More Natural Dyeing

So I have dyed with asters, ferns, and goldenrod and have a lot of yellow tones...

I would love to learn what I can use from nature here in northern Vermont to make some new colors.  Any ideas?

Knitting and Reading

I really enjoy joining in with Ginny and all the others in this weekly Knit Along - seeing all the beautiful hand knits and learning about some good new reads.

This week I am working on a custom order from our shop for a little boy's 4th birthday - a Colin Vest in Peace Fleece, Lena's Meadow that I am sizing up by using size 10 needles and worsted weight yarn.

Another project is a hat for Mike for his birthday next month.  This yarn is a wool tweed that came in a box full of yarn that I bartered for some of our handmade toys.  I cast on 88 stitches on size 7 needles and started with a knit 2, purl 2 rib and then will continue with the stockinette stitch.

As far as reading goes, we have started Little House in the Big Woods again.  The last time it was read out loud was about 5 years ago.  The new young ones are enjoying it.  It was really neat to hear Abraham (4 years old) shout out for me to keep reading when I paused for a few seconds.

I also picked up some books when we visited Thomas at college. (I just love browsing through libraries!)  One of them is The Back to Basics Handbook.  I continue to be drawn towards a more simpler, handmade way of life and want to keep adding new skills to apply to our little homestead.

An Autumn Feel to the Air

Yesterday it most certainly felt like autumn.  I don't think the temperature went above 60 degrees.

It is truly rewarding harvesting from the garden with children.  Their excitement when they spot another orange pumpkin or Canada Crookneck squash....

The goats are doing well - just  not sure about breeding them yet.  We don't have a buck and we  haven't found a buck to borrow either.  But even if they don't get bred this year, we have two wonderful girls that are providing us with some terrific fertilizer.

It was cool enough yesterday to put a hand knit bonnet on Emmy - this one of baby alpaca.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Hay Rides - 10 cents a ride!

Knitting and a Book Giveaway

I decided to play around some more with the top down sweater pattern.  Using the Poppy Cardigan Doll Sweater pattern once again, I cast on 66 stitches using Peace Fleece yarn instead of the 44 stated in the pattern and made short sleeves instead of long.  I just have to add the buttons.  It came out to be about a size 24 months.

I am still working on the scarf, disciplining myself to do one pattern set at least each day.

It has been very hard to squeeze in any reading time lately but wanted to pass on a book that I probably won't use much - Canning for a New Generation.  The recipes sound wonderful but are just a bit too exotic for my simple ways.  Please just leave a comment if you would like to win this copy.  I will choose a winner randomly tomorrow morning.

The winner of the canning book is "Amy C.T."  Please email me at naturalearthfarm@netzero.net with your address.
Thanks so much!

Joining in with Ginny today at Small Things for today's Yarn Along.

Thrifty Find

A wooden table and two chairs at a yard sale for just $3.00 -  a wonderful find.

We rarely buy anything new and instead pray and wait.  It is amazing how our needs are met and sometimes even our wants are fulfilled.  

Blessings

Emily making us all laugh

Goldenrod and Zinnias over the kitchen sink

The evening dance of the dragonflies

That God has answered my prayer to share our home with others more often

Cool, crisp nights

Fellowship with friends

Abraham's first needlepoint and Abby's handwork

Continued thanks for our new handmade table