Spinnakees' Farm

"Eliminating the Effects of Footrot on Sheep Flocks in the Northeast"

2011-10-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

How did I become a participant in this project: For about 3 years I have had issues with my goats hooves and my Cormo/Olde English Babydoll Southdown's hooves and a couple of lambs (lambs were treated and were fine after 1 application of store bought soluctions). There was more work involved with trimming hooves and applying store bought solutions that was not curing the adults with hoof issues.

I e-mailed Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner, from the University of Maine and she sent me to Richard Brzozowski, PH.D., Extension Educator, Agriculture, Cumberland County. After speaking with both of them, my understanding of this hoof issue is that the medicines we are using are not strong enough and we also need to rotate pastures where this "organism" is alive. Two weeks in each pasture, using 3 different pasture areas in treatment is important - so this organism will die? I believe I was also told all pastures have this organism. So I would think maybe spring and fall have our animals walk thru a footbath of Zinc Sulfate and detergent.

Richard asked me if I was interested in being a participant of the above project. Of course I said yes and he sent me all the paperwork, which I immediately filled out and he quickly called me back and explained the month long protocol of the project, which started October 5, 2011 at my farm: http://www.spinnakeesfarm.com/.

Day 1 was very exciting. Tom, Richard and myself set up panels for all my sheep & goats, then used Famacha testing to check parasite level (none of my Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown sheep or Angora Goats needed to be medicated - amazing and I was going to worm them all)! This is another important study both Richard and Tom have been working on (medicate when necessary so animals to not become immune to medicines).

Richard and Tom set up machine to gently tip all my animals so their hooves could be trimmed and evaluated. I was taught how to evaluate and how to better trim their hooves - to look out for pockets and trim correctly to eliminate them. Again my sheep had "very little hoof growth, which all members of this team found really amazing and only a couple had pockets. Then each animal stepped into a 20% Zinc Sulfate solution for 10 minutes and Anne and Caitlin then drew blood for DNA to see if there are predictive markers of footrot resistance.

Members of this team were Dr. Thomas Settlemire, retired from the University of Bowdoin College, Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner of the University of Maine, Richard Brzozowski, PH.D., Extension Educator, Agriculture, Cumberland County, and Caitlin Minutolo, University of Maine (I believe an intern), and of course me Betty Stover, Shepardess, mom, fiber artist, apartment landlord, dog breeder, (I have more titles than they do. Am I bragging or what?).

We ended up with my Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown ram, Churchhill, with a hoof infection (he was not limping and I had no idea he had this infection - his pen is small compared to the pasture and when it rains it is very moist in this pen - maybe a top coat of gravel?), my Cormo/Babydoll cross, Whitety had scald and one of my Angora Goat does had footrot. Both of the sheep are now is a different pen together and I was told to spray his hoof in 2 days, which my husband did for me.

Day 7: October 12, 2011, 2 affected sheep and goat sent thru footbath.

Will Post Day 14 around October 19.

Thank you so much Tom, Dick, Anne and Caitlin. You don't know how important it is for me to have healthy animals to share with friends and know I am selling healthy animals. I would love to see more local Maine vets involved in this program so we all get educated in this area of HOOF health. Then again I am sure you will be sharing this study with all Maine Farmers/Vets once it is completed.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown Sheep - Halter Training

2011-06-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

This white wether lamb is a Babydoll/Romney and the black lamb is an Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown sheep. We have just started halter training. What a lot of fun. My little guy Zoolou the white wether likes to lay down. Rachael is training Bagara who liked to hop around the place. I need someone to take pictures of all this action. Sunday they both walked around so much better. If the weather permits, we will work with them again at 5 pm. Knitting & fiber fun at 6 pm here at Spinnakees Fiber Farm in Augusta.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown ram lambs

2011-05-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

These 2 beautiful Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown rams are for sale. I love their stocky little bodies and triangler heads. One one of them has brown patches on his head and legs. It's funny how the boys follow each other around. Last night they were all raising cain.

Spinnakees Fiber Farm - Natural fiber verses Synthetic fiber

2011-05-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Synthetic: Man made, not genuine, artifical, devised! Hmmmm!

Wool: The dense, soft, often curly hair forming the coat of sheep and certain other animals. I can remember my mother teaching me to knit. I loved the creativity of making dolls clothes & headbands. I remember never finishing a pair of mittens because I did not like the feel of synthetic yarn.

Angora: Long silky hair from Angora rabbits. When I started rasising Angora rabbits and made a pair of gloves I had no problem finishing them! I was hooked. I'll let you in on a little secret. Years ago, before I had my critters, I crocheted a blanket using synethetic yarn and wrapped it with raw Angora and I still use it today.

From there I started raising Angora goats then a number of years later sheep. Once you work with a quality wool blend there is no going back.

This is my newer blend of "Babydoll" & Angora. What a wonderful yarn. It is called a light Worseted weight yarn. Is it definately lighter but has wonderful volume. Hummmm. Use it in the fall and spring?

Bond Issue LD 979 in Appropriations Committee

2011-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

This is the bond issue for the proposed combined Plant and Animal Diagnostic Lab. The purpose of this bond is to support building a new, biosecure lab at University of Maine to improve what our currently separate plant and animal diagnostic labs now do. I would allow our animal lab to help large animal producers (like dairy/beef farmers and also horse/llama owners) and vets to diagnose diseases by performing diagnostic post-mortem exams on animals. It would also offer highly effective containment, helping protect people, plants and other animals against disease.

Our team here at UMaine Orono works with many types of agricultural producers all over the state. We offer services that aren't available elsewhere, and help the veterinary profession but also the farmers directly via service, education and consultation. I hope you'll be able to mention our connection over rabbit biosecurity, and the work we are doing with the sheep industry (http://umaine.edu/livestock/sheep/).

contacting your legislators about our Bond issue (LD 979) which is now in the Appropriations Committee.

Your legislator on the committee would be Senator Roger Katz at 207-622-9921 (SenRoger.Katz@legislature.maine.gov). If you could phone or email and tell them you are a farmer, state your support and perhaps give a quick summary/narrate something about our contact or your experience with our lab/my speaking, it would greatly help our chances.

