tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40708077673305189502012-01-25T17:07:43.634-05:00Marr Haven Wool Farm is located in Allegan, Michigan USA. We are Barb and Gene Marr and this is our haven. Our Merino Rambouillet sheep provide the wool for yarn and fiber at our farm shop and on the website, <a href="http://marrhaven.com/">Marr Haven Wool Farm</a><blockquote></blockquote>Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.comBlogger1811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-63459872898689720782012-01-25T17:01:00.000-05:002012-01-25T17:07:43.644-05:00

On January 26, 1837, President Jackson signed a bill, officially making Michigan the nation's 26th state. That makes January 26th, 2012, our 175th anniversary. We are very happy to join the celebration organized by Buy Michigan Now   You can go to this website and find events happening around the state in support of the anniversary.  There is also a link to officially join the event on

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-19806047712356816612012-01-11T15:28:00.000-05:002012-01-11T15:28:13.418-05:00

The good news is...this is January 11 and we have only had one snowfall this year.  New Year's Day we received about 6 inches at the farm.  The rest of the days have been very mild temps, mostly daytime 40's, with sunshine.  This is Michigan, this weather has been most unusual and appreciated. The bad news, a winter storm is forecast to begin at noon tomorrow.  Since our first nuno felt scarf

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-10111278316239290322012-01-05T16:27:00.000-05:002012-01-05T16:27:38.287-05:00

This weekend I will be dyeing the silk gauze for next week's Nuno Felt Scarf Class. I'm thinking mostly pastels for the coming spring wardrobe. If you have a particular color you might like for your scarf background color, let me know and I will try to come up with it. This is also a reminder to me that I should have noted "Pre-registration needed" at least, helpful. I want to make sure I

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-29547138596803885322012-01-02T15:18:00.000-05:002012-01-02T15:18:09.336-05:00

Winter has arrived in southwest Michigan, the wind is blowing with probably 4 inches of snow on the ground. This is the time I like to have something to anticipate. With that in mind, two nuno felting scarf classes will be held at the PICKLE STREET SCHOOL STUDIO Thursday afternoon Jan.12 and Wed. Jan. 25. This is an example of a Nuno Felt Scarf. The Pickle Street School Studio is

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-42884871791679983582011-12-31T10:57:00.000-05:002011-12-31T10:57:07.938-05:00

Many of us who love working with fiber will spend the New Year's weekend planning for more projects in 2012. We certainly want to encourage more felting and spinning activity. We created 2 SPECIAL Merino Wool Batt with a very special price, only $16.50 for 8 ounces of fluffy soft fiber. The batts are a blend of natural white merino and dyed merino, the first with dyed green has a minute

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-15542344671396551652011-12-16T16:22:00.000-05:002011-12-16T16:22:48.810-05:00

With a little more than a week until the birthday of our Lord, plans are in place to celebrate with friends and family - near and far away. I have also been planning for the annual winter hibernation with felting and knitting. For knitting enthusiasts, hand dyed yarns like this skein just added to our website called Winter Woods, will help create those one of a kind warm woolen heirlooms.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-81223250851381035732011-12-06T15:22:00.001-05:002011-12-06T15:52:57.313-05:00

If you are a fan of entrelac designs or are looking for a knitting challenge for one of your winter projects, you will love the patterns designed by Suzanne Pufpaff. Suzanne has an excellent talent for combining pattern stitches and designs into truly wearable knitted art that will become an heirloom piece for you. She likes to use photos, schematics and charts as well as row by row direction

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-81151399613670116502011-11-29T16:47:00.001-05:002011-11-29T17:03:43.643-05:00

All the fibers are fully restocked with 2 new merino solid color additions, Lime and Dijon. Yes, more greens...I do like green. The 4 new multi colored merinos have such color nuances that was a challenge to photograph. Even more of a challenge to descibe in words so following are their pictures. Merino multi color Fernwood, rich earthtone shades of brown. Merino multi color Granite

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-89230087399967795662011-11-27T11:05:00.001-05:002011-11-27T11:18:03.009-05:00

A week ago I had the privilege to introduce these ladies to nuno felt.  I even remembered to get their scarves in the photo.  As said, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I needn't say more.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-21555036121262628322011-11-23T19:32:00.001-05:002011-11-23T20:17:39.476-05:00

