Sock Monkey Christmas Santa

Sock monkey is in the holiday spirit...and I can honestly sing, Baby, it's cold outside. I found this link for sock monkey original socks and dolls supplies here by Fox Sox.





I read the cutest article in the Washington Post newspaper today by Emily Matchar. Young women today are going back to domestic bliss. Making their own jam and learning to knit. It's empowering because you have some sort of control over what you wear and what you eat! Yay!





She tells about a 31 year old Brooklynite who left her desk job and today her life is more like a 19th century farmwife. She soaks dried beans, dries herbs, bakes bread, feeds her chickens and keeps bees on her apartment roof! She is frugal and happy and now makes a living teaching diy (do it yourself) projects and writing. Wonderful. There is a big movement in dazzling diy that Emily is writing a book on the subject called New Domesticity.

Westie Dog Knits

Sir Salty earlier this summer taking a snooze and just bathed. His coat is on the 'longish side which makes him look like a beach boy. I have a little surprise for him coming up.




I got this cute as can be pattern from Kristin Nicholas who designs the brightest things for all of us to enjoy! If you've not been over to her blog now is the time to skip over and have a visit on her sheep farm. Maybe you want to knit this too? You might even beat me at finishing it. My mom says my knitting is like skewering sheisk-ka-bobs, too tight, but I will keep practicing. Practice makes perfect is my Mom's saying.

Kiparoo Farms Yarn for Knitting/Crocheting

We went to Kiparoo Farms and met Annie Kelley and saw her beautiful studio. It's on a working farm of sheep and cattle. She has 150 head of sheep and if you raise sheep you know the work that involves. Annie is as petite as a clothes pin, but has more energy radiating from her than the lit White House Christmas Tree. She is a fine example of hardwork, a love for what she does and a super personality! We had such a good time there.

This is Annie's helper who lived on the farm before Annie did and now lives royally. Friendly as can be. The lacey crocheted tablecloth...gorgeous. When can we move in?

This is Annie above on the left. Her studio is in several rooms of the old farmhouse. She refinished the floors and the walls are white with high ceilings. It's decorated in her beautiful scandinavian-heritage style. Lots of bright whites and beiges with a little pink here and there.

She sells her own wool yarn from her sheep in every texture and color combination imaginable. A real bonus is that there is the actual handmade item next to each of her patterns which really sells them. Some with more than one color variation to show the possibilities. Look at these little cute purses above.

I didn't begin to capture the ambience of her shop, Kiparoo Farms, you have to experience it yourself. Then you will know what a joy it is. Her website is here.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Yarns and Fibers

Saturday afternoon I did get over to the Sheep and Wool Festival...everything there was eye candy if you love sheep, llamas, angora goats, angora rabbits, fibers and yarns galore! This shawl and sweater caught my eye. Aren't they beautiful? Made from wool. The one on the right...so vintage looking, but it's brand new.

These yarn colors I just oohed and aahed over. I did buy one crochet scarf pattern. The exciting part is that some of these vendors also sell online and some on etsy! I have more pictures and will get them posted soon. When we left my head was spinning with ideas and wanting to learn new techniques.