I look forward to visiting your farm (5-20... is that still good with you?) and seeing you at Fiber Frolic. Thanks! Anne

Anne Lichtenwalner DVM PhD
Assistant Professor

University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Dept. of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Director, University of Maine Animal Health Laboratory

5735 Hitchner Hall, Room 136
Univ. of Maine, Orono, ME 04469

German Angora Rabbits at Spinnakees Fiber Farm

2011-04-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

This is Olga.

I started clipping her and realized I needed a picture first. So you can see some of her beautiful fiber kind of placed on top of her. Oh well. She gave me 13 oz of prime and 1+ oz of seconds and I don't keep 3rds. Can you image 13 oz consistantly every 3 months? I have been feeding her a cup of Poulin grain daily with a large handful of local hay every evening. I just introduced Dr. Cheeke's YQ+ to all of my German Angora's diet. It is for Gut and Respiratory Health! I'm also hoping to see a difference in fiber production. Where Olga gives me a perfect 13 oz (my lucky number) I'm wondering will I get more? I do have a young buck who is less than a year and was told to put him on the YQ+ and he should have no problem being registered next time I try. Will keep you posted as he was 5 grams short!!!

This is Olga nude. Do you think she would make Playboy centerfold?

I went to our annual IAGARB (International Association of German Angora Breeders) meeting this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I was taking about 3 hours to shear my rabbits and by watching Rosalie and Erin demonstrating new approaches I took a little over 1 hour to trim a rabbit yesterday! Ya!! Also, thank you Sheri for helping to adjust my electric clippers. So much easier shearing these guys with my Aesculap clippers for rabbits.

This is Olga not sure which way to go!

I also received a beautiful lead flower vase for highest producing fiber doe, which was Tasha, at the show. I can't wait to breed her as she is a beautful German Angora. I'll post a picture when she is in full coat and may one nude, if she isn't too shy!!

Olde English "Babydoll" Sheep Shearer

2011-04-05T04:36:00.001-07:00

This is Gwen Hinman shearing one of my Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown Sheep. Gwen is a tiny thing and full of energy and kindness. After she sheared my sheep she held them so I could give them each an injection of Ivermectin and an amount of pour on to be sure they have no bugs or parisites inside or out. The rest of the year I'll use my handy dandy microscope to keep track of intestinal parisites. Gwen then put the fleece on my shearing table (I use it for my goats when clipping them, another handy dandy contraption) that I put an old fence gate on to shake out my fleeces. I had no time to skirt my fleeces as she was so quick. The fleeces came off in a blanket, which is not easy with Southdowns as it is a very springy short fibered fleece. When you look at the fleece lenght it is about 2" long and when you pull it between your fingers it is about 3" long. Perfect if you spin using the double drafting method as this wonderful, soft fleece needs less twist to spin easily. It took Gwen about an hour and a half to shear them, and if my sheep had been more cooperative (I had them fenced in beside my shearing room to make sure they were dry and easily accessible to us!) she would have been done sooner. What a wonderful feeling to see all of your fleeces bagged and ready to clean and ship off either to a spinner or put into roving so I or another spinner can use this wonderful fiber. I put my lamb fleeces into roving so spinners and felters get the softest fiber. Tomorrow I start the cleaning process. Will take a picture to share of my dirty fleeces maybe tomorrow? Of course when running a farm that could also change. One thing never changes - Animals need to be feed each day about the same time. I go up the hill to my barn twice a day to make sure everyone is fine and clean stalls and feed all the critters. If a sheep is in labor, I make many trips or take my knitting and a pillow and wear my warm, zippered winter coverup. One of my family members usually brings me something hot to drink. Need to be warm and happy!

Spinnakees Fiber Farms' "Primitive Lavanda Stuffed Wool Bunny"

2011-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Pattern, Lavander, Pearl Cotton, Wool Stuffing from my sheep, and a sharp heavier needle.

This primitive bunny is about 10" tall and made from wool cloth. I used clean wool scrapes from my Olde English "Babydoll" sheep for stuffing and about 1/2 oz of Lavender buds.

As I blanket stitched (I used pearl cotton, which has a nice sheen to it) around this bunny I filled it with the stuffing, which made stuffing it so much easier.

Spinnakees Fiber Farm purchased an amazing cake from Kennebec Custom Cakes

2011-03-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Jessie at her Baby Shower. Jessica her best friend writting down gifts and friends names.

Cake from Kennebec Custom Cakes in Augusta, Maine. The cupcakes had minature grasshoppers on them.

This cake was so tasty, and the frosting was just right. I had to call Jessie and ask for her to same me a "few" slices. Of course for the rest of the family not for me!

Hard to telling with the lighting, but the frosting was a light green.

Spinnakees Fiber Farm's Jersey Woolys

2011-03-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

This is Daniel feeding one of our Jersey Woolys. He is such a cutie and loves a pat, his hay and food. I use the little poopies in my plant pots for fertilizer. I have 2 for sale if you know anyone looking for a great pet.

Spinnakees Fiber Farm

2011-03-18T05:54:00.001-07:00

This is Unise with her lamb, Ursala. She is starting to gain weight and looks like she will have a nice blocky "Babydoll" type body. I love the ears! Will have lambs for sale this summer. This is our first lamb! She is really sweet and mom is great. Had them both out yesterday checking everything out. Last years lambs were scared of her and kept their distants. Interesting.

Spinnakees Fiber Farm "Lavanda Pom Pets" and Easter Baskets from roving!

2011-03-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

These are so much fun to make. The middle "Lavanda Pom Pet" is suppose to be a Sheep. I'm working on another and hopefully it will look less primitive! I crocheted the 2 outside baskets and knit the middle one. The 2 outside ones have little handles. I hope to sell these at Kennebec River Artisans in Hallowell, Maine.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns

2011-03-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

March 13, 2011, Unise of Spinnakees' Fiber Farm had a ewe lamb. This is a picture of moma talking and cleaning her baby, and baby talking to moma!

