Christmas Eve and the First Lamb of the Season

 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 www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy shop.

 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.

 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.

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.

Merry Christmas!

Winter, New Yarns and Still Shearing Goats

Red, Black and White Freeform

 

Turquoise Southwestern Freeform

Red Maple Freeform

 

 

 I have been spinning between shows and I am finally having time to post yarns on my etsy shop: www.uniquedesignsbykathy.etsy.com. I have designed a few new yarns with patterns that show them off. Take time to check them out.

 Winter is definitely upon us. We have already had snow once and expect to have 4 inches on Wednesday. The goats and sheep are still on pasture. We fenced in the wooded area behind the back fence and the goats and sheep will be allowed in there after I shear. They are in gorgeous full fleeces now and I don't want them to get burrs.

 

This was the last colored kid that I sheared this afternoon. I have three white does left and then I will be starting on the yearling does. The fleeces are gorgeous and I washing and dyeing them. Still looking for someone professional to do my adult angora goats and Merinos!





Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Festival

 We have two geese that have decided that we are not going to bother them. They now wander all over the front yard with the chickens and watch me as I work in the garden. They lost their nest to the flood and must be bored.

 Finished knitting my last collar. I was hoping to finish putting together the pattern, but I could not get motivated. Allergies are making me weary.

This is my most recent freeform yarn. It is mostly Merino and some black kid mohair and all from my animals. The fiber is so fine that an 11 US needle will be too large. I sure hope there are artists in Massachusetts!