German Angora Rabbits

We have been very busy this year. One of my newest ventures has been to purchase 2 German Angora Rabbits from Sue Mezzanote of Stow, Maine. The one pictured is Olga and once Oliver's coat grows back I'll put up a picture of him. Oliver and Olga both came from Lesley Sampson who wrote the book Completely Angora, which is a wonderful resource for any Angora rabbit breeder. I also did a breeding with another buck owned by Sherri Cormier of Augusta, Maine who purchased another wonderful buck from Lesley. The kits are just beautiful. These rabbits are known to produce up to a pound of Angora every 3 months, which is hard to believe. Your Cashmere goats produce 3 - 4 ounces of fiber each year after their fiber is de-haired.

We also were invited to attend Common Ground Fair. Bill and I were very busy and had to much fun. The only draw back was closing time is 5 pm and at this time of the year it gets dark fast. Next year we will take lighting! The Angora goat kids and the Babydoll lambs were well received. Thank you all for your business and interest!

I also had a wonderful time at the New York Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY October 18 & 19. I had a chance to volunteer for IAGARB (International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders) and got a chance to judge fleeces with an assistant who has had years of experience - Thank you Joe & Judy Miller. What a wonderful experience and a fun loaded fiber weekend. Need to take pictures next year to share. They also had book signing. I purchased 3 books and the authors were there to sign them. One of the books I purchased was "101 Designer one-skein Wonders" This is a great resource. I have used it 3 times so far.

This is a picture of Bette Boop (red doe) and Midnight (isn't he handsome!)

What else is new - My colored Angora buck, Midnight, has 2 girlfriends visiting and one to visit soon. He has a beautiful black/gray fleece. It is one of those coats to die for. So far for a 3 year old he has a wonderful personality. Thank you Julie Patterson for selling him to me. His other 2 girlfriends are hopefully bred, Magnolia and Bette Boop. Boy did they holler and carry on for him. It is so nice when they let you know they are ready to be bred - nice red flag on my calendar so I know when they will be due!!

My final event was Artistee. Talk about talent. I have met so many wonderful ladies and men. Check them out on the web under Artistree. They have a huge following. This event took place the day after Thanksgiving!

Now I can slow down and enjoy my family and pets. I am know making a Jane Austen Dress that has a knit bodice for my 20 month old granddaughter, Charlotte - sure wish it was safe to show a picture of her. She is of course perfect. The pattern is from another book I purchased at the signing in New York and it is called Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines. It is fun just to read let alone all the new ideas it has on knitting. Take care and see you in the new year - Spinnakees' Farm in Augusta, Maine 207-622-5343 or spinnakees@yahoo.com.