First drink, have to have that colostrum to get all the nutrients to survive! She was up and walking in a few minutes. Healthy baby!

Of course she looked away when I took her picture.
Taking a break. She weights 2 1/2 pounds!

Spinnakees' Fiber Farm "Slippas"

2011-03-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

One slippa finished and the other is almost done. I love this "Babydoll"/Angora worsted weight yarn. I call it watermellon! Yum! Okay back to knitting and not eating. I worked alot on my website today and also with Dell, which helped the speed of my computer. Thank you lord!

With all this rain I had to save my chickens from their terrible plight. I had over 8" of rain in my barn. My chickens were on everything available. Half of them are in my cellar this evening. I was worried they would freeze. So much for knitting. I plan on at least finishing the last "slippa" tonight before I fall asleep. Next pair, as I promised, will have Mohair decorating them. I'll have "Fairy Slippas". Good nite!

Spinnakees Fiber Farm "Slippas"

2011-03-06T05:23:00.001-08:00

Kelly Corbet of Romney Ridge Farm use to publish a cute flyer "We Fiber Folk". In this publication I gave her a pattern "Slippas". This was to be used with a bulky homespun. If using worseted weight, which I am, you need to either change needle size or cast on more stitches. If you are interested in knitting these "Slippas" you can either purchase the pattern from me, or buy a skein of my "Babydoll"/bunny from http://www.spinnakeesfarm.com/ and I will include the pattern, if you request it.

The above yarn is very soft and I am using one strand, if you want a more durable slipper use 2 strands.

I had to work on my income taxes yesterday so "no knitting". This am I have all the ridges done for the bottom of my slipper. Now to start the decreases.

This picture shows the bottom ridges of foot and decreases to top of slipper. My sheepees think this is the best pattern to show off their wool. Tune in later for finished "Slippas".

Next pair of "Slippas" I plan on using some of my goats Mohair around the cuff and maybe a little in the bottom for strength & to give them a primitive look. This is a picture of Birdy (front right), Letty (front left) and Letitia (in the back peeking over).
They all give me beautiful Mohair!

Spinnakees Fiber Farm's Zenyatta - What a beautiful Keeshonden. Project: Farm helment.

2011-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is Zenyatta, my 9 month old Keeshonden pup. My Angora goats were wondering what she was doing in the front yard with me. My 2 older Keeshonden disappeared as they fear the sheep and goats. Not Zenyatta, she really loves all of my critters and is my constant companion. Lots of energy and very intelligent.

Hum, next project? How about a women's helmet using finger weight yarn from my Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown Sheep blended with Angora and Mohair? My mom made a couple helmets for the boys and used sports weight yarn from Spinnakees Fiber Farm. That yarn was wool and mohair. The pattern surprised me as it turned out to feel like Bulky and they were big. So I'm going to use size 9, 14" long circular needles (1 1/2 sizes smaller) and the fingering yarn. This might be a nice, light weight farm hat - spring or fall. Hope to have a picture of the finished project in a few days. Wish me luck!

Spinnakees Fiber Farm making Wool Cloth easily

2011-02-18T16:52:00.001-08:00

I made this embrodiery case out of store bought wool, pearl cotton, beads, and dyed wool pieces. I decided to make my own wool cloth to make an embrodiery case from Spinnakees Fiber. This is a process, but worth the effort!

This is the inside of the case layed open.

First lay down your bubble wrap. I used a piece about 16" x 20". I then placed a piece of cotton on top of the bubble wrap. I then teased apart roving and lay it in one layer across the cotton cloth filling it. Do this first vertically then horizontally. About 6 layers.

Take a spray bottle full of water and wet your fiber throughly, then place another piece of cotton cloth the same size over the fiber, and then another piece of bubble wrap on top of the cloth.

I rolled up the layers and put elastics about every 2". Then the works begins! Roll it on your table about 100 times the first time. Then take elastics off, unrole it and see how much it has felted. Roll it back up from the side and then roll it back and forth about 50 times and check it again for felting.

This is wool cloth I have felted and wool rolled into a roll to be felted. Shultz is a Spinnakees' Farm German Angora, who is taking a break. Shultz donated his fiber for one side of the cloth making a beautiful soft surface.

Easy Mitten Pattern available soon www.spinnakeesfarm.com

2011-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

The smallest pair of mittens can be tucked into the cuff of a warm jacket. I also crocheted a simple chain and inserted in at top of cuff to be tightened to keep out the snow and I think it adds character to this pair of mittens. Might be cute for larger pairs too. I think all three pairs could be either for a male or female.

I used 2 skeins of Maine worsted weight yarn: 4 oz/250 yards each. I still have 2 oz left to make a simple hat?

I have this yarn and will post it for sale soon on my website. Kelly of Romney Ridge Farm has this yarn for sale now. After I make adjustments to my mother's old mitten pattern I'll have the pattern forsale also. Her pattern tapered the tops of the mittens nicely and had a left and right mitten. I like the easier pattern of rounded tops and the thumbs are either right or left. Should be a nice pattern for beginners or for someone as busy as I am!

2 Skeins of yarn: 3 mittens using different sized needles, but not changing count of stitches

2011-01-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

On left mitten I have 10 stitches on yarn holder. On back 2 needles I have picked up 2 stitches on each needle.

Working on thumb & picking up stitches on back of thumb: On right mitten I knit the first 2 stitches together on one needle then knit the next 2 stitches together onto the first needle and then took 2 stitches off the holder and knit them onto the 1st needle (total of 4 stitches). I then took 4 more stitches off the yarn holder and knit them onto the 2nd needle and then took the last 4 stitches off the yarn holder and knit them onto the 3rd needle. Continue knitting in the round until thumb is at desired length.

I'm on my 3rd pair of mittens using the 2 skeins of yarn I started with. Two skeins each: 250 yards/4 oz. I have 2 oz left after 3 pairs of mittens.

Planning to make a simple rolled hat out of remaining yarn and maybe make it a "kitten" hat with ears, eyes and whiskers. Will post when done!

