The Newbury Coat

29 04 2014

I hope you will enjoy this and please scroll down to see the coat being made on you tube. Enjoy the day Carole

Wovember

Now we have had a few days of exploring how wool is processed – both domestically and commercially – we thought it would be amazing to showcase a very special project which brings all that processing together! In 2011 the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers undertook a historic recreation project, based on a wager that was made in 1811, and a more recent record that was set in 1991. The idea with all three projects was to make a coat in less than 24 hours, starting with shearing the sheep!

Linda Scurr – whose wonderful 100-skeins project we heard about earlier in the month – has kindly answered all WOVEMBER’s questions about the re-making of The Newbury Coat, and has sent us some wonderful photos taken by Dennis Walker, so that you can learn about the most recent chapter in this historic sheep-to-garment tale.

To set…

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GETTING OUTSIDE COOPS READY

28 04 2014

Hello

MAUDE

MAUDE

GETTING OUTSIDE COOPS READY

Yesterday was The last day for Chris till June.  We roughed up the soil in two of the three outside coop area’s and I cast some grass seeds over it.  We are suppose to have rain for a few days so I hope it takes.  I like to have a chicken yard full of grass before I let them out.  It doesn’t last but they enjoy it.  We did get lots accomplished while he was here, it was a huge help.

SHEEP IN THE BARN

The sheep are content now that heavy wool is off and the weather is warming up.

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

 

SKIRTING A BLACK FLEECE

Today I hope to get one of the black fleeces skirted.  It’s a boring task but has to be done.  No processor will take unskirted fleeces.  Skirting requires that all the short and manure stained wool and bits of hay and shavings should be removed. It’s hard to get every piece out and the carding machine  will remove finer bits of hay and shavings.  I hope to take all the black fleece to Green Mountain Spinnery on Friday.  Then from there I will head into New Hampshire to learn about tapping Maple trees with tubing. 

SALLY'S OR LUCY'S WOOL

SALLY’S OR LUCY’S WOOL

Lots of hissing, spitting and bad behavior in the barn with the vet.  Although she is used to it.  Elliott just doesn’t like it.  She thinks he is in good shape and the rash might be from mites.  So she gave him a shot of worming medication in hopes that will do the trick..   The sheep don’t have them but they may be a type just associated with Llamas.    He was glad to have her leave and get back to his normal routine.

I hope you had a lovely day today and many thanks for reading my blog.

Carole

 


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Categories : ELLIOTT, MAUDE, Sheep, SKIRTING FLEECES, WOOL, YARN

WHISPERING PINES FARM SHEARING DAY

26 04 2014

Hello

Yesterday didn’t turn out like expected at all.  First Elliott was supposed to be sheared in the morning, he has a rash so I called the Shearer and he will do it another time.  I called the vet and he was going to come but he had to cancel because of many emergencies and will come on MOnday.  Then I called the sheep Shearer Steve and he came at 1pm..

It was an enormous help having Chris here.  They were able to come up with a set up that worked very easily.  The sheep were locked up in one area and Steve would go out and collect one and Chris would watch the gate.  It was a smooth operation.

The wool is beautiful in spite of the rough winter and the late shearing.  The following are pictures of Shearing Day, hope you enjoy them.  Poor Marley in spite of being the bully here on the farm he was heard grinding his teeth like mad (this is a sign of stress in sheep but he is the only sheep that I have ever had that does this) and cried like a baby while getting sheared.  Of course as soon as he grows his wool he will be back to his old self!

 

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Maude was the first.  She is an easy-going sheep.  Being a Shearer is a hard job.  You have to have lots of strength to flip a sheep.

Marley trying to be invisible.

Marley trying to be invisible.

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Carol K is glad that she is done.

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Poor Marley crying like a baby.  It’s hard to believe he is a bully now!

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Many thanks for reading my blog on this rainy spring day.  Hope your day is wonderful.  Carole


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Categories : SHEARING DAY, Sheep, WOOL

SHEEP TO SHAWL-HOUSE PROJECTS-MINNIE-ELLIOTT

25 04 2014

Hello,

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FLEECE TO SHAWL AT THE MASSACHUSETTS SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL

The show is looking for more teams to compete in the Sheep to Shawl event.  You would need a weaver and 3 spinners.  It’s a fun event and not too late to enter.  contact Susan at Svanb7323S@aol.com for more information.  This is a celebration year for the show.  Its been going strong for 40 years.  Come and help us celebrate.  Always Memorial Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at beautiful Cummington, Massachusetts.

WORKING ON THE FRONT PORCH

Chris and I replaced the floor boards on the front porch They weren’t as bad as was previously thought.

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 I will paint the entire porch floor in June sometime. Yesterday the sheep area was finally finished.  Its been quite a week full of catching up on projects.  Thanks to Chris I am almost done.

WORKMEN

The workmen are almost done with the cement work.  I now have a railing on the front stairs.

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 The entire house will have to be painted again starting sometime this summer.  I know that with all the cracks filled in, the house will be warmer.  Another huge project done.

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MINNIE

I am happy to report that Minnie is back to her old self.  She is eating well and active.  Thanks for all your well wishes.  I have done some research on the internet and want to find out more about homeopathy.  That may be a way to go with the disease.

