tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079151413755532772024-03-05T04:35:38.845-08:00Unique Designs By KathyKathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.comBlogger609125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-62332479948014285962016-10-27T16:58:00.000-07:002016-10-27T16:58:06.195-07:00Broken Ankle, No Shows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH7RLDzLW0m_oPhPRpSOArEyqgjZMSAdekwB1UkWPqrbeuAy2oXehKSKu1SRCAN0W5HlNXLq4axlCdNtEGyxDBBhQ-4ONxUVx53taWbUwYk-jNk9dtdkfe5Kd2ufkPTwsLFAHJuHaBnce/s1600/DSCN7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH7RLDzLW0m_oPhPRpSOArEyqgjZMSAdekwB1UkWPqrbeuAy2oXehKSKu1SRCAN0W5HlNXLq4axlCdNtEGyxDBBhQ-4ONxUVx53taWbUwYk-jNk9dtdkfe5Kd2ufkPTwsLFAHJuHaBnce/s320/DSCN7198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, that ram with the gorgeous fleece will be history in two weeks. He charged me on Sunday night and broke my right ankle. I will be having surgery tomorrow morning at 11:30. This means that I will not be at SAFF or the New England Fiber Shows. Since these are my opportunities to catch up with my fiber friends, I am sorely depressed. So glad that I already have an electric spinning wheel. The pain and nausea have to subside before I can use it.<br />
<br />
Would love to hear from people since I am currently tied to my bed. My yarns and patterns may be found omy website:www.witherswool.com and my etsy page: www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etst.com and www.artweaving.etsy.com. Still have to feed those critters.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-76645116474730271322016-08-30T14:59:00.002-07:002016-08-30T14:59:34.920-07:00How We Spend Our Weekends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ozCG9Z33qlTlP8q1WdJ7jBVMg-OIWaBEJg_DEH39-o9kxrEHnlOukEdaSsGTv8vt-BrvW4-P0y0O8z1neQWdGDEdz7genFa7PtZj_Kfn51__mWWRsdRFUwvZLhycagM_0Or4rbFjAioz/s1600/DSCN6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ozCG9Z33qlTlP8q1WdJ7jBVMg-OIWaBEJg_DEH39-o9kxrEHnlOukEdaSsGTv8vt-BrvW4-P0y0O8z1neQWdGDEdz7genFa7PtZj_Kfn51__mWWRsdRFUwvZLhycagM_0Or4rbFjAioz/s320/DSCN6983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of our weekends when I am home are spent running animals in off the pastures to check them for parasite loads. Above, Marc is luring in the angora goat adults. Seems like every two weeks in no longer often enough. This past Sunday we lost a Merino yearling ewe. It is very discouraging since they seem to fail overnight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S6ZwOIHNFN6pvnzJcg-J3KO1KCTrx3H1mrgzvZzo7_fWQGcuZwq8RIKNJG6q3Obj1_4N1ECWU97z1jAne4Il6jixqmdf3C1yk-94XWhhqZfeaIe9Xtfz8CweNKL_3y-RPW-EwDnmJLve/s1600/DSCN6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S6ZwOIHNFN6pvnzJcg-J3KO1KCTrx3H1mrgzvZzo7_fWQGcuZwq8RIKNJG6q3Obj1_4N1ECWU97z1jAne4Il6jixqmdf3C1yk-94XWhhqZfeaIe9Xtfz8CweNKL_3y-RPW-EwDnmJLve/s320/DSCN6994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Based on how expensive and time consuming it is to keep up with the herds, I am in the process of selling a lot of gorgeous animals. The two chocolates here are keepers, since they have become pets. Now is the time to come look, because by the end of October I will be down to the chosen ones. My herd is now at 150 and all of the animals have stupendous fiber. Wish I could keep them all, but I am constantly being reminded that I have too many.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrz0F8oISguCi5eJhrxBa-F86lAsmTd0dRLfdb_2VekdMMvJ5uwcPDjBmhYfnugTM7ErngmlXOCtUVJlcWoxix8lMcNGpqs8RcALl57CxVGuV4tlI5p1hE7wIy59_FcC8EJ4GeTLrgt4M/s1600/DSCN6997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrz0F8oISguCi5eJhrxBa-F86lAsmTd0dRLfdb_2VekdMMvJ5uwcPDjBmhYfnugTM7ErngmlXOCtUVJlcWoxix8lMcNGpqs8RcALl57CxVGuV4tlI5p1hE7wIy59_FcC8EJ4GeTLrgt4M/s320/DSCN6997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On a happier note, my barn renovation is awesome. Let me know if you are looking for someone. I can only recommend the guys that did the interior work. I am now designing freeform yarns since I am feeling a burst of creative energy. Fall shows are coming and I am looking to fill my shop with new colors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCaoErh475TIpNd5qWKHY_uYATgl9rFMvcXDLh4vBi6q6BwOJ1ofYKaot0J54n3sjRv5q181Z3PZz5gVgJK5Y2Gd9p799phyqHv4FAJNY_dFSr5HRGX81jp8sSYXYzgZGLN9NLisbI4nZ/s1600/DSCN7019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCaoErh475TIpNd5qWKHY_uYATgl9rFMvcXDLh4vBi6q6BwOJ1ofYKaot0J54n3sjRv5q181Z3PZz5gVgJK5Y2Gd9p799phyqHv4FAJNY_dFSr5HRGX81jp8sSYXYzgZGLN9NLisbI4nZ/s320/DSCN7019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We lost all of our pea chicks despite having them in a very secure area. The loss is in perspective since it happened during the storm that hit Ellicott City. Beauty must have a strong maternal instinct because she has at least three eggs under her and she is sitting again.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Upcoming events</b>:<br />
<br />
Spin in here at the farm this Sunday from 1-4. Bring your wheel and whatever you are working on. Temperatures are dropping!<br />
<br />
Knitters' Day Out in Summerdale, PA Sep 16-17, 2016. Check out their site for more info. Class registration closes Sp 9. I am going as a vendor.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-28512919730710104982016-08-23T07:16:00.000-07:002016-08-23T07:16:23.598-07:00New Rovings and a Grandbaby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHhvTBPx34e_SPG7tmuwJ5nxRWvUA2GiB4IZtcGdmTAa3XyaI5zmU5cu-SJmnouVtXkHcX8oGfLywHOozbVFzV6k8cQa9m5Kw7Mw27EwXSxlzprOhiAcP7zF-2z1Ny_WSjusoEkuJDUxi/s1600/DSCN6912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHhvTBPx34e_SPG7tmuwJ5nxRWvUA2GiB4IZtcGdmTAa3XyaI5zmU5cu-SJmnouVtXkHcX8oGfLywHOozbVFzV6k8cQa9m5Kw7Mw27EwXSxlzprOhiAcP7zF-2z1Ny_WSjusoEkuJDUxi/s320/DSCN6912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This month turned out to be really busy. I washed and carded mohair and wool the past 7 months and took it to the mill. The natural colored roving is already back and I am spinning batches to determine pricing. Some fibers are gorgeous when spun up and washed. I have learned over the years not to jump to conclusions about the quality until it has been washed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6KsfJ7q4NFMRsruyNMzGfQuJGmYFqpQEx-FyvDFxcQcmQ0zjPZOrsh4TKeuV5phhKE69grEO2IkTUKp37ZPJFnxC3aOYrQlyeRhIK-jou_q3dzPUGNWo0OPe9Ih9kSngFmRy6SWi1QoF/s1600/DSCN6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6KsfJ7q4NFMRsruyNMzGfQuJGmYFqpQEx-FyvDFxcQcmQ0zjPZOrsh4TKeuV5phhKE69grEO2IkTUKp37ZPJFnxC3aOYrQlyeRhIK-jou_q3dzPUGNWo0OPe9Ih9kSngFmRy6SWi1QoF/s320/DSCN6914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The above is a Merino Suri alpaca blend. It has a little vm, but it spins up beautifully. It is a great fiber to practise over dying. It is ecru, so has shades of pale yellow will tone down jewel tones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7IM0hFxO67C1LwfP5lKosMmiUPzu_14KfL7C9Z-lcTGIY1FS1rXS4mdlFgTfiAgoKtJSuPDjtI6Fdykf3ik0asIG7YbmhGvQAe7dqh3t75H0i_A7JXCFhaqrhIeVN_nDVYaQJp-5jr25/s1600/DSCN6931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7IM0hFxO67C1LwfP5lKosMmiUPzu_14KfL7C9Z-lcTGIY1FS1rXS4mdlFgTfiAgoKtJSuPDjtI6Fdykf3ik0asIG7YbmhGvQAe7dqh3t75H0i_A7JXCFhaqrhIeVN_nDVYaQJp-5jr25/s320/DSCN6931.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I just got back from Nevada. My daughter had a a baby girl on August 14. She did a bathtub delivery and it was cool to see the baby pop up. I am glad that I was able to participate.<br />
<br />
My next spin in here at the farm is September 4, 2016 from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome to attend, just shoot me an email to let me know; <a href="mailto:jmarckathy@aol.com">jmarckathy@aol.com</a>.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-80983320830884277832016-07-20T07:58:00.004-07:002016-07-20T07:58:48.042-07:00New Website and Listings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just attended a spinning retreat in Massachusetts at Ashley Martineau's of <a href="http://www.howtospinyarn.com/">How To Spin Yarn</a>. She spins lovely chunky yarns and has loads of tutorials on spinning art yarns. She has helped me update my website with a new logo and format. I can now be found at <a href="http://www.witherswool.com/">www.witherswool.com</a>. I will continue to update this blog for a while, but all of my other sites will direct you to my new website.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2BOu8KyI_fFhIlTWfEVNrp6vl9wl18MoRf17xGdXZdjUJhBeGGuhkEnENC2qlV_USxxkZmtj3EL93Q24zC8d2cLAkEt-tTwWD8GpgXDesxXyirnmsDujCiuFsLbt7nIxn5m_xffCs6uL/s1600/DSCN6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2BOu8KyI_fFhIlTWfEVNrp6vl9wl18MoRf17xGdXZdjUJhBeGGuhkEnENC2qlV_USxxkZmtj3EL93Q24zC8d2cLAkEt-tTwWD8GpgXDesxXyirnmsDujCiuFsLbt7nIxn5m_xffCs6uL/s320/DSCN6686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Prince Charming was really happy to see me yesterday. I got lots of gorgeous pictures. Some look so good that they look fake! The three young males are now raising their tail feathers but they do not have the long ones yet, so they are only a pale imitation at this point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaLXTHWNImuEQUcsqmwUMp0Zxkx06mMGzRZzS0OLOiib-gaSOg3-w0EHtQvaaHZy-Ad3RvVT3VeinyKu8mmfJ1PFlPHnHB9TsXZ-es-mDZzvH5LHdmUo3QUVtSij_2rAb1l66_XKhN0Ho/s1600/DSCN6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaLXTHWNImuEQUcsqmwUMp0Zxkx06mMGzRZzS0OLOiib-gaSOg3-w0EHtQvaaHZy-Ad3RvVT3VeinyKu8mmfJ1PFlPHnHB9TsXZ-es-mDZzvH5LHdmUo3QUVtSij_2rAb1l66_XKhN0Ho/s320/DSCN6671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The does and kids are on a dry lot now to reduce the summer parasite worm load. We let them out yesterday so we could rake their area. They were really eager and chomped down on the ragweed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBi3QBnERA3oZA2WzYu_C7JXT1d_XM8zgGFU0BMMDHZUyQGvTjROITIqMDfDyzHvhRLtTkQAvGc2IiHnuOfodGXq7M0dPgyJKExg0SC4lixNsYsbkfrBEJRMEsarEX1qvHaRkTMkcsiLr/s1600/DSCN6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBi3QBnERA3oZA2WzYu_C7JXT1d_XM8zgGFU0BMMDHZUyQGvTjROITIqMDfDyzHvhRLtTkQAvGc2IiHnuOfodGXq7M0dPgyJKExg0SC4lixNsYsbkfrBEJRMEsarEX1qvHaRkTMkcsiLr/s320/DSCN6694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The adult goats are ready to be shorn, so I will start that this weekend. I am selling most of my blacks and some of my reds and whites. If you are interested, now is the time to contact me: <a href="mailto:jmarckathy@aol.com">jmarckathy@aol.com</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMumJontjoYI3N9ZawjTmtM5RgXkqUCVLeKZh9cc9QbyRirxaom1fIuZR3TmMSI_71TfIUiT36TN4aFvK_cDn2Y82DHz7RtbeehDQB0FzH6EOcDazSJ13F0UFcQ7VAZfXCn_Uzy6GUNjyp/s1600/DSCN6681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMumJontjoYI3N9ZawjTmtM5RgXkqUCVLeKZh9cc9QbyRirxaom1fIuZR3TmMSI_71TfIUiT36TN4aFvK_cDn2Y82DHz7RtbeehDQB0FzH6EOcDazSJ13F0UFcQ7VAZfXCn_Uzy6GUNjyp/s320/DSCN6681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am also willing to let a few kids go this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAow1Q6w03pa4VDW0PCUlbE0aRUYw1i7sUCap8qLhUH9sV9qOjsslNMTHVPBD5aSzICD2wV0E-SY9j2LlhHOOzIllfiyy61tL3dnrxxabFDZmrDbt_lEiWDYOFirK-ef3wXaMNVp28XGq/s1600/DSCN6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAow1Q6w03pa4VDW0PCUlbE0aRUYw1i7sUCap8qLhUH9sV9qOjsslNMTHVPBD5aSzICD2wV0E-SY9j2LlhHOOzIllfiyy61tL3dnrxxabFDZmrDbt_lEiWDYOFirK-ef3wXaMNVp28XGq/s320/DSCN6696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am currently listing roving and mohair locks on my etsy page which now shows up on my website. It is really nice to have everything in one place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F1WVHNdJZu7TV-HFbBYYoN8TOnyaWdaZ5mBBdpzZFsQ1azfQbcOYszteNuXBQfk5Uo2Az4mlXMAgY94TA0fP8tgIRwAKGX1C3ZSymWgcdH6zGxEePlsGm4piKNuqGLamHbeCNzz197ol/s1600/DSCN6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F1WVHNdJZu7TV-HFbBYYoN8TOnyaWdaZ5mBBdpzZFsQ1azfQbcOYszteNuXBQfk5Uo2Az4mlXMAgY94TA0fP8tgIRwAKGX1C3ZSymWgcdH6zGxEePlsGm4piKNuqGLamHbeCNzz197ol/s320/DSCN6657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been playing around with spinning bulkier yarns because I am weaving curtains and rugs for my new rooms in the barn. This one is a Navajo ply in Merino and kid mohair with a red cotton thread. There is not quite enough yardage for a hat, but I have plenty of yarns that will coordinate.<br />
<br />
I have officially been accepted into the Maryland Alpaca Show November 12-13, 2016 at the Howard County Fairgrounds. I will be in my same spot in the Dining Hall. Mark your calendars.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-75878154452990443182016-07-02T06:45:00.000-07:002016-07-02T06:47:34.005-07:00Animals for sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV56IyusH0VYhH9AaqIgWhCFgWpBKqNgj9qKhHERiV98MYG0-NBMo8eXGRqn66BRu969ukXVEtt1nSYnIm_Rp0aYLWb_5yNcWIy-y1EwEKJIw490H1-Km_Vsht6Ox1JWOWo_ibEKdRYbbp/s1600/DSCN6498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV56IyusH0VYhH9AaqIgWhCFgWpBKqNgj9qKhHERiV98MYG0-NBMo8eXGRqn66BRu969ukXVEtt1nSYnIm_Rp0aYLWb_5yNcWIy-y1EwEKJIw490H1-Km_Vsht6Ox1JWOWo_ibEKdRYbbp/s320/DSCN6498.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