Old Fashion Mittens

2011-01-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

These mittens can be worn on either hand. I love the rounded tops and the simple pattern. I used size 6 double pointed needles. I'm only changing needle size to change size of mitten. Size 6 for adult, Size 5 for teen and Size 4 for youth. Adjust length of thumb and mitten for size and no need to change number of stitches used. I made a baby sweater that did the same so why not our favorite patterns.
This shows the inside of the mitten. I carried the white yarn on the backside of the blue stitch until the end of the row and then let it hang until the next 4th row.

This is the second pair of mittens out of the same 2 skeins I started with. I am using size 5 double pointed needles. I hope to have enough yarn left to make a third pair using size 4 double pointed needles.

Vest knit using my Babydoll Sheep/Bunny

2010-10-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

"Dyeing to Knit" by Elaine Eskesen, has the most wonderful vest pattern. So simple. I used my Babydoll Bunny yarn, which Bartlett Yarn in Harmony, Maine processed for me. The yarn is listed as a light worseted, yet when washed and dried it is a light bulky! The only problem I have had with the pattern is that you need more than the 245 yards listed on the pattern.

Windsor Fair September 2, and Boothbay at the Commons Art Show September 4, and 5

2010-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

The vest on the right is a new needle felting project. I like to use Angora yarn and blanket stitch around the edges of this wool vest. I then use Angora rabbit 3rds and needle felt flowers, leaves and wool "little people" hidden among the flowers and a Angora rabbit or 2. I'm also working on an Angora Tam. Will share pictures soon. I hope the weather will be nice for us in Boothbay this coming weekend. We will soon see. Hope to see many of my Boothbay friends.

Cumberland Arts & Craft Show - Maine Craftman

2010-08-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

Bill and I had a wonderful time at the Cumberland Arts and Craft Show. We sold a lot of yarns and roving along with needle felting supplies and some crocheted and knitted product. The response to our being there was wonderful and we hope to be there again next year with the same spot 0-13. Thirteen in my lucky number!

Kelly Corbett of Romney Ridge Farm and myself plan on vending at SOWA in Boston! New venture for the both of us. Hopefully, we don't get lost.

Maine Fiber Arts Tour August 6, 7

2010-08-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Our farm is on the map! We will be open 10 am to 5 pm. We have a group of 40 home schooled children coming at 10 am the first day. I figured it would be fun to have them help me do farm chores.

I was juried to become a Maine Craftman and asked to attend the Cumberland Art Show, August 12,13 & 14!

New yarn: "Babydoll & Angora". It is one of the softest yarns I have ever felt. I have 120 skeins to sell. I need more sheep to make more of this downy yarn. Did you know that Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown sheep come from the downs of England. I was told most primitive sheep breeds are named after where they originated from. Can't seem to post a picture of my sheep or yarn. Will try later. Check me out on facebook - fan page - Spinnakees' Fiber Farm.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown lambs

2010-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is Lilly with her twins! Born 3/16/10. They are both so cute. I would say identical except one is a ram lamb and the other is a ewe lamb. They are so friendly. Hopefully with 11 more ewes due I can keep them that way. They love to come over and sniff out what I'm doing. Too cute!. These twins were 3 pounds and 3 1/2 pounds.
This is Carmen with her twins born 3/18/10. Again a ewe and a ram. The ram lamb, is white, and is the biggest lamb I have had at 6 pounds. The ewe lamb, who is cream with brown spots, is about 3 1/2 pounds and born first. This is Carmen's 4th set of twins and she is the best mom!

Need to get a picture of Bailey's lamb born this am, weighing in at 2 lbs. So tiny, but healthy! Bailey's mom was Kluer. So what do I name her?

I have a knitting/fiber group that meets here Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm. So I'll have to show the ladies the new lambs. Hope they wear boots.

2010-03-24T11:46:00.003-07:00

2010-03-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

Knitting Group at Spinnakees' Farm in Augusta, Maine

2010-01-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

This is Oliver during the end of the last snowstorm. He needed some exercise and kept hopping over to the "Babydoll" sheep and my one Romney "Emily" on the right.

Our knitting group is called "Knitting Babes" and is for all of us who need a night out to share ideas and companionship!

We meet Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm except on Holidays. Call Betty at 622-5343, if you are interested in joining us each week or once a month. I'm hoping we will start work on a "Knitted Babe" next month. I am working on a chocolate doll right now and will post when she is done.

Two wonderful ladies now attend, Blanche and Lois. I really enjoy their friendship. We have been sharing knitting projects, patterns and "snacks". I've found I have to get back on my Nordic Track!

This coming week these ladies want to work on a rug hooked pin project. I have put together a kit for $14. This kit includes hand painted yarn, canvan to hook into, a tiny frame, a rug hook, pin, thread and wool backing. We should all walk away with a pin to wear home.

Last week we made scruni's. The ladies made them for family members. What do you think of these pony tail holders? Cute! Crocheted with a simple chain of 8 with yarn from my shop!

Newfoundland Angora Stuffed Mittens

2009-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

I just started a pair of Angora stuffed mittens and hope to have one finished tomorrow using Maine wool that I dyed in my crockpot. My mission is to type out a pattern given to me by my mother Margaret Rickett, formerly Margaret Slade of St. Anthony, NFLD. One of her chores was to knit mittens and socks for her family. She finally told me I'm knitting correctly. You know when you are a teen their is a certain rebellion going on and mine was trying to change her pattern to make it better? So in the end I found her method is still the best. It only took me 35 years to discover this. Wish me luck in preparing this mitten for a kit to sell at Artistree this November 27, 28 & 29. This kit will include a skein of yarn, pattern and 1/2 oz of Angora to use as stuffing. Let's see if I can finish at least one mitten to add to my blog tomorrow!

"Miniature Angoras" - Jersey Woolies

2009-11-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

Want to see some cute bunnies? Check out my newest additions. I have 2 blacks ( 1 male and 1 female) from the first litter and they are ready for new homes - have to do nails today. I also have another gray litter - different shades of gray and a mini-mini one that is so cute! These cuties are perfect alone or with a litter mate. At 8 weeks seperate males and females as they breed early.