It’s going to be in the 60’s today and the sun is out, I am so glad spring has finally come.  The vet is coming to check on Elliott who has a rash.  I think it may be from the dampness in the barn.  I hope its nothing more.  He is feeling fine and frisky so that is a good sign.  I had to put off his shearing which was supposed to be today.  We will do it another time. Have a wonderful day and many thanks for reading my blog.  Carole


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Categories : ELLIOTT, HOUSE PROJECTS, HOUSE REPAIRS, MINNIE BISBEE

SHELBURNE FALLS FARMERS MARKET-THE GRANGE FAIR-MORTICIA AND THE CHICKS

23 04 2014

Hello.

Shelburne Falls Farmers Market I will be at the farmers market this year starting on May 30th.  It’s a great farmers market with very interesting veggies, all sorts of local crafts.  I am looking forward to spending Friday afternoons there.

  THE GRANGE FAIR

I found this little gem on Amazon Prime one night when I couldn’t sleep . It’s about a Pennsylvania Grange Fair thats been in existence since the late 1800’s.  It is probably the only tent fair left in the world.  Some tent spots have been in families for 6 generations.  Families come with beds, refrigeraters, stoves and everything they need for the days of the fair. It’s a agricultural fair with everything from plants to cows.  There are prizes for the best canned veggies and fruits, the best pies and crafts and there is a coveted price for the best decorated tent.  There are many things to entertain everyone from young to old.  Carnaval rides and dances.  It sounds like a wonderful time.  Things like these are little gems and I am so glad that people are keeping it going.

A CUP OF TEA

Its turned damp this afternoon and I have settled myself down in front of the computer with a cuppa

MY FAVORITE CUP AND SAUCER. ROSE CHINTZ BY jOHNSON BROTHERS

MY FAVORITE CUP AND SAUCER. ROSE CHINTZ BY jOHNSON BROTHERS

. I remember my first cup of tea.  I was visiting my Aunt Eva , was about 8 or 9 and she asked me if I wanted a cup of tea.  SHe brought out a cup and saucer and poured some tea from a tea pot.   I added a little sugar and just loved it and have been a tea drinker since then.  Over twenty years ago I discovered Lyons brand and only drink that. I haven’t found another tea that can compare to its deep rich taste.

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 When I am visiting Ireland my suitcase is loaded with Lyons tea on my return.  It keeps well stored in tins.

Morticia and the Chicks

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They are changing every day.  Peepers the first hatched has some little wing feathers.  

 

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They follow Mama around and watch as she teaches them lessons.    I could sit and watch them all day. ‘

Many thanks for reading my blog today and I hope you have a lovely day.   Carole


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Categories : BABY CHCIKS, LYON'S TEA, MORTICIA

HAPPY EASTER- 3 CHICKS-SEED PLANTING-UPDATE ON MINNIE BISBEE

21 04 2014

Hello

HOPE YOU HAD A HAPPY EASTER

A CREATION BY CINDY, CHRIS AND RICKY

A CREATION BY CINDY, CHRIS AND RICKY

 

We had a wonderful family gathering.  For the first time in a few years the whole family was able to get together.  Good dinner and Cake , it was great.

3  CHICKS

 

PEEPERS AD MORTICIA

PEEPERS AnD MORTICIA

Another chick hatched last night another yellow one.  Un-named at this point.    Morticia spends lots of time teaching them things.  SHe showed them how to dust bathe themselves today.  ALl are eating and drinking.  I am enjoying them so much.

PLANTING SEEDS

I planted basil and Horehound and hope to get some Parsley and Cilantro done today.  My Grandmother used Horehound for coughs.  My Dad always bought Horehound drops at the start of winter.  You can use the leaves to make  a syrup, drops or just in tea.  I am growing it for the tea.

UPDATE ON MINNIE BISBEE

Minnie is doing well.  The fluids are helping her a lot.  SHe is eating better and feeling better.  She is helping me write the blog today.

Chris is here for the week and we are going to get some more of the barn done today and start on the porch.

Many thanks for reading my  blog today and I hope you have a wonderful day.  Carole and MInnie Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : BABY CHICK'S, MINNIE BISBEE, MORTICIA, PLANTING SEEDS

CAMERA WOES-NEW CHICKS ARRIVING-MINNIE BISBEE

19 04 2014

Hello,

Camera Woes

For the past few days I have been having troubles with my camera, today sometime I will try to upload from my son’s computer but I know its the camera.  So no pictures today.

CHICK’S ARRIVING

So far two chicks are hatched, the first one is named Little Peppers and it bright yellow and the second one which hatched yesterday and is black with a dot of yellow on top of its head and is called Chicken Little.  This one had a hard time of it as its shell dried out and after 24 hours I had to help it out.  Another egg has a hole in the shell and I can hear the tap-tap- tap of it  pecking its way out.  It may be out as early as tonight.  Mama (Morticia) is doing a wonderful job.  This is what she has lied for and she is content and happy.  They have had mashed eggs for breakfast.  I could sit and watch them for hours.

MINNIE BISBEE

Minnie is doing so much better with the daily fluids.   SHe is eating now and much more alert.  This may be something that  she will have to have for the rest of her life.  I am overcoming my problems with giving animals needles.  I will do searches on the internet to see what else I can do for her.

Easter Egg Hunt

Lil and her brothers are at the Easter Egg Hunt at Pine Valley Apple Orchard.  Always a fun event.  Chris and Ricky are coming tonight ( I will have them check out the camera) and a large family dinner is planned for tomorrow.  

Hope you have a wonderful day, many thanks for reading my blog.  Carole

 


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