I am no longer breeding my alpacas and would like to sell a few of them. This is Maryland, an intact male born four years ago. $1,000 without papers. He was just shorn and had a beautiful fleece. I also have two Huacaya and two Suri females for sale. They will not breed, so think of them as pets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qIs2UUiSuKfMD2K6Ch5QWftpkXpixktBFcwuTDc9mNPKdjiwW0vEJoBH9BDH_Z7Vf9MWMCAMysQI7kQ77oSRUI53MdBKCNLfTfuhjY-OkC2D7ftK2d1bbRhFAMCeBq7tFyfKOaQgSUii/s1600/DSCN6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qIs2UUiSuKfMD2K6Ch5QWftpkXpixktBFcwuTDc9mNPKdjiwW0vEJoBH9BDH_Z7Vf9MWMCAMysQI7kQ77oSRUI53MdBKCNLfTfuhjY-OkC2D7ftK2d1bbRhFAMCeBq7tFyfKOaQgSUii/s320/DSCN6491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Four French angora rabbits were born last month. They will be available the first week in August. I also have four 1 year old rabbits for sale. I plan to keep several but, since they are all lovely, i will keep the adults and any babies not sold. We plan to get a rabbitry built soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uAIKG2ynMV1BFL4bZy-TLq6Q0BH5LUPfCHVQXtvWl5bHjZ-quuSjkNtuphCeyOvK0eGboz5_zN1q-9zeX5_fE78PYo68GJJlVR0RZ-k4UNUvRTd3tP2F099Ql4cxPVSOv2H51u9crOc2/s1600/DSCN6500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uAIKG2ynMV1BFL4bZy-TLq6Q0BH5LUPfCHVQXtvWl5bHjZ-quuSjkNtuphCeyOvK0eGboz5_zN1q-9zeX5_fE78PYo68GJJlVR0RZ-k4UNUvRTd3tP2F099Ql4cxPVSOv2H51u9crOc2/s320/DSCN6500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Angora goats and sheep of all ages are also available. This has been my healthiest and loveliest group since our move. Email me at jmarckathy@aol.com to set up a visit and talk pricing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51YIDOnluGdRxOIbUHnofqcfsyQaufqR87Y3SgMgIKdBbi6t78OJcrUq0TKUMuoZo8LpnB0ez-ucd5J9DdOWSGwHQUYCro401YT8AWybzc8_q70w1r2NH9LWC9xN6KmeFUcSAEAMS0co4/s1600/DSCN6530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51YIDOnluGdRxOIbUHnofqcfsyQaufqR87Y3SgMgIKdBbi6t78OJcrUq0TKUMuoZo8LpnB0ez-ucd5J9DdOWSGwHQUYCro401YT8AWybzc8_q70w1r2NH9LWC9xN6KmeFUcSAEAMS0co4/s320/DSCN6530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Four pea chicks were born this week, I have three males and one female available. that are a year old. They will not be breeding pairs since they share the same parents. Everyone talks about how loud peacocks are. If you are on a farm, you will know that sheep, goats and dogs are much louder!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HTmQ9L174RF2b0ie_u1bTuSvC2E5WtBdGjf36vhaQC7X2mlmlUfbsZKKcDtIvYPewPawyqDhWGUtzRQiyz6LxN87DywgeunrctS7_TNfw2RXaGuOAu1fzqztUFv3IPSpfhKWKVdUujvY/s1600/DSCN6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HTmQ9L174RF2b0ie_u1bTuSvC2E5WtBdGjf36vhaQC7X2mlmlUfbsZKKcDtIvYPewPawyqDhWGUtzRQiyz6LxN87DywgeunrctS7_TNfw2RXaGuOAu1fzqztUFv3IPSpfhKWKVdUujvY/s320/DSCN6540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This chick was born three days ago. There are three more under the hen ready to rest for the night.<br />
<br />
If you would like to visit and are not shopping, please be aware that I charge $5 a person for tours. Children under 2 are free.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-4191304963054958812016-05-02T15:46:00.000-07:002016-05-02T15:46:26.492-07:00Goslings First swim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnk7ota9hOb5t_tZsI-xc1UbhW6wpqafaL65hgTLAGutRh8BawlFGltwK_X-IpRShKpo78i9aahEDP2FfS90LpyESH0eL3pP58tXPd-SPvmuiu8oKPWhGOc1jJ1eabUoNKt5Ri6IGdoZa/s1600/DSCN6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnk7ota9hOb5t_tZsI-xc1UbhW6wpqafaL65hgTLAGutRh8BawlFGltwK_X-IpRShKpo78i9aahEDP2FfS90LpyESH0eL3pP58tXPd-SPvmuiu8oKPWhGOc1jJ1eabUoNKt5Ri6IGdoZa/s320/DSCN6159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday Marc heard goslings cheeping under the goose that has tried to nest the last four years. This year she was finally successful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULKBJYdYPgV9T9uyc2qMxZUw7pAVbzKGBn2ixHOTN1Or02b44tV0Ccf2MWTHpy8TWsifNEnQRyIjKoeF5UswraqZxFGYIxWr_noQiEOWQxvsRqb3M7IcAdY9G6CCR_nhsPoCm6VshkrHw/s1600/DSCN6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULKBJYdYPgV9T9uyc2qMxZUw7pAVbzKGBn2ixHOTN1Or02b44tV0Ccf2MWTHpy8TWsifNEnQRyIjKoeF5UswraqZxFGYIxWr_noQiEOWQxvsRqb3M7IcAdY9G6CCR_nhsPoCm6VshkrHw/s320/DSCN6163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I went to try to get photos, but the goose was not budging and the gander started coming after me. I am not a fan of being bit, so I used the zoom on my camera and got some good photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkEp3j53swDYv-0iaL_jgiF-mqY_-H5o4LhE3zKebN0SRhfmho_mP7AAmrG2SVB7e-c8UuzEJBUqhZFaNrSP_jL-55eMt8k7Fp9RxiDG4svB0p13yryC1yLysxnKKoP6c5N-EZZAijr7g/s1600/DSCN6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkEp3j53swDYv-0iaL_jgiF-mqY_-H5o4LhE3zKebN0SRhfmho_mP7AAmrG2SVB7e-c8UuzEJBUqhZFaNrSP_jL-55eMt8k7Fp9RxiDG4svB0p13yryC1yLysxnKKoP6c5N-EZZAijr7g/s320/DSCN6176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This afternoon I saw both geese in a different part of the pond and thought the mom might have been taking a break. Walked over to check her out and discovered that she had 7 goslings sitting next to her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxDXB_7GAQLK6ob4mR8NUbZCjP3bN8XY8I3mkqMGnxhZWuDWafUi9XBysFvNfAn42BbnF62Kp90SQyA3s7RdhQm8IVkB7BtecfvuKyH9G1YkuGkJIGzxNQNPNBKQVpofsuKrVOthpvk3r/s1600/DSCN6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxDXB_7GAQLK6ob4mR8NUbZCjP3bN8XY8I3mkqMGnxhZWuDWafUi9XBysFvNfAn42BbnF62Kp90SQyA3s7RdhQm8IVkB7BtecfvuKyH9G1YkuGkJIGzxNQNPNBKQVpofsuKrVOthpvk3r/s320/DSCN6185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
They all slowly moved back into the water and cruised the entire pond. I was pretty amazed to see them swimming at a day old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbfRvOniZlLvNkLtRH6I9nQKmANLZ23m69_oSvu-_NIHhqDVJwG7KwXphPRd41HVQfj8HhvxJ0HudmzUNPSJKkwh5BDQznYjE8FubU3dsAzgF020s20Kc8C0usE9cx96Bkb_xT2nzasPd/s1600/DSCN6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbfRvOniZlLvNkLtRH6I9nQKmANLZ23m69_oSvu-_NIHhqDVJwG7KwXphPRd41HVQfj8HhvxJ0HudmzUNPSJKkwh5BDQznYjE8FubU3dsAzgF020s20Kc8C0usE9cx96Bkb_xT2nzasPd/s320/DSCN6187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Not sure that the goose will return to her nest. She went back on the grass near her nest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfymq5CL73-AP1mIHeWoQc0WwgdicJdT405_7nlc1VdREdVCQMAwbHyJe7M9zZuu_vxMC827JCse5uL1A_wO9cZqlbYRObDc9kg4JOUnvezGL6tDjBfcsvaHvN2U5O1lEz4qUw8u5wA3H/s1600/DSCN6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfymq5CL73-AP1mIHeWoQc0WwgdicJdT405_7nlc1VdREdVCQMAwbHyJe7M9zZuu_vxMC827JCse5uL1A_wO9cZqlbYRObDc9kg4JOUnvezGL6tDjBfcsvaHvN2U5O1lEz4qUw8u5wA3H/s320/DSCN6189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am so glad to see that her goslings made it. Kind of sad to see them fly off by themselves every summer.<br />
<br />
That fox is now running around the fields where my goats and sheep are. We are filling in the spots where she has dug under fences. So glad she will not be able to get the geese since they will swim into the pond to get away.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-83058823628022730222016-04-25T07:59:00.000-07:002016-04-25T07:59:54.218-07:00Beware Foxes at Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJbYHqCGfwqUmGtP7xuEJeXyGE6zPXHIaWVxvCyj8wf1oUG03IfWlOpGIK7joYPOx7lGGujBVoEhzK6AGEYl75vUNdsxZYeuiagoIFVyBtDNuIgfIv1B3vTNcGbgrezHC-xyjFH-ZWIZS/s1600/DSCN5961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJbYHqCGfwqUmGtP7xuEJeXyGE6zPXHIaWVxvCyj8wf1oUG03IfWlOpGIK7joYPOx7lGGujBVoEhzK6AGEYl75vUNdsxZYeuiagoIFVyBtDNuIgfIv1B3vTNcGbgrezHC-xyjFH-ZWIZS/s320/DSCN5961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some workmen spotted animals moving in the alpaca pasture. I took this with my 60X zoom lens. He identified them as fox kits playing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW7jDw8c7SajbUObCrSPexzzn73o2A3Al5msPiq97Qy-ZpX7ZOWi35oHo-im8yG6iQK-e6nkdor2JarnaDzdhuiU_bq9Lxc9y9tBcgpq7BfRkRIwg4e312jSh7lMm9WLYITFySqUAE0vn/s1600/DSCN5976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW7jDw8c7SajbUObCrSPexzzn73o2A3Al5msPiq97Qy-ZpX7ZOWi35oHo-im8yG6iQK-e6nkdor2JarnaDzdhuiU_bq9Lxc9y9tBcgpq7BfRkRIwg4e312jSh7lMm9WLYITFySqUAE0vn/s320/DSCN5976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I walked out into the pasture and spotted the mother. She was too quick, so no photos of her. She ran away from where her kits were playing. I moved out slowly and managed to capture one of them on camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qa7YnyfWjfmyYL7i1_X1kzWY4AOi8bsz6Y_3kovjJ92AivRT8ZujPrWVYBbnAMFB1xul4wE0VymUY1iznoD1pSSDROHUK_6zNGkFUmcCtEbs__PT_eBz2c5VPbUmGlcCa-U6kaNX2xmV/s1600/DSCN5977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qa7YnyfWjfmyYL7i1_X1kzWY4AOi8bsz6Y_3kovjJ92AivRT8ZujPrWVYBbnAMFB1xul4wE0VymUY1iznoD1pSSDROHUK_6zNGkFUmcCtEbs__PT_eBz2c5VPbUmGlcCa-U6kaNX2xmV/s320/DSCN5977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It just stood there and looked at me. Caught lots of photos but these are the best. The hole to the left of the it is the entrance to the den.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpB0YD-sjtcHU2rdxBtsO1LH7KgKg0HzlfXnZPb6tJxyCa5DOr8Fpy2ZNoZPtneNCRTVM0qFO89QVdxslyOcI4pAhVK-5FiZKzDOTftfN1QTWR7jAr543aeJ5vQhFQWLzGMTohG76dIWr/s1600/DSCN5979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpB0YD-sjtcHU2rdxBtsO1LH7KgKg0HzlfXnZPb6tJxyCa5DOr8Fpy2ZNoZPtneNCRTVM0qFO89QVdxslyOcI4pAhVK-5FiZKzDOTftfN1QTWR7jAr543aeJ5vQhFQWLzGMTohG76dIWr/s320/DSCN5979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was the exit to the den.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScumk0eR9qm-YrJE25IpHZuEA4AyTQIDkDvsAjCoXvhp6xvzS_grlIVlmQttwHsyuwR7bXDloJfVp9X9shtFwBIM-uSLLTxefn5Y8XCSbobyYfcdrOo6vG9ACHWi3fjMCBu6EcpFN6SXj/s1600/DSCN5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScumk0eR9qm-YrJE25IpHZuEA4AyTQIDkDvsAjCoXvhp6xvzS_grlIVlmQttwHsyuwR7bXDloJfVp9X9shtFwBIM-uSLLTxefn5Y8XCSbobyYfcdrOo6vG9ACHWi3fjMCBu6EcpFN6SXj/s320/DSCN5981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the entrance that the kit was standing next to and which it entered.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r7cjjrSjIImbPC8Sm2zdF1DSZIIWIMBzjpHM88szrLqSIC9hekK1b_zt-c2NWftTMqhugR4UxmD469_77Gf16iXwNu8cD-KCS8i9td6hgTujPxHmA6Fqj5l9ZxgJ-uWCpWMEcd9_qdVY/s1600/DSCN5982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r7cjjrSjIImbPC8Sm2zdF1DSZIIWIMBzjpHM88szrLqSIC9hekK1b_zt-c2NWftTMqhugR4UxmD469_77Gf16iXwNu8cD-KCS8i9td6hgTujPxHmA6Fqj5l9ZxgJ-uWCpWMEcd9_qdVY/s320/DSCN5982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am pretty sure that this is the third goose that came this spring which we have not spotted in a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjD8nQnVG9zkotmbDjB_U0C0qRxeofPdYZhovEwnaIXkTlGRhj-nHuor0UWfaOidYo6Yhxc24zkkaysF25bNWemOQ9fGmyrv0Yo69gmXKiKjncBDC_Us3G8tyHRCkZ1Uw7_uAJUXGqoU5/s1600/DSCN5983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjD8nQnVG9zkotmbDjB_U0C0qRxeofPdYZhovEwnaIXkTlGRhj-nHuor0UWfaOidYo6Yhxc24zkkaysF25bNWemOQ9fGmyrv0Yo69gmXKiKjncBDC_Us3G8tyHRCkZ1Uw7_uAJUXGqoU5/s320/DSCN5983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anyone know what this skin is? Looks like a fox skin, but I am not sure. It was next to their exit hole and dried up, so it has been there a while.<br />
<br />
I moved the sheep out of that area a month ago when I saw a fox hiding in the shrubs. It would not have been able to take down one of them, since they are adults, but moms sometimes pop lambs when you are not expecting them. We just let the kid goats onto the large pasture and I will be running them into the barn every night. The kids are not great about hanging with moms. My Great Pyrenees are pretty good about keeping predators out, but there is no reason to tempt the foxes. I believe in letting wildlife be as long as they are not bothering my animals. My birds are also in aviaries, so no worries there.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-58145518757103113402016-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:002016-04-08T09:00:28.515-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3h1hBIYteQ79_F8d7Jsn7N5ktmj2eWjFhRK5VcfeZsTw0A8p8CA4ewZw6MoujHmpr4nKwEW1u56ip4Qd8x-jZmNqU5daicwS3ZRiiiD4fmS3l5cbeaB8rs8gXrTqpPnrscdA53rckl3J/s1600/DSCN5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3h1hBIYteQ79_F8d7Jsn7N5ktmj2eWjFhRK5VcfeZsTw0A8p8CA4ewZw6MoujHmpr4nKwEW1u56ip4Qd8x-jZmNqU5daicwS3ZRiiiD4fmS3l5cbeaB8rs8gXrTqpPnrscdA53rckl3J/s320/DSCN5593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I try to finish a new pattern for each show. This dusty gradient shawl was designed in time for the Maple Sugar Festival in Virginia last month. It is available on my <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> as a pattern with lots of gradient yarns to choose from. The finished shawl is available on my <a href="http://www.artweaving.etsy.com/">Artweaving</a> page.<br />
<br />
My next show will be the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival the first weekend of May. I will be in the last row of tents just before the sheep dog trial area. Come visit and fondle the new yarns!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q8XA_J4xwbCUFzTge25NRPAvV_bruys4kU8Nt_9kPkecy4sh_H0CbxSTiG35fH6AnyqFToOBcBq_Ky7XHbk1dokSgqiH-lIMQUka9UV9ywYcYFZ4FqcU1V6YH0lu6iIVq0Lj-8l7DUqS/s1600/DSCN5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q8XA_J4xwbCUFzTge25NRPAvV_bruys4kU8Nt_9kPkecy4sh_H0CbxSTiG35fH6AnyqFToOBcBq_Ky7XHbk1dokSgqiH-lIMQUka9UV9ywYcYFZ4FqcU1V6YH0lu6iIVq0Lj-8l7DUqS/s320/DSCN5669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The outside barn renovation is almost complete. The barn roof still needs a few patches and then the walls will be repainted red. We already have someone lined up to start working on the inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrMT5LPKrXnEiI7NQFN0P6pFBaCAQGxD5UXMO0VHsLXLno_Zx-dE1SI7KdWRap3dZFEO3HwQA0b2HfitSKVzodXy52MBa50ytYZ-LB8w7QPy4iurQH6e0Ty6ZAw3Hbb6S6aJ_6y7N0CGb/s1600/DSCN5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrMT5LPKrXnEiI7NQFN0P6pFBaCAQGxD5UXMO0VHsLXLno_Zx-dE1SI7KdWRap3dZFEO3HwQA0b2HfitSKVzodXy52MBa50ytYZ-LB8w7QPy4iurQH6e0Ty6ZAw3Hbb6S6aJ_6y7N0CGb/s320/DSCN5572.JPG" width="242" /></a> </div>
