate to call me at 270-763-3352 or email me atluna.headhearthands@gmail.com.

Pink February Valentine Love

2010-02-15T15:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, was Valentines Day and I thought it would be nice to arrange some of the goodies I had snagged on my recent snow bound trip to Ohio with Frannie. I could not resist this dainty little handsmocked baby dresss. One of my earliest memories of my mother is watching her make little dresses like this from scratch and all by hand--including the pattern cut from brown paper. Looke at the meticulous smocking:

SweetAlan also surprised me with a lovely pink bouquet of roses. It immediately went into one of my vintage green vases and onto the peeled green paint kitchen table...what could be lovelier!

And look at those dainty pink shoe stretchers....I have collected these for years. Soft green ones are nice too. And starched pink and green pocket hankies--a fresh one was pinned on my little dress everyday so I couldn't resist adding these to me collection.

It was a day perfect for indulging in massive swatches of Pink and Green, one of my favorite color combinations. I think that I have found the perfect antidote to February SAD. Nothing beats pretty pink hand smocked baby dresses, starched pink doiles, rose hankies and softly faded pink vintage paper ephemera to brighten the day.

Hope everyone has another day filled with Love....and Pink!

Blueball Mountain Spindle & Needleworks......1.0

2010-02-06T10:31:00.001-05:00

Not being a techie literate person, I dread going into codes and languages that are not Roman based. So I took Sister Diane's Blog Tune Up Workshop ( http://www.craftypod.com/2010/01/06/its-coming-the-next-craft-blog-tune-up-class/ )to get a little hand holding while I revamped the old blog. Remember that was one of my major goals for the Year and part of my Craft or Bust Pledge too. I think I've burned my retinas out by looking at a gazillion blogs, websites and tutorials but I was gently led through the process by the incredible group also in the class. Being the careful (read obsessive) person that I am, I've changed things so many times that I missed the deadline. I'm one day late but here at last is the new header...for now. There are still halfa gazillion tweeks left to do on it but I thought I would aire out to the public. Another great concept from Sister Di is The Power of 1.0. This will be revised. But for now....it's out there. I would love opinions and ideas! Share!

A little yarn candy....we all need it, right?

Ravelympics - Craft or Bust

2010-02-01T00:42:00.002-05:00

This week I was able to keep my pledge to Craft or Bust: I started a new yarn with the help of this wonderful COLORBombIts Kit custom made by the ever colorful Ms Velma. Now I am also a COLORBOMBer in the Ravelympics, an annual fun event on Ravelry. My challenge is to spin a fabulous yarn from all these gorgeous goodies combined with my own hand dyed cormo and firestar roving. Yesterday, I spun a thick and thin single with the cormo roving. Another single will be made with the goodies wrapped and coiled around it. These will then be plied to create a bulky yarn that will be knit up into a thick cowl during the Olympics. Fun!

This week's farm picture:

The Elaine, Aurora and Meriwether looking for breakfast after a night of snow. "Good thing we have these wooly coats on Mom and what's keeping you? "

What was your week like?

The DoneIt List--An Alternative for the Person Who Hates ToDo Lists

2010-01-26T02:03:00.004-05:00

I've started making lists again. For a good while now I've avoided the kind of life where lists are necessary. My past experience with lists has been that they are usually about have to's and obligations. When I gave up the outside work, the career, I stopped making lists because I had no one to answer to anymore. That was the way I wanted it. Just free wheel through life doing what presented itself in the moment. Interestingly, my list-less life has now lead me to where lists have again become the framework for what I do and the outline of what has been accomplished. The dreaded ToDo list has morphed into the DoneIt list. It's satisfying. Clears my mind and readies it for the What is to Come list. And it doesn't have to be composed every day. Here's my DoneIt list for the last two weeks or so:

1. Took scad of random photos around the wool room and cottage of fibers waiting to be processed for possible WebSite Banner.

2. Explored and experimented more with iWeb and iWork to improve my business operation.

3. Signed up for One-to-One Workshop on Using a Mac to run your Business (exploring all options)

4. Participated in Blog Tune Up workshop (learned much!) and perused many new websites with analytical eye. Wrote out my goals and dreams for the blog; am considering moving to WordPress.

5. Developed design idea for Shop, Shabby FarmHouse (no photo of sketches, darn)

6. Painted two rooms, scoured barns, house, and three local antiquesources for display pieces, scrubbed and/or re- painted them, movedthem around the two rooms several times. 7. Visited City Hall to apply for Business License, Sign Permit, Certificate of Occupancy.

8. Sketched 3 possible Sign designs, no decision yet (no photo of sketch either...must remember to photograph sketchbook)

9. Fired up the Paula Rover and did a couple of test run. Beautiful rovings will be subject of a separate post.

10. Prepared three fibers for a Valentine's Day Yarn: Hand Dyed Cherry Red Cormo fleece, White Cotswold Locks and Chocolate Brown Wenslydale/Lincoln cross Locks.

11. While taking a gazillion photos to create a How To Spin Loose Locks into a CoreWrapped Yarn tutorial. All photos were organized, and edited in iPhoto.

12. Spun the Valentine's Day Yarn:

13. Continued knitting on my No Pattern Mitt which is more about intuitively constructing the mitt without depending on a pattern as an exercise to improve my understanding of knitting structure.

I like this type of list better than ToDo Lists. I will have to make those ToDos as well, just because so much is coming into my life right now and I'm feeling a responsibility to the generosity of the Universe. But I will view them as a rough guide line for the day or week.

I've given myself some termporal boundaries by signing up to Craft or Bust Challenge, the Blog Tune Up Workshop, The COLORBOMBer's Ravelympics team and the Insubordiknit Art Yarn a Month Challenge also on Ravelry. Hmm. I wish I hadn't made that last list...I feel pressure building........or is it excitement ! :-)

Photo Winner and Blog Workshop = A Whole New Luna...Coming Soon!

2010-01-19T23:07:00.001-05:00

Well, it's pretty unanimous. I've gotten feedback from several other sources and it seems that the side porch off the kitchen is the favorite. It is mine too. Next, getting it into the header! That will be one of my tasks for tomorrow.

.

A quick side note:

I am taking an on-line workshop called Tune Up Your Blog given byCrafty Guru Sister Diane and I've learned much in the first two days. One thing I know I need to do is be more regular in my postings. SoI'm trying out a once weekly schedule with updates on Wednesdays. (Since this is still Tuesday night, I'm not sure if this actuallycounts ...hmmm!). I will update this post tomorrow with more info andlinks to make it official

Oh and Goldy Kitty thanks you. That porch is one of her favorite spots to survey the world!

The Farm House in Winter

2010-01-12T13:19:00.002-05:00

While I work on some yarns, the shope painting, ordering and designing the new website, I thought I would throw out a few views of life here at the homestead. One thing I am thinking of doing is changeing the header picture on the blog to coordinate with what I'm doing on the (currently being constructed website. I'd love to get some feedback. This is one picture I am considering.

Here is another one that has a good chance of becoming a header.

This is just gratuitous kitty porn.

Share your opinions....I love hearing from y'all.

Craft or Bust Challenge 2010--- Accepted!

2010-01-10T01:48:00.001-05:00

In an earlier post I wrote my goal for the year is

"to grow this business by being moreproductive, carrying through on my creative process, and publicizingwhat I do more boldly and frequently. "

The very next day I discovered the perfect accompaniment to my process when I was introduced to the Craft or Bust Challenge 2010 by the fabulous Velmalikevelvet, creative Art Yarn spinner and Artista.
The Craft or Bust Project is a weekly creative endurance challenge created by Crystal, The QuickSilverCrafter on her blog found HERE. The Challenge has a few simple rules: Sign up, Craft, Check In, Document and Blog about it. Easy, yes, indeedy and just the trigger to move my broad abstract goal into the concrete:

" My goal is toorganize my various artycrafty dabblings in fabric, paper, dolls and funky jewelry around wool by experimenting and exploring thequalities of wool in all its forms using various techniques (spinning knitting,crochet, felting and sewing) and photographing it for documentation here. And finish designing a real website to market it all through. Imust document the process at least every week through 2010"

This is the most perfect jump off for this, The Year of Making It Happen, Baby. A little focus, a little outside Accountability to help keep me on track. It's week 1 and I've been preoccupied with getting the shop ready and doing the paperwork drudgery and planning that goes behind so this is a tiny little project, but so far, I'm good:

This little critter is one of three that I am making as a special order for a local customer. She's almost done and will be part of a little family group including a Lamb and brown Ram.

Take the Challenge with me: check it out.

Fiber Friday

2010-01-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

A little touch of fibery goodness for the day. This is a two ply yarn that was gone before I could name it. I spun up a pile of carded clouds that I had on hand with two batts I got from Therese of JumpSheep with the Paula carder. I wanted it fat and fluffy (I'm feeling kinda fat and fluffy these days). And I wanted a lot of it. I spun two worsted spindlefulls on my Schacht in exagerrated thick and thin then plied it with itself on my Green Girl Country Spinner. It was a lovely nicely balanced 85 yards weighing roughly 7 oz. I say was, cuz , it's gone. I gave it away in the Dirty Santa on New Year's Day. Sweet Teresa (of Etown Knitters) got it. The big smile on her face was cool. So whatcha gonna make outta it? T?

Personal Branding in the Slow Lane

2010-01-07T10:45:00.001-05:00

I love the snow coming down. I woke this morning before 7 to it's softfirst flutterings and I have been watching it ever since. How gratefulI am to be here, to be able to take the time to watch the snow comedown.

