Friday, June 20, 2008

FAQs. Well at least AQs.

I get lots and lots of questions via email and in the comments on blog posting so I thought I would answer some of them today. 

Why do the lambs have long tails and the adult sheep have short tails?
It will come as no surprise to long-time readers of the blog that this question came from the ever-observant Sedress. Most sheep farmers dock their lambs tails much the same way that some breeds of dogs tails are docked. We purchased most of our sheep after their tails had been docked. We have chosen not to dock our lambs tails for a couple of reasons.
When we purchased Lincoln as a day-old bottle baby we really weren't looking to buy a lamb. We were at a friends farm to pick up an angora goat bottle baby and Lincoln was in the same playpen looking cute, so we took him too. His tail had already been docked, and I don't know if it had been cut to short or what, but it got terribly infected and was sort of always covered with poop. He survived and is fine, but it was a pretty harrowing experience. So there's that.
We also lamb much later than most farms in the Northeast. By the time our lambs are born the flies have already hatched. Any open wounds, which is what is left when a tail is docked, is vulnerable to fly strike. Now, some shepherds will tell you that long tails can lead to a build up of manure which can also lead to fly strike. And that's true. But an open would is about a million times more likely to be a target. We keep a close eye on the lambs backsides so that manure doesn't have a chance to build up and it has never ever happened. 
On balance, I think our approach is the right one for us.

What deciding factors go into choosing a mill for your fiber?
This one is from Jen at The Sachem Farmhouse, a B&B I would like to visit someday.

Choosing a mill is so difficult! Basically, I am looking for a mill with a reputation for doing good work that can handle the kind of volume we have AND offer customer service that isn't terrible. It doesn't have to be great customer service, just a step above appalling is fine. The quality of the end product matters to me infinitely more.
By the time we send fiber to the mill we have invested tens of thousands of dollars in growing it, not to mention thousands of hours. Turning it over to someone else is a huge leap of faith. I have heard horror stories about fleeces being destroyed by processing, or shorted (not all the fiber given to the mill is returned). In one case that I know of a mill went into bankruptcy while they had hundreds of a friend's fleeces. She actually had to pay to have her fleeces shipped back to her in the exact same state she had shipped them in!
I can't wait to get the Spring 08 fiber back from the new mill that we are using. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

What kind of dogs do you have and what do they do?
This is probably the question I get asked the most. Our dogs are an Italian breed called Maremma. They are a livestock guardian breed- they do not herd, although Cini thinks he can sometimes. 
All three of our dogs were born on working sheep farms and instinctively understand that guarding the flock is their job. There is very little training involved with them as far as guarding goes, but all dogs go through their annoying teen years when they have an excess of energy and are super-playful. This requires a bit of reminding that they are not allowed to chase, chew on, harass or otherwise vex the sheep and goats.
We have three Maremma:
Biscotti, (or Biscuit) is our oldest dog. She was six weeks old when she came to live on our farm.
Biscotti at three months old. I HATE this picture of me, but B looks so darn cute I'm posting it anyway.

This was taken last week.

I love this picture of B with her puppies.


She is very lighthearted and playful. She weighs about 70 pounds give or take and is on the small side for the breed.


Fettucini is our male. He is a constant worrier and is never off-duty. Cini eyes farm visitors warily, although he usually wags his tail at the same time. He weighs about 110 pounds.

Cini as a puppy with Logan, Patrick's younger son.

Cini giving Buster and Cosmo some love.

Harry and Logan think this picture of Cini is the funniest thing ever.


Sabine is Biscotti and Fettucini's pup. It's too early to know what kind of guard Sabine will be but she and Cini are best best friends.




We had one litter of three puppies before having Biscuit spayed. The puppies were born in a whelping box lined with sheep fleece so they would be aware of the sheep even before their eyes and ears opened.  Having puppies was awesome and I totally understand how it can be kind of addictive. Having said that though, I am really concerned about pet overpopulation. 

Although this breed is very affectionate and loving they are not house pets. I think I should repeat that. These dogs make terrible house pets! They are working dogs and are very uncomfortable anytime they are away from their flock. Believe it or not, although this breed has only been in the U.S. for around 20 years, there are Maremma rescues. I recently heard of a rescue receiving a Maremma from a family that bought it as a puppy in a pet store in the mall. 

What kind of camera do you use? 
I have a mad crush on my camera, a Nikon D40. It is hands down the best camera I've ever owned. It's super-intuitive, lighting fast (which really matters when you are taking pictures of animals that are forever moving) and an affordable (around $450) introduction to a digital SLR. 
I have two lens. I bought my camera body in a kit with the 18-55 lens. It's fine if you can get up close to your subject but there are times when I want the capture the animals without their reacting to what I'm doing. For those times I use my 55-200 lens. You can purchase one lens that goes from 18-200 but it is absurdly expensive. It would be nice not to have to change lens all the time, but not $1000 nice.
The D40 takes great photos. Of course, I am now coveting the D80 or even the D300

Do you use Photoshop on your photos?
No. I am considering getting Photoshop Elements, a truncated version of the full program that should be able to do everything I could need it to. For me, it's really a time issue, cause I have know idea when I am going to learn how to use it.

Is your fiber organic?
Nope. Unfortunately one of the realities of raising Angora goats is that they get lice. Not the kind of lice that runs rampant in elementary schools. It's a species specific parasite that doesn't even affect the sheep. Left untreated, the lice will drive the poor animals crazy with the itching. When the goats scratch at it with their horns and hooves their fleeces are ruined. 
We use a nasty petroleum-based chemical to treat the lice, which is why the goats look so dirty as their fleeces grow in. Patrick is really wary of using toxic chemicals and dons a plastic bubble before we delouse. I am much more casual about the whole thing and Patrick assures me that I am going to pay for my nonchalance with liver cancer 30 years from now. 
We have just started experimenting with a new herbal dewormer that we hope will help with the lice problem as well. If it works by smelling god-awful it should be mighty effective. 

Got any questions you'd like answered? Email me at susangibbs1 at mac dot com. Also, if you purchased your share through etsy you might want to know that they are changing their feedback policy. As of July 1st, you won't be able to leave feedback for anything you bought more than 90 days ago. So, if you want to leave feedback for you purchase now is the time. 

Now, for this week's giveaway



I have no recollection of buying this beautiful yarn but I do remember thinking I would use it to make a baby blanket with lots of tiny squares.  The yarn is 100% alpaca, 50 grams/130 yards.  There are four colors so I will be choosing four winners. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name. Anonymous comments won't be considered cause I won't be able to get in touch with you to tell you you've won. You don't have to register with blogger, just include some kind of identifier in the body of your comment. And just for fun, tell us what's on your needles right now.

I will be choosing the winners at random on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Check back here to find out if you won. You don't have to be a shareholder to win. 

If you are not a shareholder and would like to receive notification when I put up a new blog post of giveaway shoot me an email at susangibbs1 at mac dot com. Your email address will never be used for any kind of solicitation, nor will it be sold, lent, given or in any way transferred to anyone else. I hate spam too. :)


327 comments:

1 – 200 of 327   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

On my needles I'm adding a few inches to the honeymoon tank that I knit on my honeymoon 3 years ago. It was always too short and I think I'll wear it more if I add about 4 inches.
Now if I can just match the gage ...

Anonymous said...

