Maple syrup

Well the sap is flowing in SE Ohio so Winter is finally losing its' hold and Spring is just around the corner. We have already boiled 3 gallons of syrup down and this weekend looks like good sap weather. Sugar sand settles on the bottom of each jar even though we strain it through cheese cloth. I am sure this is just mineral deposits so I will probably just put it in some water and drink it. Did I mention it is wonderful on pancakes, cornbread, anything!

Stewing hens

Yes, those are featherless chickens. I am butchering my old hens(1 1/2 - 2 year olds) to get ready for a straight run of Delaware chicks this spring. I love to make a good stock from these chickens and Sally Fallon has a good one in her book. I scald my birds at a 160 degree temp and all those feathers  pull right out. Contrary to what most people think the skin is very nutritious when used in a stock pot.

Double Weave

With the winter settled in I have decided to learn double weave from Jean Scorgies' Weavers Craft. All is going well and is fairly simple to understand. Most of the yarn is store purchased except for the rust, dark green and peach which is a mill spun from my sheeps wool, dyed with natural dyes.  I just got a custom order for 7 hand woven rugs, one of which is 12ft. long. Guess what I'll be doing for the next few months. This also means a trip to Amish country to a wholesale fabric warehouse to pick out fabric, and to visit every trift store on my way. Poor me!

Christmas Festival

Tomorrow is the Woodsfield Christmas Festival and I've been busy finishing up items for sale, like this knitted Star garland. I've been weaving towels and knitting gloves and  all kinds of warm things. It is a fun time to see people I don't see often and get in the Christmas Spirit. My kids all want money so my shopping is done, or the biggest part. Might as well relax and enjoy the Season.

Harvesting fall dye plants

 Madder Root

Madder plant

 This past weekend was so nice, I took the opportunity to gather the last of the dye plants. First I cut all my woad which I used to try a new dye method using a low PH to extract the dye in room Temp water. Then proceeded to the original recipe using washing soda to raise PH and Spectralite to remove all air in the dye bath and got a very light blue on braided roving.  ( Bottom pictures). There wasn't much dye in the plants probably from being frosted on. Next I cut all my weld that was left in the garden which I hadn't dried earlier. The last dye to gather was madder, which needs to be dug. The roots were 4 years old and very nice. All dye plants and roots will be dried to use this winter and to sell at fiber shows.

 Weld Plant

 

 Woad

 Woad Dye Bath

 Woad Dyed Roving

                                 

Cover Crops

This time of year is the right time for planting cover crops in our gardens and fields. Now that the major vegetables have been harvested from the garden the bare ground has been sown with winter rye. It not only protects the ground but is a valuable source of natural fertilizer. When turned over in the spring it will add a small amount of nitrogen to the soil but as it is growing it will pull important minerals to the layer of soil that is used for growing.  Among one is potassium. On the PH scale potassium is very alkaline sweetening the soil naturally. In the foreground are Lincoln peas then turnips and the winter rye. So work up some soil and plant a cover crop.

Ram 121

   

This is our new BFL ram #121. We purchased him from Anne and Gordon Bisdorf. This fellow is long and wide throughout. Good bone and fleece and that awesome head. After a little time to himself ( I thought he would come over the top of the pen), we turned him in with the shetlands and they now do not have a moment of peace. It is a good thing he is in very good condition because he is in love with all of them. After a few days of thought I will give him a name, I just want to get to know him better. Thanks Anne and Gordon.