I shared this photograph, titled God's Smile, awhile back .  It represents how I feel about our life and all the blessings we have.  We are thankful first for each other, as we have grown in experience, we have grown together.  For our families, most of them are on one coast or the other, still our relationships have deepened and are more meaningful than ever.  For our friends, since we don't

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-13260340454522806052011-11-15T17:08:00.001-05:002011-11-15T17:56:49.179-05:00

Reflexions Plus is one of the Specialty Shops in and around Allegan, they offer reflexology, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, hypnosis, auricular laser treatments, aromatherapy, yoga, and more.  Last night it was invaded by new felters learning to make Nuno Felt Scarves. We had a great time and the final scarves were outstanding.  Unfortunately, my talents do not include photography as

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-37160663715850827632011-10-21T11:58:00.002-04:002011-10-21T11:59:14.200-04:00

October is a gathering month; when you have trees all around your home, nearly every free minute is spent gathering leaves in the fall.  The summer's weather created a bumper crop of leaves, as well as walnuts, grass and other growing things.  This was good for many - our neighbor baled a late hay crop and the numerous varieties of great Michigan apples are in abundant supply so it is totally

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-21094519859915531012011-10-08T13:53:00.000-04:002011-10-08T13:53:13.591-04:00

This ensemble was made especially for Felt United 2011, the wool is from our merino rambouillet sheep with 25% kid mohair from a friend's angora goat, all blended and dyed at Zeilinger's of Frankenmuth, Michigan.  The dye colors are red and blue.  When overlaid in the felting process they create the 3rd color of this year's Felt United color scheme. The individual pieces will be shown on the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0772 39th St, Allegan, MI 49010, USA42.4736329 -85.925125942.4721689 -85.92759339999999 42.4750969 -85.9226584tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-58721645032097168442011-09-16T12:50:00.000-04:002011-09-16T12:50:37.705-04:00

You can plan on fall weather arriving during the Allegan County Fair.  The Fair opens the first Friday after Labor Day and lasts for 9 days.  This year, we had lovely weather for me - in the 70's until time for the big parade Tuesday eve, it dropped 20 degrees.  Still we wouldn't miss it. Tuesday before the hour long parade, I shared an Elephant Ear while walking around all the displays in the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-55530437348953194332011-09-02T17:26:00.000-04:002011-09-02T17:26:15.125-04:00

This year's colors for feltmakers all over the world are red, blue and purple. This photo is part of one of the pieces I have made for the event. Suzanne Higgs of Hooked On Felt from Plainwell and Suzanne Pufpaff of Pufpaff’s Fiber Processing from Nashville, both nationally known felt artists and instructors, will give demonstrations of felt making for the public. Felt art and wearable items

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-19025667472177205612011-08-14T18:03:00.000-04:002011-08-14T18:03:32.309-04:00

I am so in awe of Pam Hinshaw's latest knitting and must admit the 2 color stranded Latvian style pattern is a technique that astounds me. Especially when I read her notes on Ravelry, actually she used 3 different patterns and 2 technique resource books to achieve the uninterrupted design. The main pattern Pam used is by designer Meg Swansen, Giant Latvian Mitten Cardigan WG67. You can read

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-62169972390744851242011-08-01T13:43:00.000-04:002011-08-01T13:43:35.094-04:00

This is my first large scale specific design of cutwork, it reminded me of cutting steeks in knitting - more difficult mentally than physically. The colors are based on the 2011 Felt United theme of red, purple and blue. The blended red/purples are hand dyed Marr Haven roving which wrap around to a back side of silver blue/grey. The bag is 12 inches wide, 14 1/2 inches tall measured to the top

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-45186354831325313942011-07-28T16:01:00.000-04:002011-07-28T16:01:43.599-04:00

I found a way to beat the heat with wet felting, I enjoy the tactileness of felting anyway but cool wet hands in hot weather is very good. The bird pod shown here was done the very first of the month. My friend, Suzanne Higgs of Hooked on Felt gave me the beautiful locks to incorporate in a pod design. Felting it in July means it will be ready for next year's bird nesting. The main portion of

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-45972208761038980842011-07-06T21:16:00.000-04:002011-07-06T21:16:26.682-04:00