Getting a jump on the winter holidays. Simple cowl for a great friend. Canadian winters deserve a baby yak & merino blend.

Thanks for the contests.

Anonymous said...

My name is Joy - Sonce I have a wool/lanolin allergy - I'd love to win some alpaca!
Right now on needles I have a Berroco Lace funky drapeynecked cardigan, a striped cotton Tahki 3/4 sleeve cardigan, the Vine Lace Vest (almost done!), and a red cotton tank.

Anonymous said...

I just finished a dishcloth and am getting ready to start another one for a secret prayer partner. I am just learning to knit and I am finding the dishcloths to be good practice. I have been crocheting for about 17 years but only knitting for about a month. Thanks for offering such awesome giveaways. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win! Right now Monkey sock # 2 is on the needles for my daughter. It's knit in a very bright self-striping yarn in sunset colors. My daughter absolutely loves the yarn. Also, I'm knitting Melissa Burt's "Arbor" top for myself as well as my first lace project; the "Haruha" scarf, knit in a pastel colorway of Fleece Artist Sea Wool. I'll probably end up giving this little scarf away to some happy recipient. Thank you for doing these give aways, it brightens the week!

katjab

pinkhairedknitter said...

At the moment I'm knitting the spring forward socks from this months knitty, and the forest canopy shawl which is my first lace shawl ever.

However, this weekend I plan to cast on some baby socks, and maybe something else baby and small since a family friend's son is turning a year old on July 1st and is in dire need of some handknit goodness ;-)

I love your lambs and goats, they are just too cute!!
I wanted to get in on the CSA shares, but it just couldn't work out so far this year. Hopefully next time around :-)

cthulhulovesme said...

Hey, there. I saw your post on Ravelry, so I decided to drop by. I just bound off on a pair of Red Herring socks from Cookie A/Knitty, and I just cast on for sock #2 of bmp, by Aija Goto/Knitty. Summertime is good sock weather for me.

Anonymous said...

Aww, puppies! Those are such cute pictures too... totally adorable. And of course, yarn! Pretty yarn :)

Knitting: I am in the process of finishing a pair of Evangeline from back when Magknits was still alive, and have some Monkey socks going for when I have the brains to focus on fiddly yarn.

Quality Chick said...

Thanks as always for the insight into life on the fiber farm! I am so glad I get to be a small part of this!
Lets see - on my needles right now - a sweater for my son (thankfully I have all summer), a cashmere scarf (again, thankful I have all summer), a shawl made out of my handspun and soon to cast on socks. I am incapable of project monogamy. - Sandi (skoswalt@mac.com)

jennyheard said...

I am totally obsessed with alpacas (when I am not obsessed with your sheep). I visited Lost River Alpacas in Nooksack WA, great place, last weekend and will check some other alpaca farms out this weekend. I think that yarn would make great socks.

Jenny

Anonymous said...

On one pair of needles I am using up seven different colors of leftover yarn in a sweater for my five year old granddaughter. I also am working on a prayer shawl that will be given by our church to a cancer patient. I always have one of those in prgress.

Anonymous said...

i love your blog, your animal pics are just so cute...and the alpaca yarn looks yummy.

On my needles right now are way too many things...a hemlock shawl as a present for my mum's birthday....I have until november with that, and i'm up to the really boring part where i have over 500 stitches per round, the second sock of a pair i'm designing, two different cardigans, and a hat. Too much knitting, too little time!

Anonymous said...

I'm knitting a scarf for a friends birthday. I'm not sure what the yarn is, but its soft and fuzzy...and best yet, knits nicely on size 10 needles! This is going so fast, I'm going to start doing everything on huge needles!

Annie B.

Anonymous said...

What don't I have on the needles? there's a lot in hibernation. What's getting the most attention now is one of Sivia Harding's Faroese shawls and a vintage, heavily modified Norah Gaughan cotton top.

Love the pictures of yarn on the hoof.

Anne abt1950 at rav

JenLanger said...

On my needles, right now, I have an alpaca baby silk tank in gentle violet, with a fair isle (kind of) Bearded Iris on the right/back side, in Aubergine. Should be soft and nicely drape-y when I'm done (which will hopefully be before the end of the summer!).

jenne said...

On my needles right now I've got a lovely sweater (Cherie Amour from knitty) that I haven't worked on in months. I royally screwed it up and after I fixed it, everything else got in the way and I haven't started up again. But I will very soon.

Anonymous said...

Work is making my life insane so I needed something simple to work on to relax and unwind. I have basic ribbed socks - my version of therapy.

Thanks for the lovely pictures!

Linda D said...

I love the photo of you and Biscotti. Two happy faces!
Right now I am making myself a basic v-neck cardigan of handspun (mine)Shetland in 2 colors of brown. Fibonacci sequence stripes.

Maggie said...

Well, the only thing I have on the needles at the moment isn't on the needles at all! However, I will very shortly begin work on a lace shrug for my little sister, who is getting married in July. It's from the last Vogue Knitting. I don't even know if she'll like it, but it's so pretty I *have* to make it!

Anonymous said...

I've got Tempest from the spring Knitty on my needles right now. I'm doing it in vineyard and lost lake Knitpicks' Shadow, and it's driving me craaaazy! Never knitted in laceweight before, and I was too poor to buy the Fleece Artist the pattern called for. I've never tried alpaca, but I do like alpacas, esp when they have 'fros and gnarly teeth.

Anonymous said...

With grandchild #4 on the way my knitting needles are flying. I would LOVE to win some yarn.

caracolina said...

Greetings from sunny and hot Arizona! I'm currently working on my first lace shawl which is the Swallowtail Shawl from Interweave Knits Fall 06. I already had to frog a few inches because of a dumb mistake but I'm caught up now and hopefully good to go for the rest of the shawl...

Thanks for your wonderful posts (and chance to win a little extra yarn), as always,
Caroline

Anonymous said...

I currently have 3 projects going. A pair of socks, a multi-cabled sweater, and a lacy cotton jacket.
I'll be having surgery in August and will be out of work for 6 weeks, so I'm lining up my next projects! ;-)

Anonymous said...

I learn so much from this blog! I hope to visit the farm someday!

Cheers,
Sarah/Haptotrope (pretty much everywhere :-P)

purl22 said...

Hi, I'm Stephanie (purl22 on Ravelry). I absolutely love Alpaca yarn. I currently have a Queen Anne's Lace circular shawl on my needles, and I'm about to cast on a baby blanket for a co-worker who's expecting in the fall. You have a great blog here. I love all of the animal pictures.

Anonymous said...

Hi I am Heather and I have never tried alpaca wool before but would love to try. I would probably do a baby blanket as I have three kids. Thanks Heather

Jenna B said...

I just found your blog via Ravelry...I love the cute pictures. Thankfully I live in a condo so I can't be that easily swayed into farming life --unless you count container tomatoes;)

Jennifer said...

hi! can i get a puppy or a lamb if i win? they are too adorable...

on my needles right now: a cheongsam-style sweater in knitpicks palette which is veryveryvery close to being done, a cowl-neck shell in recycled silk, and on the machine, a wee dress for a wee baby in self-striping sock yarn (i forget the make and model)

cheers

smartygirl

Iron Needles said...