The Sheepie Girls huddle together in their shelter. They don'tneed much. No big barn and million dollar facilities. They need theair flowing around them. As I do. I stand out on the porch in myjammies, feeling the cold air on my skin and marvel at the beauty of itall. And I am at peace here in my simple house with it's worn furniture and peely paint.

I am reminded that I want nothing more than to live here and wash my dishes by hand in a sink that is too small with no counters then go sit at my spinning wheel or blend some fibers that I dyed the day before. Or not.

I've been reading a lot about the 'new' marketing and 'growing' a business in the age of the internet and social media. Personal branding is the thing right now. Underlying it though, I sense the same hectic selling and self promotion that I knew 23 years ago when I worked in NYC as a Sales Promotion Manager for a huge textile company. I left there when my son Will was born knowing that I wanted a different way of life. It took awhile, but here it is. And I know that I don't want to go back to that same sense of pushing and shoving to come out on top of the heap. My personal brand is that I like taking it slow and easy. I don't want to push. I don't want to shout out. I prefer to invite you in to my world, to share a bit of it with me. Laugh and tell stories. Make things together. Enjoy the moment here...while also keeping an eye toward the rest of the world. There is a lot of good going on out there, too. So much creativity and innovation.

So that's my personal brand. I make things and sell things and teach things, too. There is a lot going on but it will come out to the surface slowly. My passions are quiet. You might even have to dig it out of me a bit. Or look around a bit on your own. Or ask me a question. It probably won't get me to the top of the heap and I'll miss some stuff that is moving by quickly, but that's ok. There's plenty to go around. Meanwhile, I'll be watching the snow today.

Is it REALLY 2010? Well then Happy New Decade! the Universe is Reborn!

2010-01-04T13:11:00.037-05:00

2010! The end of a decade and the start of a new one seems full of promise.

Three years ago, my life took a radical change when I leaped into Sheep Keeping and Creation of my Own Life and Business here at All One Farms. I had only the vaguest idea about what that Business would look like, but I knew that it would be based in Cooperative Independence and Self Sustaining Practices and in the nurturing of my Creativity. Throughout 2008, despite some external 'distractions' (the Evil Divorce Proscess), I persevered and though I ended 2008 nearly penniless I moved forward with the encouragement and support of friends and loved ones. My resolution for 2009 was to get the Fiber Business off the ground and, indeed, I feel that I accomplished that goal. The year ended with great feedback and sales, and great opportunities for continuing to grow. More details on all the great things coming up soon. For now it is a time to set some broad goals and make resolutions/visualizations for the year and decade ahead.

So the broad goal this year is to grow this business by being more productive, carrying through on my creative process, and publicizing what I do more boldly and frequently. So here are three big announcements:

Big Announcement Number One: I am now the proud owner of this:
In the last week of December I purchased this 7 Drum Cottage IndustryCarder originally made by Patrick Green for his wife Paula Simmons. Ibelieve that this was the prototype for a few others he made afterthat. I only know of 2 others in existence. I am the third owner ofthis wonerful machine and it has been kept in pristine condition by Therese Cruz of JumpSheep Studio. Thisbeauty is designed to prepare 'high quality long fiber wool forproduction spinning'. It can card Ten Pounds of Wool or more per hourinto lovely roving which can be wound into balls or rolled into bumps. Check Therese's blog for pictures of what can come out of this baby. I am so excited to get my new toy set up and running. As soon as thecottage floor finish is dry, it will be going in and be ready toprocess the lovely wools I have been collecting.

The etching on the bar says: Paula's Rover No. 1.

This is a view of the inside with one side panel removed. Some seriousmechanics going on in there! Five major drums include the giant Swift,the Doffer, The Fancy, The Worker and the Stripper plus the upper andlower Nippers.

Big Announcement Number Two: The Cottage will be come the Wool Processing cottage with the Paula's Rover and my Fancy Kitty Bench picker. I will have space to organize the various wools by color and type and stage of production. I will also have space for my favorite perch, my cream colored down sofa and one or two spinning wheels for me and guests to work on. I plan to have mini workshops here as well. I do not intend at this point to do processing for others on any large scale although I am thinking that I can make the carder available for processing in a limited way. That part is still in development. The hope is to find a Cottage Industry Spinner to accompany the Rover. I know it is is out there. Here Spinny spinner...come to mama!

Big Announcement Number Three: I have been fortuitous to find a tiny shop in downtown Elizabethtown that is affordable and beautifully located. Although, until 5 weeks ago, I had not planned to open a brick and mortor shop off the farm, the universal forces are moving me there and I am accepting the challenge and the opportunity that has presented itself. It feels perfectly in line with the work that will be coming out of the Cottage Workshop with the Paula Rover. In addition to my own handspun and hand felts, I hope to carry the yarns, fibers and creations of other local and regional fiber artists. This will not be a traditional 'yarn store' but a Studio/Gallery/Shop/Learning place. This is also in development. My hope is to support the community aspects of Fiber Arts including Spinning, Felting, Knitting, Crochet and related handwork. Share your ideas with me. I would love to hear them.

So doesn't this feel like a very auspicious year? Like the completion of one phase and the beginning of something new? Join me on my journey into the adventure that is ahead.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts on The New Town Shop and The New Website and The New Product Line!

Felted Holiday Trees to Brighten the Gray Days

2009-12-15T18:25:00.002-05:00

The gray days of late Autumn are here. Moving to the darkest night, it is our tendency to add our own brightness to the universe. I've been craving colors. The brighter the better. And lush softness. What could be better than to create that color, and soft lushness into the iconic shape of the evergreen. And so I offer these Felted Trees. I started making these about 2 weeks ago and they seem to fly out the door as soon as they are seen. Here are a few more:

The three above are about 8 inches tall and about 4 1/2 inches at the base. These are $15 each. The smaller ones below

are about 6 inches tall and 3 inches at the base. These are selling for $9.00 each. Each tree is a one of a kind piece. They are made on a base of Shetland wool from my big Ram Lincoln. Over this I have needlefelted Cotswold locks that have been individually dyed in various greens and blues with some golds and reds. The individual locks are hand blended to create depth of color such as might be seen reflecting off a hillside of evergreens at sunset at this time of year. I will keep making these for awhile and will have some at this weekends ArtWalk in Elizabethtown. If you would like me to hold one or two or three for you to see there, let me know by this Thursday. I will be delivering 4 to Greensburg, so if you are in that area, let me know right away. They may also be ordered for delivery after the Winter Holidays, as well.

Knitting with Handspun
Every once in a while I am asked what can be done with a small skein of handspun yarn. I also was wanting to knit a hat that fits me, keeps my head warm and dry (and my hair from frizzin'!) Since I've amassed quite a stash of small skeins spindle spun handspun and the perfect project came up in the most recent issue of SpinOff, the time is right to practice what I preach. Here is the Tahoe Hat I knit this past week. It was so easy, that I, with my very limited and basic knitting skills, finished it in a few sittings.

I used a black brown worsted weight slightly thick and thin as the unifyer to separate the various colors that stripe around the brim and top. You can see that some are very bulky and thick and some a smaller guage. I even threw some light laceweights in there that I doubled to create even more interesting combinations. And I reached my goal of finishing and wearing it Saturday afternoon. It kept the dreary drizzle off my painstakingly flat ironed hair and made me feel quite the artista!

Some of these yarns went into the hat. I'm planning another one. I love it so much and had fun playing with the colors. Much much more at the home studio and at the booth this weekend in E town.

Old Towne Revival

2009-12-02T20:13:00.007-05:00

I live near the wonderful old town of Elizabeth KY, full of historic old buildings each with its own wondrous past. In recent times it has been a bit quiet down in the old town square. Many business and shops have moved out to the many newly developed highway malls all around. BUT, there is movement afoot to revive the energy that once thrived here. Driven by the Renaissance of the Grand old State Theatre (historicstatetheater.org/) and the efforts of the Heritage Council, this year there is a wonderful ArtWalk bringing those lights and sounds of the holiday back to the square. The once empty shop windows have been transformed by local business Inside, the shops have been turned into Galleries featuring fine, graphic and folk artists from all around the state. Find more details here.

Wool Comes to Town:

I have been having a great time participating in the Elizabethtown "Old Towne" Artwalk. The new venue prompted the inspiration to get back to doing some serious felting:

such as this Art Doll called 'The Singer',

and some bold new Art Yarns like this plush hand dyed thick and thin plied with gold and dark green threads, felted balls and yes, tiny hand knit socks:

and this huge skein of core spun multi colored hand dyed locks called 'Holiday Lights'.

There will be more of my handspuns every week as I get them off the wheels and prepped and felted pieces as inspiration hits.

For more fun and variety, I have invited fellow fiber artist Stephanie of LunabudKnits to join me. A beautiful selection of her hand dyed yarns will also be found in my shop space including some she whipped up with some of my fibers. The girl is multi talented indeed. Follow the link above to check out her blog and Etsy shop and

learn more about her wonderful fiber arts and her visit to AllOneFarms recently. She will be visiting the ArtWalk again next weekend and we just might put some combined "luna power" to spin up some new yarns or felted creations to add to the shop.

It has been a fun event with a variety of activities that began with the Thanksgiving Day Parade and continues every weekend (5 to 8 pm) evening through December 19. In addition to the programs at the State Theatre, which include screenings of vintage Holiday Classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" this weekend, there is always live music and variety of quality vendors and artisans. Last week a Harpist and Singer sat by my door and crooned to passers by while the vintage train ran between the Theatre and Santa Land. A couple of doors down at another huge Gallery Space the Dulcimer concert drew a nice crowd. Come down and check it all out and be sure to stop in to say 'hi' to me.

