Thankfully, peace and quiet returned to the farm yesterday.
The sheep were quietly nestled in the barn stall awaiting shearing.
Dr. Becky stopped by to vaccinate them and they stood
peacefully still while she did that.
Thanks for the suggestions on moving sheep.
I always rely upon treats to motivate them... but it is to no avail.
I have talked to others who assure me it is not me...
but rather, sheep are not easy to move... without a sheep dog.
I have also come to the conclusion that sheep have very, very short memories.
Each time we repeat something we have done before,
it's as though it is the very first time.
The upside to this is that sheep are extremely forgiving.
Forgive and forget... I believe that is their motto.
All of this may play into why sheep are such easy targets
for predators.
Regardless, shearing happened without a hitch.
And once again I have one white sheep
and one black sheep, who, with age has become her mother
and is now a lovely shade of grey.
(The brown to beige coloration is nothing more than sun bleaching.)
Free from the weight of their heavy woolen fleeces,
they were more than obliging when it came to walking
back home.
"Treats, please!"
See? All is forgiven and forgotten.
As for that rug in Maven Haven...
yes, I crocheted it from the combined wool of these two sheep.
I received a few questions about the apron dress that I was wearing
for the Maven Haven tour.
I did make that one a few years ago and used this pattern,
but I had to adjust the pattern quite a bit to make it fit like I like.
As far as I can tell, it is only available through Amazon and ships from the UK.
I embellished it for fun... on the chest -
(I printed the photo and the words on fabric printer paper)
at the back bottom hemline...
I made a second one using the first as a pattern,
because the fit was right...
This one I embellished as such... on the chest -
and the hemline in the back -
I am a pinafore/apron kind of gal,
because I love dresses.
This way I have the practicality of pants for around the farm,
but the femininity of a dress over top.
Win - win.
I did find a couple patterns that are similar if you are interested.
I tend to begin with a basic pattern and then make it my own...
by adding a ruffle or a flounce around the bottom,
some antique lace or antique crochet trim,
and other unique embellishments.
I love clothes that are one of a kind and reflect my own inner self...
rather than that of some fashion designer.
Yesterday, after all of my work was complete,
I took some time to sit and knit in Maven Haven.
Look who popped in for a visit!
It seems that Griz is more than happy to be a cottage cat.
He spent a great deal of time on my lap while I knitted.
I think we will have many hours together in this space.
I have had a few questions about this particular hummingbird feeder.
I have no explanation for why certain hummingbirds prefer certain feeders,
but it seems they do.
We have these feeders at the house and last year had 20+
hummingbirds fighting for spots at them.
This year we have only seen one male and one female.
There is also a pair that visits the first feeder which is located
at the cottage.
Last in today's news....
Chloe has a mass on the underneath side of her neck.
It started out very small, but has grown.
Dr. Becky is going to ultrasound it on Tuesday
and most likely remove it.
She is suspicious that perhaps there is a foreign body
(a deep splinter, maybe) that has caused an abcess.
We'll know more on Tuesday.
To Patty....
I have never had problems with squirrels in the garden.
Maybe because all of our squirrels seem to be centered around
the bird feeders at the house?
We do have bunnies in the garden, but mostly
they make their burrows and birth their babies in the garden boxes.
I think they know that within the walls of the garden fence,
they are safe from predators.
(Except Sam.... said in a whisper.)
Comments
Hope it's all good news for Chloe. She's a sweetie.
Your lady lodge looks lovely!
Oh yes!
Hope Chloe will be ok, and happy the sheep girls are in their summer dress.
Mary
Wow! Although I am stubborn and would probably try all sorts of things, including dressing up as a sheep dog to move them along. ;)
I really should get back to sewing,,, it's been awhile.. and I use to love to sew... oh, and luv the Lilacs,,, mine are just starting to bloom.