I have a pair of socks, a baby sweater, and a dishcloth as WIPs ...not all on the same needles! Thanks for mentioning the giveaways on Ravelry. That's how I found your blog, and I am loving your baby lambie-pies! And puppies, too.

ms. crafty said...

Currently on my needles are the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) from the most recent knitty, and the Lace Ribbon Scarf from the previous knitty. :-)

Thanks for the excellent info and photos! I hope to get out there to visit!

Anonymous said...

Hi,I love receiving your pics. My granddaughters also enjoy them. right now I have three projects going. One is a baby hooded capelet and a baby blanket. The third is a pillow cover to be felted. Cindyk

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous yarn! I have a number of items on my needles: an almost done purse to be felted; a winter sweater; and a scarf!
mperezlopez@cox.net

BeccakBecca said...

Oh my those colors are beautiful! Right now I am knitting a baby sweater for some friends who are hoping to adopt their second child. They have been chosen as parents but won't know until after the child is born if they will get the baby. I couldn't wait that long to start something or the baby would be a teen before I got it done!

Marlitharn said...

Puppies! So cute; my dog is an indoor dog and she thinks she's a lap dog but she has really bony elbows (knees? some joint, anyway).

Right now on my needles I have a scarf I'm knitting out of some bulky bernat yarn; it's a wavy kind of pattern and I'm really liking it, and don't really care if it doesn't match my winter coat. I'm also knitting some basic socks (don't much like Red Heart yarn, but it was free and they're good for wearing around the house), and my best friend gave me a skein of demonic fluffy pink stuff spun from the fleece of Satan's own goats and requested a pillow, which I will eventually finish, even though I'd rather send this evil stuff back to the fiery depths from whence it came.

Thank you for all the cute pictures! I love goats; had some for pets as a kid. They're funny.

Daphne said...

Your blog is wonderful-love all the info & pics of your dogs & sheep.....
On the needles: 2 different pairs of socks, Enchanted Forest blanket, several projects in 'sleep' mode
thanks for this contest to maybe add alpaca to my stash!
figment49 in ravelry

Anonymous said...

Got a Spring share last X-mas, can't wait for my yarn. Never worked with alpaca before, but could make a baby suprise jacket with it--plenty of babies in the extended family.

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures! On the needles: socks I'm making for my mother and a sweater that I'm making for myself.

Anonymous said...

Crickets! Better make sure I go leave that feedback about my pretty Cormo 8-)

Right now I have Yarnissima's Spina de Pesce out of STR yarn on my needles, having just finished a gansey out of an alpaca blend. The yarn, BTW, was from Ohio Valley Natural Fibers. They do custom processing, but I don't know enough about what they do or what you need to say if they might be up your alley. YMMV.

Now to go work on that nice quilt I've got to do!

Ann - quiltdog on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

I am working on the other half of Chevron Ribbed socks. And with no sign of "second sock syndrome", thankfully!

Anonymous said...

ON my needles currently are a sock, a sweater and a round blanket. I have been finishing things like crazy, so I feel practically empty with so few items in progress! How nice of you to destash!

elisabeth - emuse on ravelry

Perry said...

On my hooks are things for my brand-new (TODAY!) grand-niece! Little girls are such fun to make things for, I'll have plenty of projects for this yarn!

-Perry-
perrylowell@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to finish a simple shrug I started a year ago. I'm trying to start a lace scarf/wrap for my mom. I am finishing a pair of socks and a pair of mittens.

sandybeach on ravelry

Anonymous said...

I am Laurel, otherwise known as alpacalady on Ravelry. Ooh you have the best photos of goats I have ever seen!! I was drawn to the giveaway post on Ravelry (so kind of you!) but now I want to read your whole blog.

Yes, I raise alpacas...but I crave coloured alpaca yarn, especially that sage green shade. Must be all the white and brown I skirt and sort these days. Right now I am working on a bulky-weight vest and believe it or not, mittens... though the next one on the needles will be a cotton-linen tank top.

m0nk3y mark said...

YAY, nikon! I adore my D50 and would only ever trade it for a D300 (or the D700!). Doesn't a nice camera make taking good pictures so much easier, all the cute fuzzies you snap are really great.

Zarya Bintz said...

Well I've got a cap sleeve t-shirt on one size g hook and a wall hanging on a jumbo hook and a couple of ami's on some more hooks! I'm looking to start making a rainbow afghan (yes rainbows like the ones so popular in the 80's) for my 5 year old Lilyanna. I can't wait to start that!

betshsu said...

On the needles... earl grey sock (commuting project, almost finished); lotus blossom tank (hopefully finished this weekend); lace ribbon scarf (will probably become commuting project when I finish the toe of the sock); print o' the wave stole (but I don't know if that should count... I work on it almost never...)

zuzu said...

On my needles. . . Sadly, just the never-ending pair of socks for my dh. I think it may be my last pair of grown up socks -- I'm just so bored! Next up: I need to create a shrug to wear to a conference in October. Yay!

Sarah T. said...

Ack! I haven't knit hardly since my son was born, but I'm about to holiday cast on some socks (we're going away, and who knows when I might catch a few minutes, right?) Oh, and a hat for my husband for next winter... its all spikey silly, and very slooooow... :) Lovely yarn.

jinny said...

I didn't know what an undocked sheep's tail look like before. very informative. :)

Thanks!
Jinny

Linda F. said...

Wow! That is some beautiful yarn. ON my needles now:

the noni metro bag
a cable purse
a lace shawl
and an afghan

BTW, I read about this on Ravelry!

Anonymous said...

I'm making Fiber Trends' Leaf Lace Shawl, out of Brown Sheep's Wildfoote sock yarn.

Nina
XenaBob on Ravelry

Ed and Kelly said...

I've got a shifting sands scarf (grumperina pattern), a log cabin quilt, and socks on the needles right now.

And your dogs are absolutely adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

Right now I am working on a gigantic laundry bag for when I go to school! I am using the lace stitching that is used in the ever so popular Everlasting Bagstopper pattern from Knitty. I've already made a normal bag and a small one for a shower caddy for school but now it's time to up the ante and double the size. It's gonna be big!

Anna Dorothy said...

I heard about your blog on Ravelry..and now I check it every day...I have animal envy. Really enjoy the pictures :) and the yarn giveaways! I've got belated birthday mittens for my boyfriend on the needles as well as a simple mesh grocery bag. :)

-annadorothy (Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

I've been working on socks lately, they're small so I can work on them during gross anatomy lecture. (Only during lecture! During lab would be, well, gross!) It's the only thing that's keeping me sane this summer!

Anonymous said...

I had no idea that sheep had tails. I learn something new every day. :)

On my needles is a bag I'm making to work out a cable pattern for a hat.

Thanks for hosting these giveaways--they're fun to follow.

Plainswoman (on Ravelry)

PS. I'm still new to this whole blog thing, so I hope this posts ok (and not twice).

Anonymous said...

I just finished the interweave embossed leaves socks. They're fabulous. On the needles today is a wavy hat in manos. Future project after the hat is some kind of lace sock in MVFF red sock yarn. : )

I love alpaca. Count me in for the drawing. maybe this time.(crossing fingers)

Kristy
kannna on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Another giveaway, yay!!!!

There are many things on my needles, but I'm actively working on 3 things - a mitered square blanket, a festive fish blanket and an Elisa's Nest Tote bag.

Tina (tinadp on Ravelry)

z's momma said...