The view from here.....

2009-11-01T21:28:00.003-05:00

It is November 1 and undeniably Fall. The rainy spring and summer has created a most spectacular display this year in Kentucky to rival any I've seen in my life in the North East. Whatever season I'm in is my favorite, I admit. The lovely Earth as she changes her costume through the wheel of the year is a reminder to stop and take notice, to breathe and reflect on the joys and blessings in my life here at All One Farms.

The cottage shop, though not quite finished, is lovely in the evening sun amidst the ancient maples and willows.

The sheepie girls still have green pasture to enjoy right outside my upper office window.

Their plump sillohettes display the lovely wool they have been growing all summer.

Soon after their Fall shearing next weeek, they will be selectively bred and carry their new lambs till the spring .

As the business of Blueball Mountain Spindle and Needleworks continues to grow, the farm has changed and developed as well.

The Old Work Barn is being outfitted for processing the wool more efficiently.

The house renovation took a big leap a few weeks ago with the painting of the living room. I finally found a color that I didn't get tired of before it got onto the new walls.

The House now feels warm and cozy

filled with my favorite collections.....

and does double duty as the shop till the cottage is done.

As the house is more and more finished, I've been able to host a number of Spin Ins and Knit Ins as well as GurlFrenz Craft Gatherings with local friends.

One guest room is now ready and served as accommodations for visting Spinning Teacher, Jacey Boggs (www. Insubordiknit.com) during an early Fall Workshop which I had the honor to fascilitate at our local Extension Office.

opportnities to learn from great teachers

and relax during down time

and share good food and good company in the cozy kitchen, comfy porch and sunny side yard.

Finally, since today is Dia de Los Muertos, I remember and honor my Mami, who passed away this Summer after a long illness. Her gifts to me include personal strength, perseverence and steadfastness in your goals, creative energy, and a love of beauty. Blessed be.

Southern Indiana Fiber Fest

2009-10-18T16:29:00.001-04:00

What a great time I had at SIFF! So many good friends, both vendors and from my knitting and spinning groups were there. I was also excited to meet a few new people that live right around my home base that I never knew about!

It started out cold and rainy on Friday but got a little better through Saturday. The crowds were good and i was happy to be in an indoor space so that everyone (including me!) could be comfortable while gazing and shopping. And the shopping was great! So many great fiber artists of every kind were there. There is so much talent and everyone had their own 'twist" on fiber. this small regional fest is a little gold mine for the spinner, knitter, crocheter, felter and weaver. Even small farmers found great opportunities for starting or adding to their herd with icelandic lambs, angora kid goats and lots and lots of lovely angora rabbits.

I am so grateful to all the people who dropped into my booth and made the show such a sucess for me. My only regret is that I did not think to get a bigger booth that would have allowed more people in to shop at a time. If you were not able to get in, I thank you anyway and hope that you will stop by my ArtFire shop or email me directly if there is something you missed out on. I am extending my 10% offer on fiber purchases over $25 through November, with or without the coupon since it will take me a little while to restock the photos on there. And of course if you are in the area, please do email me and stop on by. I loved meeting you all and talking and getting to know you! More photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueballmountainspindleneedleworks/

Wool Santa Table Toppers

2009-10-12T19:23:00.002-04:00

I made two new wooly Santa Table Topprs for this year. I love how these came out. They are bigger than last year and I've given more detail to the eyes and face. Each has a different whimsical expression and seem to twinkle. This cheery guy is almost 11 inches tall and will be priced at $55. His red cousin below is a bit smaller and will be $45. They will be for sale at the Southern Indiana FiberFest. I will be making a few more and will add them tot he ArtFire shop later.

This year I will also be making these to order. They can be made a bit smaller at a lower price. Please feel free to email me direcctly. PayPal Invoicing is available.

Heading for Southern Indiana Fiber Fest!

2009-10-10T09:59:00.002-04:00

Hot on the heels of the wonderful Insubordiknit Workshop and the wildly successful Kentucky WoolFest, I am now gearing up for SIFF starting on October 16 at 1:00pm. This is my favorite fiber fest and my first time setting up there so I am excited. the last few months have been transformative for my little enterprise and I feel that I have reached a very nice mix to present to the spinners and knitters out there who love color and texture and creating it as much as I do.

I will have many more of my Luna Loca batts which have so quickly becomom popular and are so much fun to create. They are full of fun and love. I've also been putting together my Little Luny Bags of clouds, dyed locks and glitz to add to your own batt carding experience. And I just love how my Shetland roving batts have turned out. These are in all the natural colors of my lovely Shetland and also I have personally dyed and mixed some of them with super soft cormo, yummy romney and luxurious kid mohair and alpaca. Also stocked up are about 50 gorgeous colors of super soft Merino and Corriedele top for felting and spinning or blending with your carder.

Speaking of carders......I again have the Ashford line of carders including the larger fine cloth 72 pt carder and the cute Wild Carder just introduced. Hand cards, flickers and all manner of small tools are also here. Plus the new Ashford bulky flyers and bobbins and the new sliding flyers in standard and bulky. Also drp spindle kits, Niddy noddys, tahklis, extra drive bands and maintenance supplies for your Ashford wheels. Featured at SIFF will be the beautiful Traveler and the adorable portable Joy and Carrying case as well as my custom dyed green Country Spinner for you to try out.

For the dyer in you, in addition to supersoft ecru Merino Top, I will have Panda Top (Merino, Tencel, Nylon blend), SuperWash Merino, Merino Tencel Blend, and pure lovely Tussah Silk available by the ounce!

For the knitter and crafter, I will again have a group of my Funky Handspun Yarns. Use them to add to your knitting projects for a little extra ooomph! here and there. Also will have some more traditional natural Shetland yarns.

Come on out. Ther is something for all your fiber cravings. Look for my booth in the 4H building. Mention my blog or Artfire shop (on vacation right now) and receive 10% of on fiber purchase over $25.00.....Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Little by Little: Luna Loca Batts in the ArtFire Shop

2009-09-15T23:04:00.000-04:00

Little by Little I am adding more to the the ArtFire Shop. It is a bit time consuming making it, preparing each one by washing and setting it first, then weighing, pricing, naming it to reflect it's uniqueness and photographing it just so. The photos never fully capture the essense of fiber. Fiber by nature is tactile as well as visual. The two senses work together to communicate the life of the fiber. Here's one that I've had a hard time with conveying its beauty. I've photographed it at least 15 times. Can you see the sparkly Tropical Firestar in there? There is the beautiful tomato color of the Merino created by blending several reds and oranges with a bit of yellow. There is the wonderful hand dyed Sunny Yellow Silk Noil nubbies. But I can't see the sparkle of the Firestar. Firestar itself is a blend of a multitude of colors. It's all blended through the Merino by the carding process. In Person it is vibrant and unmistakeable. But not in the photo. It is in the shop, nevertheless. I will continue taking pictures of it to capture that little essense. Can you see it? Let me know!

Luna Loca Batts

2009-09-11T00:42:00.001-04:00

It's true...you have to be a little bit of a Luna-tique to be doing this. So this past week was the full moon....inspiration! I love Crazy Batts and there are so many beautiful ones out there. I have been making some for my own use for awhile now .... experimenting to see what yarns come out of them. This one I decided I want to share with the world. It is calling itself Ai! Caramba! and is the first of more to come under the heading of Luna Loca Batts. I'd love to get some feed back on this one. Check out more pics and pricing by going to the Art Fire shop from the right column.

Bumps

2009-09-08T17:14:00.001-04:00

DSCN0469, originally uploaded by LunaTheFarmLady.

Love the colors on this blend of Romney and Merino. I overdyed the brown Romney with a bright Sunny Yellow then blended Grassy Green and Pumkin Orange . These are each about 3 oz or so and there are 6 available.

Handspun Yarns

2009-09-08T17:09:00.001-04:00

DSCN0471, originally uploaded by LunaTheFarmLady.

Some recent yarns waiting to be washed and set and added to the Art Fire Shop.

The Business Side of the Wool Business

2009-07-24T16:52:00.004-04:00

It's incredible how much time it takes to build a website. I've spent countless hours this month searching and checking out web software, trying it out and then sendin it back. I finally found a software package that i think will work. Got the layout worked out and I am liking it so far. Now comes sorting through the the IPhoto libarary, transferring it all to Photoshop (which is on my new [red!] business only PC). The sorting alone is taking me days to complete. Of course I am looking for the perfect photos to add to the web page. Next I'll be taking photos of all the gorgeous fiber that is arriving every day it seems.

Do I have time to spin? No. I squeeze in a little knitting while downloading, maybe a little drop spindling. I miss my wheels. I am surrounded by fiber but yet haven't made a real yarn in weeks.

Fiber, Fiber, Fiber! In Stock! No waiting!

2009-07-09T14:45:00.005-04:00

Does your breath catch at the thought of fiber goodness? Filled with color and lushness, warmth, sheen and beauty? Well, fiber addicts, here is your fix!

Now available for you is the full line of

ASHLAND BAY MERINO TOP in over 50 colors and blends!

If you love fiber you know that there are few things more gorgeous than fine merino top alone and blended with SILK, BAMBOO, AND TENCIL and its all here available also in SUPERWASH and in special sock and lace blends some containing nylon for the discerning sock yarn knitters out there. And if you like to dye your own, all manner of ecru blanks are here for you too. I've selected a nice rounded group of blank yarns in several weights and plys and fiber blends to thrill and tempt your creative juices.