I am starting to schedule classes here at the farm. May 14, 2016 will be my Art Yarn Spinning Class and May 17 will be my Freeform Art Weaving Class. Email <a href="mailto:jmarckathy@aol.com">jmarckathy@aol.com</a> for additional information. I am offering private sessions on all of my classes for the same price as the workshops. I can teach most of what I have for sale. In a few cases, like the classes above, you will need your own equipment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A5IXEW5y3oqj13wKuPJ7UgeN_hYConPaEJBf6p1xibdwYIKy34G6K4QWlW93he-Krnyc73SbfBc6utClEpB0ODE1IE5xCAkYIYB9p5Rt3XGQahnhagF6l0TXcTYVRsuMWkFNWjAmFuqM/s1600/DSCN5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A5IXEW5y3oqj13wKuPJ7UgeN_hYConPaEJBf6p1xibdwYIKy34G6K4QWlW93he-Krnyc73SbfBc6utClEpB0ODE1IE5xCAkYIYB9p5Rt3XGQahnhagF6l0TXcTYVRsuMWkFNWjAmFuqM/s320/DSCN5735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Baby season is almost over. I have three more does left to deliver and about 8 sheep. With the warmer weather, they are scampering all over the front yard area. I am going to be selling most of my colored angora goats and a few of the white. Let me know whether you are interested. I am looking for spinners rather than a lot of breeders, but don't hesitate to contact me/<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMgxEdPb5ttcZN9PIrl5dv2YiXYblMgTTx6lEotwjgEPy_703qge2hr2y0DRyJ2IdwyKrS9QdBcyaieju7rblIfMHq0sAFE-oHGadI5u3SK7IA4WlJ9Add_Jr-3D10dR7DbGAZKlFXCcX/s1600/DSCN5715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMgxEdPb5ttcZN9PIrl5dv2YiXYblMgTTx6lEotwjgEPy_703qge2hr2y0DRyJ2IdwyKrS9QdBcyaieju7rblIfMHq0sAFE-oHGadI5u3SK7IA4WlJ9Add_Jr-3D10dR7DbGAZKlFXCcX/s320/DSCN5715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you are looking for gorgeous sheep with very fine fiber, Merinos are the sheep to have. They are placid and easy to move with a bucket of grain. They have been taught to come for grain and move away from clapping hands. I still have a few Shetlands for sale. They are a lot smaller, but I have to admit flightier. Most will come when called. The Merino Shetland crosses are a lovely combination. They are smaller, more docile than Shetland and have super soft fiber. They tend to be more parasite resistant than the pure Merinos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqapro3DV4GtP7sL2_OyRDuH2Oe2ToopVHyu5GyIEUpqHkgU0I3EjxOPn0NomLo2uVol5EJ-gUx3CYxDlQvXP92XE6QqtIbcu8TPiK9uOJmon22pj7lBHY9YTJfaFcEinwldR-kHQzM4Gc/s1600/DSCN5730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqapro3DV4GtP7sL2_OyRDuH2Oe2ToopVHyu5GyIEUpqHkgU0I3EjxOPn0NomLo2uVol5EJ-gUx3CYxDlQvXP92XE6QqtIbcu8TPiK9uOJmon22pj7lBHY9YTJfaFcEinwldR-kHQzM4Gc/s320/DSCN5730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Storms just seem to love the channel beside the house and to the left of the barn. When the locust tree came down on Saturday night, we decided to take out any threatening trees near the house. Two photos above you can see how cleared out the area is next to the house. We now have doubled the size of our wood chip and firewood piles, but the reward is how much quieter the wind is. Amazing how noisy those branches were! I had a hard time sleeping. Now I can barely hear the wind.<br />
<br />
I encourage visits to the farm. Just call or email to be sure that I am here. Don't wear your best shoes, since the goats and sheep pasture rotate and don't be surprised when I charge $5 for adults and $3 for 4 year olds and up, if you are not coming to shop.<br />
<br />
Check out my website: <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.com/">www.uniquedesignsbykathy.com</a> for additional information. It was just updated.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-11314922612863678912015-12-22T15:36:00.000-08:002015-12-22T15:36:10.328-08:00A Week of Contrasts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmP9MAb5q_88MQdey7BE2SmYA0K6J9zT3Dpm3r1BVv7owQnkZqZtlKc1_rkdqlefNK877qczpHPPhsABPchKApNjzucEhbqyXeQa5fCD6XlSGQxBtBRkGYUgHmwmEZjHMS0592Zzwtp-N/s1600/DSCN4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmP9MAb5q_88MQdey7BE2SmYA0K6J9zT3Dpm3r1BVv7owQnkZqZtlKc1_rkdqlefNK877qczpHPPhsABPchKApNjzucEhbqyXeQa5fCD6XlSGQxBtBRkGYUgHmwmEZjHMS0592Zzwtp-N/s320/DSCN4697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sunday morning the East Friesian had a ram lamb weighing over 9 pounds. I was thinking that she had twins based on size, but nope! Just the one big lamb.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY7JRAUXMRPRhcD70Y4edi_uMQPC-TSd0m1aNt7KLOuQqmVsy1fReDRvittxqnmPWY0EqNBhzMKhnSw6o4VXV45S2_8noNpm3_2PktKnQu-wxvIe02aL31At6Un3MozW5d9YXYDTnk8NK/s1600/DSCN4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY7JRAUXMRPRhcD70Y4edi_uMQPC-TSd0m1aNt7KLOuQqmVsy1fReDRvittxqnmPWY0EqNBhzMKhnSw6o4VXV45S2_8noNpm3_2PktKnQu-wxvIe02aL31At6Un3MozW5d9YXYDTnk8NK/s320/DSCN4687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last night I did my final check at 8:30 and discovered that Cloudy (mom) had twin babies. Thought for sure the the ewe lamb was dead and the ram just about. They both cried when I picked them up, so I spent two and a half hours drying them with a blow dryer and waring them up. Then I finger fed them colostrum that I saved last year and got them sucking. By 11 the ram was standing. I held both of them on the mom to drink and then left them to settle in. I went back out at 1:15 and both babies were walking around and popped onto mom when she stood. I have had to supplement today. They are very small for Merino babies.The mom was in the barn and front yard area where I have been feeding grain, so I think she had them prematurely. She is a first time mom and was fortunately relaxed enough to let me handle her and her babies. I am naming them Angel and Candle in honor of the Christmas season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOdW5XdeaTsGrkyWMelj3HvXEB-mXsEPBZEAS5ijuK18h65vAJLGD4ExHp1B2tzmm3BMNsbnTHQQBzKMzeCUFM41gkXvo4G5Zhg7MGNsh0F6uchsurOFSM9bKlUEfhmR305yWxStSWiSn/s1600/DSCN4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOdW5XdeaTsGrkyWMelj3HvXEB-mXsEPBZEAS5ijuK18h65vAJLGD4ExHp1B2tzmm3BMNsbnTHQQBzKMzeCUFM41gkXvo4G5Zhg7MGNsh0F6uchsurOFSM9bKlUEfhmR305yWxStSWiSn/s320/DSCN4699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Our barn renovation is moving along. the front is almost done, the downstairs windows are in and big picture windows are behind the blue tarps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_RwW3b1ugGOKiGWHFuaiqZIyaGVoB_b7tdTBBRMqfmdfXbGTan7nhoJXQxhsu5EMFFClLfsClsl2z_r1nFXDviZV8lmN0-kCBtVuBitB9fxGa_aJ50cTyx_xi-DJE30yJp7aqmtOCVGA/s1600/DSCN4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_RwW3b1ugGOKiGWHFuaiqZIyaGVoB_b7tdTBBRMqfmdfXbGTan7nhoJXQxhsu5EMFFClLfsClsl2z_r1nFXDviZV8lmN0-kCBtVuBitB9fxGa_aJ50cTyx_xi-DJE30yJp7aqmtOCVGA/s320/DSCN4701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81QW1rhtFvzxKNhI8X_jB10VUIvOwYCY-sWd61WoHDFaNrvYDmvGYvR4FYoZgnavIYgjpB1qu3LISHpql_2wjNRklpcqPovkAhjSUGLSckx48-l5XtKGoaahuhXcaJNEE5vwFoQe4EpWf/s1600/DSCN4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81QW1rhtFvzxKNhI8X_jB10VUIvOwYCY-sWd61WoHDFaNrvYDmvGYvR4FYoZgnavIYgjpB1qu3LISHpql_2wjNRklpcqPovkAhjSUGLSckx48-l5XtKGoaahuhXcaJNEE5vwFoQe4EpWf/s320/DSCN4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I plan to move my shop to the area behind the french doors, so that will be the first thing that people see when they come into the barn. I am going to turn the current shop space into a studio, so I can work in the barn and heat only a small area. We plan to put a catwalk around the upper area for roving storage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12cI8X1JEnD7BWOdr1oSHLQy90At_8cA7WKH1OAfgCFNLWHHBud10P_swWyW-otY_x5tGgUcWgBws6VVaKufj7r4EYNUl9Uz1AFqLWPcfBl_qwrNFDHlEbsAOcU50OU-IbetGCGZvnY61/s1600/DSCN4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12cI8X1JEnD7BWOdr1oSHLQy90At_8cA7WKH1OAfgCFNLWHHBud10P_swWyW-otY_x5tGgUcWgBws6VVaKufj7r4EYNUl9Uz1AFqLWPcfBl_qwrNFDHlEbsAOcU50OU-IbetGCGZvnY61/s320/DSCN4683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am busy weaving on my Majacraft loom. I have decided to turn the piece into a vest. The back is done and I am a fourth of the way down the front.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP8yh_HVyzY2SWnJN_OCLSZ-JUfGypaDmhsbDD1simTy4svA0YPeNihKb13gaTa-oVe9gCU-L6We-lyZeUaL0i2f4AC0r9__BeVPud1ulXWja6kJjQ5W7ONZNs99DgFRPjABMI7OWvVH-/s1600/DSCN4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP8yh_HVyzY2SWnJN_OCLSZ-JUfGypaDmhsbDD1simTy4svA0YPeNihKb13gaTa-oVe9gCU-L6We-lyZeUaL0i2f4AC0r9__BeVPud1ulXWja6kJjQ5W7ONZNs99DgFRPjABMI7OWvVH-/s320/DSCN4709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I managed to get close up photos of the peachicks this morning and I can now tell that I have three cocks and one hen. The mother is the second from the right and the hen is to her right. You can tell by enlarging the photo that their wing feathers are the same. The cocks have speckled feathers like their father.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM7GtQGjiQQnUQsNKfwDd3LyYHNTScSK3fCeH0nuAhBFZ-QAh5CdGSzMgfSdc6IQu0T_Spd8h51n3fJZYsjHtY3AieCmMi6DccQmTcvcQTJ8oOB2BJO8ve_s9zoVXVyyBAH4OGobetWQY/s1600/DSCN4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM7GtQGjiQQnUQsNKfwDd3LyYHNTScSK3fCeH0nuAhBFZ-QAh5CdGSzMgfSdc6IQu0T_Spd8h51n3fJZYsjHtY3AieCmMi6DccQmTcvcQTJ8oOB2BJO8ve_s9zoVXVyyBAH4OGobetWQY/s320/DSCN4708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-65882107786220500022015-11-14T05:30:00.001-08:002015-11-14T05:30:45.064-08:00Upgrades, Renovations and a New Aviary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZjVyRndVbiFtW05pU68xaG16N4qXEJqVYCbg_tZkP-96zdsll9xqSAiW9qZDmQq-miLBrQKHXXHHYbY8nyxsfHw20yV6QVJSz7PUdkImIWFw_X3iZVWM3Y4I5N9Wr6I-2-38fwLVmj4i/s1600/DSCN4433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZjVyRndVbiFtW05pU68xaG16N4qXEJqVYCbg_tZkP-96zdsll9xqSAiW9qZDmQq-miLBrQKHXXHHYbY8nyxsfHw20yV6QVJSz7PUdkImIWFw_X3iZVWM3Y4I5N9Wr6I-2-38fwLVmj4i/s320/DSCN4433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am slowly adding to my etsy shop: <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com/">www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com</a> and my finished goods page: <a href="http://www.artweaving.etsy.com/">www.artweaving.etsy.com</a>. Above is a lovely supercoil in natural colors that has kid mohair and tencel. Perfect for embellishment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu2iQ5f7OCdSf-byPCYBw_nTkyrmu0dlD-H4QgQNpW9k1w53crc7IFMbP5P_uvF7Yp5gnHxXvQzOyi0sNccwctmXOvXW_ZhTjq95hS2FOR7kRDvHrBRj33-WycXIbxZtWifZScDwaHkdi/s1600/DSCN4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu2iQ5f7OCdSf-byPCYBw_nTkyrmu0dlD-H4QgQNpW9k1w53crc7IFMbP5P_uvF7Yp5gnHxXvQzOyi0sNccwctmXOvXW_ZhTjq95hS2FOR7kRDvHrBRj33-WycXIbxZtWifZScDwaHkdi/s320/DSCN4412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Due to all of the traveling that I have been doing, my right leg has developed serious issues. My sciatica has flared up dramatically and I can no longer spin more than half hour on a regular wheel. Since spinning is my major passion, I invested in two different electric spinning wheels. Featured above is the Spinolution Firefly. I also bought the Ashford espinner. I love both of them and will usually take the Ashford to shows since it is smaller. This weekend I am taking the Firefly to the Maryland Alpaca Fiber festival. I am already set up in the dining hall. I am so excited to be there since it is warm and a lot of the vendors are my friends. Great place to hang out for the weekend. It also has the advantage of being only 15 minutes from home, so a lot less driving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZJj6AkZ6bSMCOFUgRRoDkrVbczDtN-5UiXtIHwb-iPTduNTWCtFenq6WnBTtLew5-sgrjhjxy1FvNp6UtekneSln8v78aHldN9rvE0vIXK8k4gI7pEnGSzVNRHFgi1qfSqO8bPx17Y17/s1600/DSCN4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZJj6AkZ6bSMCOFUgRRoDkrVbczDtN-5UiXtIHwb-iPTduNTWCtFenq6WnBTtLew5-sgrjhjxy1FvNp6UtekneSln8v78aHldN9rvE0vIXK8k4gI7pEnGSzVNRHFgi1qfSqO8bPx17Y17/s320/DSCN4417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
With six peafowl now, their own aviary became a must. This is the beginning stages. It is almost finished now. Just the door to hang on the shelter. We moved them into it last night. They are edgy, but it is better for them to not be with the chickens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ScRP1A4PFfKpkqFHfLZc59qEy4yYJCimDPW8XX3XkJYzACFTspvqmllOqAHTPyr9iwCGLXTrZsx9iuX_KejtKHDrFFVHr9V-Xkng5w05HR7TfJ8GKFAcK08aLgDkBMK5NHZ4QtGK2Z5/s1600/DSCN4416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ScRP1A4PFfKpkqFHfLZc59qEy4yYJCimDPW8XX3XkJYzACFTspvqmllOqAHTPyr9iwCGLXTrZsx9iuX_KejtKHDrFFVHr9V-Xkng5w05HR7TfJ8GKFAcK08aLgDkBMK5NHZ4QtGK2Z5/s320/DSCN4416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We decided to have our barn restoration begin now. The guys have almost finished replacing the doors and windows on the front. It is already warmer since the wind is no longer whistling through the slats. I love being able to open the doors by myself. The hanging doors were designed for big husky guys to open. The front is now white till they finish all of the windows. It will be repainted red once the new wood is all in place. Of course, when they started removing the bad sections, they found lots of water damage and termite damage - none current, so it will cost us more than expected, On the Mark Construction is doing the work. They are very diligent and will hopefully have the exterior done by the end of the year.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-70266347459065948052015-10-13T07:25:00.000-07:002015-10-13T07:25:12.165-07:00No Time to be Bored!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fFU3sNSL5ccUoHRFomxhX5gMRcIMDNFWR4KhXnhdNitvPb7WIuppgzuIdz1nSFG4TSeBeGhmG0SVooViTkBFhG3Qb5Dcig4u6d-kXhZDwsNenXCHiMWmX4cem5BzkTvQYCwUpBVwXt8y/s1600/DSCN4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fFU3sNSL5ccUoHRFomxhX5gMRcIMDNFWR4KhXnhdNitvPb7WIuppgzuIdz1nSFG4TSeBeGhmG0SVooViTkBFhG3Qb5Dcig4u6d-kXhZDwsNenXCHiMWmX4cem5BzkTvQYCwUpBVwXt8y/s320/DSCN4283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There is always something that needs doing on the farm. The bunnies are four weeks old now. Their eyes are open and they are hopping around. I think they are all males. I will know soon enough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4i4VBjig5XK8ePJA5-0vchzcin8Br8LAPthZt8FrxOf9fFma254FHpokOYmvCXEDi2QjJBVsyQBmdgKcj-xlg2vcIQSomBYKwrm9gGLe-pcjl4O29YTvi_UN9fllQ8RhbqzHxmIN38J3/s1600/DSCN4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4i4VBjig5XK8ePJA5-0vchzcin8Br8LAPthZt8FrxOf9fFma254FHpokOYmvCXEDi2QjJBVsyQBmdgKcj-xlg2vcIQSomBYKwrm9gGLe-pcjl4O29YTvi_UN9fllQ8RhbqzHxmIN38J3/s320/DSCN4238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Charming has lost his old feathers and is now growing his new ones. I have been spinning his really short feathers into yarn. This one features 5 peacock feathers that have eyes. I clustered them close together, so they will make a nice bouquet. The smaller feather are gray with green iridescent tips. I placed them the usual distance apart on a black kid mohair single. I spun the coordinating yarn, so a longer version of the feathered collar can be made.