Artistree is a wonderful show that is coming up November 27, 28 & 29. My daughter, Jessie, is hoping to have more puppets ready for this show. Mary Rose saw Jessie's puppets at Common Ground in my booth and she went wild over them. She started taking pictures and asking to use them in a news article to, hopefully, be put in the Bangor Daily News. Maybe soon we will all see Jessie's Fiber art in this wonderful newspaper. She also wanted this article ready before Artistree to promote Jessie's work. Maybe local newspapers in Augusta would be interested? Hum. Jessie has a special talent where she sees something and can redo it with fiber and make it her own.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns - twins

2009-05-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is Bertha with her small twin ram lambs. I had to supplement the little black one a couple of feedings. They are both running all over the place now. It is amazing how quickly they grow. So far we have 5 ram lambs and 2 ewe lambs.

Doesn't Armaretta have a cute head. I'll have to take pictures again soon as she is really pulling together nicely. I hope to video tape all the lambs in action tomorrow. They all run around as soon as I let them out of their night quarters. Too cute!

This is Bailey with her little white faced ewe lamb. Her grandmother was Kluer and both Mother and daughter look like her. She should be called "Armaretta". She is really layed back lamb.

Here is "Black Beauty" again. It's funny, but the little ram lambs were picking on her today and she just tolerated them. She is just starting to nibble grain. She is a mommy's girl. I'm going to hate docking this tail. Very nice sturdy lamb.

This is Aida with her beautiful black ewe lamb. I don't think I have ever seen such a beautiful black ewe. I'm nick naming her "Black Beauty". Aida herself is one of the prettiest ewes that I have. Having lambs takes alot out of them. Today I couldn't believe how good she was looking compared to this earlier taken picture.

This is Hazel with her son, Hercules. He is a keeper. He reminds me of his dad, Roy Orb. Nice compact body, cute face, nice and square and rugged.

Carmen a few days before the twins were born! Last year she had black twin ewe lambs!

Carmen had these 2 beautiful big ram lambs (meaning big for Babydolls). Where is your scale when you need it. Both are spotted with darker legs and heads. Too sweet for words. Mom is wonderful! Again no help from me and this is her 4th set of twins. All I had to do was provide fresh water, hay and iodine for the imbilical cord! Too easy. They were very eager to nurse.

June 6 and 7th is Fiber Frolic. If you attend, please visit me at booth space 87 in the Dairy Cattle Barn. I hope to bring the older twins with me. I plan on clipping one of my German Angora Rabbits "Olga" at this event and I'm hoping she will pass the confirmation and oz of wool needed to become a registered German Angora. We have a judge that will be attending to determine this. Olga is looking really good right now. Wish me luck.

I also have cute needle felted items and "Designer Yarns" made from my critters fiber at Kennebec River Artisans in Hallowell, Maine.

Rug Hooking Sisters at my Farm, Midlighta, IAGARB, Sheep/Goat Hay/Grain Feeder

2009-03-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is a recent picture of my rug hooking group "Rug Hooking Sisters" on a foggy day. We share stories, good food and hook most Mondays. This is a day we all look forward to for many reasons. This was a small group because my road is so muddy this time of the year. Thank you ladies for coming. Some of these pictures may be seen in www.woolstreetjournal.com. Wool Street Journal is the only primitive rug hooking magazine in the United States. One of our group, Julienne S, www.juliennes.com, was recently in this wonderul magazine. Look for Paula B. with her own primitive designs next month. See Vicki and Vivian pointing to her rug in the middle? Too funny! So much talent!

This is Midlighta my Colored Angora Goat. One day Midlighta decided to marry Midnight. She used her "Wearable Art" to entice him into marriage. Their offspring can be seen at Spinnakees' Farm or viewed at www.spinnakeesfarm.com. She is now located at Kennebec River Artisans, 130 Water Street, Hallowell, Maine again she is showing off her Wearable Art at this unique shop of Maine Artisans.

March 7, we had a shearing party at Sherri C.'s beautiful new log cabin. We hope to register these same rabbits at Fiber Frolic, June 6, 2009 thru IAGARB (International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders). To be registered these rabbits have to have about 11.5 oz of Angora in 90 days.

This is a picture of 2 Corriedale Ewes I recently purchased from K. Plummer/B. Yost. Thank you! These big girls are so gentle and love their grain treats. Aren't they cute!

Here is a picture of my husband, Smokey, and our son, William. You have got to love them. I call this quality time? This is the beginning of a hay/grain feeder.

I now have 20 sheep and 4 goats to feed. This building is 8' long and, when done, will feed them on both sides and give them shelter while eating. I'll beable to walk inside and put either grain or hay into openings on both sides. Will send pictures, if all works out as planned. My old Premier instructions are where I got this idea.

Marion's Rug Hooking Studio, Brunswick, Maine

2009-03-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

Last week the Rug Hooking Sisters took a trip to Brunswick to check out this wonderful rug hooking Studio. As you can see she has ample space to show you her wonderful wool selection. We were able to choose wool to start and in many cases add to rugs we have been working on. One of our newer members went back to Marion's and took a private lesson from her. After working patiently with all of us - me included - taking so many pictures - we had tea!! Too much fun.

Marion's e-mail is: merryoneb@aol.com

Fiber Maine-ia Event February 1, 2009, 6 to 8 pm at www.spinnakeesfarm.com

2009-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2009 our barn & sheep during the snow storm. What a beautiful storm!

January 19, 2009, Bill feeding our sheep.

Hermonie and Midnight eating.

January 25, 2009 feeding sheep on pathway up to our barn.

February 1, 2009, 6 to 8 pm, Beginner or Wannabee spinners/knitters are invited to bring your spinning wheel or knitting to Spinnakees Farm. We will have a demonstration of partially, clipping a German Angora Rabbit, spinning its fiber and providing kits ($20) for you to try yourself. We are hoping to also have a demo on Continental Knitting and needle felting.