And yet there is more! Every week will bring more temptation: As i get my inventory system set up, i will be ordering more and more from various sources both large and small. Things will change regularly.

And did I mention price? The prices will be amazingly affordable. It is my goal to make your addiction possible by bringing you the best that I can find at the best prices that I can negotiate from the suppliers. I have and will be seeking arrangements with smaller suppliers of wool and yarns that are unique and local. I intend to be not only competitive but superior in setting price points that cannot be beaten for the highest quality available.

Hear Ye! HEAR YE! Open for Business!

2009-07-09T14:24:00.005-04:00

Over the last several months I have been busy doing the background work to open Blueball Mountan Spindle and Needleworks formally to the world. The front room of the farm house is ready and hours set. The cottage which will be used for lessons and as my personal studio are almost done. I have researched many suppliers of wool products and equipment to add to my own hand raised Shetland fleeces, rovings and handspun yarns.

I have decided to start by carrying the fiber equipment that I know and love the most. Ashford and Schacht Wheels and Looms and Carders and all manner of accessories for the new and serious fiber workers among us. Models of the complete line of Ashford products are set up and on display. The Traveler, Joy, and Country Spinner are on the floor and a replacement Traditional (sold the first one in one day) is on the way along with a rigid heddle loom and stand, drum and hand carders, a gorgeous charka, various drop spindles and takli turkish spindle. Of course, Ashford's full line of looms and fiber are also available and will be on display as space permits.

And there's more! The Schacht floor models will be here soon! More on those soon. I am also looking into dealer arrangements with several other major wheel and loom supplier's so stay tuned for updates as deals are finalized.

Next up: Fiber! Fiber! and more Fiber!

Life is Good

2009-07-09T14:14:00.006-04:00

Well, here I am. It feels lie a long time since I've checked in here. it has been a very busy year so far. After a year an a half my legal battle with my ex has come to settlement and have returned to a place of peace in my life. It has been quite a journey to where I am now. As many of you know, I left a very comfortable NJ suburban life to live my dream life on the farm. My goal of living sustainably through what I can produce and is ever closeer as i begin the fiber business in earnest...beginning NOW. I am thankful to friends and family who stood by me and those new friends who have sustained me along the way. Thank you especially to dear sweet Alan who is The Best Man on Earth and to my sons, Will and David, who are my greatest and dearest creation. I am so proud of them and who they are becoming. Their love and support has been a blessing.

The Event at Greencastle

2009-03-31T09:16:00.022-04:00

After some delays due to travelling to NJ (again and again), things are starting to come together.

The 4oz drum carded blended batts are tied into bundles with a pretty brown ribbon and stacked in my big green vintage basket. More of these are coming in lots of colorways. I will be adding silk noil, angora, angelina, bamboo and mohair to a variety of natural Shetland colors and other base fibers as I get them in.

Two groups of roving so far have been labelled and sorted by colorway. Jewel toned Shetland is a contemporary color group

and Country Colors Shetland is a more muted colorway. The darker natural colors overdyed with diluted dyes creates a soft, more natural effect. I did use acid dyes on these using vinegar only.

I've also started experimenting with hand painting on the roving to create a range of color patterns that seems endless. This group is my own Shetland roving, acid dyed in random color patterns.

This week I will be hand painting merino top in long blended repeats and continuing experimenting with creating more artisan yarns from my Shetland and othr fibers. I am just having a blast here and hope that all y'all will come to Greencastle on April 10 and 11 to see it all. There will be so many other great fiber related vendors as well as workshops.
Check out the website for all the details at: http://www.thefiberevent.com/

Next time: More yarns both handspun and hand painted.

What's been happening?

2009-03-15T23:34:00.007-04:00

It has been a busy time time here at the homestead. I have been dyeing and dyeing and carding and carding and spinning and spinning and then plying and plying....all in prep for a show coming up April 9: The Fiber Event at Greencastle Indiana. This will be our first 'major' fiber show. The KY one last year was mini mini compared to this one. This one is still much smaller than the Maryland show and other bigger ones around the country but it is a well know regional show. So we want to make a good showing the first time out.

I've been loving working with the dyes on the different stages of the fiber. The roving I had done at Brigittes fiber mill and then my own hand scoured locks as well as some combed tops I had in stash are all fun to experiment on. Each provides a basis for a different way of incorporating color into my naturally colored Shetland. I am loving the variety of results. Next comes experiments with plying and new spinning techniques I'm picking up from the awesome yarn designers on Ravelry. Thos pics will have to wait another day or two.

I've also been doing a little felting bunnies and eggs and birds. I alsopick up a needlefelting attachment for one of my sewing machines which is pretty neat. That got installed today and played a little with that. This new toy will make it easier to put together some felting ideas I've been working on that include material other than wool that is a little hard to get in place without the machine.

This coming week I will be spending more time dyeing and preparing fiber bats and continuing building up the handspun yarn inventory.

Next time: What's happening with the "Shop Opening" and "Annie's Project" "Spring Garden Prep" !!!

The Frost King Has Arrived in Kentucky

2009-01-30T12:27:00.002-05:00

It has been the coldest and most unusual winter inover 50 years according to my neighbors. This week's ice storm has covered virtually the entire state and certainly all of Hardin County in a coat of ice that has literally frozen the world in time. I am forced to rely on reports from afar as, alas I am still in NJ. Where the cold and snow is nothing compared to what I here about what's is going on at the farm. I am left to imagine my stately 200 year old trees broken and crippled by the weight of the ice on their outstretched limbs. Thankfully, my sheepies are safe and enjoying the cold, as per the report. I am not there to see and while I know that they are primitive animals evolved to live in the harsh winters of the Shetland islands, still I worry. Are there shelter's holding up? Is there water trough unfrozen? Are they lonely for the reassuring visits from their human caretaker?

How are all my friends and colleagues doing? I think about you all and hope that you either have a back up generator or a friend or family member with one. I wish that I was ther to share my warmth with you. You are all in my prayers.

Thankfully, the heat int the house is propane and not affected by the lack of electricity, so my water pipes are ok. I hear that there is no water, though. Right now, I am in my NJ home. Snug and warm. I have power but no communication outward other than my cell phone. I am now at the library trying to communicate to the world I left behind and feel so disconnected from. I have not been able to get through directly to so many friends but in my heart I know that they are doing ok. Kentucky pulls together. I wish that I was there with y'all. Stay warm with each other.

So far this year.....

2009-01-19T11:19:00.003-05:00

has been going along pretty well. I've vowed to get my business off the ground. I am here because it was time to finally live my life in the way that honors my own spirit....to fllow my bliss as they say. I made the move to sheep keeping and farming in mid 20007 but then got sidetracked (de railed?) in 2008. Despite having to leave for weeks at a time at least 6 times in 2008, I feel I have made progress. I am holding on to the dream. I am developing my skills and learning how to promote my business through the wonderful power of the internet. A godsend to one who is basically shy and laid back. In the last few weeks I have investigated the wonderful resources available to fiber fanatics both producers and transformers. I have been quietly observing the wonderful work of sooo many talented women and men through Ravelry and Flickr and learning from their examples. Stay tuned for a progress report...picturers included. Here's just one.

Flickr

2009-01-08T11:14:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Back by popular demand: Rams

2008-12-20T22:53:00.008-05:00

Meet Prince, the yearling ram:

My needle felted Wool Rams have been one of my most popular items. Prince, the yearling ram is hand made of 100% wool. He is a bigger than my usual rams standing about 6 1/2 inches tall and 7 1/2 inches from head to tail. He carries his tan/grey/cream fleece proudly. His face, ears, socks and his full grown ram horns are a deep black. Built on a wire frame, his head, and legs have just enough flexibility to change his mood with a slight bend of his neck and legs. Here is his handsome profile:

And a view from behind:

Prince is ready to find a new home. He can become part of your collection for just $32 plus shipping. Paypal invoicing available. Email luna.headhearthands@gmail.com

I will be making more rams, ewes and lambs after the holidays. If there is a color you would like to see, drop me an email or leave a comment.

Wooly Elf Santas

2008-12-16T13:28:00.011-05:00

These three little fellas are just waiting for their new red hooded companion to be finished before they get sent off to their new home. Thank you, Ms. Mimi for your order!

And here he is:

Below is a side view and an idea of their size: Little button nose included for just $15.

Don't be shy, friends, more can be made, and I will do my very best to get them to you for gift giving.

There is more good news:
The large Red Hooded Santa is also now sold and will be on it's way to Michigan as soon as I can drive to the post office (it's beautifully icy here today!). I am making another one of these to and will be available for shipping tomorrow.

Also: PayPal Invoicing is now in place so there will be fewer delays in shipping. Thank you all!

Winter Woolies are Ready

2008-12-15T14:12:00.009-05:00

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The creative juices are flowing again. I've been making One of a Kind Wooly Santa ornies in different styles. This one is about 8 inches tall with a detailed sculpted face. He sports a blue wool hood with a touch of gold thread around the edge. He's all wool from various fleeces in my collection. With his rosy cheeks and gentle eyes and smile peeking through his full curly wool beard, he would make a great addition to your tree or holiday table. Just $40. Here is a side view of his face.

The Blue Santa has been sold and will be on his way to Indiana tomorrow! Thank you Donna.

More Wool Available!

It's been great to get back to work. I have so much wool to work with. The fleeces from the fall shearing are scheduled to go to a mill for processing into roving later this week. That will certainly save me time. They are available as whole fleeces as well until they make the trip to the mill. The fall fleeces are between 3 and 6 pounds, pre skirted and very clean of vm. All colors are available from creamy white, moorit, silver grey, chocolate brown and a nice black.