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe2aHq8ZB1EtcArCwoHdtN0FpZaDsu-zl9LFbzpXL65YIjtOx-LATRAlWajmRHoyMtuoMJLUJAir1LfFg0QVy-0obhcGwvB7VmIdy-cXxf9rV9rR2wx740jkKav2FdPagFStBKQD6is82/s1600/DSCN4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe2aHq8ZB1EtcArCwoHdtN0FpZaDsu-zl9LFbzpXL65YIjtOx-LATRAlWajmRHoyMtuoMJLUJAir1LfFg0QVy-0obhcGwvB7VmIdy-cXxf9rV9rR2wx740jkKav2FdPagFStBKQD6is82/s320/DSCN4244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have lots of bags with Black Sussex rooster feathers. It is interesting how different each batch is. I spun these feathers onto a moorit Merino and spun a matching single.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaWzI7Yc_c39XLhyphenhyphenYcy1RoyZryQHcCfJsGxRw8SjNNNAv-h0kIlsmd13TVMFHb3aHOphEA2VJFoI0vToHWM8lm0bPn_yrDrsGblGm7EmwTG-9mak1O3oFYsSOmhYhFTy24IqB3Evf1d_z/s1600/DSCN4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaWzI7Yc_c39XLhyphenhyphenYcy1RoyZryQHcCfJsGxRw8SjNNNAv-h0kIlsmd13TVMFHb3aHOphEA2VJFoI0vToHWM8lm0bPn_yrDrsGblGm7EmwTG-9mak1O3oFYsSOmhYhFTy24IqB3Evf1d_z/s320/DSCN4307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fall is the time for kid goat shearing. This guy had gorgeous locks which are now drying in the barn. He is for sale until Monday, when I will send him to auction. He is very parasite resistant. We only had to treat him one all summer. Would love to keep him, but he is related to 2/3 of the does.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kSNEQy-n8u_fGytcVfLVFKJT8qj9wRSDbYvEmASxPoYSCZpNMasmKrItI5V1kG7UstqrxX2tB7LDmhbaYc4yed2xvb_Sh_cHe4UOd10jj69b5RQNrtcMXj4b4JV6DkuOLLJoUWo80xrQ/s1600/DSCN4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kSNEQy-n8u_fGytcVfLVFKJT8qj9wRSDbYvEmASxPoYSCZpNMasmKrItI5V1kG7UstqrxX2tB7LDmhbaYc4yed2xvb_Sh_cHe4UOd10jj69b5RQNrtcMXj4b4JV6DkuOLLJoUWo80xrQ/s320/DSCN4306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Close up of his fleece before shearing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX2Io7douangmu9OapLdlGB_X1F7Y0u2sk1Ixt3eLDn-jTr5Seq3GAStAhVd01WbaKQa8ieo6AUsOiJbioyUL_4Vyg0c9Pgn5mmHSwU212H_0EfOS_ZlnxxXbfiKcf_vCAZdwmI81i4hK/s1600/DSCN4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX2Io7douangmu9OapLdlGB_X1F7Y0u2sk1Ixt3eLDn-jTr5Seq3GAStAhVd01WbaKQa8ieo6AUsOiJbioyUL_4Vyg0c9Pgn5mmHSwU212H_0EfOS_ZlnxxXbfiKcf_vCAZdwmI81i4hK/s320/DSCN4308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The angora goats have been divided up for breeding. I put the colored goats in the woods and they are getting plenty to eat since they are not interested in the hay when we bring them in for the night. They know it is time to come in, because they are all waiting at the gate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG-QdUYu5P92qIlGyuGLLI-eLwigvorwfYwYX36t_hP3CWY9xztkQF5LQ6TF1sWsiVjH98pCkVdCpqzHfPIj-eI2BGCukG6JqwtL1qJgUGcL6z0179kvCtKpClP_F9AP-B-0uyU49gMyj/s1600/DSCN4314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG-QdUYu5P92qIlGyuGLLI-eLwigvorwfYwYX36t_hP3CWY9xztkQF5LQ6TF1sWsiVjH98pCkVdCpqzHfPIj-eI2BGCukG6JqwtL1qJgUGcL6z0179kvCtKpClP_F9AP-B-0uyU49gMyj/s320/DSCN4314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the buck I bought this summer. He is not as fine as my last one, so I will only use him this year. I am looking for a dark red, so if anyone has one that will be a yearling next year, I am interested. I am also downsizing so, if you are looking for a proven doe with lovely fiber (all colors available,) please let me know soon.<br />
<br />
I am off to the Art Harvest at Waterford, Virginia this weekend. I will be inside Red Barn #1. It will be cold, so I am hoping that people will be looking for yarns to keep them busy this winter and wearable art. Hope to see a few friends there.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-50985712824755842232015-09-26T16:26:00.001-07:002015-09-26T16:26:58.068-07:00Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-88950992648530468312015-09-07T19:34:00.000-07:002015-09-26T16:27:24.031-07:00Finishing Projects, Starting New Ones and a Lovely Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZXRutpQOpSWGyVFbYx1xYrjaayzNgek6x1gi8VDyUHoZUuOIudnUhKSpvYKWCc-CEsYT3fkWncKzCdH_TfF8xl2cKo3TQ829BkqYjLalLecoBNC0kaIyBEbR8IsQPblLH6hRNzJD318s/s1600/DSCN4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZXRutpQOpSWGyVFbYx1xYrjaayzNgek6x1gi8VDyUHoZUuOIudnUhKSpvYKWCc-CEsYT3fkWncKzCdH_TfF8xl2cKo3TQ829BkqYjLalLecoBNC0kaIyBEbR8IsQPblLH6hRNzJD318s/s320/DSCN4038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I forced myself to sit down and finish the pattern for Nadia's Shawl. It is an intermediate pattern that takes advantage of gradient yarns. I have been spinning a few and playing around with ideas. The color way is a single edition. I have others that will work up beautifully but in different color ways. I have finished the Watermelon Shawl pattern but will not publish it till I have a few sets of yarn to go with it. I have a hard time revisiting yarns, so when I publish the kits, if you want one, better not wait. I plan to only make 4 and then sell the model. Nadia's pattern is available on my etsy shop,if you are interested.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5MrlPZ-3lniZv6zb0EeJSsvUqQSkMJ63nWGpVUhvh1EdIHQVKOJrpMD59ln9GoN0B52_8aT6IA7QObVtDwY8aneXcZZhiLGMVWNPmqIcv1KzvBOiSyiVYXgDasecPdqTrpu__mN-LGkU/s1600/DSCN4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5MrlPZ-3lniZv6zb0EeJSsvUqQSkMJ63nWGpVUhvh1EdIHQVKOJrpMD59ln9GoN0B52_8aT6IA7QObVtDwY8aneXcZZhiLGMVWNPmqIcv1KzvBOiSyiVYXgDasecPdqTrpu__mN-LGkU/s320/DSCN4053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Got some better photos of the peacocks. We got a lovely surprise when she laid an egg. We composted that one because she did not lay again for two weeks. Then she was serious and she started sitting about the 1st of September on four eggs. It would be exciting, if she has chicks. We plan to have a structure and aviary built for the peacocks, so the chicks will be less stressed. All of the birds love the small tomatoes. Marc and I don't like them and they keep showing up every year. I pick several handfuls to give them every day. Otherwise, I would consider those plants a weed and rip them out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc2o9ZJvyZgi2oNFgeUezT5dF_y5H2PuyXMLegvTJsoDuUVgqtneAPG6V995TI9NeAZF1JgCJHRAF04v1boG8lsKLFRl3HfY6Akv-9CFZ0Wo1f_hZT7-Gqt1hjqlrz0zpbJ2YofqR053G/s1600/DSCN4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc2o9ZJvyZgi2oNFgeUezT5dF_y5H2PuyXMLegvTJsoDuUVgqtneAPG6V995TI9NeAZF1JgCJHRAF04v1boG8lsKLFRl3HfY6Akv-9CFZ0Wo1f_hZT7-Gqt1hjqlrz0zpbJ2YofqR053G/s320/DSCN4056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Sleeping Beauty. The peacock is Prince Charming. Beauty and Charming for short. Their feathers are lovely - even the shorter ones. Charming has a few more short tail feathers to lose and then I will spin a yarn. Don't know whether I will sell the yarn or knit it up as a sample. I won't have any more feathers till next year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07suH1RwwcJpazkbRbexisJ86SbYARhwPtBTepoglhAKvTvcw7RowvggQ92XEor5QFMuauM2hEnstT4QPGHHK2NO5PFIuVQzeERzYW2Ur7bIrae6JqJ0hOF6uvku1gu8QrdQc2IOoIxVX/s1600/DSCN4079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07suH1RwwcJpazkbRbexisJ86SbYARhwPtBTepoglhAKvTvcw7RowvggQ92XEor5QFMuauM2hEnstT4QPGHHK2NO5PFIuVQzeERzYW2Ur7bIrae6JqJ0hOF6uvku1gu8QrdQc2IOoIxVX/s320/DSCN4079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Rug hooking a landscape has been in the back of my mind for a year and a half. Today Marc helped me set up a board and pin the linen to it, so I could trace the farm photo that I chose onto it. I bought a digital project years ago to do power point presentations. As you can see, I knew exactly what to do when it came time to trace my design.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynTD8KlPTV8BvzWhSf2M0-5BhvWFv-kHeC9Hd2cdPmY5QqCmo5ga7n-hfKlmKf9HUB9Co8n-_xeG9GwCQSJclOiieS9FftRmd2Ty8tg2ki4AidwX_D2aiPjDZWnIRR-70JwBjUqXjyQKz/s1600/DSCN4081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynTD8KlPTV8BvzWhSf2M0-5BhvWFv-kHeC9Hd2cdPmY5QqCmo5ga7n-hfKlmKf9HUB9Co8n-_xeG9GwCQSJclOiieS9FftRmd2Ty8tg2ki4AidwX_D2aiPjDZWnIRR-70JwBjUqXjyQKz/s320/DSCN4081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am spinning yarns as I go. I use it as a challenge to do color ways and styles of yarn that I would not usually spin. The yarn for the barn is gorgeous. It is several shades of red. I had spun it as a single and got mad because I think it is too itchy to wear. Today I Navajo plied it and it looks luscious. The sheen and colors be just right. i have hooked one sheep and part of the silo. This is going to be a lot of fun. I can actually name some of the animals and I know whose fiber I am using for some sections.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQc8yZGB9hVdmCKrx_HOYUuZ-4kztNJH3CEd_MOZnuYhP6ittIoQ_j-UZyhSj1M2Qdx-VL7kazoaQxQeXfUStJSfzVJ72ECv4Fv2gtmA5TJRrsld9b_XjggQKe5QDaUujIWigz-zojAoe/s1600/DSCN4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQc8yZGB9hVdmCKrx_HOYUuZ-4kztNJH3CEd_MOZnuYhP6ittIoQ_j-UZyhSj1M2Qdx-VL7kazoaQxQeXfUStJSfzVJ72ECv4Fv2gtmA5TJRrsld9b_XjggQKe5QDaUujIWigz-zojAoe/s320/DSCN4083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is our wooded area. The deer and fox have now abandoned it. They don't want to share. If you look closely at the center of the photo, you can pick out a few of the sheep. There are 47 ewes and one ram running around out there. Most of our pastures are drying up, since we have not had much rain and it is hot. This area is nice and shaded with a stream running through it. Whenever the animals get access, they are super excited.<br />
<br />
Show season has started. I head to the GA Fiber Festival on Wednesday and have the PA Knitters' Day out the weekend after. Lots of fun places to go and friends to visit. Hope to see some of you there!<br />
<br />
I will be teaching a pin weaving class here on September 16. I have openings for 2, if anyone is interested. Email me at jmarckathy@aol.com for details.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-40039310789128089002015-08-14T07:02:00.000-07:002015-08-14T07:02:14.406-07:00Shop, Rug Hooking, New Landscape and Peacocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SdLe2X6nU4CfVT-gI8Pi8lK5mC3-QaNCRW7N4z-7xaZO9q0tAPSdJ2X3RMVQjKc9ZcgfGYxopxznA6YUSbU2TrFClmaAFsfbUmSO_mLXBG9BAUTa9mEGqy2w2BYp_5r8rJXEIyvqeNvv/s1600/DSCN3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SdLe2X6nU4CfVT-gI8Pi8lK5mC3-QaNCRW7N4z-7xaZO9q0tAPSdJ2X3RMVQjKc9ZcgfGYxopxznA6YUSbU2TrFClmaAFsfbUmSO_mLXBG9BAUTa9mEGqy2w2BYp_5r8rJXEIyvqeNvv/s320/DSCN3915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My shop will stay set up all year round now since I have enough yarn to fill the racks even with yarns pulled for shows. I am starting to have some of my Merino and Kid mohair blended to create lace and fingering weight yarns, so I can design patterns and have yarns to go with them. Some of my patterns require specific yarns which will become limited editions. Seems like everyone wants the exact same yarn and color that I make my models out of. Unfortunately, it has become tedious and they are no longer unique, if I am always spinning the same yarns. So make yourselves notes to buy it, if you want it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1h4FdEiHTjQRId1swV0igqnKfQFPnqGgS7IT8JvoRq1jBFeTE7zS-KU6moehvdmrD_GiqV4nujzNArt6onsL6cHJYE52n9imHrzn9dUQ3N4FdmMHcYqT0gH6lJh1kHwgFYZhXzF0uM_R/s1600/DSCN3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1h4FdEiHTjQRId1swV0igqnKfQFPnqGgS7IT8JvoRq1jBFeTE7zS-KU6moehvdmrD_GiqV4nujzNArt6onsL6cHJYE52n9imHrzn9dUQ3N4FdmMHcYqT0gH6lJh1kHwgFYZhXzF0uM_R/s320/DSCN3916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We are currently waiting on a bid for our red bank barn to be remodeled and climate controlled. I would like to move all of my fiber stuff to one place and be able to work in the barn.We have ideas for the interior being redone, but the holes in the walls have to go first!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-XhoVEZ5ReJ-L-64AOGflbMQWLCXH4vZfQfkt9-OKwP2h9RxbGuoowWikCjlfhsC8nzruXvcBMuQStD5RrfkejPMXNo0tEzfS_8eSaLSs3QicOmBb9AI-bJS5mAHbYo8ulamiYieCEA6/s1600/DSCN3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-XhoVEZ5ReJ-L-64AOGflbMQWLCXH4vZfQfkt9-OKwP2h9RxbGuoowWikCjlfhsC8nzruXvcBMuQStD5RrfkejPMXNo0tEzfS_8eSaLSs3QicOmBb9AI-bJS5mAHbYo8ulamiYieCEA6/s320/DSCN3898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I went to the MAFA show in July and came home determined to try something new. I have been fascinated for a while by rug hooking and my friend,<a href="http://www.thewoolfarm.com/"> Loris Blanchard of the Wool Farm</a>, got me started on a sample piece last year. I am now experimenting using my art yarn on monk's cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n8yZ1FcykDWgqB0KNp2c-J2VfwxwHLbAGLQTpeG7BvnzcamKBZPXWn40qKGCZJ9nuIEVL7mVhnzCxOjiYsV8U0bMidR_fa2J8Av6Z7Gct9-TuEjiFqCHhxNz6944GRn3656bQ6WvBnJi/s1600/DSCN3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n8yZ1FcykDWgqB0KNp2c-J2VfwxwHLbAGLQTpeG7BvnzcamKBZPXWn40qKGCZJ9nuIEVL7mVhnzCxOjiYsV8U0bMidR_fa2J8Av6Z7Gct9-TuEjiFqCHhxNz6944GRn3656bQ6WvBnJi/s320/DSCN3971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is one of the skeins that I spun in attempts to recreate the colors for my first rug hooking project. This actually represents what our grass looks like now. I love it, but have posted it for sale on my <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>, since the landscape that I have chosen is from early spring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RbEEk9u_CXiD8x_0OYjZ1q8jjDsgLwA-jAgB9NxVDhrFAGe3re-DU5An_8frcN51_Tm7nUKs3xYfyxypvNI_YjKGqdveDrfKKAlGDO7mYmKbVKfgPzNKo1klHPMVCtky0hcjlPsVw3Pn/s1600/Farm+scene+for+rug+hooking_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RbEEk9u_CXiD8x_0OYjZ1q8jjDsgLwA-jAgB9NxVDhrFAGe3re-DU5An_8frcN51_Tm7nUKs3xYfyxypvNI_YjKGqdveDrfKKAlGDO7mYmKbVKfgPzNKo1klHPMVCtky0hcjlPsVw3Pn/s320/Farm+scene+for+rug+hooking_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am going to use this photo for my landscape design. I will be editing out the tree shadow and simplifying the smaller details.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5x07s87EGVTMYFL7r7N5DRYCHUyznPNAHdv_NGZFZj5pjZBvFMkAi615v3HyTLvOLh4uVzEBrJCx80PWKM2Cc5Frd3fOBvpMw69MoewsTkfj1hBY_9e7K_g5vVNLmm8ZmzyPo33hsK23/s1600/DSCN3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5x07s87EGVTMYFL7r7N5DRYCHUyznPNAHdv_NGZFZj5pjZBvFMkAi615v3HyTLvOLh4uVzEBrJCx80PWKM2Cc5Frd3fOBvpMw69MoewsTkfj1hBY_9e7K_g5vVNLmm8ZmzyPo33hsK23/s320/DSCN3912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last, but not least, Marc and I added peafowl to our menagerie. My uncle passed away a few weeks ago and I have decided to live my life to the fullest. Peacocks were on my bucket list. Marc always denied my request saying that they are "dirty and loud." Well, the dogs and Skyler are much louder. It is fascinating to watch their stately strut. They are currently in the aviary till we are sure that they will stick around. The male spreads his feathers when he sees me coming out with treats. He has been losing a few feathers - some big and some small. Soon I will have enough to spin a feathered yarn with the small ones. I am amazed at how many types of feathers they have beside the impressive tail feathers with the eyes.<br />