We are planning another meeting for Beginners February 8 same time and an advanced group February 15 with a demo of double drafting and another partial clip of one of my German Angora Rabbits. I'd like to see what kind of interest there is in the Gentle Giants and share a fact sheet and a simple knitted Mobias Angora/Wool headband pattern as part of my kit, which will also include a wool/mohair blend of roving, Angora Roving and raw Angora. I have the yarn spun, which is one strand Angora and one strand wool/mohair and hope to have the headband completed by Sunday to show what it looks like. Hope you can make it! My number is listed on www.spinnakeesfarm.com. Betty

German Angora Rabbit Clipped 8 oz fiber

2009-01-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Charlie my German Angora Rabbit. Charlie gave me 8 oz of prime fiber. I now have 11 German Angora Rabbits. Each rabbit gives me from 8 to 12 oz of fiber every 3 months! This is so hard to imagine. I have been practicing double drafting, which was in a previous article of Spin-off magazine. Once you get the hang of it you don't want to stop. It is an easy way to spin almost any short fiber staple. I would like to invite some of you ladies to join me here at my home to spin/knit February 1 at 6 pm. It doesn't matter if you are just a beginner or a pro. Come have coffee, bring something to share (food is always welcome). I have roving to purchase, if you would like to try something different? Or just come and have fun. I have recently had 2 new spinners, Charlotte and Cassy come to my farm and would love to see them join us. I use to belong to a spinning group that seemed to disappear after about 7 years. I now belong to a rug hooking group that is "wonderful", as we have all become friends. So plan on coming and bring any new or old projects you would like to share with the group - nice way to learn. My newest project is Angora lined mittens - too easy!

Cameo sleeping and waking up with my Angora lined mittens decorating her! She is a wonderful retired Keeshond. I have another retired Kees, Ruffian, Cameo's mom, and hopefully when the economy recovers my other Kees, Isabelle, Cameo's daughter, will have a litter. These are wonderful family pets and their double coat are fun to spin. Wish I had time to spin it. My friend, Shirley Lizzotte, spins it and other dog hair into wonderful hats, socks and purses. So neat Shirley and she takes orders. Dog hair is one of the easiest fibers to spin. Hence when it came to naming my farm it had to be Spin na kees'.

Check out the Maine Agricultural Trade Fair in Augusta 1/13-15/09. Lot of great classes.

German Angora Rabbits

2008-12-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Penelope & Sweetpea

2008-08-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Penelope was given back to us (thank you Martha) and we bred her with Figaro. Her dad was Roy Orb our first stud muffin. I bred her very late and figured she was not bred. Then she started to form an udder about a week before the date I wrote on my calendar that she could possibly have a lamb. We started checking on Penelope every 4 hours the day before her due date. She seperated from her buddy, Unise (is she bred also? No lamb yet and no udder). Penelope kept hanging next to the barn wall and in the old goat barn. Around 4 am on the 19th I asked my husband, Bill, to check on her. He came back and said you have a lamb. She had delivered all by herself, which is wonderful as Babydolls have large triangular heads!! Her lamb, Sweetpea, is very tiny and black, which are both good things for Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns. We plan on showing them both off at the Common Ground Fair, September 19, 20 and 21.

So much has been happening here! Monika brought her mother and sister to learn how to spin. She shared some of her sheep's wonderful fleece. On her second visit she showed me her spining she did on a drop spindle. She shared her blog with me. I gave Monika a colored Angora goat, Hermonie, and she put a picture of her on her blog. We made an arrangement so and I get 2 doe kids in return, and we use my stud, Midnight. Talk about beautiful fiber (both doe & buck - thick and soft and tri colored, Buck has a very, very thick fleece, check out Monika's blog http://www.wildermirth.blogspot.com/. Monika is a wonderful writer and she shared a story about her partner, Joe, who tried to save a couple of chicks and I almost cried. All we can do is try!

Champion Masada Spinnakees' Cameo had a litter of Keeshonden May 2. Our last Kees is going to Carol's August 5th. Thank you so much Carol. I know he will have a wonderful home. I had them all sold when they were born and a lady couldn't care for this boy and Carol came to the rescue. I'll share a picture of him and you'll find it hard not to want one of these babies.

When done I'd like to share pictures of a chicken I am rug hooking with yarn and making into a pillow. My next project will be a rug hooked American Flag I'll attach to a footstool. I am also working on a mobias Wrap. The yarn is from my "Babydoll sheep, Angora goats and Angora rabbits and spun by Diane Knowles in Otisfield. It is so soft, warm and strong. So much to do and so little time. Thank you God for giving me the talent to make so many fun things.

This is Woody, my newest ram. What a fleece - downy, soft, white! I have some being processed into roving at Friends and Folly Farm. They can process anything, if it is clean. I know this for a fact. I've had the vet do some testing for me. I had CAE tested on all my goats "negative", and OPP tested on my sheep "negative", and CL on my buck "negative". Makes me feel good to sell healthy animals. I also bought a microscope and am doing fecals. That is a job and a 1/2!! So far so good. Would like to work with someone to get their opinion on identifying parisites.

Off to feed my animals and my human family.

Halcyon Locker Hooking Class Pictures Continued

2008-04-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Great lighting!

Hard working class!

Lots of energy and new ideas! Thank you all for attending!

Locker Hooked Sheep Bag class at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine 4/19/08

2008-04-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful group of ladies attended my Locker Hooking class at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine, April 12, 2008. Locker hooking is so much fun and easy. Following are pictures I took of our class.

Goat Feet - OPP and CAE Testing

2008-02-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Angora goats are wonderful fiber producers. I love blending their fiber with my shorter Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown sheep and German angora rabbits. I have been busy clipping feet. This should be done monthly and is a check to make sure they are healthy. I have been using a drop of LA 200 between the hooves as a preventative to any hoof rot. Tomorrow my vet Tammy is coming to give Rabie shots and test for OPP and CAE. I am a little nervious about this, but would rather be sure my animals are healthy. I already have them enrolled in the Scrapie Program so why not go a little further. I figure it will also be another good selling point and you don't want to sell any animal that is not healthy.