If interested contact me for pricing and shipping information. Email: Luna.headhearthands@gmail.com. Thanks for stopping by!

Night Spinning

2008-11-18T00:02:00.002-05:00

I've been staying up late spinning while all the resident critters are asleep. I don't know where the month of October and now November have disappeared. I know that I've done things. I've been back and forth to NJ twice. The most recent time was not good. I was very discouraged and afraid when I got home. But I've tried to turn it around. My dear friends in Ky have reached out to me and I am healing. I can look at the next phase of my life any way I choose, I suppose. I choose to look at it as an opportunity sent by the universe. I am in danger of being stripped of nearly every thing I have worked for my entire adult life. If it happens, I will begin again. I have decided to not worry and just DO. Whatever needs to be done, I will do it and it will be good.

Simple Goods Show

2008-11-09T21:08:00.004-05:00

This weekend I had the fun opportunity to accompany friend Kathy of Sugarbucket Antiques to participate in the wonderful Simple Goods Antique and Folk Art show in Ohio. It was a great to be amongst such a wonderful group of artists and designers and discriminating collectors of the primitive segment of the antique market. Kathy's booth was beautiful showing as always her wonderful flare at placing just the right objects together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. She is known also for talented 'make-dos and hand-dids'....objects transfored into other uses in the spirit of early American life when one made do with what they had, made it over or did without. The result is an overflowing stream of creativity and ingenuity. Not only were all the original objects ,and those that they have inspired in this modern day, useful but they are also uncannily beautiful in their simplicity. Some of my handspun yarns, carded and blended natural wool batts and needle felted sheep and pincushions nestled among her lovely pieces and were well received by the crowd. Now it's back to the spinning wheel and carder. Time to work! Check Kathy out at www.sugarbucketantique.com .

The Tapestry of Life

2008-11-05T09:46:00.003-05:00

A fellow fiber friend posted yesterday about her feeling of general anxiety and fear about the outcome for our country after this most pivotal election. The feeling that all the good that is inherent in this extraordinary beautiful population that we are a part of would be once again ripped off by the few that would seek to silence the voice of true freedom. I recognized that feeling of dread and it was with me all day yesterday, too.

And as I watched the coverage, I felt that fear rise. I tried to quell it by keeping busy. Cleaning. (What i do to relieve anxiety!) Then as the night wore on hope and confidence began to build. But yet I refused to celebrate until there was complete certainty that it was true. And now it IS TRUE! I am in awe! In the end, as I looked at the crowds of young people celebrating in the streets, looking for all the world like mullticolord strands of fiber blended into a beautiful skein of yarn, i thought of my sons, now 18, and 21 and children of friends who are slightly older, and i felt proud. Proud that there were enough of us in our generation to instill these values in next generation. This generation. There is still a little place, this morning for that fear that it will be taken away. That it is a dream that i will wake from. But I will push it down and live in a state of creative gratitude. Let us manifest our dream! Let us weave the fabled tapestry of life that we know we can. In peace, love and abundance to all!

Shearing Day/Picture Day On The Farm

2008-11-02T21:25:00.011-05:00

Last night the call came that our shearer was coming tomorrow. The weather was predicted to be warm for a few days. The sheepies would have time to get used to their new light coats before the weather shifts into more seasonably cool days and cold nights.
As always, this farm life is an ongoing learning experience. The last shearing, in fact the first shearing for the girls and our ram was in April under less than ideal conditions. George , who is known throughout the state as THE shearer you want was not available. Since the girls were due to lamb and since they had not been shorn since the previous Spring, the decision was made to go with a local guy who was learning the craft. Well, we did what we had to do , but the results were not great. Being the old pros that we are now, having been at this now for , oh, about 16 months, or so, we have learned a thing or two. We concluded that it was better to shear these long wooled Shetlands again in the Fall. And George was availalbe! So, drop everything else! It's Shearing time again.
There is no comparison between a shearer who has been working with sheep for decades and the newbie we had earlier. The ewe girls and ram boys look wonderful and were minimally stressed through the process. And the fleeces are beautiful! One reason for shearing now was to avoid getting the hay trapped in the fleece as fall supplementing became necessary. Despite a few flakes on the surface of their coats, the fleeces are all beautifully clean. And....all in one piece, unlike the last effort. The wonderful thing about Shetlands is (well, there are many) the variety in their fleeces. Some are wonderfully soft and crimpy, some are curly and some are long and wavy. Being a primitive breed originally from a cold climate, they often still retain a double coat with the outer coat being coarser than the inner softer coat. According to George, out little flock has minimal outer coat and have a very fine softness.. The amount of crimp varies but each has it's own character. And the colors! Another wonderful thing about Shetlands is their variety of colors, within one animal. I love working with the colors and either keeping them separate in the roving and yarn or blending them. Well enough words...roll the video tape! Each girl and boy posed for their portrait before they got their trimming. Here they are...hopefully:

Happy Halloween/Samhain/Third Harvest

2008-10-31T23:38:00.000-04:00

Splitting and Stacking

2008-10-31T19:37:00.004-04:00

Today we spent the day cutting, splitting and stacking wood for an elderly couple who live near us. They live near one of the caves that the Ft Knox Grotto explores and treks through. They have been very generous to the cavers over the years in allowing us to use their property. For us, it was just a wonderful day to be out doors in the beautiful clean country air. It was an absolutely perfect autumn day. Alan and Glen chainsawed fallen trees to manageable size while Jill and I took charge of the splitter. Who needs weights and a gym when your picking up logs and flinging wood into the back of a pick up truck?
This is the view over my shoulder as we were leaving. Could it ever get any better than this?

The EverGiving Garden

2008-10-31T18:51:00.006-04:00

Every day I am reminded how much I love living here. After the first lush of the spring garden the rush of the end of summer harvest, there was a lull in what was coming out of the garden. But now we are into the flush of the third harvest. We have tons of turnips, mustard greens, spinach, lettuces, carrots and sweet pumpkins and gourds to dry and all sorts of peppers coming out everyday. These are treasures I never tire of. And what we don't have, we can trade with friends and neighbors. Here is a basket full of beautiful purple podded black eye peas from Lavone's garden. Down the road, Curtis has a bounty of watermelon and pie pumkins that keep appearing on our porch!
These are some of the turnips picked this morning with a pile of spinach and mustard greens. What a wonderful soup they will become part of. And the wonderful variety of peppers I planted are just bursting off the plants. These will be added to the tomatoes I canned earlier this year to make a nice salsa.

Going Batty

2008-10-30T00:20:00.002-04:00

I've been rolling out the batts on my drum carder. Working with my Shetland fleeces has been fun. They are all so ymmy feeling and the colors are just so perfect for this time of year. I see these beautiful natural colors all knitted into a beautiful ...... what? Dunno! I'm not a great knttter but lately I've been getting this urge to knit! It is the fiber curse. It is just so beautiful that I want to wear it! We'll see. Meanwhile, I'll keep carding away. Would I sell it off, I ask myself? After all this is supposed to be a business. Yes, I think I would. I would love to see what someone else can do with it.

Count yer Blessings--Farmgirl type

2008-10-16T23:37:00.004-04:00

Last weekend was a totally lovely experience as a Gathering of Girlfriends, new and renewed came to my little farm thanks to True Friend, Miss Frannie of Greensburg. Frannie, the epitome of Sunshine and seemingly boundless energy gathered 30-40 friends from across the country to arive here in Kentucky for a weekend of sheer fun and excitement the likes of which I've rarely seen. Starting with a tour of charming Greensburg a thriving little town in Green County, a caravan of no less than 8 cars, vans and trucks continued to Flaherty where dear Kathy Anthony of Sugarbucket Antiques opened her beautiful home and log cabin shop to the delight of the group. Kathy had whipped up delishes dishes and drinks on her gorgeous porch, prepared kits for making harvest garlands and more. Then the happy crew flew down the roads again to arrive here with just enough daylight to visit with me and my little sheep girls who loved all the attention they got from the new girl friends. I thoroughly enjoyed having everyone here and sharing with them how our sheep wool is washed and prepared for spinning my yarn and making my little felty things. It really was in many ways a house warming party for me because it was the first time that I had had an event here. I was swept away back to Frannie's lovely cabins back in Green County. We stayed up half the night laughing and giggling like preteens at a pj party and waking to a lovely breakfast made by many hands. We made dools and pumpkin trees, ate another delishes lunch prepared by the girl friends, and played pumpkin bowling (I Won!). The day ended with the most touching circle of sharing poems and love for each other that I have ever experienced. I would love to share some photos but alas I was so caught up in the being there, that i took very few pictures. I will post the links to a coule of blogs full of great pictures and more of the details of the weekend. Thank you Frannie for making this all possible. Here is Karin's site http://www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com/ and Cathy Cobblestone's blog is http://www.cobblestonefarms.blogspot.com/

Harvest Stew

2008-10-16T21:25:00.001-04:00

Since a few of the girls from Frannie's Gathering have asked about the Harvest Stew we served, I decided to post it here. I remember finding it somehow through the forum but it is actually posted on CountryHome.com along with a few other yummy sounding recipes from MJ.

I have to admit again that I had very little to do with the actual COOKING of the stew other than finding it and handing it over to my sweet Alan who did all the prep (as well as a lot of help with clean up before and after , gardening, and heavy lifting in prep for the girl's visit. He also was my gentle assistant during the demos.).