<br />
This is a good time to visit the farm. Just a reminder - call first since I occasionally have to run off somewhere, and be sure to not wear your best shoes, since we occasionally rotate the sheep and goats on the front yard.Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-61263645569605956032015-07-06T06:49:00.000-07:002015-07-06T06:49:39.116-07:00Mushrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsUb4UKUrNi9m0J-aTmj4oJ08MqzkafbrdWyMZhSqJKmua5TJBKAd8Rj-ECjIzOc5DFyKWgr7Z63yROF1zADPIdbTYExoVe2nq4kUhdnLj09zPw7K55U4TcmrEsRFyjuKnfemCMpab2oa/s1600/DSCN3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsUb4UKUrNi9m0J-aTmj4oJ08MqzkafbrdWyMZhSqJKmua5TJBKAd8Rj-ECjIzOc5DFyKWgr7Z63yROF1zADPIdbTYExoVe2nq4kUhdnLj09zPw7K55U4TcmrEsRFyjuKnfemCMpab2oa/s320/DSCN3595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It has been a very wet spring and summer. Mushrooms are popping up everywhere. I do not know whether any of these are edible and I have no interest in trying to eat any of them. These mushrooms are the most colorful and were under the willow oak tree in the front yard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOvXUzU0uBKaY7aFlV1CrOde5UQMkTnbEAtrn1cHR2Hf2rMT-86Tm-SueJEgd6pz2J2s3LWkqB272dRfn1SMzpJJZfa4zfMXHQ8sUqsFRP0Q2NOHexPviqepHn9KfyTH89qNlDx8kki86/s1600/DSCN3597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOvXUzU0uBKaY7aFlV1CrOde5UQMkTnbEAtrn1cHR2Hf2rMT-86Tm-SueJEgd6pz2J2s3LWkqB272dRfn1SMzpJJZfa4zfMXHQ8sUqsFRP0Q2NOHexPviqepHn9KfyTH89qNlDx8kki86/s320/DSCN3597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
All of the rest of the mushrooms featured were found in the wood pile from last year's storms. The trees chopped up were all sugar maple. From my reading, certain trees have specific mushrooms associated with them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaDBd6NF596WbkR-pYLxgr-cdxx1NDWep04iQjEXRvqohotHLp9FLwH2P1IafCNmFXZHDVqN7YgCl1fAEtJ8BjZKE2IUkSTiwRYi6nZIGSeGVRBLNJm7pabZSxr1lVWJN71rUn5zW74j5/s1600/DSCN3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaDBd6NF596WbkR-pYLxgr-cdxx1NDWep04iQjEXRvqohotHLp9FLwH2P1IafCNmFXZHDVqN7YgCl1fAEtJ8BjZKE2IUkSTiwRYi6nZIGSeGVRBLNJm7pabZSxr1lVWJN71rUn5zW74j5/s320/DSCN3596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a wild looking set of mushrooms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDT-u61cICo5LEHX-Nv84Y7uVRaW0wR5EKpcQ7ooG9sRvK9Yn-ZbaAjjbv9KpBLFh9j3PYznB97RQWO3v6YQe6DOpSg7S9M9_oaGbl93EcmyRErAzAL8foiVlpNP50lWDPZQrdoa2yewUU/s1600/DSCN3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDT-u61cICo5LEHX-Nv84Y7uVRaW0wR5EKpcQ7ooG9sRvK9Yn-ZbaAjjbv9KpBLFh9j3PYznB97RQWO3v6YQe6DOpSg7S9M9_oaGbl93EcmyRErAzAL8foiVlpNP50lWDPZQrdoa2yewUU/s320/DSCN3599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These were the ugliest mushrooms. So dark.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP26w7ygPWC_9C5LMnAF5QGtwwkzdjOoTCnHdMf9sLdBDurUUr5-RGOTW-ThCgx32d4P-1TY3XQG7KnpBPBKwLXtJc8RS2mfTgfA7q_gPnqSNY8b_b545y1P894AgHZMXxZss4Nyrwh__/s1600/DSCN3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP26w7ygPWC_9C5LMnAF5QGtwwkzdjOoTCnHdMf9sLdBDurUUr5-RGOTW-ThCgx32d4P-1TY3XQG7KnpBPBKwLXtJc8RS2mfTgfA7q_gPnqSNY8b_b545y1P894AgHZMXxZss4Nyrwh__/s320/DSCN3600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The mushrooms above and below were the largest ones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLpcbgkTjBH6I6RhNF_S3B3WPaQ9Rul6wpuYmteBBN8TI11tFvAuYENyUlkFhR4ihyphenhyphenZrkECBkJNhD3H8cEWbXKH7wFlhlyiUCtNrnBfRih0tmQA2t7Yv-4wcNqq-h6YSoIOHmOFsvgB4w/s1600/DSCN3603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLpcbgkTjBH6I6RhNF_S3B3WPaQ9Rul6wpuYmteBBN8TI11tFvAuYENyUlkFhR4ihyphenhyphenZrkECBkJNhD3H8cEWbXKH7wFlhlyiUCtNrnBfRih0tmQA2t7Yv-4wcNqq-h6YSoIOHmOFsvgB4w/s320/DSCN3603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some animal has already eaten this mushroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYqetkAv3XV5Ctzyszl8GnI5DPZVHEBvBH-oJRg8bglzkXSxdjeLqPf32HG9-fDICYwwiJgKRU2OWSJKeumhY6VC1-fmawahJatC6fpP_XNX0kvK01tN6JdzX5IkwmIxGnSBmNQxNVs1r/s1600/DSCN3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYqetkAv3XV5Ctzyszl8GnI5DPZVHEBvBH-oJRg8bglzkXSxdjeLqPf32HG9-fDICYwwiJgKRU2OWSJKeumhY6VC1-fmawahJatC6fpP_XNX0kvK01tN6JdzX5IkwmIxGnSBmNQxNVs1r/s320/DSCN3604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Another not so pretty set of mushrooms. I plan to walk our woods and search for mushrooms, if it does not rain. And, rain is in the forecast for today.<br />
<br />
If anyone knows what mushrooms these are, I would love to know!Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-26268177905576929082015-06-28T18:23:00.001-07:002015-06-28T18:23:52.873-07:00Goat Bridge, Lots of Rain and New Ventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb489iOOsdw4YCySw4vIuZwJ0PAN4YROhnX_OHm5jc3D9wXJemk4Is2d-ZRPVXewCI4RvA0IJA9Jh5kb7Ae9jjBh4PHcq36iQHnovVIyZIVmsH1_GzuJPhV5ixthZ0jPxuacwvEYTlwK9/s1600/DSCN3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb489iOOsdw4YCySw4vIuZwJ0PAN4YROhnX_OHm5jc3D9wXJemk4Is2d-ZRPVXewCI4RvA0IJA9Jh5kb7Ae9jjBh4PHcq36iQHnovVIyZIVmsH1_GzuJPhV5ixthZ0jPxuacwvEYTlwK9/s320/DSCN3432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Earlier this year we had the rest of our property fenced. It is a woodsy area with two streams and a waterfall. here were ways to get the animals over to our newest pasture, but a bridge would make it much easier. This week we had a bridge built over the stream just below the waterfall. One goat looked at me suspiciously and followed me over. In seconds the rest had made it over. I will have to haul a chair out next time and leave it. There are too many vines and predators in the area, so I do not feel comfortable leaving them out there by themselves until they have cleared it out some. Much cooler under the trees than in the pasture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5kNAnbp26x8Y7Kc4uxoYvLEfiqfRb_d6XVvaO952XkSmsP-zJwv7_He6KEro_c_HIqqoogU_wSfPnmCn-uLppEFSYGpNLQrxQj8tBKcHCerAjjJv4ymt2Yoi9i7NbyRnTVnsHijMU3pK/s1600/DSCN3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5kNAnbp26x8Y7Kc4uxoYvLEfiqfRb_d6XVvaO952XkSmsP-zJwv7_He6KEro_c_HIqqoogU_wSfPnmCn-uLppEFSYGpNLQrxQj8tBKcHCerAjjJv4ymt2Yoi9i7NbyRnTVnsHijMU3pK/s320/DSCN3409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Spinquest is changing their format this year. I will be going both as a vendor and a teacher. As soon as registration opens, I will let you know and provide a link. In case you have not guessed, I will be teaching a mini class on dyeing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW-cniGf9tAMY8FUSIkLxgOf1_VImcINIwGXoX0l7EvBubfDCHDYstZkLBKej4WiMi82ruCH6GASUicJSH1qQMcivSyTtut7EMGdIcyKLSLaZG4S3CFyMdT1GpYTwCXLxYL1hoJEFCIgV/s1600/DSCN3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW-cniGf9tAMY8FUSIkLxgOf1_VImcINIwGXoX0l7EvBubfDCHDYstZkLBKej4WiMi82ruCH6GASUicJSH1qQMcivSyTtut7EMGdIcyKLSLaZG4S3CFyMdT1GpYTwCXLxYL1hoJEFCIgV/s320/DSCN3387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have been getting lots of rain this year. We got three inches yesterday. I took a sunset photo just after the rain last week. The barn makes a great focal point. It won't be long before we will be remodeling this barn to make it climate controlled. Then I will be working out of the barn and teaching more classes. So much space!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyOH_sh3HvJz6ReS0E5bBnRXn_xXFB0WD0cqxi2lz__lmk1V-OWJyE0OiOCEjuPkLSs3_3al0rpZgwepqhIEu1tylszWuJbRW2t3usnBh6PycqapSH3VolAnfmLZ60jrAKwyf8a3ScywF/s1600/DSCN3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyOH_sh3HvJz6ReS0E5bBnRXn_xXFB0WD0cqxi2lz__lmk1V-OWJyE0OiOCEjuPkLSs3_3al0rpZgwepqhIEu1tylszWuJbRW2t3usnBh6PycqapSH3VolAnfmLZ60jrAKwyf8a3ScywF/s320/DSCN3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last weekend I taught a freeform spinning class. This is the yarn that I finished. It has been listed on my etsy shop: <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com./">www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_prkNkGBekydSVCJ4PmXG5j1NN_5k2XDvvmJJINFFCkdSDfgrpEzLBOqL-bjHzMXaaD5tJvUNuxchxf2WIexTxQm38tG1rgn54lu2NBPuUvriTCmX5JH0dRQSmep46kZKGh0-xDVvt9p8/s1600/DSCN3341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_prkNkGBekydSVCJ4PmXG5j1NN_5k2XDvvmJJINFFCkdSDfgrpEzLBOqL-bjHzMXaaD5tJvUNuxchxf2WIexTxQm38tG1rgn54lu2NBPuUvriTCmX5JH0dRQSmep46kZKGh0-xDVvt9p8/s320/DSCN3341.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
While in North Carolina the week before I found the depression era green dish. It makes a great way to lay out my novelties before spinning. They sure make me look more organized than I really am!Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-32651187846649054632015-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:002015-06-11T10:45:20.177-07:00Around the Farm and New Colorways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEGLsXssctTbKmZkQWi0wfgrBkuZW8qz8meewN50mftXl69xYYA3ciJTrwHOfdKbaCsFpkuKT-aKPrbbchQ9rS_Pr8pjSZuqhyCbaOW_DZfjDydmDPC72lCpUz-wk9-MXSMw3Ri3uDZGi/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEGLsXssctTbKmZkQWi0wfgrBkuZW8qz8meewN50mftXl69xYYA3ciJTrwHOfdKbaCsFpkuKT-aKPrbbchQ9rS_Pr8pjSZuqhyCbaOW_DZfjDydmDPC72lCpUz-wk9-MXSMw3Ri3uDZGi/s320/DSCN3168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This week the angora goats and Shetland/Merino Crosses are mowing the front yard. Next week they will move to the lower garage pasture. I hope to keep them parasite free by moving them to taller pastures frequently.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lpg9kVvbWFusIe6ggXRrkVs3JQs8lyHW5Utjm-l4r0rGIS1tWLSixoHoYif0b0L5ut9OIkz2JnAkRkv9PDrLh2IczpJKtIvqWzb52jemcBn80m3vHE6neXCq78GVIqfDJImIR5Q0RInW/s1600/DSCN3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lpg9kVvbWFusIe6ggXRrkVs3JQs8lyHW5Utjm-l4r0rGIS1tWLSixoHoYif0b0L5ut9OIkz2JnAkRkv9PDrLh2IczpJKtIvqWzb52jemcBn80m3vHE6neXCq78GVIqfDJImIR5Q0RInW/s320/DSCN3169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A close up of one of the moms with her kid. It was a pain to have all of the animals in the barn over the winter for delivery, but it paid off. All of the kids and lambs are much healthier this year. They have well formed horns, lovely fleeces and are much larger than they have been since we moved to Maryland.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWxBdcoebnjD80CHvNqgZI6X2Zp0HKRotsqApQ4aQ5zKS05WKKPqu_IeI68GLo7WsvjqasKyL6XNPq3ivfO6V6lkSgHJ8pyE97oTOmYC5KjjvAvyb87f3kpOq1KaASLCAbDY8ao56Bq6A/s1600/DSCN3188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWxBdcoebnjD80CHvNqgZI6X2Zp0HKRotsqApQ4aQ5zKS05WKKPqu_IeI68GLo7WsvjqasKyL6XNPq3ivfO6V6lkSgHJ8pyE97oTOmYC5KjjvAvyb87f3kpOq1KaASLCAbDY8ao56Bq6A/s320/DSCN3188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We had a fox in the newest pasture, so I hung out with the goats while they browsed. The alpacas decided to join us. You can see how tall the grass and other plants are. Five of the goats were so happy, that they refused to return when everyone else did. The above photo is of one of the streams running through our property. We have a nice soothing waterfall just above where I took this photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYywkYbg-tJFNV2teZkZOklNKJsFchHSkWV9gFeZDONWlOU__1xmTmU99x62p-6pdlXhLs8pPpQpX2VP2GO3AIzhPr2HKlWxbEceHvTzffHb3q-Mgi6FCxqzupdssGmMG_gBuay4W-tpqS/s1600/DSCN3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYywkYbg-tJFNV2teZkZOklNKJsFchHSkWV9gFeZDONWlOU__1xmTmU99x62p-6pdlXhLs8pPpQpX2VP2GO3AIzhPr2HKlWxbEceHvTzffHb3q-Mgi6FCxqzupdssGmMG_gBuay4W-tpqS/s320/DSCN3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1keyvTpHh6xafG0xPfBQVAihrO-qfMAVSdlE9j2JwqoIKj5M4NvgFXaStH6OPTLTUvfdTTOZP5TTmXGQROfpVoLcdRPQOmXKNVnLa0uLLcwq1JCMFO9jKBecWW_tptCWsozBSFKR4KtqE/s1600/DSCN3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1keyvTpHh6xafG0xPfBQVAihrO-qfMAVSdlE9j2JwqoIKj5M4NvgFXaStH6OPTLTUvfdTTOZP5TTmXGQROfpVoLcdRPQOmXKNVnLa0uLLcwq1JCMFO9jKBecWW_tptCWsozBSFKR4KtqE/s320/DSCN3207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am listing lots of roving on Etsy. This is a different color than the previously listed fuchsia orange mohair. You have to read the specifics to know the fiber content. This one is a blend of kid mohair and Merino.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5T5_LHUjGovLUJbyAwhZ6tS7kBEzronb0b1REcL6yb-rZXXiGyjWinqUKQu9M8b-WiRfWjgicsnEFlhXnxLU5pU__R4PcI1V0p5l47zIfAXlnxGM7pZquXIxGT-TGyRXsPvK_pnpW58n/s1600/DSCN3150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5T5_LHUjGovLUJbyAwhZ6tS7kBEzronb0b1REcL6yb-rZXXiGyjWinqUKQu9M8b-WiRfWjgicsnEFlhXnxLU5pU__R4PcI1V0p5l47zIfAXlnxGM7pZquXIxGT-TGyRXsPvK_pnpW58n/s320/DSCN3150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a batch of wool and mohair that I just took to the mill. I carded and spun some up and really liked the combination. The Merino Shetland cross was white, gray and had white tips. I dyed it along with a white kid mohair. Can't do without my mohair. The sheen takes yarn to a new level.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZGshFrkkqOCHRgBOuPPsyBtmoNc2tdX8w-cQhNvNnsLHGha2UEvB2iDHMPo8H1fAWa5xEK2xeh4NWiK2ez-ngEyupmdRMYsLoCe8tWfc8-8aNkfK-xzc9k-0l9zxuWmmnMVxK4rg4Bkf/s1600/DSCN3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZGshFrkkqOCHRgBOuPPsyBtmoNc2tdX8w-cQhNvNnsLHGha2UEvB2iDHMPo8H1fAWa5xEK2xeh4NWiK2ez-ngEyupmdRMYsLoCe8tWfc8-8aNkfK-xzc9k-0l9zxuWmmnMVxK4rg4Bkf/s320/DSCN3013.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