I'm off to Newport this weekend for the yearly spin-in. A lot of spinners go to this event to see old friends, share new ideas and just have fun. I'm hoping to sell alot of my fiber. I'm trying to create the softest, strongest and warmest yarn.

I offer beginer spinning lessons - using a spindle or a spinning wheel with the purchase of 5 oz of roving. I have some really nice blends that spin up easily. My friend Kelly at Romney Ridge Farm showed me how to update my website: www.spinnakeesfarm.com. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Now I'm off to spinning up samples of my roving I wish to sell into little skeins of yarn. Wish me luck!

Winter - Goat Feeder

2008-01-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is Bette Boop, my colored Angora Goat. She is in my goat feeder so she can eat in peace without the bigger does picking on her. The funny thing is, is that this is suppose to protect the feed from the goats. The little ones go under it and the bigger ones can get in it or pull the hay out of the top. The bottom part is suppose to hold grain or spilled hay. When it gets soiled they don't touch it. So - - - Bill has promised to build a frame around it and make a shelter over it. Maybe this spring or if I'm lucky in a week or so. Will add to his to do list.

Lilly, Hybrid Angora Rabbit (1/2 Satin, 1/2 German)

2008-01-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

Lilly is my "old lady" and had a hair cut 2 days ago. She will live in my house until her hair is at least 1 1/2 inches long and we have some warm days. She gave me 4 oz in 3 months and it is a beautiful off white color with brownish tips. The cuffs of the knitting needles are the beginning of a pair of socks. I am using yarn I had spun at Green Mountain Spinnery. It is a blend of wool 60% and Mohair 40%. I am using tuffs of Angora around the top, strips and for the toes and heels of this pair of socks. I am hoping to keep this pair of socks and testing them to see how they hold up. The wool gives me the elasticity, Angora Warmth and the Mohair is for strength.

Shearing Table and The History of Doctor Wango Tango out of an old children's book

2007-09-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

My husband, Bill, built me this shearing table to shear my goats. In Canada small flock owners have been using this devise for a few years. Can't wait to try it. Hopefully tomorrow if the weather is warm. Will try and attach a picture of the goat attached to the table.

This is a needle felted doll I created of Doctor Wango Tango. You can see the begining of his horse Sam. The horse is finished to the left and under the tree. I have made the frame of his cat "Mouser", dog "Towser" and his tame black crow.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns

2007-08-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Bailey is a ewe lamb born from Kluer one of my nicest Ewes I purchased from Dorla in New Jersey at High Rock Farm. Ursala is a ewe lambs whose mother is Carmen. Carmen had a beautiful set of twins and her wethered lamb is at his new home with Lois and Russell. Carmen twined last year also. All 4 of my lambs were cream with cinnamon stockings and heads when they were born this April. Ursala still has a dark head and socks. I usually have either black or white lambs and you don't usually see this combination of cream and cinnamon. Stranger yet is that I used 2 different rams: Figaro and Roy Orb. Both of the lambs have long bodies, which should produce twins in a couple of years. These ewe lambs are for sale. They are both friendly lambs and love to be hand fed. I plan on taking them with me to Olde Bristol Days at Fort William Henry, August 11 & 12, from 9 am to 4 pm. I will be set up with yarn, roving, mohair, kits, etc. in the Children's area. I had a great time last year selling items I made from my farm animals.

Colored Angora Goats & White Angora doe and twins

2007-07-18T18:26:00.001-07:00

This is Petunia with her twin 4th of July kids! They were the smallest kids born on our farm and are growing nicely. Petunia didn't quite know what to think of these 2, but has grown into a wonderful caring mom. They cry and she runs. I love to pick them up and feel them melt in my arms. Too sweet!

This is a new black buck I purchased from Julie. The white doe behind him is the mom of my blond doe kid.

This is the Blond Kid doe. Her fiber is very silky and thick. I have been working on taming them. They come within a foot of me now. I have picked up the above black buck and the red buck pictured next.

This is my new red buck kid. Not as dark as Bette Boop, but wonderful confirmation and light red coloring. He is very handsome. I have to decide which buck I am going to keep as a buck and which one I should wether. It will be a hard decision!

This is a head shot of my red buck kid with blue eyes.

Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns

2007-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you for giving Amos and Andy a new home. Babydoll Southdowns are the best sheep around with their docile nature and cute little faces. Good luck with your new additions. Betty

Colored Angora Goats from Kelly Corner Farm

2007-07-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you Julie Patterson from Kelly Corner Farm in New Hampshire for the 6 beautiful additions to my farm. The buck Julie is holding is a handsome black buck with gold tips. His coat is thick and silky. He has a wonderful strong personallity and a rich color that can only improve my flock. I hope, if the sun comes out brightly tomorrow to add more pictures of my new additions.

Maine Open Farms Days will be held at my farm. My Olde English "Babydolls", Colored/White Angora Goats and German Angora Rabbits will be within walking distance. My friends and myself will be demonstrating: Spinning, Crocheting, Rug Hooking, Needle Felting, Locker Hooking, Solar Dyeing and Rug Braiding.

This will also be the Grand Opening of our Yarn Shop! Come and check out our fiber projects, yarns and roving. Directions to Spinnakees' Farm: Take Route 105 out of Augusta 5 - 6 miles (follow yellow signs on the right), take a left onto the Tasker Road and go to the end. Park at the beginning of the driveway to the right so others can drive to the left when they leave. Bring a lawn chair a project to work on and join us for the day!

2007-05-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is Carmen who had a ewe lamb and a ram lamb April 27! We usually have black or white lambs and this year we had 4 white lambs with brown faces and legs and we used 2 different rams that are not related! Carmen was bred with Figaro.

May 5, Carmen and her beautiful babies.

This is Ester with her new born ram lamb also born April 27. He was a big boy compared to his mom. He has a beautiful body and would make a wonderful breeding ram - compact body, nice head. Ester was bred with Roy Orb.

May 5, Ester and her ram lamb. Isn't he handsome?