Let me say here that I thoroughly enjoyed hosting this little piece of the gathering. It was a joy to my heart to meet such a wonderful group of lovely hearted, talented and just plain FUN LOVING gals. And to the Cleanup Fairies who stormed my kitchen, please don't tell anyone about my dust in the corners! You know who ya are!

Here's the stew:

HARVEST STEW

Add and subtract to this wholesome soup by using what's available—it's the MaryJane way.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced leeks
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
14 cups 1-inch pieces harvest vegetables and fruits, such as peeled sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled butternut squash, peeled beets, Granny Smith apples, and/or peeled parsnips
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup pitted green olives, chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
3 strips orange peel, white pith removed
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup snipped fresh mint
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts, toasted

In a large kettle, cook chicken, onion, leeks and garlic in hot oil until brown. Stir in harvest vegetables and fruits, broth, olives, ginger, cumin, paprika, pepper, salt, cardamom, peel, and bay leaves. Bring stew to boiling. Boil, uncovered, 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir in parsley, mint, almonds, and pistachio nuts just before serving. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

I want it all......and I want it Now....

2008-10-08T19:22:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm coming out of my blues. My migrainis gone. I tried to do too much last week and it caught up with me. It truly was an amaZing weekend in many ways. Full of highs and lows. It seems that everything happens in October. There is so much here to choose from. I am like a child. I want to do it all. But alas and alack. I cannot bend the laws of physics and I just cannot be in two places at once. One must make choices or try to alternate. I still think that I am superwoman, though. I tried it and it didn't work. This past weekend there were two opportunities that were equally enticing. First there was the opportunity to participate in a small (I thought) wool show in NE Kentucky. The Kentucky Woolfest. Here was the perfect place and time to launch my fledgling fiber business. I had never done one before and Sara Dunham the coordinator made it all seem possible and was so encouraging. Then there was the FarmGirl Autumn Workshop at Miss Wilmas. In Knob Lick. At the same time. In the same weekend. If you know Miss Wilma you know that she is an amazing woman. When she organizes an event she goes all out. She draws you in. She envelops you with her kindness and generosity. You must go. There is no denying that it will be wonderful. There will be wonderful friends and wonderful crafts and an all around wonderful atmosphere. What to do.

But then, the break comes. The offer to share a booth with another fiber artist! She offers to split the time. The show is three grueling days 10-10. I can do BOTH! Happy day! Never mind that it is a three and half hour drive between the two locations. I am superwoman! I can do it. Woolfest, Friday and Sunday (Set up on Thursday) Then Saturday at Miss Wilmas. It's all set, all planned and coordinated. I'm all packed. I've built a great booth setup, I have my stuff all labeled and priced and organized, I've packed huge decorative FERN"S for pity's sake! I leave another bag to take to Wilmas set aside, ready. Wow! The universe is with me. So I thought. I am almost there. But maybe I overdid it. I get the booth all set up and ready so my partner doesn't have to do too much but I did such a great job (really, everyone said so!). She decided that she would be better off setting up by herself in another (newly available)location so she wouldn't mess up my display! But now she can't share the time with me. I am stuck. She is apologetic and all but it really was the best decision for both of us. As far as the wool fest. But now, there is no way that I can drive from Falmouth to Knob Lick and back. It just would not be fair to leave the booth for others to worry about. I put on my BIG GIRL PANTS , made the decision to stay and hope for the best. Hope that I would be forgiven and understood (yes I do worry about that...my wounded inner child...). There was no way to call and tell Wilma that I couldn't get there after all. No internet and no phone number for anyone that would be there. The show went great in many ways. My yarn and felting was well received and sold well. The other artisans were wonderful and I enjoyed their company and learning from them and the whole experience.

So why do I still feel so bad? Because I want it all. And I didn't get it. And I let someone down.

Getting Ready for the Kentucky Wool Fest

2008-09-30T01:06:00.003-04:00

Wow what a day! I got all my wool weighed labeled and boxed up and ready. I put a coat of wax on the little cup pin keepers and felted the tops on two more. Did a littl more work on the crows and pumpkins. I also waxed the bowl, the vase and new spindles Glen made today. I have to tell you how much I love them and all the stuff he has been making. I showed him a picture of an ancient carved spindle and he just made in his shop for me. I waxed it all up to show the beautiful grain and it's drying over night. I can't wait to try the spindle tomorrow. I did a little test earlier and it spins beautifully. Tomorrow I'll try it with wool roving!

I still have more stuff to prepare but I'm feeling good about it. Tomorrow I will work on some more felting and running another fleece through the picker. I still have to bag up some special wool for dolly hair and pack up some felting needles into kits. This is going to be so much fun! Pictures hopefully tomorrow.

Kaving in Kentucky

2008-09-28T23:49:00.020-04:00

One of the most amazing experiences that I've had since coming to Kentucky is learning how to explore caves. This is not something that I had ever given much thought to before. Once here I was introduced to the sport of caving by my neighbor who is a founder of the Ft. Knox Grotto, part of the National Speleological Foundation. The way he described it, it was an opportunity for adventure that I could not resist. I was ready for experience. My life had always pretty much been safe. But once i stepped onto the road less travelled, adventure and opportunity seemed to be everywhere. So I went underground, one cool autumn day last year. I was hooked. There is an entire new world underground. There is beauty that borders on the surreal. There is a gentle peaceful quiet that cannot be matched. Ocassionally there is the sound of sweetly lapping water if you chance upon an underground spring. There is the fresh coolness of the very breath of Mother Earth. There is the chance of discovering a place where human eyes have rarely if ever set upon.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to help The Ft Knox Grotto with the Annual Cave In. Nearly 400 cub scouts, boy scouts and explorers camp out for the weekend on donated lands. Members of the Grotto lead groups into the caves for first hand experience of one of natures most amazing wonders. For all, it is an adventure of a life time and experience that will hopefully create a consciousness of how alive the earth is.

Sprucing up.....

2008-09-26T00:36:00.005-04:00

I've been cleaning up outside the last few days. Last week's windstorm left broken branches and twigs everywhere. One of my trees is completely bare. So, I've been picking up for days. The grass has been browned out mostly but there were some long weedy spots that needed mowing. And pulled out the last of the tomatoes in the kitchen garden and weeded it out again. Today i picked up a truck load of gorgeous Scarlet, Orange and Golden Yellow mums, Purple cabbages and TallPurple and Green Millet and arranged them around the two porches and around the barn. The mini pumpkings from the big garden went into wheel barrels and baskets too. A few green gourds came out of the garden too but most of them are not ready. Will plant them earlier next year. Well it got too dark for pictures but here's the front door lit from above. Will take some more pics tomorrow. Also decided to give the old blog a fall look too.

Henna's wool

2008-09-25T12:28:00.004-04:00

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Henna, whose portrait is my logo right now, has given me the loveliest tricolor wool. It ranges from a tawny gold to rich auborn. I have worked it different ways to blend or not blend and have found that if I comb each lock out separately, I can keep the variation to make a truly naturally variegated yarn. Here it is in a two ply nubby weight and below I mixed it with robbins egg blue merino. I'm also experimenting with a mix of soft green cormo. Also on my lazy kate is a pumpkin and brown nubby mix of merino and agora that i got from spinner friend Fuzzarelly.

Felted work in progress....

2008-09-18T23:53:00.004-04:00

Got back from NJ last night. Decided to take the time to explore West Virginia on the way back. Stopped at some neat shops, museums and of course antique malls on the way. Found a few treasures, made a few connections and learned a little about a state I had never really spent time in before. It is quite beautiful. The mountains were picture perfect on a cool late summer day. I did a little feltwork on the way (not while driving!). Then came home and put some finshing touches on some of them. I've been working with buddy Glen on making display pieces for my wool felt and yarn. He knows where all the great dead fall is around here. Beautiful cherry, aged cedar, and oak. He can make just about anything I dream up and comes up with some great ideas of his own. Here is a look at the pinkeep we made today. He made the beautiful cherry cup in his shop from found limbs and I made the felted ball for the pin keep top. I love it. We will be making more. Also I've started making my sheep a little more detailed, as seen here. More work will be done on the face and legs. Glen also made the great little trough onthe right and I added the oak and accorns to my felted pumpkin. Looks great! I love working with Glenn...we make a great creative team!

The Barn Loom

2008-09-10T00:02:00.004-04:00

I finally got over to Fuzzarelly to pickup the barn loom she offered for free! It is an amazing thing. Each beam and post (?) is thick and heavy and hand hewn. I don't know it's history but it speaks to me. I also borrowed a copy of Foxfire showing a layout to help put it together. Can't wait to get it set up.

Working in Wool

2008-09-09T00:20:00.004-04:00

In between a few other things (!!!) I have been experimenting with the wool. I made a little pile of rams from natural colored shetland roving. They are for sale through Kathy Sugarbucket (check her out on Picture Trail) or directly through me. They are about 6 inches from head to tail and about 5 inches tall. Each is different and modeled on one of my sheep. I also have ewes and lambs and crows. Pictures forthcoming. Let me know what you think!

Last of the Summer Harvest

2008-09-09T00:04:00.006-04:00

The first harvest of All One Farms is over. It was more a learning experience than profitable but I loved tending the gardens. All in all we had various potatoes, onions, 2 lettuces and 3 different greens, tons of beets, carrots, 2 kinds of radishes, beans, beans beans and 6 different kinds of tomatoes. We had 110 tomato plants alone. We sold at two farmers markets and mets tons of wonderful folks who shared knowledge and offered encouragement and inspiration. I learned to can and creatively use what else: tomatoes! Nest year will be different. I think we will specialize a little more and try different markets.

