Brigid's Farm

Finished the Socks

2008-01-15T18:55:00.001-05:00

I finally finished Bob's socks but decided to photograph before he wore them. These came from a pattern in Folk Socks by Nancy Bush. These are the Lithuanian Amber socks although not amber. Mine are made of handspun yarn predominately from our animals. The grey, main color is a natural colored grey mohair fleece that is extremely soft mixed with some of our grey Border Leicester wool. The stripes and spots are a dark brown woolen spun yarn. Click here for a closer look.

I used a continental cast-on but the Dutch heel was new for me. I loved the alternating color on the heel and hope this will be strong wearing. The size of the sock required modification of the original pattern but was worth it.

Good-bye to Mr. Coco and Puppy

2007-12-29T16:40:00.001-05:00

Two of our colored angora bucklings left today. Mr. Coco and Puppy are half brothers as well as uncle and nephew, born here last. They will be missed but we are making room for a new crop of expected spring babies. I think at least 3 of the 4 angora does are bred and the 4th may be in heat. The same with the dairy goats. Grace, last spring's triplet born to Lily, is still unbred although would like to be. She is recovering from a broken leg and needs to strengthen it before getting pregnant.

I'm posting photos of the boys last spring. They are bigger and have delightful, friendly personalities. One jet black buck kid remains.

We spent this morning preparing for the next 3 months which will bring some weather surprises I'm sure. My son Rene and I brought over several truck loads of hay to replace what has been used so far. It was warm and bright today and perfect for doing some barn work. It also feels good to see the barn full of hay. I have spent many years running out in March. This year we replenished what had been used so far. I think we'll make it until May. Yeah!!

We're off to Boston, Connecticut and then on to Georgia this week.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the Brigid's Farm Blog

2007-12-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

Today launches this site which I hope will be educational and entertaining. Because we are a farm, our life's activities are seasonal. Winter has a decidedly fiber focus as its a great time to fire up a stove for warmth and for the dyepots. Also economical.

It's an excellent time to work on some knitting projects with my handspun wool. I'm sorting fleeces and washing some of them to send for processing and for family projects. This year it is time for a new sweater for my husband, Bob. I'll be diving into an Aran sweater, that I'll design from scratch. The family needs some new socks and gloves so it gets busy.

In addition I'm teaching again in the studio. The next round of classes start in March. Watch for the schedule here on the blog.

The barn is currently full of pregnant animals. We have lambs and kids (dairy and angora) due in late March and a few due in mid May. Expect to see lots of pictures when birthing begins as well as some good stories.

Keep warm and enjoy the snow.