On my needles:
Niebling doily KAL with #100 thread and 000needles, peacock shawl in zephyr, cardigan in cotton-ease, another Niebling piece, and slow bee II stole.

ps. I never knew that lambs had their tails snipped. For that matter, I didn't know it's called docking. Very cool. Will come back and visit often.

Anonymous said...

Currently I have a winter hat on needles, as well as a soap bag and a few dishcloths.

Love the pics of your sweet animals!

Anonymous said...

KallieKY on ravelry:

OH! I have puppie envy!

On my needles right now is a Monkey sock, Mermaid, an Entrelac wrap and something by Elsebeth Lavold that I will probably frog and do something else by her. What?? Only 4? I think I'm slipping!

Minty Fresh said...

Alpaca yarn is fabulous! I would love to make another pair of gloves with some of that colorful yarn!

Lisa (JeepGirl) said...

Puppies are so darn cute!!!

On my needles right now are two pairs of socks!

leah said...

How fun! I'm looking forward to visiting you blog in the future too! On my needle....retro rib socks and a shallowtail shawl!

Elsie said...

I am always up for throwing my hat in the ring for a give-away! You are so generous and it is such fun!!

On my needles now, a couple of children's sweaters and a scarf I have to frog because I realized I am not going to have enough yarn to finish.

jenny said...

I've got my first sock EVER on dpns right now. Granted, it's a tube sock so no heel turn to worry about, but so far, I haven't wanted to poke my eyes out with my needles so I consider that a success.

Scribble A Day said...

Good luck with the herbal alternative for de-lousing. I'm with Patrick on this one: petroleum based products can be really nasty.
On my needles at the moment:
1. Danish tie shawl in Brown Sheep (from Spin Off magazine)
2.Swatch for Austrian Stitch Cardigan in Harrisville Orchid Line.
3.Cable & Lace cardigan, Harrisville Designs Orchid Line.
4. Meg Swanson's Mananita shawl, in Icelandic natural.
5. A really bright pair of socks in Shibui Knits Autumn.
6. An EZ garter stitch vest that I may have to rip back quite a bit, but the yarn I'm using has already been frogged often: can't seem to find just the right pattern for it.
7. A pair of socks for my son who told me ( I think he was joking, thinking I'd not be able to do it) that he would wear hand knit socks if they had something like a skull and crossbones design on them. So I used Stitch Motif to work up an interesting skull & argyle pattern for him: since he wears a size 16 shoe, and I'm using a #2 needle, I think these will take a little while to complete.
There are other little projects lying about, scarfs and trinket bags.
Oh, and dish clothes for my mom, just started on them.
There may be more things started, but they're spending some quiet time buried Rubbermaid Totes so we won't count them.

Andrea Moberly said...

I've got baby socks on my needles - my first pair of socks!

Anonymous said...

Alpaca!

Working on an Asherton Reversible Scarf right now.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/asherton-reversible-scarf

Anonymous said...

(purlypig on Ravelry) On my needles right now is Beltane in the Mascot colorway from the All Raveled up Sock Club. Also on the needles is My So Called Scarf, and Briar Rose from the Fairy Tale Sock Club.

Debbie

Scribble A Day said...

OH, and both you and Biscotti look very nice in that picture. And kudos to you for bringing up the subject of pet population control and animal rescue. And continually telling people that your dogs are not meant to be pets. It's so sad to see a good dog ruined by a silly human.

Splindarella said...

Right now I've got 3 projects OTN: A beaded lace shawl in a gorgeous handdyed silk (the Handsome Triangle pattern from Victorian Lace Today); a Woolly Thoughts blanket (The Best of Both Whorls) in KnitPicks Telemark; and a pair of socks (Bartholomew's Tantalizing Socks from Cat Bordhi's book New Pathways for Sock Knitters) in my absolute favorite color of Dream in Color Smooshy, "In Vino Veritas." Aaaaah, life is good. :)

Anonymous said...

Chappy is particularly happy to see pictures of your dogs, and says to tell you that he can entirely sympathize with the tail-docking thing. I doubt he remembers having his done when he was a week or so old, but he really doesn't like me touching the end of his tail. I can't say I blame him!

And, on my needles? Well, I just finished a string bag and started a second out of sheer boredom. But, um, NO SOCKS. (cough)

Abril said...

Hi! I found your blog via ravelry. I love alpaca! Right now I'm working on Juliet from Zephyr Style. I'll post pictures on ravelry one of these days.
Thanks for the giveaway!

adele said...

I'm currently fighting....um knitting .....a lace shawl with a linen yarn that is just not fun and the whole thing has a due date. Yet here I am reading the latest on the goats, sheeps, and pups.

Jean said...

I loved the photos, especially of the sheep dogs. It was great reading about how they're raised, too. And please oh please enter me in the yarn giveaway. To paraphrase 007, it's Lightner Norum, Jean Lightner Norum. Cheers!

Sarah V. (Barf Green Is Best) said...

Working on the incredibly delightful Lady Eleanor stole in Noro silk garden, and I'm just utterly smitten with it! Also a somewhat dormant half-finished Thermal sweater (knitty). That's it! I'm very monogamous.

And, your dogs are ADORABLE!

- Sarah L. (SarahVV on ravelry!)

Anonymous said...

Right now I have socks on my needles, just plain ole st st ones. I can't tell you how much I love your family. They are so sweet and happy.

Thanks for the giveaways,

Theresa

neverenough on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have a hooded scarf on the needles currently. It is a new stitch for me, Tunisian Rib pattern. I would love to win some of this yarn!

Steam957 at Ravelry also
(Roxanne)

Anonymous said...

I just learned to knit on Wednesday so on my circular needles right now is Schaefer Yarn Elaine in colorway Mr. Funny. It's a beautiful blue-green-purple thick-thin yarn that I am knitting into a cowl. The pattern came from my LYS who suggested it after I expressed frustration with the Lorna's Lace Shepherd Worsted in the Tuscany colorway that I was trying to knit into a simple stockinette scarf. She suggested I find a yarn that I can't keep my hands off of and this one is it. The needles are flying and I haven't made as many mistakes as I did with the Lorna's Lace.

( I can be reached at adotnonline@gmail.com. My ravelry moniker is trinibird.)

Marque said...

your lovely little lambs and goats are back! So add me to list of entrants, The angora is lovely!! Your puppies/dogs are beautiful. As a dog breeder I know about these guys and their devotion to their 'job'. They really take it seriously. We use a cannon slr digital. I love the clarity of the digital cameras. Wish I could come visit you and all your critters!Marque ravelry Auntsugar

Marque said...

oops I forgot to tell you what's on my needles...Just plain ole socks to go to Iraq!

Anonymous said...

First, I just want to tell you that I love your blog and the pictures of your animals- it makes my day!
I'm knitting a pair of socks for my boyfriend's sister's birthday. Also I have a pair of socks for the boyfriend on the needles and my Ms.Marigold top that has been sitting for ages. I'm also working on charity baby blankets for a local hospital.

CanadianKnitgal on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Your dogs are such cuties (so are the lambs!). I love your blog, so informative!

On my needles right now is the Razor Cami in Yarn Pirate for me, and a log cabin baby blanket in Tahki cotton for a coworker's baby.

Vydellia on Ravelry

Earth Lover said...