One of the great things about a small town is the opportunity to join in any and all celebrations. Our Specialty Shops group entered a float in the 4th of July parade and had a fun time tossing candy and riding around town. I am the one with the big hat at the end of the float. Each shop prepared something for the float to represent the type of business we have. I hand felted a sheep from

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-24072731930471656222011-06-20T12:56:00.003-04:002011-06-20T13:11:09.036-04:00

Somehow the wildlife know when hunting season is over and they show themselves around the woods. Lately, they have been closer than usual; like this turkey who is in the front yard about 15 feet from the front door. She finally moved to the side yard where she could sun herself. I had some great pics a week ago of two yearling does who walked all around the house then finally went to the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-28177097837303124822011-05-25T10:08:00.000-04:002011-05-25T10:08:31.757-04:00

I have a soft spot in my heart for cute little boys, probably because we have one - although he is all grown up now. When a customer emailed this picture to show what she knit with our Blue Heather sport yarn, I immediately asked if I could post it here. The sweater design is very pretty with cable patterns on the front and running up the center of the sleeves, truly an heirloom piece. The

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-26056628835133715652011-05-14T14:13:00.000-04:002011-05-14T14:13:03.859-04:00

This is a view taken from north of the shop door. The cloud like white showing through the new green leaves of the trees beyond the driveway is a very old "winter keeper" apple tree that has many more blooms than usual. In the fall the apples are as hard as rocks, we pick a couple of bushels to store in the tack room for the horses. The apples ripen after the first frost. The sheep will race

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-66572353856477720352011-05-06T11:51:00.000-04:002011-05-06T11:51:06.748-04:00

One big lapful of fresh roving. This is just one bag of wool roving that was processed for us at Pufpaff's Fiber Processing in Nashville, Michigan. After our wool is shorn and skirted, I deliver it to Suzanne Pufpaff''s mill where she washes it using organic soap. The water is heated using an outside, wood fired hot water boiler system fueled from trees on the family farm. The wool is then

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-82486437250112051952011-04-25T14:30:00.000-04:002011-04-25T14:30:51.512-04:00

We won't have a Maypole but we are celebrating Spring and the green that is now in our lawns, pasture and trees. The shop will be open Monday the 2nd from 10 am to 4 pm and of course the website will be open 24 hours both days for the sale price. Order online Sunday or Monday or visit the shop on Monday to get 4 oz. 210 yards worsted skeins for $7.65 each or a full pound of sport weight, 1,750

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-12585847942797077312011-04-23T12:47:00.004-04:002011-04-23T14:18:22.849-04:00

Lots of interesting information this week from our American Sheep Industry Association. How about a bright red Ferrari - made of wool. After traveling the world for the past five years, British artist Lauren Porter is seeking a permanent home for her knitted red Ferrari sports car.The Royal Wedding Merino Suit FinishedA suit made from wool donated by over 200 Australian woolgrowers to celebrate

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-89174088026828758352011-04-18T09:55:00.004-04:002011-04-18T10:06:48.336-04:00

Hanging their bright little heads, looks like the daffodils are not enjoying their blanket of snow. The violets are in full bloom but the snow is deep enough they can't show their pretty faces. Wonder what the snow peas think that were planted last week ?

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-36250306081188481212011-04-08T11:45:00.003-04:002011-04-08T12:00:38.076-04:00

Like everyone else, I am impatiently waiting for Spring. In the meantime, I tried to create my own with colors that matched my thoughts - or senses. I want to smell masses of fragrant violets and lilacs. Little grape hyacinths and regular hyacinths, all of these reminded me of Shades or Purple and/or Blue.Imperial Crown is one of the early bulbs in our yard, usually before daffodils, this year

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-43937278930310622362011-03-31T15:56:00.002-04:002011-03-31T16:11:15.858-04:00

Camp KIP is a first time knitting retreat that seems destined to succeed. Hopefully, for those of us who didn't get registered in time, it will become an annual event. The organizer is an energetic woman with a full time job, family and more than a full time love of knitting. She is known on Ravelry as PinkTiburon. If you are near St. Louis, Missouri you may know of the location, Cedar Creek

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-8053592547236548302011-03-30T14:38:00.004-04:002011-03-30T15:30:47.752-04:00

