Catching up!

I've been a bit lax in keeping up with the website, but while I'm waiting for my yarn and silk scarves to soak in preparation for the dyepot I'll get caught up. I had some leftover dye from snow-dyeing the other day, so I thought I'd try some more shibori style dyeing. I'll take pics as I go and post the whole process later. Here are some snow-dyeing pics, yes I saved snow in the freezer just for this! You can also use ice cubes. The July sun melts it fast so there is little waiting time!

Coreopsis

I think my favorite part of summer revolves around all the natural dyeing opportunities! Dyeing with flowers is fun and easy, and encourages me to remember to deadhead. Here's the first batch of coreopsis dye results. The tansy is also flowering and the marigolds are coming along. Now I need to pick, wash, card and spin more fiber from Clementine and dye more!

Getting out of my comfort zone

The weather outside is truly frightful, I hate ice. The alpacas are locked inside with extra hay, Luna is sound asleep and I am spinning. I've decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try some  woolen spinning. I generally spin semi-worsted with the fibers mostly lined up in a nice tidy roving. Woolen spinning results in a loftier yarn and is spun from a rolag, where the fibers come off the end of a rolled up batt. The colors I dyed are also not usual for me. Hunter green and terra cotta dyed on white ended up more like grass green and salmony-orange but I still think it'll end up an interesting yarn. The singles are spun and resting, can't wait to ply!

Pre-storm fun

Today, Luna and I broke out the snowshoes! It was a little too warm to stay up on the crust in the pasture but much better in the woods. Wildlife Central out there, loads of tracks. We followed the deer superhighway for a while before looping back. Now I need to finally plying those singles I spun before Christmas and get ready for the upcoming snowstorm!

Nice day for a snowshoe!

Merry Christmas!

With warmest wishes for lots of long grass to nibble on!

 - Captain, Caspar, Gizmo, Roscoe, and Snickers

May your bed be soft and everyone you meet have treats in their pockets!

 - Luna

Best wishes for a very happy and relaxing holiday!

- Falling Star Farm

Here's Lookin' at You!

If you come visit Falling Star Farm -- or even if you're just passing by and slow down a bit -- you'll most likely be greeted by these furry faces (from left to right: Captain, Casper, Roscoe, Snickers, and Gizmo). They're quite curious, so if you stop your car by the fence, they'll probably wander over to see what you're up to. And if you take the time to pick some of the long grass that's *just* out of their reach and offer it? You'll have a friend for life!