On my hook at the moment is a soft blue scarf that will be very warm in winter. My needles are sad and lonely right now, because I've been busy with scouring fleeces the past couple weeks. This is EarthLovers from Etsy, I found you via the Fiber Friday thread. I've only read one of your blog posts so far, and I've already learned something -- never knew sheep were supposed to have such long tails!

Elena said...

Right now I'm knitting a placket neck baby sweater for my baby that's due in August. It's a great purplish blue in Koigu Kersti and it's very easy since it's all the the round. I'd love to use some of the yarn for future baby or winter projects.

Anonymous said...

Hey there! My name is Erin (curlyknitter on ravelry) and I have too many things on the needles! Two scarves, a vest, mittens, the list goes on! I'm trying to become more monogamous with my knitting so I actually finish something! You take fantastic pictures. It's funny that you posted about the camera as that's something I had been wondering too.

Ellen said...

Hi Susan,
You look adorable in your photo with Biscotti. I love how lush and green it is where you are, too.

My needles are happily working on a cotton baby blanket filled with stars, stripes, swirls and hearts. It makes me happy to work on it and can't wait to give it to the parents-to-be.

Thanks for having another giveaway and have a great weekend!

Jessica said...

What's on my needles? Which set? lol

seriously though, not counting hibernating I have 6 projects OTN.

A pair of socks for me, a matching pair for baby, Clapotis for my grandma for Christmas, a Bamboozled headband to experiment with KP ANdean Silk, a Sophie bag as a gift for a former swap partner who is now a good friend, and a hat for my baby that is an experimental knit (aka may become my 2nd ever published pattern if I like it well enough)

Susie said...

Hi! I have 2 things on the needles right now. The first is the Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty, in Schaefer Anne. The second is a simple sweater, called the Portland Sweater, from a Webs pattern. I'm using some old stash yarn, a multicolored merino called Filtes King Australian Merinos. I'm anxious to get at least one of them done soon so I can start some socks!

Anonymous said...

I have a blanket, a scarf, a pair of socks, and a baby bib on the needles.

Why yes, I do think I am add.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE my D80! When you're ready to upgrade, I highly recommend it.

Right now I'm working on several pairs of socks, a baby blanket, and a Swallowtail shawl. Knitting to suit my every mood! I'm trying to decide what projects to bring on vacation with me....

Anonymous said...

I wish I could say I just have one or two things on my needles right now...but I am getting bored with everything quickly now...so if I had to pick one thing it would be BYOB from Summer Knitty.

Anonymous said...

I am so in love with your life!

Well, except for that lice part...that freaked me out.

But other than that - your life RULES!

ps - I'm knitting cotton booties right now!

Anonymous said...

Right now on my needles I have a pair of socks in Nashua Wooly stripes for Warm Woolies, a man's hat in a light dusty blue acrylic that will be donated to a homeless veterans' home with the Ravelry Knitters for Obama group, and ... for me? Nothing right now! But a pair of socks is in the offing sometime soon. -- Thanks for offering the giveaway! Your doggies remind me of the Great Pyrenees we used to have, but all he had to guard was our two daughters. :-)

mrnngthndrt on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

otn: cardigan, pullover, scarf. Occassionally a quick project just to finish something.

billie
Ravelry: dogwalker

Anonymous said...

I've got a couple pairs of socks on the go (pomatomus and pedal pushers). I am also doing knitty's lace ribbon scarf with noro sock, and I just cast on for my lush and lacy cardigan (been meaning to knit this for ages!)

Unknown said...

B just looks so happy and proud of herself for having her pups!
And I just have to say, I love your blog. The photos are great and I like hearing about what it takes to raise the animals.
Also, thanks for doing these give-aways, it's pretty awesome.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I wish I could win! I live 300 miles from the closest yarn shop and no chance of getting to one this summer. I am currently on the second sock of a pair.
montanaknitster on Ravelry

Unknown said...

I am knitting a lace cardigan of recycled cotton, which I will probably finish in, oh, 2013, and a pair of black tweed wool socks for my husband that I will probably finish before it gets cold again.

Anonymous said...

Which needles??? Well there's the notebooks/laptop bag on 2 sets (the bag and handle take two different sizes), one of three bulky scarves for my fiance's friends who keep trying to steal the one I made him (which I guess I'll take as a compliment), my first pair of (slipper) socks, baby booties, a baby blanket, and my first pair of (real) socks. Yea, I'm kind of an ADD knitter, I can't help it.

KnitBeat said...

Hola Susan! What free yarn?!?!.. I'm so there. Totally pulled in by the fact that you are a CSA, which I just learned about. (thank you NPR) Your sponsor ad on Ravelry led the way. I'm still poking around your blog and etsy store. The sheep and pups are darn cute!

the WIP's are:
on 3's "best friend" - knitty evening purse for my best friend, totally dedicated to this right now..b-day present
on 15's "Fantasy Natural Market Bag" for trips to Produce Junction
on 50's "Fast Finish Throw" - it was fast until I hit the fringe!
... there's more, but no one needs to know how bad my knitting ADD really is.. THANKS!

Janette said...

I'm knitting a red market bag and crocheting a pink scarf. The scarf is a gift for my niece.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I am funlovingal from Ravelry. I have Patons Socks on one set of needles and I have started a black cardigan on another set of needles. Have many WIP's on other needles. I have never used Alpaca yarn and would like the opportunity to do so. Happy knitting! Ann

Anonymous said...

Saw your post on Ravelry. On my needles is a reversible cable scarf for me, which will soon be done and replaced with some cabled wrist warmers to match, a yummy dress for myself which I may someday finish, a bag my son wanted me to make him to keep his knitting projects in and previously mentioned son is knitting some socks which I'm helping him with. Alura of Ravelry

Andrea said...

I found your blog during your Manos giveaway and I love reading about everything that's going on at the farm! ^_^

Right now I'm about halfway done with the steering wheel cover from Knitty and I just started a new lacey cotton scarf that's probably going to be a Christmas present for someone; I haven't decided yet.

You can email me at maerillem at gmail.com or my Ravelry ID is maerillem. ^_^

Laura said...

Which needles? I've got a bad case of projectitus --e a Juno Regina Stole, a Jojoland Autumn shawl, 2 scarves . . .

Anonymous said...

Loved learning more about the animals and the dogs - the pictures are wonderful!
I've got several projects going - ADD problem - knitting a cotton top, a lace shawl for a Christmas gift, and crocheting a blanket for my 5 yr. old and another openwork shawl for a Christmas gift.
O.k. that was scary to think of all the projects I have stashed around the house - each spot has a project :-)

Thanks for sharing your stash!
Kathleen from Texas

Anonymous said...

I'm currently working on a boatneck sweater with Araucania Nature Cotton in red, and I'm finishing a red wool Christmas stocking for my mom. And I'm jenniegee on Ravelry.

D Louise said...

On my needles is a swallowtail shawl in kauni rainbow colorway. I'm getting a bit sick of it because i've knitted it wice, but only have one shawl. First I discovered when I got to the border that counting only one side was a big mistake as I was short one motif. When I got back down to border country again, I found that althoug I had plenty of yardage left, there wasn't a yellow repeat remaining to finish in pattern because of a quality contol issue involving two large knots and green tield to orange [and thereby no yellow repeat in the sequence. Am working on a solution which involves lots of spit-splicing in red, orange, purple, and maybe blue regions, preceded of course by more frogging....

yinyangknitter@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

On my needles right now, a chevron scarf (yeah, I'm a little late to the party with that one) and a second secret knitting project.