I just love showing what others have created. I had another great afternoon with Barb Bare and Sue Hale as they learned a different wet felting technique called Nuno Felt or Laminated Felt. Fine fibers are wet felted into, or through, an open weave fabric. Barb used solid color dyed merino fiber while Sue used a multi colored merino as her main fiber with solid color merino accents. The

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-61021968337523129752011-03-26T11:31:00.002-04:002011-03-26T11:48:21.867-04:00

Kris Allred has been needle felting for less than a year. Her very first pieces were so well done it was as if this fiber art was made for her. She began making miniature teddy bears, some as small as 2 inches high, but this fellow is a grande size. The dragon is 19" long, 9" tall at the back, and 14" tall at the top of the tail. The color work on his body is the Mystery Roving , a fine grade

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-3938320404835026482011-03-24T14:55:00.004-04:002011-03-24T15:37:24.452-04:00

The past few days I had the enjoyable and exciting task of preparing new fibers for felters and spinners. Enjoyable because who doesn't like putting their hands into a big ball of soft, fluffy merino wool. Exciting because even though I know what is coming, it is sometimes hard to determine from a picture or even the little tuft of actual fiber, exactly what the color will be. Several of the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-27946961799820431662011-03-18T12:00:00.003-04:002011-03-18T12:17:10.374-04:00

Allegan will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War with an event packed weekend April 15th through the 17th. One event hosted by Starry Night Studio & Gallery is the first West Michigan showing of artists associated with the Wounded Artists Project (WAP) Friday & Saturday, April 15th & 16th 10:00am-6:00pm with a reception on Saturday 6:00pm-8:00pm.The Wounded Artist Project (WAP)

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-67467889121568559552011-02-27T10:17:00.002-05:002011-02-27T10:25:46.449-05:00

Our weekly American Sheep Industry newsletter reported that Oaklands College in the United Kingdom has switched on its popular "lamb cam." Viewers will be able to share the joy of lambs being born at the Smallford campus. The live lamb camera is set up in the barn where the pregnant sheep are settled under the watchful eye of Oaklands College staff, who have to be on hand at all times of the day

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-44316207231915550072011-02-23T16:32:00.006-05:002011-02-23T17:21:22.940-05:00

Barbara Bare and Sue Hale, both from the South Haven area, came for a class to make wet felted mittens. Both are artists in other mediums and had felting experience so the class went quickly and smoothly. Unfortunately, the class went so quickly I forgot to take pictures of the ladies with their finished mitts before they left. Thankfully, Sue sent me a photo of her mittens to show the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-14861565604228667772011-02-08T11:38:00.003-05:002011-02-08T12:11:44.774-05:00

In September 2010, the first time in history, a tv show highlighted the strengths of the US sheep industry. It was aired on RFD-TV more than once since I didn't get to view it until January 2011. Members of the American Sheep Industry Association answered questions from people who called the show, in between great videos of different sheep breeders and their operations. The February 2011

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-35005032507497280282011-02-03T14:29:00.002-05:002011-02-03T14:53:58.956-05:00

This was a fun, yet challenging, project made specifically for the Starry Night Gallery's Valentine Reception Feb. 4 in Allegan. Part of the challenge was the size, the finished dimensions are 7 foot 2 inches long by 21 inches wide, which dictated layout and beginning felting was done on the floor. The lace fabric is synthetic, when I dyed it part of the lace design on one side stayed white

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-43150437769617261332011-01-25T16:13:00.003-05:002011-01-25T16:21:42.839-05:00

Reading about knitters cleaning out their yarn stash got me on a slightly different cleaning of stash, knitting magazines. I love to read them from cover to cover, sometimes the patterns are so enticing or remind me of one similar that I want to do. Sometimes it is just pure inspiration.But enough is enough, expecially when more will be coming. So I listed 19 lots of magazines on eBay, the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-32328105668241587982011-01-15T16:56:00.003-05:002011-01-15T17:23:45.220-05:00

Many of us like to add a little sparkle or shine to our projects. Several of my felted pieces have unspun silk added for that extra zing. Silk products have more than doubled in costs so I was looking for something similar but less costly. Tencel is a fiber that is less in cost; still high in the shine, adding the desired radiance.These samples are felted with Merino top, they played well

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-27032288587059374252011-01-07T13:03:00.004-05:002011-01-07T13:35:53.278-05:00