I am experimenting with a tutorial on spinning gradient yarns and how to use them. I will be publishing a pattern called Watermelon Shawl as soon as I finishing proofing it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfteu5qANicmLUNeBLcZqY_WuRlbFsh4Hsdy_m81xsY3SHfFoKtMbSu7yDZPa9cMRHQc93XuGM0AUO-r0C0VhYG1AdaecllE7rFBQ_4BrGx7P-RBHfm_QGaxgAPR6ejtQDf4K-QPM6p5-q/s1600/DSCN3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfteu5qANicmLUNeBLcZqY_WuRlbFsh4Hsdy_m81xsY3SHfFoKtMbSu7yDZPa9cMRHQc93XuGM0AUO-r0C0VhYG1AdaecllE7rFBQ_4BrGx7P-RBHfm_QGaxgAPR6ejtQDf4K-QPM6p5-q/s320/DSCN3090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still have a few Shetlands for sale. They are purebred, but I will not be selling them with papers. They are intended to be a spinning flock. They are all of the more modern style with very soft fleeces and lots of crimp. I also have two East Fresian dairy sheep for sale. Not enough time to make cheese. Email me at <a href="mailto:jmarckathy@aol.com">jmarckathy@aol.com </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6zhstF24YFh4AHwFZ-RGJ92-b_BzSfn06-8gk1MgstnFitecqMUQlQWW2DDsH7eXbCvlam1i-ztDY9EOjHaVp2MTJyQhchYH8q2Km1yAgZSaT_ldGHUQNKGLxb-sjK6Sei4xInGLO1PA/s1600/DSCN2437bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6zhstF24YFh4AHwFZ-RGJ92-b_BzSfn06-8gk1MgstnFitecqMUQlQWW2DDsH7eXbCvlam1i-ztDY9EOjHaVp2MTJyQhchYH8q2Km1yAgZSaT_ldGHUQNKGLxb-sjK6Sei4xInGLO1PA/s320/DSCN2437bl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be teaching my Spinning Freeform Yarns class on June 20. This will be the only time I offer it this summer. I teach how to spin a novelty yarn with loads of texture in it without tying knots in one skein of yarn. They are my best selling yarns. Anyone, who can spin a decent (not perfect) single, will enjoy this class. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-10432170741674593762015-04-30T08:57:00.000-07:002015-04-30T08:57:49.977-07:00Around the farm in Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-u4FmGlaAfDAG1uSEtX3CZ5H6_A5lQRewfOCbW_elXB4EnLZzU-dX39RxqIgpJz0ZUoW7VAakmSxWHnE4beQXBpGVgVqfeVu7kIWfIhv3lmjkvn1nf3lqQZPbhs4Jx8KgOFCbbxQUTgu/s1600/DSCN2677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-u4FmGlaAfDAG1uSEtX3CZ5H6_A5lQRewfOCbW_elXB4EnLZzU-dX39RxqIgpJz0ZUoW7VAakmSxWHnE4beQXBpGVgVqfeVu7kIWfIhv3lmjkvn1nf3lqQZPbhs4Jx8KgOFCbbxQUTgu/s1600/DSCN2677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With spring, sheep are shorn and then the wool is washed and dyed. The water to the red barn is back on again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cDtVctH6kT56lPGNcLJrEO78bvp0-h7e4m0F2oXaHVIrsUUJDCR5B68nhtpHHLXtGW2990uJ-FfMd7Dsj71kq-OCxJWAfEfrD46OTQ1zA_X0ytvhe9XWOtaoU0pRzWGWJlmaANOChMDD/s1600/DSCN2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cDtVctH6kT56lPGNcLJrEO78bvp0-h7e4m0F2oXaHVIrsUUJDCR5B68nhtpHHLXtGW2990uJ-FfMd7Dsj71kq-OCxJWAfEfrD46OTQ1zA_X0ytvhe9XWOtaoU0pRzWGWJlmaANOChMDD/s1600/DSCN2688.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As lambs are born, I have to evaluate who I can keep. I have way too many animals right now for the pastures, so it is time to let a few go. I have two East Friesians, several Merino rams, Shetland ewes and some Shetland Merino crosses. All are going to be sheared Monday and Tuesday after the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Any that are not sold will go to the sale barn. This is not a fire sale, so be prepared to pay what they are worth. If you can't afford them, you will certainly not be able to feed them over winter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0grnrctwVTU1hq2xrNI-Lzjkh_Sr9r8wzbF-EkzKJQffN6FH7FyNzboUaQz35YHJZzN7plI720v9bUe5_peBt_nQlwlw4Zn3sKYxI-7NEPcSAgrh-OocHWDHPWpbsuTZvbVqFsyCv9ng/s1600/DSCN2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0grnrctwVTU1hq2xrNI-Lzjkh_Sr9r8wzbF-EkzKJQffN6FH7FyNzboUaQz35YHJZzN7plI720v9bUe5_peBt_nQlwlw4Zn3sKYxI-7NEPcSAgrh-OocHWDHPWpbsuTZvbVqFsyCv9ng/s1600/DSCN2711.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Toggle is growing quickly. He has already doubled in size since I took this picture two weeks ago. He likes to follow the cats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOKyEF1o3EHEN3TW4ycsBuD7YuT_zuZkOleDNKNI2Uj2q6ZEXbZxTnh3v-1scmB6kn9lKcvukMAzF-r4D-eskr10Lm3jGch0hs34G3D0l4dkf1sUR1hcnijKB-khE5oiJjpPtr4iEojhm/s1600/DSCN2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOKyEF1o3EHEN3TW4ycsBuD7YuT_zuZkOleDNKNI2Uj2q6ZEXbZxTnh3v-1scmB6kn9lKcvukMAzF-r4D-eskr10Lm3jGch0hs34G3D0l4dkf1sUR1hcnijKB-khE5oiJjpPtr4iEojhm/s1600/DSCN2726.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With spring, all sorts of critters are showing up around the farm. This turtle is not as old as the one I saw last year. So ugly, but wise old eyes. Marc dug a hole so he/she could get under the fence to the pond.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAcdjeutngV1880tz_HpbCIpxeoUttjGole8jNtihSGCFrPn7oSv2-b4dXFOR8RdhG8hAxb9sGHqWRCZNpXe3pNOodMsLH3hykjbMStu2X6T5pzYprvw_8_8T26b86dzJC09OL7xQ4FjC/s1600/DSCN2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAcdjeutngV1880tz_HpbCIpxeoUttjGole8jNtihSGCFrPn7oSv2-b4dXFOR8RdhG8hAxb9sGHqWRCZNpXe3pNOodMsLH3hykjbMStu2X6T5pzYprvw_8_8T26b86dzJC09OL7xQ4FjC/s1600/DSCN2742.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
It is not really all that hot, but the animals are all heading for shade now. They will love their haircuts next week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am looking forward to the MDSWF this weekend. It is local for me and a chance to catch up with friends. Hope lots of you stop by to say hello.</div>
Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-76183560972270123622015-04-19T18:11:00.000-07:002015-04-19T18:11:41.862-07:00It is warming up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzy9HOOrDkkUn5Tb3K8CwKB_acHIwv58GKsflG8JTgZYaPLdwAYlW3e4HEGmTmcHY7vg9n0ZeTK-V-HQK_RN5nPCTnZF4hM51e00TL3poIv3rswcouZfuS2veWXgxtWnHu_RH83EIYrFJQ/s1600/20150418_140832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzy9HOOrDkkUn5Tb3K8CwKB_acHIwv58GKsflG8JTgZYaPLdwAYlW3e4HEGmTmcHY7vg9n0ZeTK-V-HQK_RN5nPCTnZF4hM51e00TL3poIv3rswcouZfuS2veWXgxtWnHu_RH83EIYrFJQ/s1600/20150418_140832.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
I am now working down in the barn creating my favorite type of batts. They are somewhat rustic because I am grabbing all sorts of fibers. There is some vm in them, so they will be priced lower than my usual. I am seriously tempted to wet felt this one. Above is how it looked while the carder was actually running. Below is how it looked when I stopped the carder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDm1fkL5YuRTroAdNdzp71bP6VbvOM4AZl0xnWxbJiCOcBMm0VSNmwOX47aw9ieIN-SzcXzS8eaNB61sMO4xnTamO1dVxZicKcERya04XDANyQ31II3jRxzfvUR7auvanG4lm4MTEJDQF/s1600/20150418_140907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDm1fkL5YuRTroAdNdzp71bP6VbvOM4AZl0xnWxbJiCOcBMm0VSNmwOX47aw9ieIN-SzcXzS8eaNB61sMO4xnTamO1dVxZicKcERya04XDANyQ31II3jRxzfvUR7auvanG4lm4MTEJDQF/s1600/20150418_140907.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ2rCREBEaOOGS18Vob7mq8HERp2LnWcN1n_IMB5M-60aEBRC6jX3z8l8o32piPjsEUYCXwZLBMbXDRakaAbGJLYEYCiAwb2XaGvGRnFmj8BPs_17yIZoA2_qr1snAyUAgs3VDvcruDeW/s1600/20150418_141706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ2rCREBEaOOGS18Vob7mq8HERp2LnWcN1n_IMB5M-60aEBRC6jX3z8l8o32piPjsEUYCXwZLBMbXDRakaAbGJLYEYCiAwb2XaGvGRnFmj8BPs_17yIZoA2_qr1snAyUAgs3VDvcruDeW/s1600/20150418_141706.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the same batt taken off the carder and folded so you can see both sides. The left is the top color that you can see on the carder. The right side is what went onto the carder first. I rarely do batts that are all one color. This is the Patrick Green Elsa carder. I love to create batts on it, because it holds a lot of fiber. I do get tired of some colors as I card which is why there are always two sides. Felted it is always a surprise and spun it has a Monet/impressionistic look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsYZ92ENnPJpuECeKiF0JyGs95zKEYVWlQeHhJNANxYlaoPerTNwzAB17Xh1FL6_QoTwFhQvAZKUCb3H9AJjX6SW6rQrmwdSZY7PrJt0RQZtBTyqrTuZ9fR0XBvdleUIUfZ4DA-Q2lvLc/s1600/20150406_124544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsYZ92ENnPJpuECeKiF0JyGs95zKEYVWlQeHhJNANxYlaoPerTNwzAB17Xh1FL6_QoTwFhQvAZKUCb3H9AJjX6SW6rQrmwdSZY7PrJt0RQZtBTyqrTuZ9fR0XBvdleUIUfZ4DA-Q2lvLc/s1600/20150406_124544.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I am currently spinning the pinkish color of the locks above. I just spun a gradient skein of yarn using it and some natural colored moorit Merino. I have just started a freeform yarn in those colors. So tempted to knit or weave it. I have been adding some new surprises in the yarns. Those who are going to Stitches South this coming weekend will get first looks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqQ1htntlXjBlOcZ_HKuDbpEXOFWVYKeWubfinHpKyP8YQwk790EHuA5F9nrsNnKnT9cDgVWiyOU-YJOa2lNKJJrqGqPSJj2d6YYmxg9d0yVo_fIqCn4j9LrrDqt0Yk0hzYue-AUXJboS/s1600/20150323_155045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqQ1htntlXjBlOcZ_HKuDbpEXOFWVYKeWubfinHpKyP8YQwk790EHuA5F9nrsNnKnT9cDgVWiyOU-YJOa2lNKJJrqGqPSJj2d6YYmxg9d0yVo_fIqCn4j9LrrDqt0Yk0hzYue-AUXJboS/s1600/20150323_155045.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This picture has already been on my Facebook, page as have the last two photos. You can follow or like me - either as Kathy Withers or uniquedesignsbykathy to keep up daily with events on the farm. Follow both, if you really want to know. I am not always sure where my photos will end up. I love the shot of the kids playing in the water trough. It was empty since that water had frozen the night before. I had to haul buckets out to them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE44kGp5ZQvGqdU7-wjs3wicWNcSmbjYe0kbqS1NszQtrN64dxpBJarhWSNLkgwjs7ovOWv-i4tFXaMR1hplSJyVYbp9arrheRndiUleitiKGjE2cX3cxGp3ILigZL9DZB9i3ZZqFkziri/s1600/20150404_082854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE44kGp5ZQvGqdU7-wjs3wicWNcSmbjYe0kbqS1NszQtrN64dxpBJarhWSNLkgwjs7ovOWv-i4tFXaMR1hplSJyVYbp9arrheRndiUleitiKGjE2cX3cxGp3ILigZL9DZB9i3ZZqFkziri/s1600/20150404_082854.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This is our bottle baby. He will be four weeks old tomorrow and has gone from 2 to 8 pounds. I have named him Toggle, since he has a switch - he is either running around and dancing or immediately asleep when I put him in his box. I have been taking him down to the play area during the warm part of the day, so he can see other goats. He is definitely too small and maybe stupid? to leave in the barnyard full time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5yjIHfRSlMWYmlRY5WcVUqxGl7w_GdabfiOlYvySA7StAixH5Hd_GM9b3KT6b0_WX2lkTdwrDh4LFI05XvBKEkrdY0f-qVXz0pJwp4lYl86DgImAUhuUmHq7-pXzI3JQss40qb0JW4uD/s1600/20150406_104041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5yjIHfRSlMWYmlRY5WcVUqxGl7w_GdabfiOlYvySA7StAixH5Hd_GM9b3KT6b0_WX2lkTdwrDh4LFI05XvBKEkrdY0f-qVXz0pJwp4lYl86DgImAUhuUmHq7-pXzI3JQss40qb0JW4uD/s1600/20150406_104041.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A view of the farm from one of the pastures. So glad that the animals are finally out of barns most of the time and doing more than eat my earnings!<br />
<br />
Still shearing when Marc is available. So glad to have someone coming the weekend of the MD Sheep and Wool Festival who will do the Merinos and as many of the Shetlands as he has time for. I will be in the Dog Run area where I was last year. Come hang out and do stop to say hello.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-17530620361284319722015-04-07T06:19:00.000-07:002015-04-07T10:42:35.515-07:00Yarn Styles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1mVgueELL9oureXzHz8_DbF3U1v27xkHNhuwOcq-e6jzie7wCWu8mXBKwNi6FDJ7P2T-6AnlX23uDGNahMmznIXx299iH1Yu4oQT5X9c7dWrVNfl-sUTiiMrxpfDFBm_tq5Hff5wc9b-/s1600/DSCN2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1mVgueELL9oureXzHz8_DbF3U1v27xkHNhuwOcq-e6jzie7wCWu8mXBKwNi6FDJ7P2T-6AnlX23uDGNahMmznIXx299iH1Yu4oQT5X9c7dWrVNfl-sUTiiMrxpfDFBm_tq5Hff5wc9b-/s1600/DSCN2547.JPG" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
I have been busy spinning feathered yarns and the singles to go with them in preparation for upcoming shows. I will be packing my shop up tomorrow and heading out to Sanford, NC, for their annual fiber festival. I am indoors this year, so weather will not be an issue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AwZ4sczDYZZQXcuH_4OVjgDZej8gqZtkJ1WsXCb-KctSFjdQs2vfxpnzGZ6Uxzo7So6VLGmc_D524u7M3LiFooyD0bGwTLsbyDmKltIYcVs8D9IFglIsrPKllpBn6V24CahI-sRuDe2B/s1600/DSCN2544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AwZ4sczDYZZQXcuH_4OVjgDZej8gqZtkJ1WsXCb-KctSFjdQs2vfxpnzGZ6Uxzo7So6VLGmc_D524u7M3LiFooyD0bGwTLsbyDmKltIYcVs8D9IFglIsrPKllpBn6V24CahI-sRuDe2B/s1600/DSCN2544.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I have added a few freeform yarns to my inventory. They will all be new to NC since all of the ones I had before are long gone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE7d7SyN6GhU4bwaDCzve4kbCxoo8eXEq8m5wHSPwAXwwaR9NgHjlzsvsODQQLY6LzXlyDgiODqUC4Or8uW9ZKUu_OTEbyhRO-EQjn3lwXN3q_a78rW7T7IRVRwUEzJwYTk7WnLuR06bs/s1600/DSCN2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE7d7SyN6GhU4bwaDCzve4kbCxoo8eXEq8m5wHSPwAXwwaR9NgHjlzsvsODQQLY6LzXlyDgiODqUC4Or8uW9ZKUu_OTEbyhRO-EQjn3lwXN3q_a78rW7T7IRVRwUEzJwYTk7WnLuR06bs/s1600/DSCN2448.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of my favorite yarns are the beaded ones. This yarn is closer to black than the charcoal that you see here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHb2JOC9s3M3qDLvK8P_ZINcXHsFyBsgkfvpwOLDsCpY7TeHUeYKTQEOQPjIxMPg4ddDMeuxrUg5mOmIAYNsmE-ebVQsAQr6MU2jIT9I54M6swC3bJ9ioWPHrUYi47wB3gN6tSaeSkl17/s1600/DSCN2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHb2JOC9s3M3qDLvK8P_ZINcXHsFyBsgkfvpwOLDsCpY7TeHUeYKTQEOQPjIxMPg4ddDMeuxrUg5mOmIAYNsmE-ebVQsAQr6MU2jIT9I54M6swC3bJ9ioWPHrUYi47wB3gN6tSaeSkl17/s1600/DSCN2451.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
