Preparing for The Gift Cupboard's Opening at the Farm

Last weekend I attended the NY Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY.  I'm always amazed at the number and enthusiasm of attendees.  Strolling through the booths offering anything and everything to do with fiber is fun and re-inspires me to try new patterns and design my own.

Unfortunately, when the 'creative bug' hits it is usually when I'm in a time crunch.  This weekend we're opening our seasonal shop here on the farm, and I'm scurrying to finish projects in process.  But I'm also trying new design ideas that I want to include in the shop. (And I don't want to forget the design before making a sample!)  Thankfully, I have a husband who smiles and does all the prep work of cleaning and setting up displays so I can get "lost in the fiber zone." (That quote comes from a brooch I saw at the Festival and it's very accurate in my life.)

Here are some of the projects I've been completing for our seasonal shop...

Needle-felted applique on felted purse

Scrappy Jean Quilt--Twin Size

Fingerless Gloves

While Dad & Mom are busy, the two boys enjoy a good book on the back porch. 

To Everything There is a Season....

 This quilt was started last spring when I decided to make a totally hand-pieced, appliqued, quilted, and embroidered wall quilt as a just-for-fun project.  I finished it a couple of weeks ago and the verse is so appropriate.

The alpacas have moved to their new home, and I am adjusting to the naked field where their pasture used to be.  The fencing has been dismantled and we're in the process of selling it.

Marc had a buck goat delivered yesterday to provide services for his 2 does.  He's dreaming of new kids in the barn next spring.

Ian and I took a walk around Buckhorn Lake yesterday
and this was one of the many beautiful views...

The geese have been flying over in huge flocks
the past few weeks.  This picture shows a very small flock resting on the lake.

Yesterday Wayne told me to look out the window.  This is what I saw--Ian certainly seems to enjoy his new flannel pj's!  When I asked him why he was outside in his pajamas he said they were really warm and cozy.

The pear tree has been prolific this year.  We've shared the pears with many and I've made lots of pear crisp. 

We've had several light frosts...another season has arrived.