The beginning of the new year is fun when I can add new colors to felt or spin. Three new solid colors have been added; a rich deep purple called Eggplant,a vibrant orange brown called Nutmeg, and a natural colored merino called Medium Brown.Three new multi colored merinos have also been added: Perfect for spring, Sunflower. This is Mojave, reds ranging from a dark with shades of gold and

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-79591981156356770402010-12-30T14:47:00.006-05:002010-12-30T15:17:10.310-05:00

'Quick views' will make it much easier to find the items you want in the 30 pages of our website which include fibers for felting and spinning; plus the many felting tools and instructions . This menu page has needed a redo for quite some time since the list page had become so long, it was almost unmanageable. The quick views are small pictures like the one above for the multi-colored merino

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-72982388631794296312010-12-19T11:55:00.005-05:002010-12-19T12:14:34.296-05:00

Pam from Iowa visited the farm shop this summer and knit this great cardigan from our Green Heather Sport Wt. yarn.It is a true classic, the pattern is the EPS Raglan by Elizabeth Zimmerman. Not only is Pam's knitting wonderful, she gave a thorough and helpful explanation of the EZ and Meg Swansen's techniques in her Ravelry projects page. When you check the project page, you can click on the

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-79991473696524070552010-12-10T12:25:00.003-05:002010-12-10T12:37:31.058-05:00

Kris Allred, a customer from Hamilton Michigan, needle felted these miniature teddy bears to go to the Allegan Art Hop tonight. Each one is extremely well felted with movable legs and arms and glass bead eyes. Standing, they range in height from 5 to 7 inches.My favorite is the grey one in the front right cause he is made from our lambs wool roving which gives him an almost textured fur look.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-32647176813987426052010-12-04T12:17:00.004-05:002010-12-04T12:32:53.396-05:00

Naturally the colder months are particularly busy for anyone interested in wool. No matter if you are a sheep owner, fiber artist or just love to wear wool. Since I am all three, I LOVE the fall and winter months.This is one of the hats I made for the Dec. 10 Art Hop in Allegan. It is knit with 2 strands of Marr Haven Sport Weight so it has the density of worsted yarn but the stranding gives

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-63041043408304627012010-11-17T15:29:00.003-05:002010-11-17T15:42:24.844-05:00

Our shop is attached to the house, our Border Collies have always been trained not to go into the shop. They respected that rule. Then Minniecat adopted us, she has her own rules. Her preferred spot is the top of the yarn rack laying on whatever knitted piece is there. I have learned to keep some sort of obstacle there to keep her blonde hairs off the yarn, even gave her a special felted rug.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-51358106208630074962010-11-13T09:53:00.005-05:002010-11-13T10:13:35.634-05:00

Suzanne Pufpaff has a new pattern that will let you make 2 triangular shawls from a piece of silk gauze that would normally only make one shawl or 2 scarves. I really like the sheerness of nuno felt, it is so strong yet looks so fragile. The shawl I made above is the large size, it hangs well below my hips in the back. The red one is the "small" size, both from the same piece of fabric. Both

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-73144893733220556422010-11-11T10:29:00.003-05:002010-11-11T10:38:11.265-05:00

We are enjoying a beautiful, warm fall day thanks to the veterans and those now serving to preserve our wonderful life in the United States of America. The price they were and are willing to pay, many did, is awesome to me. I thank them mightily and hope wherever they are, they know they are appreciated.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-46513442753131743342010-11-04T17:54:00.005-04:002010-11-04T18:07:59.994-04:00

This is the time of year for us to restock our fiber inventory, all the merino solid colors are in good supply with 3 new colors added. The new colors will become standard replacements, for example: Pink will eventually replace Petal Pink. Gold will replace the old Gold and Burnt Orange will replace Pumpkin Orange. The colors that will be replaced are still available in the shop or online but

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-1308953881968818312010-10-23T12:24:00.005-04:002010-10-23T12:49:45.633-04:00

This is the Mystery Roving I mentioned last week. It is a mystery because each 2 ounce bag is a little different. The primary fiber is fine grade wool; merino, rambouillet and sheltand. Some of the wool is dyed, some natural white or natural colored, there may be alpaca, llama, mohair or other wools blended with the fine grade. The dyed wool is mostly various shades of green, there is a

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-61577286923478371192010-10-19T12:18:00.006-04:002010-10-19T12:35:47.793-04:00