One of my most recent lambs' tails.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7diIZwtzHGZIqMz4H51wMhcSrVNoSht5IFuKTiGN26rDuCEaOdLlfKsSilpdQSwlT-qwR4o6ym_0P-HEGezvA7B1HKXpArGs9hwtnP4tNBr8JMwiHCbEY5Nt3bHy1mAfUdZ-XshqUQ6K/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7diIZwtzHGZIqMz4H51wMhcSrVNoSht5IFuKTiGN26rDuCEaOdLlfKsSilpdQSwlT-qwR4o6ym_0P-HEGezvA7B1HKXpArGs9hwtnP4tNBr8JMwiHCbEY5Nt3bHy1mAfUdZ-XshqUQ6K/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
I am trying to list more rovings on my etsy shop: <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com./">www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mYtHzaKVx61xuv57MlRerpYsRNMNJ-6fW9LWiZmcRBumVigJ8tgFAk96tJv68un2H4MbomzNE00PGH4TWvwmSNrySXw8QG58yEV97xjmYqJtwlaFmx64862C10VK5HFpDn5pO10CZ70P/s1600/DSCN2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mYtHzaKVx61xuv57MlRerpYsRNMNJ-6fW9LWiZmcRBumVigJ8tgFAk96tJv68un2H4MbomzNE00PGH4TWvwmSNrySXw8QG58yEV97xjmYqJtwlaFmx64862C10VK5HFpDn5pO10CZ70P/s1600/DSCN2601.JPG" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spun two elastic yarns from the roving above. Both are slightly differently colored since the roving is variegated.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi077zjozLoYs7aU5eWhKUzj47uhD1DgLkwmo0nbeWjsU8YaxKFO4FO7KO0iYP1Idl8Gno55d2xDiCQTHHLxCoEaLQrVaUQixO7kTQCOa2UxT3rtqMeBD_tWwK7nzVZQ5GucppYEoR6HG6c/s1600/DSCN2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi077zjozLoYs7aU5eWhKUzj47uhD1DgLkwmo0nbeWjsU8YaxKFO4FO7KO0iYP1Idl8Gno55d2xDiCQTHHLxCoEaLQrVaUQixO7kTQCOa2UxT3rtqMeBD_tWwK7nzVZQ5GucppYEoR6HG6c/s1600/DSCN2486.JPG" height="320" width="261" /></a><br />
I raise my own fiber and my yarns would not be so unique without the animals. i love blending the different types together to get texture. This ram was huge and is a Merino Shetland cross. I just sheared one of the Shetland Merino crosses and the fleeces are gorgeous. Not quiet as fine as the Merino by itself, but awesome since it does not have to be spun up lace weight, which is what my pure Merinos seem to want to do.<br />
<br />
My farm shop will be closed till the first week in June. You can find me at shows or through etsy. All of my most recent yarns are there as well as quite a few rovings and most of my patterns. Enjoy browsing!<br />
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-4479149059692906422015-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:002015-02-08T17:33:43.377-08:00Just Another Day on the Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoGHMBjhCa72nHbDcjEwUyxs1TsxJj_eWBl399qf_nJXbmwkuu0tbZ7AbNcvswtibrvYVCxztDJXjpFcAAHZFKYsW2oJ4wXLyR4DP-FGbhMR3iw2b-QODsD6pNoixdZWfgi-AL1rvPRT/s1600/DSCN2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoGHMBjhCa72nHbDcjEwUyxs1TsxJj_eWBl399qf_nJXbmwkuu0tbZ7AbNcvswtibrvYVCxztDJXjpFcAAHZFKYsW2oJ4wXLyR4DP-FGbhMR3iw2b-QODsD6pNoixdZWfgi-AL1rvPRT/s1600/DSCN2114.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Silkie, one of our dairy goats, had her kids on Friday. We decided to let her feed her own babies for a month, since we have two freezers full of mik. Saves us a lot of time, since there is so much else going on now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSdR2BA5VQA47vPTQZ3QxZBRDEM9o4yCkYVAW8oJ-ZgQFuxetjVRplJFHpXpbfGALxBN3N6nSbs7DxKm16xknydWW2BS8moOsf99LSmS7SedTliltqL6EUMbph5wBPyjRefctuG-z_xsC/s1600/DSCN2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSdR2BA5VQA47vPTQZ3QxZBRDEM9o4yCkYVAW8oJ-ZgQFuxetjVRplJFHpXpbfGALxBN3N6nSbs7DxKm16xknydWW2BS8moOsf99LSmS7SedTliltqL6EUMbph5wBPyjRefctuG-z_xsC/s1600/DSCN2126.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
This mom is now looking like triplets. Any day now...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnnfci-h94ewJLavbb8EW2v5g-IDUKwD72OSm93dUOfxTQeWnULxtGZSCVuQcP2MGT-1M8XK60V-ZV_TrTzcKe63zLBsAkuLOMS5ob20TEhgCNRxLCsc0ZZO9ZRjXsFOP0LUlnga6zdk7/s1600/DSCN2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnnfci-h94ewJLavbb8EW2v5g-IDUKwD72OSm93dUOfxTQeWnULxtGZSCVuQcP2MGT-1M8XK60V-ZV_TrTzcKe63zLBsAkuLOMS5ob20TEhgCNRxLCsc0ZZO9ZRjXsFOP0LUlnga6zdk7/s1600/DSCN2130.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We now have a playroom into which we are throwing the moms and kids so they can get used to each other and to be sure that they can recognize each other in a crowd. we let them out yesterday and today. The moms ran out. The kids took a little more coaxing. It was fun to watch them run and play. One of the white kid does is obviulsy going to be a ring leader.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ9LtLd571ftayArDsw0AYK17Unc87yo5ElJr2grAswbtxAM9Pul0ibRx9ZpzIULem5DjPzOdcohYa8aIe29yx4r690ikvaPGlG0VN6-jtJI9_6Ji4_jNc8a7_PvzwBEVDnD9rjxAxt9Y/s1600/DSCN2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ9LtLd571ftayArDsw0AYK17Unc87yo5ElJr2grAswbtxAM9Pul0ibRx9ZpzIULem5DjPzOdcohYa8aIe29yx4r690ikvaPGlG0VN6-jtJI9_6Ji4_jNc8a7_PvzwBEVDnD9rjxAxt9Y/s1600/DSCN2141.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As I have been shearing, I have been putting the most recently sheared into the pen with the heater. Today, I finally moved the colored goats into one pen and left the white ones in the other. Amazing how much animosity there was in that pen. The walls were shaking!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j7W1AkqmYi7XGmHyTM9MR_mUpXOYB_efznDVX8zo7oZl5wTFZj1HuJoyNbd63HH9_XTFYTDQNdjDADcVEqeH1E8DXbrsRhOEK-xlq06gv8M2jdPabNS4STS5v6rrnoqKmfZKO3XhokOJ/s1600/DSCN2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j7W1AkqmYi7XGmHyTM9MR_mUpXOYB_efznDVX8zo7oZl5wTFZj1HuJoyNbd63HH9_XTFYTDQNdjDADcVEqeH1E8DXbrsRhOEK-xlq06gv8M2jdPabNS4STS5v6rrnoqKmfZKO3XhokOJ/s1600/DSCN2150.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Holler with her mom being very protective. They sharing a pen with two other does and their kids. The mom is afraid that they will try to steal her baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUGpJLigoOl2467gCcbGd05cw1sRZJMYMfUtakNAFd7zfmQCnPJjFRnt_j_IVeRR6O1caHEVJ8BxaKL5w1lFQR4U5UETckKxJpfk0LDeVCGzS09udZk5oVla3iOLEUPifGJpU4Qcvjd-w/s1600/DSCN2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUGpJLigoOl2467gCcbGd05cw1sRZJMYMfUtakNAFd7zfmQCnPJjFRnt_j_IVeRR6O1caHEVJ8BxaKL5w1lFQR4U5UETckKxJpfk0LDeVCGzS09udZk5oVla3iOLEUPifGJpU4Qcvjd-w/s1600/DSCN2145.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
These two does were posing beautifully for me today. They were the last two that I sheared today. All of the goats have now been shorn, so I will keep an eye on the sheep and start shearing them next. I won't tell you how many goats there were, but it was a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidLZwD6U2q8cynCkD6uju0zs_C2TNWjPcK-pTLnJj58KpP3sUZj1qlYp26F68rqpctS7If2ORW84RdoHI74vtNLVOP9JxHuceJMv0IgMpGnfjZfqzGmrJsRWj5t3xP-wsj-kTrQF9vaYz/s1600/DSCN2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidLZwD6U2q8cynCkD6uju0zs_C2TNWjPcK-pTLnJj58KpP3sUZj1qlYp26F68rqpctS7If2ORW84RdoHI74vtNLVOP9JxHuceJMv0IgMpGnfjZfqzGmrJsRWj5t3xP-wsj-kTrQF9vaYz/s1600/DSCN2158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Life is not always fun on the farm. This afternoon, the above ewe gave birth to a lamb with no jaw. I suspect that it might be the result of worming medication or something that she ate out in the new pasture. Her second lamb is a perfectly healthy little ewe. They are both in a stall bonding.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkgEmRfzm9BXf4dThdtshHWmvnfn8NsSIym_kPxcJPIF5koDSsZD_c07c1xK5HRzsfcAIYaCckt5Y0A12_yIWjjm5OBsHqx-gbnB2ipzTOtoriZSH2i5lhE-YdfmFPmolfb1xlt7-WxJT/s1600/DSCN2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkgEmRfzm9BXf4dThdtshHWmvnfn8NsSIym_kPxcJPIF5koDSsZD_c07c1xK5HRzsfcAIYaCckt5Y0A12_yIWjjm5OBsHqx-gbnB2ipzTOtoriZSH2i5lhE-YdfmFPmolfb1xlt7-WxJT/s1600/DSCN2144.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This ewe was doing a walk about yesterday - in other words, she busted through a gate. This morning she had twins. One did not make it and her insides came out with it. I thank my friend Greta for her advice on fixing it. We managed to get everything back inside her and cleaned off while my sewing skills came in handy. Her stitches are holding and she is chewing her cud with her baby by her side. Good thing that I no longer hesitate to take action.<br />
<br />
I always debate about sharing some of the horror stories that happen when you own animals. There are always people who criticise and see the animals as pets and not as livestock. You can't keep all of the animals and you should not breed, if you are not willing to do what has to be done. I can tell you that Marc and I were seeing this ewe as a goner when we saw her uterus laying by her side. You can't wait for a vet to show and most do not want to deal with livestock - horses, cats and dogs are much more lucrative. I am fortunate to have a network of breeders who are willing to help out - even long distance. I have pulled babies and treated all sorts of things. today was probably the worst that I have ever dealt with. I won't know whether what we did will have worked for a week, but I feel like she will be fine, since she is eating and caring for her lamb.<br />
<br />
Every morning brings new surprises. Just pray that all of them tomorrow are happy!Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-31286389971353114212015-02-02T19:40:00.000-08:002015-02-02T19:40:43.206-08:00Baby Season Going Strong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo-uqi_0Ez43Wqtwfp7raKXmEteqI0zSNUUWIBU8DWe2KBvxkQS_b3nElMXDAxqK6XUy5KU-yzK9biHw8hTFgrhwMjA4UW6ccpJU60TW6kGapfW0VOAcj56IhRbJSp2emACE_ksghx1Xs/s1600/DSCN2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo-uqi_0Ez43Wqtwfp7raKXmEteqI0zSNUUWIBU8DWe2KBvxkQS_b3nElMXDAxqK6XUy5KU-yzK9biHw8hTFgrhwMjA4UW6ccpJU60TW6kGapfW0VOAcj56IhRbJSp2emACE_ksghx1Xs/s1600/DSCN2062.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Winter in Maryland is dreary and today was wickedly windy. I let the sheep and goats out about 10. The goats turned around and went right back in. The sheep hung out on the hill in front of the house. WhentThe wind became gusty around 4, even the sheep decided that it was a bit much. They decided they had had it and went back into the barn. All it took was the oldest ornery sheep to move in that direction and the rest followed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCHaSAKPaDA6Z7w3M3QH-vSRVDX-pxGdMGRmAYlWZcuM8ZuiBb69m_Zb7BhGOho-T7SVzrtJ8jxhuqxIrtpSoEeu0pyptr4S5vhTDqicp8vlUW0SJu3sHZYA2J1zY2EkVxZB6fE4D0FNR/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCHaSAKPaDA6Z7w3M3QH-vSRVDX-pxGdMGRmAYlWZcuM8ZuiBb69m_Zb7BhGOho-T7SVzrtJ8jxhuqxIrtpSoEeu0pyptr4S5vhTDqicp8vlUW0SJu3sHZYA2J1zY2EkVxZB6fE4D0FNR/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
This lamb was born the other night. I thought he was dead when I picked him up, but he gave a gasp, so I spent the next two hours blow drying him and rubbing colostrum on the roof of his mouth till he was finally able to stand. I carried him into the house for the night after I was sure that he had bonded to his mother. He was raring to go the next morning, so he did not have to become a bottle baby. He was cold today, so I put a coat on him for a while. He got so tangled in it that I finally took it off. All of the onsies I have are too big for him, so I will have to visit a Goodwill store soon. I have named him Leggs for a type of Anchor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpsTrnBwHKVVOs3LBRoW0U6NQ9gKqR6FxNTMWNKWPEvfo6Dv64mhNrr0o8mellF9_3408GJEbJw-tyxj6NKU3YUz91uBQi0ZLPpxJOm77b-nuDJ5p3vvWBV5HgW9w7F_1_UIEucXRWk1M/s1600/DSCN1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpsTrnBwHKVVOs3LBRoW0U6NQ9gKqR6FxNTMWNKWPEvfo6Dv64mhNrr0o8mellF9_3408GJEbJw-tyxj6NKU3YUz91uBQi0ZLPpxJOm77b-nuDJ5p3vvWBV5HgW9w7F_1_UIEucXRWk1M/s1600/DSCN1998.JPG" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
This mom was so busy messing with the other moms, that she got wrapped up in the sheets that I use to give the moms some privacy. She had her own baby an hour later, so she is now leaving the sheets alone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPABdMfv7jbXKBnfmZY8O7elxBmT3RwlhI7SJzoxxvbWXw7zGoK8uJdEP8HPGFE-JyxVVrtlHP0POBLwlL_fiftJlKwvSHNDeWEzfmpnsdr6hFwztTaKjuc0P1XJa4D-FpBT8n-bg14pP/s1600/DSCN1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPABdMfv7jbXKBnfmZY8O7elxBmT3RwlhI7SJzoxxvbWXw7zGoK8uJdEP8HPGFE-JyxVVrtlHP0POBLwlL_fiftJlKwvSHNDeWEzfmpnsdr6hFwztTaKjuc0P1XJa4D-FpBT8n-bg14pP/s1600/DSCN1999.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
I thought I would share how I find some of the babies sleeping. There are two kid bucks sleeping with their heads in this bucket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHA_cbk-ZvF0dkYN13mIicCndnHS7_75kzMUICD00oTTeWCv8uVpGS-YDIlrZptdun12ySSZjQVo-bSFNft39K4G2dXrjJO7W7vZtMDG-nW16dDPRjoLqy4c9dEIGRubgF_2UCKBauMNa/s1600/DSCN2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHA_cbk-ZvF0dkYN13mIicCndnHS7_75kzMUICD00oTTeWCv8uVpGS-YDIlrZptdun12ySSZjQVo-bSFNft39K4G2dXrjJO7W7vZtMDG-nW16dDPRjoLqy4c9dEIGRubgF_2UCKBauMNa/s1600/DSCN2001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The doe and buck kid, in the pen next to the ones in the bucket, are under a heat lamp and using each other to stay warm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOqk3_bYIvFrRy-b0KXiqzMGxW-D5A6-09H-ug_UQFXudRsTX6jiFCWMmdAZyd5cLEVtnftwGlLKH6Ni1-vuugA6qK3QxSIAhg1kpxLhu2GACu7KSYZvv0YnC3HG5AuMd0FYH6GsKt6Wz/s1600/DSCN2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOqk3_bYIvFrRy-b0KXiqzMGxW-D5A6-09H-ug_UQFXudRsTX6jiFCWMmdAZyd5cLEVtnftwGlLKH6Ni1-vuugA6qK3QxSIAhg1kpxLhu2GACu7KSYZvv0YnC3HG5AuMd0FYH6GsKt6Wz/s1600/DSCN2000.JPG" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