Here is one of the beautiful dishes we made with our yellow stripey tomatoes and italian basil and a pic of Jake, one of our eager voluneers. He helped build barn doors, sheep fencing and of course, picked tomatos. Thanks Jake. I loved having students here, two of whom were my sons. I would love to do more with teenagers from the cities here on the farm. Another project for next year. As for this year, the late garden was planted in mid August, but alas no rain has made it slow growing. I'm not giving up yet. Planted are gourds and a variety of pumkins as well as a fw other cool weather crops. Pray for rain.

Dancing to the Rigbys

2008-09-08T23:57:00.001-04:00

at Smith-Berry Winery with my guy, Alan. (It was late although no excuse for that ARM!

I got a new kitty!

2008-09-08T23:39:00.002-04:00

Well, I guess I need more pets! This little guy, the one with the fur, followed me around meowing and staring up at me the entire time I was visiting friend Kathy....what could I do? The baby was Hungree! My Goldy, feline protector of the flock and homestead was none too happy. She'd already been having trouble with another cat that took up residence in the barn. We'll see what happens but Goldy the Queen does not take kindly to other cats..... Oh, the other fuzzy guy is my buddy Glenn. Those too hit it off right away.

Off to College for the Boys!

2008-09-08T23:15:00.004-04:00

I've been kinda scarce here lately. Always running. Who says you rest when you retire? I think I'll plug in a few pics here and there from the last 2 or 3 weeks. Always sumpthin' happnin! I am blessed by friends local and cyberspace who have carried me through. First my boys both went off to different colleges.

That's David with his new roommate at Carnegie Mellon looking all grown up and independent!

Will is off to Univesity of Western Maine to study Forestry. Lea, his sweetie will be continuing her Art studies near by. They are such a sweet, loving couple.

When the going gets tough, the tough go antiquing!

2008-08-25T11:06:00.003-04:00

Well , the last two weeks were most challenging spent for the most part answering interrogatories from my ex. The divorce battle goes on. I am weary of it but I will get through it. I am trying hard to stay positive and not feel defeated by the mean spirited actions of a hard hearted person. It is much too easy to get drawn down to bitterness but,soon it will be over and I can move on. In the meantime, I am grateful for the blessing of gurlfrenz! I am so inspired by these two ladies. They are strong and accomplished and cheerful and happy and generous with their time and love. I tagged along with them last week for a girls adventure up to Illinois. Kathy has a wonderful antique business and did some buying up there for her shop. Frannie, the maker of dolls and smiles and cheeriness was very good and kept to her only get if it fits a simple setting philosophy (new!). I bought a few treasures which will add to my garden and recreation of a 20th century farm house. We laughed and told stories and were quiet for a time as well. Thank you ladies for a much needed break from the routine!

Adventures in Canning Tomatos

2008-08-12T12:30:00.012-04:00

Well I finally got over my FEAR of Canning. My kitchen is a mess but they are beautiful. First, must have beautiful naturally home grown Roma tomatos.

Second, lots of kettles of boiling water for blanching, cool water for ....cooling.... and peeling...ouch!....then stewing....Then, fill jars

carefully and tightly, Finally, into the bath they go!

More Yarn I Spun

2008-08-08T16:59:00.003-04:00

Here is the most recent yarn I've done. On top of the pile is a sky blue blended with natural moorit (brownish gold). This is a 2 ply bulky yarn. I haven't weighed it but it 's a total of of about 200 yeards. The black is a true black , naturally colored, 2 ply yarn from my Ram Lincloln first shearing. It is so soft and warm. Shetland wool is just so yummy feeling and the natural colors are so soothing. Also shown is a natural creamy white , single ply, and a natural grey, single ply. A little chocolate brown is also peeking out from underneath. Back to the carding machine I go!

Spin Spin Spin

2008-08-08T16:33:00.002-04:00

Here 's some of the yarn I spun up last week from my Shetlands. These are sinlgle ply, natural colors don up in a bulky weight 'artisan' style. Ha! that means it's kinda lumpy and and nubby! Not for your fine scarves but will make a nice warm hat or mittons. More pictures of 2 ply and colors coming soon's I get them off the camera.

Shetland Ram Lambs for Sale - Preview

2008-07-21T16:19:00.004-04:00

We are just about ready to find new homes for our spring ram lambs. We had five this April and are looking to keep two for the time being. These little guys were gently hand raised and love attention. They are pure Shetland Heritage Sheep known for their extremely fine wool with extra long staple. These three were photographed together in the field at three months are all black Two others have developed silver grey markings around their face and chest giving them very elegant tuxedo like appearance. You can see the markings in a previous picture of Blinkin below. Their wool is cloud like in softness and promises to be a spinners dream or fine addition to a breeding flock.

Currently I am working on taking pictures of each one with accurate descriptions and confirmation as well as their markings and their genetic heritage and history. All are registerable through the Shetland Sheep Association. They will be listed formally through breeders lists but if there is any interest from friends of this blog, please email me directly.

Summer! Lushness!

2008-07-21T09:50:00.002-04:00

Summer has arrived in all its glory. Beautiful red sunrises and the most amazing orange glow moonrises i have ever seen. The full moon this past week was a huge blood orange hanging in flowing cotton candy clouds over the sheep meadow. The days now are still with little breeze to beak up the afternoon heat. I have to admit that it has driven me under the old apple tree in the afternoons to escape the humidity. There is no air conditioning in this old house and no way to put it in without hanging heavy ducts all around. The original builders wisely planted tall maples on the south side and every outside wall (all walls) have a window in which creates a nice cross breeze most days. But if there are no breezes, unusual really, it can be quite steamy inside. I am way behind on working on my wool because of the heat.

The garden is doing well. The tomato crop just continues. Potatoes are almost done. Still have beans and carrots. New fall crops are in the ground, finally. Ten varieties of pumpkins and gourds are in and will hopefully be ready by early October. I spent a few hours this weekend creaning up the herb and kitchen gardens which were in need of a little maintenance.

Luna The Farm Lady and Alan the Gentleman Shepherd at All One Farms!

2008-07-10T23:04:00.005-04:00

Here is last night's harvest! Tomatoes Tomatoes Tomatoes! Yellow Squash and Zuchini to die for! Beautiful golden onions! Green Peppers! Basil! Tarragon! I am so excited about the bounty this earth has given us. We are so blessed on this little plot of land. Two babes in the woods and look at all that we have brought forth.

Kentucky Farm Girls are Best

2008-07-09T16:24:00.003-04:00

Yes we are! Over the holiday weekend I ran out to Knob Lick to Miss Wilma' s Orchard Sale. i have been wanting to meet her and see her shop full of primitive antiques and her wonderful pillows and handwork dolls and country needfuls. (www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace) I was not disappointed. Not only is her work and creations worth the trip, she was a gracious and welcoming hostess and a charmer. I want to adopt her or maybe she'll adopt me! It turned out to an absolutely lovely day in her beautiful country garden and orchard. I also finally got to meet some on line friends from the MaryJane's Farm Girl Connection. Jonnie, Janice, Lainey and Kayla. Jonnie and Kayla had a table set up with their collections and wares for sale. I got a absolutely delicate lawn dress from Janice and ooood and ahhhed over her antique child trunk. I wanted it soooo bad! I also got some wonderful handmade milk soap from Kayla and met her lovely family. What a treat to hear them playing fiddle and singing in the country air. Here's a pic of all of us except Kayla who had left before I remembered the camera.

It's the Fourth of July

2008-07-05T00:43:00.007-04:00

It was a lazy holiday morning after a long week of fence building by the boys and weeding, picking, packing and selling at the farmer's market in Bardstown and Brandenburg. Will and Dave completed fencing in two new paddocks for me this week so that the growing flock can be rotated around to three areas now. We tilled up the rows where the beets and radishes and lettuce had been and turned under the south end of the garden and planted a fall crop of squash, pumpkins, gourds and melons. The tomatoes are ready to burst and the 10 cornstalks are eye level and beautifully shaded at the roots by the zuchini. Next week will be a busy week of picking and selling.

It's time to separate the lambs from their moms for weaning. I think they may be on the way already. The lambs are almost as big as the moms now at almost 4 months old and I'm sure those beautiful horns don't feel so good when those little greedy ram lambs start thumping their mama's udders! Moms is gone in a flash! Here is a picture of Blinkin one of my sleepy twins. He and his brother Nod were both born solid black with little tufts of white on their forehead. They have completely change into this beautiful coloration. I'm not sure of the name of this pattern but it is certainly beautiful. They are the only two who have changed this much. The others range from Darm Brown/Black to Black. But they too may completely change after their shearing next year. Papa Lincoln and Isaac the wether are now grey with black faces. My Moorit (Chocolate Brown) Henna and Aurora are now Fawn color with Brown faces and bellies. These Shetland Sheep are so surprising in how their colors change. I am thoroughly enjoying spinning the various colors that come off one fleece, as many as 3 and 4. No need to blend. The natural colors are gorgeous. I hope to have some yarn to sell by the fall. Still have many fleeces to prepare by hand. More on that later on, hopefully.

Meanwhile Will and Dave had an opportunity to go caving with me and Fort Knox Grotto and do some rapelling on a 72ft cliff near here. Those boys are fearless.

They've had a busy week and I am so happy that they were here to share this first season with me. They have been invaluable. And they have fun. Dave will be returning in August with some friends who want to volunteer on the farm. I love this idea. I certainly can use the help and they get to experience a way of life that hopefully will stay with them no matter what they choose to do later.