Ting is a busy mother of a toddler and infant so I am sure her knitting time is limited, however she found time to knit this beautiful cardigan for herself . The pattern is designed by Meghan McFarlane and can be found on Ravelry. The yarn is our Light Grey worsted weight. Ting's choice of pattern and yarn color are timeless so she will be able to enjoy it for a long time. I appreciate her

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-81800419555333392862010-10-16T11:14:00.005-04:002010-10-17T18:53:16.577-04:00

Kazoo Yarnies have such fun KIP meetings, this was my second meeting with the group. This time instead of Knit In Public, we had Felt In Public as the picture shows. The organizer of the group, Beth, is a professional photographer who took several great pictures in a rather underlit restaurant setting. I made a cell phone/eyeglass case using merino top and brought a large bag of a special

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-7841097675303268202010-10-11T11:47:00.003-04:002010-10-11T11:55:47.110-04:00

Faith is not only a patient young lady but also a quick learner. She asked a few weeks ago if I would show her how to make a hat, she had to be patient since we had a couple of other things scheduled that were taking my time. She did a great job, making nice felt, choosing colors and design all on her own, she kept her Mother and I hopping to keep up.Holly's hat is really nice, too, but she

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-5395371520572802562010-10-05T11:54:00.005-04:002010-10-05T12:29:10.407-04:00

Felt United is past for this year. It was such fun to see other felt artists work and watch new people learn about felt, particularly if they fall in love with felt making. There are pictures of the event at the farm on our website or on Facebook. Here I will share one of the items that each of us submitted for the International Felt United website.The major piece I made for this year's event

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-31621376276253878392010-09-29T17:38:00.006-04:002010-09-29T18:04:55.797-04:00

There are many wonderful views of the Chroma Passage felt art exhibited by Janice Arnold at Grand Rapids ArtPrize. I have thoroughly enjoyed everyone's pictures yet I am sure all would agree, the work is so amazing it is impossible to capture the true beauty except in person. This view is at the far end of the passageway, Janice calls it the Petoskey Arch - note the formations of the piece in

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-84975772287601783892010-09-16T16:33:00.004-04:002010-09-16T16:49:59.663-04:00

Tomorrow, Friday the 17th, all knitting patterns are 25% off; then Saturday through the 24th all knitting needles and tools are 25% off. The final day, Sat. 25th, Marr Haven Yarn is 25% off.It always seems to me that as the fall days shorten in daylight, the clocks go faster. This year especially, we went from Fiber Festival to 25th Anniversary for the shop and already it is just 2 weeks away

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-79562151829424382262010-09-01T10:51:00.003-04:002010-09-01T11:00:05.939-04:00

September is the anniversary month of selling our merino rambouillet sheep's wool as yarn. We want to thank everyone for your business by having 25% Off Specials thoughout the month.Whether you have been a customer for many years or just recent we hope you will continue to let us serve you and will tell others about our soft wool yarn. Please click on the 25% Off Specials to see what you might

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-75153619548217472412010-08-25T01:07:00.003-04:002010-08-25T01:20:24.932-04:00

Our good friends, Karen and Manny from Illinois, come to MFF and usually bring guests who have not attended before. This is the group from this year, left to right:Abraham, Nissa, Stephanie, Karen, Jessie, Manny, Charles and Janet. We did have a good time even though it always seems rushed to get everything in.Special Note: Enjoyed meeting the new bridegroom, Charles. You make such a happy

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-31277764195187844532010-08-20T15:49:00.004-04:002010-08-20T16:04:17.375-04:00

Sharon Elzinga from Michigan came to the shop after her tour of Michigan Fiber Festival to get more Lambswool Roving. She showed me the family of Sock Monkeys she has started from the Lambswool Roving and I had to take a picture, they are so cute. I promised to mention that the female doesn't have all her stripes on her feet or mittens on her hands so she isn't quite finished, the 'baby' one

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-38053430959664912612010-08-14T12:57:00.007-04:002010-08-14T17:47:18.398-04:00

You may already do this but I have to admit, I hadn't thought of this great idea. Lisa of North Dakota is going to knit the Allegan Sweater in Clara Parkes book, The Knitter's Book of Wool. She found a hat pattern on Ravelry that uses the same Farrow Rib as does the sweater and used that pattern for her swatch.Cute hat design and now a useful swatch. It is knit in our Lilac Heather. Thanks

