More rain...

......today. The computer is set up at the other end of the house including with my sewing machine, picker and carders, and it is always cold down here, so a little reluctance to stay in here too long.

This winter seems to be coming back to normal rainy weather. Nice but it is a bit cold, have already gone through 4 gas bottles so am using split system for heating at times.

I got through dyeing another fleece yesterday before it started to rain again. Happy with colours.

The studio is now lined with the wallboards, so now to paint and wait for electrician. Tank is set up at the back but still have a layer of water beside and behind as the main tank is overflowing. At least I used a bit of water with the dyeing and rinsing.

The cows and calves have been enjoying lots of green grass.

Someone always has to be the King of the Castle. Looking forward to fleeces this year. I don't think the barley grass will set for awhile.

Just had a nice quiet weekend...

....spinning, carding, knitting and contemplating the shed. The electrician came out this morning to see what was needed and the builder will be coming out late this week or early next week. I am looking forward to setting it all up and then will invite a few people to my Studio opening . A good excuse for a party to have my own "Girl's Shed".

Some of Mandie's (EGMTK) Mulled Wine Merino Top that I bought some time ago, finally spun up. It was 200gms so now have 2 skeins to sell.

I thought it was about time I put a picture of my sheep on here. I'm not sure if I have before. But although they have only a small area to live they look very healthy. They are fed a sheep mix grain in the mornings and there is always a bale of hay in the paddock. the grass is growing with all the rain we have had, so hope the spring will be good.

Emotions....

I've just been reading my daughter's blog. Rebecca is currently visiting South Africa with some of her friends, doing some volunteer work. Seeing her with the children brought tears to my eyes. Although they are very poor they were a happy little bunch, and I am very proud to see what Rebecca is doing.
There are lots of lovely photos. Perhaps someone would like to drop in on her posts and have a look.
You can find her at http://rebeccaandtheworld.wordpress.com

On another note the Bendigo Sheepshow and Craft and Quilt fair are over for another year, and it is time to get back to work.

Presently on my needles I have a vest from a Patons pattern, a beanie, and a scarf.
There is always fibre on the spinning wheels of course. I have to replenish my stock after sales at Bendigo, so have woven a scarf and felted 2 scarves already. I always need a new item to add to the stall before any market.

Tongala was a little quiet this time but did manage to sell a few items, including whilst almost packed up, as 2 elderly ladies hadn't got down early enough.

Now, will need to get photos on soon.

The shed/studio/workshop is up and now am waiting for the electrician and the builder. The builder will be here later today to have a look.

Back...

...from the big Bendigo Sheep & Wool Show. I sold quite a bit through the North East Yarns stall, so I have a lot of stock to replenish as well as lots more spinning to do. I was very pleased to sell a couple of skeins of yarn to Nicola Bota of Ashford (now a consultant). Nicola is always very pleasant to meet up with and she remembers me as well from previous times.
On the spending I will be organising with Mandie (EGMTK) to buy a beautiful motorized carder from Strauch. I took along some of my cleaned Corriedale fleece and was very pleased with the result from just one pass. I can't wait!!!!
Of course I took my camera but not one photo did I take, now how dumb was that. Next Year maybe.
I also chatted with some of the stallholders, a little bit of networking goes a long way.
I behaved myself and didn't spend too much on fibre, knowing I will have to find more space in an already overcrowded area.....
Therefore the shed is now coming along and will be complete in a couple of days, then for the electrician and then to be lined for comfort, then fitting out for working in. Ohhhhh, I can't wait.
More instalments next time.

Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show...

Hoping for a big weekend. Will be helping to man the NE Yarns stall at the show, then lots to look at and shop for, people to meet and catch up with.
It will be great as I will be there the whole 3 days.

Girgarre Market tomorrow....

New handspun yarns for the stall, small amounts only.

Today's program was to get some hay fed out to the cows and sheep, before it rained which it has just before midday.

Since then, I have finished carding the wool for the tweedy yarn, and next for carding is a grey. This is also from my own sheep.

The car is packed, so am hoping weather does not become too bad and seetles overnight.

I have some NE Vanilla cream that I have dyed with Landscape Apollo Bay and it should be dry enough for the stall remaining in 500gm skeins.

Work...

My colleagues were away during last week and this week so I was working extra days and longer hours.

In the meantime I developesd a chest infection, but I still went to work came home, let Leigh cook for me while I sat at the spinning wheel. A girl's got to get her priorities right. My left ear has also bothered me with no let up with ringing day in day out for the last couple of months. Ear candling has been slow to relieve as I had oedema in the ear canal, but another trip to the doctor next week and I hope will end my problems.

This is the white corriedale fleece I recently dyed, it is a little lighter than I thought but should blend well.