Anonymous said...

hi susan!
thanks for the cool giveaways! I've been out of the crafty loop for a while as my baby decided to come 14weeks early while on vacation in Florida! Baby is stable and growing in the NICU. In the meantime my crafty sister girlfriends have been sending me awesome craft care packages so on my needles right now are astack of organic cotton washcloths and a preemie bonnet and booties combo! Much love to you and our wooly babies!

adrienne said...

i am working on the swallowtail shawl. i am past the budding lace section which was getting very boring and have just started the first lily of the valley nupps.

i also have about 5 socks going. i am not sure of the exact number because i am in denial.

your pups are adorable.

i am bellybuttonknits on ravelry!

The Good Sister said...

I wouldn't mind some of that basking around here. :)
On my hook: tea cozies!

"hooknread" on Revelry

yarnprincess said...

I've never participated in a yarn give-away before. Quite exciting!

On my needles right now is a "Garrett Blanket." It's a blanket I sort of created to get rid of some of my stash and to make my color-blind friend a blanket. I forgot to take pictures of the original and he keeps telling me that he will take some, but I'm not holding my breath. I may just have to take pictures of the new one when it's done!

Anonymous said...

I have the Moonlight Sonata Shawl on my needles. I have two pattern repeats and the border left! I am using the Weaver's Loft hand-dyed CPY Panda Wool.

larndt on ravelry

Rachel Biel said...

Absolutely beautiful blog! I am adding you on as link on mine and would love to have you come on as a guest. If interested, e-mail me. All the best!

Unknown said...

Hi Kimberly here, Fiberminder on Ravelry. I have on the needles many things but the project I am working on the most to finish is:
The Bigfoot Shawl from Alison Hyde's Wrapped In Comfort. I'm using Noro sock yarn. Colorful!

Ronnica said...

Hi! On my needles I have a baby blanket for my very first nephew, who was born today (happy birthday Michael!), the Goddess Knits anniversary mystery shawl, and a sock: a la Yarn Harlot. :)

Jaye said...

Found your blog through your thread on ravelry and I have to say I truly love your blog! It is so informative and the pictures are truly fantastic. Very enjoyable, thank you.

On my needles is Ziggy - a Red Bird Knits sock of the Month club (April 2008).

Thanks for this great opportunity!
Jaye (on rav, too!)

Hobbygåsa said...

Oh those animals are so cute!
And the yarn is lovely too lol:.
On my needles now I have a Adams shawl, a jacket and some mittens... Happy week-end!

Anonymous said...

I'm working on lots of things, I can't have only 1 thing going! So just now I have Knitty's Tempting cardi in red and black, some tube socks for my husband in grey, some ribbed socks for me in Wildfoote's Ragtime colorway, and a ribbed scarf in Malabrigo's Bosques colorway.

-Shea aka zenfoodist at Ravelry

Anonymous said...

I'm currently knitting the Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery as published on knitty.com. :D Other projects that are hibernating are a pair of fingerless mitts, a shawl and another scarf. All which are pretty much less interesting than Lace Ribbon because I designed them myself and am not much of a designer. ;p

CharmEng89 on Ravelry

Linda in Anchorage said...

Another Chance for Yarn - Yay! On my needles now: a top-down baby sweater with seed stitch edging; charity project for the Stork Project.
Linda (arcticpurl on Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

Great animal photos! I am presently knitting a shawl/doily using the Janet Lace pattern and crochet thread, a Julia Roberts Bag using my first handspun yarns and of course, a sock.

Susan (susieb on Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

Knitter-Lee (on Ravelry) here. On my needles are a prayer shawl which is almost finished, and a lace scarf, which I have just begun. I'm just learning to knit lace, and want to practice before starting a lily of the valley pattern!
Lee Ann

Anonymous said...

I am having lots of things on my needles now, but concentrating on a seascape stole from knitty, a summer bucket hat, and hopefully will finish a lacy cardi from the latest VK I haven't touched for weeks! I am ambling on Ravelry. :)

Eartheo said...

I can't even begin to express my jealousy at the cuteness you're surrounded with. Between the wee fuzzball lambs and the beautiful faces of your dogs... just sigh.

On the needles currently, I have a skull illusion scarf, monkey socks, and an insanely heavy and hideous afghan that I started four and a half years ago and recently picked back up. It's taking up too much space!

Tiffany, eartheo on Rav.

K. Anne said...

Goodness, I just went to check what i have 'OTN', right now and yikes! Here goes: branching out, tubey, waterlily tank, spring beret, a crochet tank, a hemlock ring, and I would imagine one or two other things, too!
~Kim (ksknitchic on ravelry)

Jennifer King said...

I'm trying to get a jump start on Christmas gifts for my 3 boys so I don't have to stay up all night on xmas eve, again :) Right now it's socks for my oldest.
Love the pics as usual Susan!
Jen
The Sachem Farmhouse B&B

Anonymous said...

Hi-
I'm working on an adaptation of the Cobblestone sweater. It's for my dad (retired sheep farmer) for christmas. I'm using Peace Fleece (merino/mohair) in a beautiful navy. I'm also adding a small V-neck and a hood! FUN! Love your dog!
Erin (insideout on Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

I, too, LOVE my Nikon D40 - great camera!

Bracker Family said...

Saw your post and ravelery and am so glad that I came to see the cute pictures.

On my hooks right now us a hat I'm making for knots of love. They give free caps to chemo patients and its so much fun to do.

julie (turtlerulz on ravelery)

Karen said...

Hi! I just saw your giveaway on ravelry, so of course I had to check it out. Your blog is very interesting, I will check back often.
I am knitting a Debbie Bliss Cabled Tank and a Debbie Bliss Shrug. One in silk the other in merino wool. Both hopefully will be finished in time for fall.
My name is Javaknitter on Ravelry.
Thanks!

Susan said...

I am currently knitting two baby sweaters (I h ave a 5 month old granddaughter and am constantly knitting for her) and a cream color afghan for my daughter getting married next spring. She wants to use it for a chuppah at the wedding!

Anonymous said...

I love the colors of the yarn that you're giving away.
Right now I'm working on a lace sampler scarf with a cute little ruffle at the bottom that's knit right in. And a sweater for my husband, a Knitpicks pattern. Men's stuff is so big, I feel like I have been doing it forever.

Hobbesmom said...

I loved your blog! We're moving to the country at the end of summer and now I want a sheep. Maybe we'll get a stuffed one...
On my needles... a blanket for the new living room that I don't have to think while knitting, and a lace shawl that's more complicated and I struggle a bit with. Just learning lace and loving it! Lovely wool -- merino/alpaca/cashmere.

Anonymous said...

On my needles are 1-swatching for a Snowdrop Lace Scarf, 2-a to-be-felted oven mitt and 3-a cotton worsted & tulle scrubbie. PR727 on Ravelry.

Corvi said...

Lovely photos! I got here through your Ravelry post - thanks for letting us know.

On my needles: worsted wave scarf, Jacques Cousteau hat, baby booties, shawl, kilt hose, a second sock, and probably two or three other things I'm forgetting. I've got a bad case of start-itis. Heh.

Gen said...