This is Kluer with here new born ewe lamb, born May 1, who was coated with this yellow fluid, which my vet said was due to the ewe and lamb being stressed during the birthing process. Both are doing wonderfully and I no longer have a yellow lamb, but a white one with the brown head and socks. Kluer was bred with Figaro.

May 5, Kluer's little fat ewe lamb. What a difference without the yellow!

Needle Felted Wool Tea Cozy

2007-03-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

This Tea Cozy idea was taken from "Historic Floral and Animal Designs for Embroiderers and Craftsmen". It was fun using fibers from my animals and creating this fun item. I felted this item at Alfred at a Hooking Retreat. I think I was the only lady needle felting. A fellow rug hooker, Lisa, paid me a compliment by purchasing this item from me. Thanks Lisa! The best part of this project was creating a primitive cozy and not worrying about if it looks right. The fiber when needle felted seems to take a life of its own. Try it sometime!

Magic Friends out of "Knitter's Stash", Primitive wool rabbit and cat and pattern to be done in Locker Hooking from wool roving

2007-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

The Primitive rabbit and cat are done in wool cloth and stuffed with wool scrapes. The whiskers are mohair or Angora with Angora/Mohair tuffs in the cats ears. A cat similiar to this one was lent to me from my good friend Nancy and her friend Brenda gave it to her for Christmas.

The yarn above is being used to make a cat (the picture shows the 2 legs on my options needles) out of a pattern from the book: Knitter's Stash. I am using homespun yarn from my agouti (color of a wild bunny) Angora rabbit, and the red yarn is a stran of wool/Mohair/Angora to give it a touch of color. I'll take a picture of the completed cat and post it when done - hopefully in a day or so. In the background is the pattern of an Angora Goat I plan on locker hooking.

Wool Jacket with Rug Hooked Flower and Angora Yarn Blanket Stitched around Cuffs

2007-01-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

I purchased a red wool jacket at a local thrift shop and then rug hooked a pretty wool/Mohair/Angora flower on the lapel and blanket stitched in Angora yarn around the cuffs. What fun to use your imagination in creating a one of a kind item that can be used often! Tomorrow I plan on needle felting items above the blanket stitching. Another easy technique. Let me know what you think.

Homespun Slippas

2007-01-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Slippers are made from the following 3 farm animals: Emma, Opal and Eva. Check them out below. I would love feed back on these slippers. Do they last longer than regular wool yarn slippers? It is said Mohair is as strong as wire per diameter, Angora is 6 times warmer than wool and then you have wool that has memory. These slippers weight about 6 oz and start out large and can be felted to a medium with one wash or two washes and smaller the more you machine wash them.

To order a pair in white or color you like using Cushing dye check out my website: www.spinnakeesfarm.com . Remember I crock pot dye so colors will vary and will probably be splotchey (gives them character!). Price will be $45 and that includes shipping.

If you visit my farm in Augusta to buy them, I'll take 20% off all you buy!!

5% Angora Rabbit Fiber in Slippers "Emma"

30% Wool: My fiber animals

65% Mohair - "Eva"

Buck/Rams' Shed - occupied 1/1/2007

2007-01-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

1/1/07 My husband, Bill, finished my Buck/Rams' Shed. This shed was built to keep us safe, provide shelter, and an exercise area for my 3 studs. This shed has made my job a lot easier. I can feed, and water the boys in one area. This shed area will also help when we breed our girls again as there is ample room for breeding and the boys won't have to work to hard. We plan on putting them back in their pastures when spring comes.

11/25/06 my husband started this "new" project to make my job easier. My son, Andrew, shown in front of my husband put in 2 good days of hard work.

11/30 - This is my husband putting metal roofing on my shed.

12/24 - Bill attached pig panels to posts he secured in the ground to make a safe area for them to exercise in.

Here are my 3 boys in their new pens. Great shelter and exercise areas.

The girls like to follow me around and check out what is going on with the boys.

Emma - German Angora Rabbit

2006-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

Emma is a sweet German Angora rabbit. She had 4 kits July 4 of this year. I have one male left for sale. Emma produces 8 to 9 ounces of fiber every 3 months. I clipped her belly yesterday by laying her on her back on top of my legs. She hardly moved, which is really nice when scissor cutting a coat as thick as hers.

This is Emma again with a months worth of coat and her new kits. They are so cute and fast.

This is Emma's fiber and a pair of "Angora Bed Slippers". Angora is 6 times warmer than wool!

This is a picture of roving, 80% Babydoll Southdown (sheep wool) and 20 % German Angora. I plan on spinning this roving into a 2 ply and making a scarf. What I like about Babydoll Southdown is the downy soft feel (no itch) and with Angora added you get softness and warmth.

Farm Animals

2006-11-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Spinnakees' Farm is located on Togus Pond in Augusta, ME and run by Betty, Bill and 3 active boys (Andrew, Daniel and Stephen). We have had our farm for about 25 years. We raise Registered Angora goats and colored Angora goats, Pedigreed German Angora rabbits and Hybrid rabbits, Registered Olde Babydoll Southdown sheep and a Registered Cormo sheep, and Keeshonden (Non-Sporting Breed originating in Holland as Barge Dogs). Weekly (Tuesday will be my goal) I would like to share something about my wonderful animals, projects and shows I will be attending to help promote and pay for my amazing animals.

Bette Boop is a colored Angora Goat. She has a sweet aloof personality. Her first years fleece is her kid fleece. I hand sheared her in August and got a beautiful, crimped, soft, fine fleece. I have made one lace scarf and I have also used it in some of my needle felting. I am afraid of wasting it, but I want to share it too.

This is the lace scarf I made with her fiber. Can you see the luster?

The blue flowered bag has tendrils of Bette Boops' fiber needle felted into it to give it interest.

I will demonstrate how I needle felt these bags. Kits and materials available at Annual Harbor Lights Show, December 2 at the Boothbay Harbor Fire Station. Will also give a free spinning lesson with purchase of one ball of roving (If not busy at the show, 20 minute lesson or 1 hour at my home)!