This little buck is really cute. He was my first chocolate one born this year. His sister is taupe, but they are both called "red."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ90N7HzO8DYZOiGe6Jm6-GCbBBNuo_ENbR0jeD4Yb2KNpjj1wREFVWWH9JC5MEuXST05kG42S1HJQWp9WfphgbxCtJiQGaGPf9bTk18DjxuDWi8f1HAmc07rq3AKgXBlgpj3THeCbbQf/s1600/DSCN2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ90N7HzO8DYZOiGe6Jm6-GCbBBNuo_ENbR0jeD4Yb2KNpjj1wREFVWWH9JC5MEuXST05kG42S1HJQWp9WfphgbxCtJiQGaGPf9bTk18DjxuDWi8f1HAmc07rq3AKgXBlgpj3THeCbbQf/s1600/DSCN2002.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Hollow. Her mother had her in the upper garage. We had just checked the mother for udders two days prior and she did not have any, so she stayed with the other does that were not imminent. Marc went to feed the garage crew, while I was feeding the barn crew that had already delivered. He found the mom having the baby and came to tell me. By the time we got there, the first time mom had already had the baby and walked away. Fortunately, Hollow is a howler because she let us know where she was and we brought her over to the barn. I was afraid that she would be a bottle baby, but we put the mother on the stand and I got her to nurse. This was after I sheared enough hair off so we could even find the teats. The mother is now super protective and they are both down in the lower part of the barn in the playroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUU1FgST-rgI9Uj_KHlIZDvfRxvTUg7zY-ubrp291J2RhrYhtA1rwuxqg0RDA4CTL3vnrUxP24Z4Nm_TlpfK3bPCRaFWvnjUpOGU1SoK6QbEqlhDf4IuvgPFM0lxDRCKR_pGTNgoIJuZV/s1600/DSCN1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUU1FgST-rgI9Uj_KHlIZDvfRxvTUg7zY-ubrp291J2RhrYhtA1rwuxqg0RDA4CTL3vnrUxP24Z4Nm_TlpfK3bPCRaFWvnjUpOGU1SoK6QbEqlhDf4IuvgPFM0lxDRCKR_pGTNgoIJuZV/s1600/DSCN1978.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
More sleeping babies. Siblings are still sleeping together in the playroom. The single kids are being guarded by their mothers in the playroom, except for dinner time. That is when the kids run all over the room hopping and skipping. I use that time to check for babies that are hanging back. There is usually an issue, when they are not playing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX8R7Pd_pSba6yK4kz-ZnXYYt6GiuwVf8FwLVDyhMuWY7_bYVoippAHBEefqzxsIXmtAhO1xZcMknULnLo_v2JWrdPa8teFY8g__k_HVf0jEkn4Vb8q4pH3ST2Q8z_pqqsMjCBNWLEzlZ/s1600/DSCN1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX8R7Pd_pSba6yK4kz-ZnXYYt6GiuwVf8FwLVDyhMuWY7_bYVoippAHBEefqzxsIXmtAhO1xZcMknULnLo_v2JWrdPa8teFY8g__k_HVf0jEkn4Vb8q4pH3ST2Q8z_pqqsMjCBNWLEzlZ/s1600/DSCN1911.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These are a few of the Merino lambs. They have been moved to the lower garage now, so they can run out on pasture during the day. They have all had their onsies removed, tails docked, immunizations given and ears tagged. They are loving the freedom to run, but there is a lot of fussing when they get hungry and realize that their mothers are not standing there next to them waiting.<br />
<br />
And now Marc is doing the final check for babies for the night. We have to go down every hour and a half to check. The goats are pretty good about vocalizing, so we know to watch for their babies. The sheep are another story entirely. They instantly freeze when we come in and pretend that nothing is happening. That is how I know who to watch, Those not in labor are looking for food, so they are moving around and instantly up on their feet. I have become wise to their tricks!<br />
<br />
No call from Marc, so they must all be waiting till morning. Rarely are any babies born during the middle of the night. It usually means the mom is having problems.<br />
<br />
This is a good time to wish you all good night. First morning check comes pretty early!Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-78456193327620570212015-01-22T07:36:00.000-08:002015-01-22T07:36:57.490-08:00Merinos Finished, Shetlands Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7hmywy48_21K5c4SAg6FE43xueswMQ6UIk-ib1I1xE7l3ej5jSfT2I0UEhmU96KmcNftXFcvs5rtMpjK-GsmpFzIB6W_CNCppoqlzykFWWd0UQ6fNUKRaEYhPywfuEUuj-GH-ipUw5Mx/s1600/DSCN1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7hmywy48_21K5c4SAg6FE43xueswMQ6UIk-ib1I1xE7l3ej5jSfT2I0UEhmU96KmcNftXFcvs5rtMpjK-GsmpFzIB6W_CNCppoqlzykFWWd0UQ6fNUKRaEYhPywfuEUuj-GH-ipUw5Mx/s1600/DSCN1841.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This Shetland ewe is a first time mother. She delivered out in one of the sheds and did a great job of drying them off. I have several Shetlands that could deliver at any moment. Their lambs are so much smaller than the Merino lambs. These two are wearing a preemie and a newborn onsie. The Merino lambs were almost all in 3 month onsies. When the snow melts, I plan to hit Goodwill for a new batch. The lambs are hard on them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XQMBkwDcrgFGxQNPnUCtkLaMVKr7oNE3vtE489HtIKZ9FCu3-EftmklM44vzIvc98Q4ABy4VnIywkoxsShBAKdT24ql8IfrhVuKFFZDrVXsFkTCVS3RuFO-6xX3EW8GWGKrLPtqlV6Hx/s1600/DSCN1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XQMBkwDcrgFGxQNPnUCtkLaMVKr7oNE3vtE489HtIKZ9FCu3-EftmklM44vzIvc98Q4ABy4VnIywkoxsShBAKdT24ql8IfrhVuKFFZDrVXsFkTCVS3RuFO-6xX3EW8GWGKrLPtqlV6Hx/s1600/DSCN1831.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a Merino ewe lamb chasing down a Shetland due to deliver any day. The lambs are opportunists and are always sniffing out new sources of milk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cNJtacddf21XdqCEXatpds6KOUsPQ2429rDhWK3LNKGgsUjzCyqHvt8KvC3kINz2HCG26F-E43MpLiIUjyOmEhpogJnULsgF0MrnwikjoSWwKYW1GFggeYW8mVWvj7WxdNuKV4tK2OMD/s1600/DSCN1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cNJtacddf21XdqCEXatpds6KOUsPQ2429rDhWK3LNKGgsUjzCyqHvt8KvC3kINz2HCG26F-E43MpLiIUjyOmEhpogJnULsgF0MrnwikjoSWwKYW1GFggeYW8mVWvj7WxdNuKV4tK2OMD/s1600/DSCN1835.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I have 11 Merino lambs. The ones still in onsies have not had their tails docked or their ears tagged. Ican still tell who they belong to if I keep their coats on. The blue stripped one is Bronze. He would not have lived, if I had not blown him dry to warm him up. He had pneumonia. He is significantly smaller than the rest, but he is now thriving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33DAL-nYyTQYrMOVWkC4449rzc7XDmWnJoCNFliaAtwr-PrKSLlsdAAos9nNTMZNt0olNCqe0CqKujkUX6_GqKV4xCChmbAEZn79mEetCBNpHJ2h2TgAvKXS0t5t-PiTBdF1v4ry13B6i/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33DAL-nYyTQYrMOVWkC4449rzc7XDmWnJoCNFliaAtwr-PrKSLlsdAAos9nNTMZNt0olNCqe0CqKujkUX6_GqKV4xCChmbAEZn79mEetCBNpHJ2h2TgAvKXS0t5t-PiTBdF1v4ry13B6i/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a collar that I just finished. The pattern is on my uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy shop. Very easy. The yarn is what makes it so unique!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I currently have two other patterns in progress. One is a hat and the other is a crocheted snood. This winter my mind is all over the place. I have been soaking in epsom salts nightly to reduce my aches and pains - that is where I am coming up with original designs. I need time with nothing in my hands to come up with ideas. Hard to knit or spin in the bath!</div>
Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-89362268921155120802015-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:002015-01-09T17:08:40.794-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8zB1kzOB2-5OcFORcPCBQlTvFjaCl23C6C_TxNDjch3RTuzGfM90-9j-3ScUduCnl1LijqlK3YLEQlpNBnJ48PqWgFyDu0iUJuQJv46CAboP6svZ87hwffJAimrtyva8PnRmRN0JPldi/s1600/DSCN1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8zB1kzOB2-5OcFORcPCBQlTvFjaCl23C6C_TxNDjch3RTuzGfM90-9j-3ScUduCnl1LijqlK3YLEQlpNBnJ48PqWgFyDu0iUJuQJv46CAboP6svZ87hwffJAimrtyva8PnRmRN0JPldi/s1600/DSCN1622.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to weather issues, I am having a lot of Internet issues. I finally managed to get some of my feathered yarns and the singles that go with them listed on my Etsy shop. I will be listing more, since I am busy designing new patterns for the feathers. I just finished a luxurious scarf/shawl in Suri alpaca with feathers. As soon as I have published the pattern, I will give you a preview.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8ydAsDUiWmNo_xMY1bjHHqXeQQXaAXG8S_AZ6kpuZbWjdmZRrvUiBrTxhJYNljvWJBEdhRsDwkcGHJkIohLczP7yxP0rTPoNwG09EbcHIVzAScJlg-Kp61Dbqs9CnOnOuVcwqC4BjiHF/s1600/DSCN1679+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8ydAsDUiWmNo_xMY1bjHHqXeQQXaAXG8S_AZ6kpuZbWjdmZRrvUiBrTxhJYNljvWJBEdhRsDwkcGHJkIohLczP7yxP0rTPoNwG09EbcHIVzAScJlg-Kp61Dbqs9CnOnOuVcwqC4BjiHF/s1600/DSCN1679+(2).JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life on our farm is not just about the sheep and the goats. We discovered the bones and head of the beaver that was here a few years ago, so we now know what happened to him. We found this weasel last weekend dragging and tearing apart a full grown Canada Goose. We know where her nest is, so I will check it periodically. Glad that weasels can swim since the pond water has been rising.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1DcLvUqjdHuWo6Hmo_0QHuqpeZGuNAtCCn7e4NqNnCy067_y8MCxCkQcr0JQacreuMJS2Q2CIV3J96ZVgeFqW3Udt4EQqeInqKO5Qea6VO4K5e6yLbZ69k6eb8HYPAvJ3lCxAs2jgcvJ/s1600/DSCN1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1DcLvUqjdHuWo6Hmo_0QHuqpeZGuNAtCCn7e4NqNnCy067_y8MCxCkQcr0JQacreuMJS2Q2CIV3J96ZVgeFqW3Udt4EQqeInqKO5Qea6VO4K5e6yLbZ69k6eb8HYPAvJ3lCxAs2jgcvJ/s1600/DSCN1651.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am always experimenting. All of these fibers were dyed with Golden Poppy. The difference in colors is the result of dyeing over a gray, a red mohair and a white mohair. The yarns will go in the shop. I am already working with the locks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2fTVWrNzjqGXfgHF0yJDnqlBgjvOisQUhO7czsKryiskUGpEwrbJWv78ed6zT6g3daJZ7SCCsfch2_r_XgW-IuTkrs_WgB6iBSGC3izgjYpUKIv7AP7sOTf-CY6gPwk432zlx7C0UaPs/s1600/DSCN1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2fTVWrNzjqGXfgHF0yJDnqlBgjvOisQUhO7czsKryiskUGpEwrbJWv78ed6zT6g3daJZ7SCCsfch2_r_XgW-IuTkrs_WgB6iBSGC3izgjYpUKIv7AP7sOTf-CY6gPwk432zlx7C0UaPs/s1600/DSCN1646.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am busy shearing the adult angora goats, now that the kids and yearlings are done. We have well heated barns, but I won't shear again until Sunday when it is warmer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baby season is in full swing. All, but one, of the purebred Merinos have delivered. Then I have two weeks before everyone else can deliver. We are running the sheep and goats through the barn every week or so checking udders. Last year we put everyone in the barn. Since we are pros at running the animals through to check eyelids, it is not such a big deal to run them through for udders. The goats with the largest udders will be shorn first.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to see snow pictures, head for my Unique Designs By Kathy Facebook page. As always, you can follow my Kathy Withers Facebook page, if you want to stay on top of farm events!</div>
<br />Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907915141375553277.post-34554693237765295672014-12-24T15:27:00.000-08:002014-12-24T15:27:55.833-08:00Christmas Eve and the First Lamb of the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQhJ43wDBISvryzM2Sijxk_GUZ06-ePBpEyUjXucb4gsefDsQwBJS-bZhjKDUePjW4VrGG-QvZGZQRF6d0u1xctU5BdA24khfRPisoowIhJb2gfGzU60txqLqd6uMsr538C2py_RoAgZ4/s1600/DSCN1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQhJ43wDBISvryzM2Sijxk_GUZ06-ePBpEyUjXucb4gsefDsQwBJS-bZhjKDUePjW4VrGG-QvZGZQRF6d0u1xctU5BdA24khfRPisoowIhJb2gfGzU60txqLqd6uMsr538C2py_RoAgZ4/s1600/DSCN1546.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I have started spinning freeform yarns again as well as more feathered yarn. The yarn above is one of two that can be found on my <a href="http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy/">www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy</a> shop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyJzJi4D6-GQwrg_ubuBbIVTMebuhmYAyxwtWvQCEWQw1heQHBYf3meW2DFOfrMawGuDtrtIhFVM946Ff5jR8uf1qHFdD4A8wYXKDqIbZyl0GpFvAVSavm6bTXdeMW-KW0-3KdO_Fd5wd/s1600/DSCN1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyJzJi4D6-GQwrg_ubuBbIVTMebuhmYAyxwtWvQCEWQw1heQHBYf3meW2DFOfrMawGuDtrtIhFVM946Ff5jR8uf1qHFdD4A8wYXKDqIbZyl0GpFvAVSavm6bTXdeMW-KW0-3KdO_Fd5wd/s1600/DSCN1558.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
this is the first lamb of the season. He was born Monday outside. His mother was really good and followed me into the barn when I scooped him up. My theme for names this year is Nuts and Bolts. I am naming him "Washer" since there is so much rain right now. He is only a few days old, but growing vigorously.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF6-wZGfGLuSYwLCDs-rRPhab3rtCX3e3uIno7kloJ_11kAJgYucp9UpDgTEhyphenhyphenWSViEw5fWABK5gLT-OIiLTv7L0I3Jg4dTENJ-WTu1QGn0fE9DsbFASXuqGOr1nxrPwiKjZFWSrsD2EL/s1600/DSCN1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF6-wZGfGLuSYwLCDs-rRPhab3rtCX3e3uIno7kloJ_11kAJgYucp9UpDgTEhyphenhyphenWSViEw5fWABK5gLT-OIiLTv7L0I3Jg4dTENJ-WTu1QGn0fE9DsbFASXuqGOr1nxrPwiKjZFWSrsD2EL/s1600/DSCN1589.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
You can see how foggy it is right now. Dreary weather, so I am sitting under bright lights to keep energetic. Hard to tell in this picture, but the Merinos, due to deliver soon, and the kids from this year are fighting to get at the grain. We are feeding them some outside the barn while we load up the barn feeders. This is where all of my earning go. This is about 1/4 of the animals - they are now separated according to sex, breed and delivery due dates.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg0CP2kC5Ktffmqc4kGHgeVtBlT-cGNl6DZTXhm-fjPzoGL_TvK_FPcGWdFj7GKSgSkV8WiUptkpLfKYcIKC5SsookEAUMahSm3uloVxxtIdmg_70Nc71PGCG2nonH0-ACubVDO1Tzqg2/s1600/DSCN1609+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg0CP2kC5Ktffmqc4kGHgeVtBlT-cGNl6DZTXhm-fjPzoGL_TvK_FPcGWdFj7GKSgSkV8WiUptkpLfKYcIKC5SsookEAUMahSm3uloVxxtIdmg_70Nc71PGCG2nonH0-ACubVDO1Tzqg2/s1600/DSCN1609+(2).JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
Christmas Eve is a special day of the year for me since it is my birthday, wedding anniversary and the night before Christmas. My daughter sent the flowers and the cards are from Kyle, Marc and other relatives. Thanks to all who sent me notes, and that includes those who follow me on Facebook. <br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!Kathy Withershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01514518619683047011noreply@blogger.com0