Off to Gotland Island and Beyond!

posted in: Gotland Island 2

Home is now behind you, the world is ahead! – Gandalf We are off to visit our daughter in Germany to see castles, cobblestone streets, cafes, and cathedrals. Then we head to Gotland Island, Sweden to visit with shepherds and attend a ram auction, to learn as much as we can about Gotland sheep. I promise to share lots of … Read More

Knitting Lace Shawls-Tricks of the Trade

posted in: Knitting 4

I once had a musician tell me the key to singing barbershop harmony was minding your own business, staying focused on your own voice, and not getting confused by all the other voices around you. I find this bit of advice holds true to knitting lace. While knitting the Hermaness Hat for Karen Templer’s hatalong, I did as much unknitting … Read More

The Gotland Adventure

posted in: Felting, Fiber Arts 2

Hobbit: You! Mr. Bilbo where’re you off to? Bilbo Baggins: I’m already late. Hobbit: Late for what? Bilbo Baggins: I’m going on an adventure. The Hobbit by J.R. R. Tolkien The Gotland adventure began a year ago, when we brought two Gotland ewes to our farm. In another four months, 5 more Gotland sheep arrived to our mountainside from far … Read More

So What’s the Big Deal About Knitting with Gotland?

posted in: Knitting 5

One year ago, we set out on a long journey to bring a small flock of Gotland sheep to our farm in Vermont. It all began with a rental van, and two Gotland ewes. Prior to that, I had only read about Gotland sheep and their lovely wool, but had never wrapped my arms around their wooly necks. Now, I own … Read More

Ask the Shepherd – How to Calculate Hay Usage

  When the crickets chirp all day in the grass, and the sun begins to set by eight o’clock in the evening, I know that fall is lurking just around the corner. By the beginning of September, I want my winter hay for the sheep in the barn, A common question that new shepherds often ask is, “How do you … Read More

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