Sheep shearing

A farm close by has been shearing there sheep this week, today was the lambs turn so we went along to observe the process and buy some wool from the fleece.

Terri showing her children how the sheep shearing is done.

Once the sheep are sheared and the shearer picks up the entire fleece and moves it to the sorting table.

The fleece is then tossed and sorted into different grades

With my spindle I did a quick spinning demo, the shearers were more interested than the children. It was nice to have them watch me.

The children enjoyed the bales of wool.

And Pirate Caleb helped me carry the bounty home.

Baaa Baaa - Thank you for your lovely wool - We will wash it, card it and knit something special with it.

Thomas turns 7

Thomas turned 7 and spent the day in Kommetjie with his Ouma and Oupa. Ouma baked a special cowboy themed cake, he was so excited , look at his face. ...

He wore his crown the whole day and we called him King Thomas.

His great gifts included stockmars, a homemade fishing rod and bow and arrow set, a knitted dinosaur made by me [that had to have an open mouth!] , a new wooden breakfast bowl made by dad.

His first 7 years have now passed and the next phase of his life is about to begin, I hope it is as easy as the first.

He is my special kind and loving child, we feel blessed to have him in our life

a thought....

I recieved this today and it made me stop and think

The Animals' Saviour

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter; the cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal.
And I was angry!!!
"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"
God was silent for a moment, and then spoke softly,"I have done something," was the reply.


"I created you."

Mitten Pattern

I have been really slow at blogging the pattern, but the reason is, I make up patterns so when I need to write it down it is like "reinventing the wheel" :-)

But here is it [finally]

Important notes:

Use 5mm needles to cast on and cast off.

Knit with 4mm needles

MITTENS IN GARTER STITCH

A photo of mittens in Garter stitch can be seen on Natural Suburbia and were knitted by Lindas daughter Erin.

Cast on 36 stitches

rib for 5 rows

knit 25 rows

increase 4 stitches evenly on row 26

knit 10 rows

increase 4 stitches evenly on row 37

knit 5 rows

knit 16 stitches, slip next 12 onto a holder, cast on 5 stitches and knit the remaining 16 stitches.

rib for 5 rows

Cast off

Postition the 12 stitches back onto the needles and pick up 5 stitches [the back of the 5 you cast on]

rib for 5 rows then cast off

sew up the sides and then knit the second mitten.

I knitted my pair on circular needles so the result is somewhat different but the principle is the same. I used on bits of naturaly dyed wools and love the effect. Oliver one [blue mitten] was knitted with 4 stitches less on the body. The thumb remained the same.

Guavas

Oooh I love guavas, the only thing I love more is stewed guavas..


My recipe is simple, chopped guavas covered with 1,5 cups of water to 1 cup of Selati organic sugar and a cassia [or cinnamon] stick. Bring to the boil, and simmer until guavas are soft. Allow to cool poor off the syrup and keep in the fridge.

They can be stored in preserving bottles but we eat them so fast that I dont see any reason to squeeze them in small bottles. Instead I put them in a glass bowl in the fridge. They can last for a week but we usually finish them in 2-3 days. I strain and freeze the syrup and re-use this the next time I make guavas.

Best served with fresh custard, yum!