Well we ended the day at the most amazing and yet relaxing fireworks disply and picnic with friends Lavone and Randall in the fields they share with their families. Just another day, down home in Kentucky.

Graduation Day!!

2008-06-19T21:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Dave's (my baby boy) graduation day. Dave attended a very competitive Union County Magnet High School in NJ for gifted students in Math and Science. (Am I bragging too much?). Dave had been in several school situations after homeschooling. Being an independent thinker, it took a while for him to give in to the idea of school. He attended an environmentally focused charter school, a catholic school, a public middle school in the suburbs before finding his niche at Magnet. I have to say that it wasn't always easy. David can be, shall we say, a little absent minded and distracted (ooooh something shiney!) and doesn't believe in planning ahead. But....we made it and I am so proud of him. He has grown into an outstanding young man. He is compassionate and caring and gives of himself freeling to a variety of community and church projects. He has shown himself to be both a leader and cooperative member of a team. He is a protector of the gentle and the good. And he's darn cute too. Here he is, my boy Dave!!!

In the fall, Dave head to an engineering (egads!) program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pa. (Did I mention, how proud I am of him?) This summer he will spend time at the Kentucky homestead once again, building fences with his big brother Will. More on Will's plans in another post.

Time Flies...when you are having fun

2008-06-05T10:52:00.004-04:00

I have gone so long since writing down my adventures here. So much has happened. I promise myself to get this going again. If there is anyone out there still checking. Don't give up. I'm gonna post some news here by the end of today. So much has been going on. The shearing is over, (that's my beautiful ram Lincoln just before shearing), the garden is planted, the house renovation continues. Detail soon ...

Life on the Farm

2008-04-28T09:48:00.002-04:00

Wow! I can't believe that three weeks have blown by here at the little ol homestead. April has been such a beautiful month and the activity has not let up for blink of the eye. Lambing was the biggest happening of the early part of the month. My dear little Merriwether, who is the smallest of the ewes FINALLY birthed on the 14th of the month. This was three weeks later than expected. She must have mated in a different cycle than the other girls. She IS a shy one! Sadly her sole lamb did not make it. Despite monitoring her almost constrantly, she went into labor and delivered in between hourly checks on a Monday morning. I found her dazed hovering over her beautiful white lamb. I don't know what happened but it was not breathing and beyond help when we found it. It was a huge baby--11 pounds--and I am grateful that Meri was ok other than being dazed and confused. She kept trying to wake it up, poor thing.

Meanwhile, my little semi orphan lamb from Elaine was still struggling. After a few hours of bottle feeding because Elaine was so actively rejecting her, Randall, a more experienced farm friend suggested force feeding him on mama. We decided that we had to do it,because of course , I was heading up to NJ for a hearing related to my divorce. So during that week while i was away, Randall, Lavone, and neighbors Bill, Chriss and Glenn took care of orphan Hansel and all the other mama ewes! When I got back from NJ and Meriwether lost her lamb, we decided to try to see if she would accept Hansel who was still having a hard time with his mama. Well, it just added to the confusion a little but I think it was a turning point for Elaine, who now was missing Hansel. (Are you following all this!). Finally, Hansel stayed with Elaine and Meriwether went into a depression for a few days but after a week or so everyone seemed happy and settled in their new rolls.

All in all, I now have seven new lambs out of 6 ewes: Black twins, Ricardo and Lucy in the Sky, Blinkin and Nod who have white pateches on mostly black, Black twins, Prince Charming and Princess Buttercup (Thank you, whoever left that suggestion on the survey), and Hansel the Orphan. They are all healthy and running like a pack of black ants across the barnyard. All friendly and sweet and adorable. Five are rams and I will have to eventually decide what to do with them but for now, I am just enjoying them. I feel like a proud gramma (meemaw as they say here!).

The week in pictures

2008-04-07T19:30:00.002-04:00

That's my favorite apron. I've had it so long I don't even remember where i got it. Probably at a garage sale. I grabbed it this morning to cover my lap while I fed my latest lambie born just a few hours before. Mama Elaine wanted nothing to do with her so I sat out on the side porch with him.

Farm Girl Daze in Aprons

2008-04-07T19:02:00.005-04:00

It has been quite a week, here on the farm. The ups and downs of farm life have visited me by the shovelfuls. It is spring and the fruit trees are blooming, the grass is bursting green, seedlings are springing to life, potatoe and onion sets gather by the mound on my potting table demanding to be united with the earth. Seeds, seeds, seeds of all kinds scold me as I run past them. Lambs are born when, where and to whom I least expect. Life is truly experienced on a farm. I am so grateful for the support I receive from my wonderful neighbor lady farmers. And then there are the ladies of MaryJaneFarm. I have never 'met' such an amazing group of women. I have been inspired and encouraged by these strong and talented women from across the nation and the globe. If I have a question or need advice or just a little like minded companionship, advice or just a little fun there they are. Check them out at MARY JANES FARM at: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/

Arghhhhh! Divorce Battle

2008-04-01T14:01:00.003-04:00

My mind and body are focused on getting through this process. I am having to justify and defend every decision I have made, justify my lifestyle and counteract the vicious accusations being made by my ex. My farm is at stake. I would much rather be sewing or doing other handwork. My seeds are not getting planted. I can see the grass and hills calling me out the window. I am stuck and frustrated at this desk. I know it will pass....just have to plug along.

Visiting Future Farm Girls

2008-03-31T23:53:00.007-04:00

The lambs are really popular. They have lots of visitors and they love the attention. They have gotten so friendly and lovable. Each personality is unique. Here my dear friend and neighbor Chris came to see the latest, yet unnamed, lambs.
Neighbors Glenn and Debbie came by last week. Here Debbie is holding Blinkin. True Farm Girls in the making.

Name the lambs, please.....

2008-03-31T23:47:00.004-04:00

I'm just getting around to posting the pictures of Princess Aurora and her lambs. They are now 5 days old. In this picture, Aurora is resting after birthing identical twins. They still don't have names. I need some votes. Check out the survey to the right and cast some votes or suggest a name. Mama is a pincess so I was leaning toward royal names.

Princess Aurora's Surprise

2008-03-27T17:43:00.002-04:00

Well, last night I was up half the night thinking and worrying that shy small little Merrywether was going to deliver during the night. She looks so ready. She can barely walk and has been very solicitous of affection. She has been this way for the last month though but yesterday I thought, that's it. Tonight's the night. Not yet. Standing in the barn at mid day with two wet lambs was not Merrywether but Princess Aurora who has shown no sign of impending birth. These girls are soooo unpredictable. Oh and they too are solid black, a boy and a girl. Thank goodness a girl. So now we have 6 solid black lambs, four of which are rams. I don't know Lincoln...........

Pictures laters

The Spin Garden

2008-03-27T17:30:00.002-04:00

No it's not a garden of wool for spinning. Spin Farming is a type of rotational planting for small spaces. It started as an urban movement to bring farming to inner cities. It is designed to bring maximu profit from a small plot. AllOneFarm will have about a 1/4 acre dedicated to the Spin Garden this year. Although NoTilling is recommended, I was not able to get the ground prepared in the fall with mulch so I opted for a light tilling to remove the sod this year. Row will be tightly packed to minimize weeding. No pesticides will be used. Only organic compost will be used for fertilization. Watering is still to be worked out. Stay tuned as this develops......meantime check out spinfarming.com for details. I first heard about this on the Farm Girl connection.

Blinkin' and Nod

2008-03-26T22:32:00.006-04:00

Angelica the sweet Yuglit Shetland presented twin ram lambs, Blinkin' and Nod, one week ago. Check out the white tufts around their ears and forehead. Shetlands have names for every type of marking.

A Yuglit has dark marks around the eyes and face and white wool. A Moorit has chocolate brown wool like Henna who's beautiful face graces the header above. She is unusual because of her horns.

The newborn twins take their first steps. They are small and weak and Mama Angelica seems dazed by the whole process.

Today they are one week old and they are strong and healthy and Mama is doing better, too.

My Boys

2008-03-26T09:59:00.004-04:00

Today as usual I wake up with many things on my mind. Taxes due, dependents question, divorce worries (things are not good there. I am feeling very vulnerable and insecure financially). But then there are my boys. Will and Dave. I miss them. They are both such good boys.They are sooo big...still keep thinking they are my little boys. Let go, now!

New Lambs

2008-03-25T23:59:00.003-04:00

Four new lambs arrived so far in March. Henna my beautiful horned moorit Shetland was first to deliver twins Ricky and Lucy. Both solid black like their daddy Lincoln.

Let the Blogging Begin....

2008-03-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

I've decided that the only way to get started is to jump right in so here I go:

Sooo much going on in my head. Just now I went to check out the Farm Girls Connection for news of a Pin Keep Swap. Found it and went to check out a coupla gurl friends there. I wanted to see if Frannie had some new dolls (I am totally captivated by her dollies). They looked like they were all adopted but dropped a note anyway after checking out her doings for the last month. I've been so tied up with 'down on the farm' duties and hadn't been in touch with anyone much. Dear new friend Amy (the fabulous Art Girl) sends me to go back and check cause she had a few still available but nooooo...> I decide to check out Amy's blog first cause I missed her too. I just love her work. On her blog I followed another connection to the Pink Artist Community and loved that so much too. I missed the activities for March but I'm keeping that site too. (If I can figure out how to add links to this thing). I'm still learning.

So dear friends who find me, be patient with me. I will keep my promises to send out yarn and roving and pictures and pinkeeps and start the FarmGirl Chapter and the Farmettes and to do my own art work too. Stay tuned......