Oooh... Alpacca!
I'm on the last few inches of a cabled sweater based on the rogue pattern.
I'll be ready to start something new very soon!

Erin said...

I learn so much from your blog! Love it!

I've got a Cookie A Thelonious Sock on the needles at the moment. It's moving along s-l-o-w-l-y.

Diane said...

On my needles, socks, socks, socks...

I see warm tootsies in my future.

Anonymous said...

Right now, I am primarily working on a scarf, simple lace, based on a pattern from One Skein Wonders. I'm about half-way through with it. Then I plan on finishing up some small projects!

FrancesWeyr said...

I have a Spiderweb Shawl from Victorian Lace Today on one set of needles and some socks on another. The one I pick up varies on mood and the degree of portability desired, although the shawl is getting the lion's share of my knitting time. The yarn is a merino/silk blend and the lace feels yummy on the needles.

Anonymous said...

am absol;utely in love with all the animals!!!!!! thanks for the info regarding the tails! what a lifestyle change this must have been for you. i am a shareholder in tennesse
have way to much stuff on the needles to detail but my favorite at the moment is some freeform crochet i am practicing for my trip in the next few weeks..marian

Anonymous said...

I am currently working on a pair of fake isle socks.I have completed one and just started the second.These are my first try at fair isle and I am loving it.Your sheep are beautiful and I bookmarked your website to check back to see when your yarn is ready.
Diana

Samantha Khosla said...

On my needles: Jo Sharp Shawl Collar Cardigan from Knit 1. Good book on the whole, but the instructions are unnecessarily obtuse at times. For yarn I am using Naturally Caron bamboo acrylic blend "Spa" in pale green. Nice soft yarn, excellent price, but rather splitty. In the queue: the Victorian Lace Blouse from Michele Rose Orne's new book "Inspired to Knit." The crochet cotton arrived in the mail yesterday. Eeeeeee!

erin is nice said...

on my needles: a sweater for the mister, a lace wedding shawl for a friend, and socks for warm woolies!

Anonymous said...

Ravelry nickname: Neonwildflower

I love the depth of your answers about your flock :) You obviously love them all, and take great pains to take care of your fleecy family. So cute.

What's on my needles right now? I just finished a pair of booties (pattern: Saartje's bootees) and need a break from baby knitting for a few days. I just cast on for the Lace Ribbon Scarf, which I hope will be a pleasant distraction.

~*Sarah*~ said...

wow, I just read your gas price 'vent' and my exact words when I saw the picture were "ho-LY SH*T" ouch, that stings.

what's on the needles...Auntie Amanda's Sunshine sweater, a baby hat, some washcloths and some alpaca on the spinning wheel.

Not that I...start a lot of projects at once. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Andrea. Love your sheep and your dogs. Especially love the one with Cinna (I think) looking at us with the sheep in the background. Just learning to spin so sheep are becoming interesting to me.
On my needles now are a kidsilk haze lace scarf for DD's birthday and intarsia sweaters for both grandsons, one with the sun and the other with a crescent moon. Hope I get them done before they grow out of them, don't know why I insist on intarsia. Maybe it's because the boys like the "pictures" on the sweaters. Would love your giveaway. What a lovely thing to do.

Anonymous said...

Hi - Kelly from WNY and I Just love your blog - tuned in too late to be a CSA member though. Currently my needles have a Manos wool hat in the work for daughter #1 and a cotton baby blanket only 1/2 done and the new nephew arrived yesterday - I need to get crackin'!

Alpaca Granny said...

Hey, there, enjoyed your blog tremendously!
Please don't enter me in your giveaway. Just saying hi.
Maple

... said...

In the Brooklyn Zoo, there is an alpaca that looks exactly like Carol Channing.
I'm adding about two inches of crochet lace to a denim dress for my toddler. She is growing faster than her clothes can keep up.
I'm about to start a myriad of projects for the three pregnant women in my life, two of which are having twins!

-Jim said...

Please consider me for the giveaway. I have one of two planned cotton bathmats on my needles right now.

Thanks!
-Jim

Anonymous said...

Throwing my name in the hat too! On the needles - a cotton basket weave purple summer sweater, a lace stole, and always a pair of socks. Spinning too but that is another subject.

Thanks for adding a bit of fun to our summer with these give away yarns.

Susie-Knits (Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous dogs!

I am currently finishing up my UFO's and only have two left: the Easy Flame Lace scarf and a STR sock monkey.

Thanks much for the giveaway and for all the wonderful pix!

turotts (Ravelry)
chris.bluford@gmail.com

Karen said...

I don't knit, but I crochet. Right now I'm making an afghan for my daugher and also a purse from wool yarn that will be felted.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

You are so kind and generous with your yarn giveaways., also love all the pictures of the animals, they are so cute and love the dogs too....Currently on my needles is a pair of socks (using the magic loop method, which I love), a lace scarf (first try at lace) from Victorian Lace Today Book, and a scarf that I'm probably going to frog, and try a different pattern...

Joyce (jazzywalker on ravelry).

ikkinlala said...

I'm knitting a Hedera sock in light pink for my grandma.

Anonymous said...

I am working on a sweater called "Avast" for my father, a shawl for my MIL, socks for my grandmother, and socks for me. I have to have many projects going at once or I get bored:)
Katherine
ravelry ID kcatt79

Anonymous said...

I forgot to say, I love seeing all your animal picture! They are so cute! Reminds me though, of gettting peed on by a sheep when I was in school on a field trip to a farm. Walking around in wet shoe all day was not fun! But a funny memory now.
kcatt79

Unknown said...

I am knitting an Annikki sweater coat using Berocco ultra alpaca.

Sapna ("pinks" on ravelry)

hppyfrmgrl said...

HMMM, On my needles now...a fishy tawashi which will be a baby washcloth for a friend...and a pair of socks for a Christmas present for my niece and an afghan also a baby gift for another friend. I found your blog on ravelry and I am hooked! What a great idea!

Melanie or hppyfrmgrl =D

HPNY KNITS said...

alpaca! the magic word for dreamy yarn!
fiber farm- that is cool!

FruitfulSpirit said...

Love the dogs they are so cute! I also have a D40 that I adore. Upgraded last year and would be lost without it!

On my needles right now is a baby kimono, a baby blanket, a shawl, several dishcloths (totally addicted to making them), a shrug, a fair isle hat and a ballerina doll! And so many things in my queue I will be long gone before I will ever finish these things!

Shelley Franklin said...

On which pair of needles? I have two bags that will be felted someday soon on my needles. One has Cascade 220 on it in a hot pink for my daughter and the other has a varigated yarn on it from Hobby Lobby. I am trying a new pattern on the cheap stuff :)
Shelley

Deborah-- said...

I absolutely love coming to visit your site. The pictures you post always put a smile on my face and a giggle in my heart. I'm a sucker for such cute adorable faces.

Anonymous said...

OTN right now are a Wonderful Wallaby for me, 2 baby sweaters (different needles) for DD, 4 pr of socks, and 3 shawls. Keeps me plenty busy during knitting time. :-)

Loved looking at your photos. Delightful animals!
Gale in Arkansas

Anonymous said...

I just came across your giveaway on Ravelry today. Although I have only been knitting for about 15 months I have developed a love for alpaca yarn. I have the following projects on my needles: a pair of socks, a purse and a pair of slippers. Love seeing the pictures of your sheep and dogs.

Jennette said...

This post was great! On my needles? Baby booties for my coworker's newborn, who should arrive next month!

Fernanda said...

I'm currently knitting the Print O' The Wave Stole and crocheting the Sweetie Pie Cami. Your farm looks like a wonderful place. :)

Erin said...

Sweet peas! 171 comments in 45 minutes, people are watching you! I love your camera too, you get so many incredible pictures. I just started knitting a week ago, so currently on my needles is another little swatch of something - I'm calling them bookmarks. If I win this lovely yarn I'll either give it to Jenny, who taught me to knit, or save it until I can make something decent from it. - Erin

Zoe said...

currently on the needles: a hand-dyed, hand spun sweater for my husband....a scarf for a friend....a tank top for me....a sweater for me....socks for me....a skirt for me (well technically it's on waste yarn b/c I needed the needles for the tank top........) I have a problem finishing projects.

Fromagette said...

I'm currently experimenting with lace using the Branching Out pattern from Knitty.com. I'm certainly enjoying it!

17004000 said...

Dear Susan,
I'm trying to mind my own knitting.
Bill Hornaday
Brenham, Texas

DutchMoeder said...

Your contests are fantastic.

Right now on my needles is a variation of the Jute Rope scarf. I'm knitting it for a scarf swap on Ravelry! I adore the pattern and I'm glad I was easily able to make a fun new variation.

KnitGirl64 said...

Hi Susie, I'm Sarah (aka knitgirl64 on Ravelry) and on my needles right now I am about to finish the second pair of "wedding socks" for my friends Claudia and Adriano who were married in December in Rome. I'm a little late with their gift but I know they will enjoy the socks this coming winter and beyond. I have also just started the Rivendell socks from Janel Laidman's new book in a gorgeous turquoise alpaca. Always a pleasure to visit your blog. Such cuteness! Have a lovely weekend.

polinium said...

On my needles right now I have the Pebble Hoodie from the current KnitScene, Yarn Harlot's Swallowtail Shawl, and Goddess Knit's Anniversary Shawl. Surprisingly, I don't have any socks going right now.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Sophia from California. (sophs on ravelry.) Right now I'm working on a grey "shifting sands" scarf. I'm also pretty constantly knitting coffee sleeves-- my friends and I are starting up a little organization to sell them and donate our profits. There are a couple local coffeeshops and our college bookstore that have agreed to sell them. :)

Dove Knits said...

Your puppies are so cute! As are the lambs, and thanks for answering those questions.

I'd love to be entered in the giveaway, of course.

Robyn said...

That picture of your dog looking into the camera with the sheep in the background ... and the frolicking long-tailed lambs ... love them so.

Right now, I'm working a sock, but taking a break because my wrist hurt from it.

More fun, though, I'm finishing the Brea Bag pattern preparing to start the A-line jacket from Runway Knits. So excited for that one, but disppointed I am using gray yarn for all of this because I'm getting a bit tired of looking at gray yarn. Just thought it would be more wearable that way.

I'm sorry if this posts more than once. I'm getting errors ...

Anonymous said...

My needles are all baby sweaters right now. EVERYONE seems to be expecting. I think we should have our water checked!

Heather said...

I absolutely love the lamb pics! Thanks for sharing!

I am currently working on the Spring Things shawl...one in a queue of many shawls. Next up are the Hanami Shawl and another Swallowtail. I am just a bit of a lace addict. ;)

woolies said...

I love your dogs as much as your goats and sheepies! We have four dogs. I adore them. :0)

currently on my needles is a lamb, made from MV fiber yarn. She still needs arms, legs and a dress, and then she will be on her way to the Vineyard!

Anonymous said...

I've got a lovely pair of Endpaper Mitts (alpaca), a baby blanket (cotton/wool), and the never ending sweater (wool) that needs to be seamed up but won't be anytime soon since it's too hot for wool!

Maria
mkbulk@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,

Love the blog and the wonderful photos of all your babes, especially their untouched tails. On the needles: cotton placket pullover, monkey socks, lace ribbon scarf and flair cardi. Keeps me out of trouble and calm for this parenting gig.

Julibeth
Rhinebeck,NY

KnitCave said...

Just found your blog through Ravelry and I love your photography. I shall enjoy watching your flocks grow.

Anyway OTN is Myrtle Leaf Shawl from VTL and a matinee jacket for my sister's baby (due July). I am also plying my first ever spinning attempt in BFL and I think it's pretty damn good.

By the way, I am from England so I don't expect to be included but thought I'd let you know anyway.

Liz said...

What's on my needles now? A wedding shawl for my daughter, who is getting married in November.

Your animals are so adorable!

Unknown said...

Hey- I saw your post on Ravelry, (I'm Short Megan) and it's the first time I've been over to your blog. I love it! So interesting, and I love all the animal pictures.
I just finished what was supposed to be a stash-busting shawl in a self-striping mohair yarn. Of course I ran out with just a tad left to go, so I had to go to the LYS and buy three balls of Kidsilk Haze, and use just a yard or two of each. Which is all a long way of saying that I'm now starting a Kidsilk Haze scarf with my almost-whole balls. I'm doing a lacy pattern in a dark green shade with red ruffles at the edges (should look like a flower when it's done).

wildthing1058 said...

I think your puppies are soooo cute I love animals right now on my needles are baby hats for the preemie's at the hospital I am also making a lacy scarf


Deborah (wildthing1058) on ravelry

Anonymous said...

I just found you through Ravelry. The sheep are SOOOO CUTE!!! I had the chance to see some llama here in North Carolina and really enjoyed "meeting" the yarn makers!

I'm currently trying to cast on a Goddess Knits Mystery knit-along with a hand-dyed fine lace-weight and have completed the first repeat of Chart 2 of Miriam Felton's Foliage Shawl in Reynolds Whiskey.

Diane
momdlux@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a great site. I learned about sheep AND dogs in one great evening. Thanks for posting all the neat pics.

I would love to enter your giveaway. On the needles I have some sideways garter-stitch gloves that I am trying to make work, even though the pattern doesn't fit me. I think I may have it right this time. Third time is the charm...

Thanks!

Shansu

Anonymous said...

I hope it's ok to share what's on my hook :) I've got a harry potter inspired bag and a broomstick lace scarf in the works.

Sner said...

On my needles now is a Clapotis in the Noro Sock which I am totally in love with!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, thanks for the chance at another give away!

On my needles, the active projects are linen shirt, Calla Lily Bag, and a dishcloth for mind-less knitting. We won't mention the ones on the needles in 'time out'. ;)

Cheers, Knitzophrenic on Rav

jeepgirl said...

Jeepgirl1 ( from ravelry) I just completed a set of light covers for my jeep now am making a knitted tote for shopping the farmers markets this summer!

Jo Anne W-M said...

On my needles: a flower basket shawl.

lambs and puppies! so cute. You must be very busy. The adult dogs are beautiful.
joannewm

Anonymous said...

While I do enjoy reading your blog, I really LOVE all the great pictures!

On the needle right now is a basketweave baby afghan. I have a separate baby afghan on the hook too. I can't believe there's only two projects in the works right now, must be summer!

Beanygurl

Opinion Mommy said...

Gorgeous dogs, gorgeous yarn. What wonderful baby clothes this yarn would make.

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