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-23894782879489137282010-08-13T10:46:00.003-04:002010-08-13T10:53:12.994-04:00

Like so much of the US, the heat and humidity has been almost unbearable this summer. Last night, neither of us even felt like eating but I knew we needed some fuel for our bodies so made up the dinner plates for us. My dear husband thought that was such a good idea, he took a picture - I am flattered.The 2nd cool part of the dinner is all but the cottage cheese and sesame crackers came from

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-13160546578167764482010-08-10T17:26:00.004-04:002010-08-10T19:48:23.534-04:00

Just installed a window display in the Starry Night Gallery with finished felt items made by Suzanne Higgs and myself. The Gallery is one of the 8 Specialty Shops of Allegan who are keeping their shops open late for Festival attendees. Six of the shops are downtown; Antiques Etc-3-D Beads (and new ice cream shop), Water Street Place Antiques, B & C Emporium, Baker Allegan Studio, Sharon's

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-51735806362169102272010-07-31T14:44:00.003-04:002010-07-31T15:22:09.094-04:00

All summer we have publicly watched the Gulf Shore fishermen worry about the loss of their lifestyle due to the oil spill. It is very painful even when we aren't a part of the tragedy. For an even longer period of time, ranchers in the western states have fought battles to save their lifestyles with little or no national coverage. Think of cowboys on horseback herding cattle and shepherds on

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-56403442604068249182010-07-09T14:52:00.002-04:002010-07-09T15:10:27.097-04:00

A few months ago I participated in an exchange with artists all over the world. It was inspiring just to visit all the different blogs, so many different mediums. There were prizes given by each, usually chosen by a random number generator. I was lucky enough to win more than one and have mentioned them in earlier blogs. I recently received the last prize gift, the beautiful pen shown above

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-75355969915805476822010-07-01T17:10:00.004-04:002010-07-01T17:24:23.121-04:00

Yesterday we baled the section of field that was dry, when done Gene parked the baler in the shade of an old honey locust tree. We went inside for a couple of hours and when we came out there seemed to be something sticking out of the baler tire. But closer inspection showed a cicada emerging from its shell. Scary looking up close like this.We scared him/her enough taking the picture then left

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-90558009098919736752010-06-25T16:16:00.003-04:002010-06-25T16:24:17.364-04:00

Sam the Ram is back!! He is really handsome with his aran patterned knit fleece, of course all of Sam is knitted and then stuffed. After several requests we now have the pattern booklet in stock. Just wanted to show him off to everyone . Sorry for the pun but sheep shows are in full swing now.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-86149661269088703642010-06-24T10:53:00.003-04:002010-06-24T11:00:07.636-04:00

A year ago two great friends brought a beautiful potted plant with one huge blue, almost purple, blossom. It usually is futile to try and plant them outside with our winters but I always have to try. This time it took, gloriously. I did use an acid fertilizer to make the blossoms blue but either too late or all the rain has washed the acid part away cause the blossoms seem to be all pink.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-89607609018907084502010-06-19T21:11:00.009-04:002010-06-19T21:36:44.383-04:00

Had a great time with the World Wide Knit In Public held today at Erebelli's in Kalamazoo. It was sponsored by Kazoo Yarnies with hostess Beth Pulsipher shown on the left talking to part of the group.Stitches in limbo.Studying that design.Showing how much fun we all had.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-89418545553331519802010-06-18T13:54:00.002-04:002010-06-18T14:27:33.483-04:00

Last week CoggieTM and LorrieU visited the farm, we had a great time talking about different things in the shop, saw the sheep in the field and laughed alot. CoggieTM has a podcast, The High Fiber Diet where she talks about knitting, crochet, spinning, dieting, food, family and fiber fun. Podcasts are not new, just to me. I don't have an MP3 or Iphone so had to listen on my computer.It was so

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-1549487398193857492010-06-15T17:04:00.003-04:002010-06-15T17:10:30.481-04:00

Stephanie Ruff of California sells hand dyed fiber/ yarn and handknit baby items. She sent me this photo of the darling baby sweater she knit from our Lilac Heather. I think her knitting is so well done and am certainly pleased that she chose our yarn to make this. Just had to share it.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-87576944350344972302010-06-12T21:22:00.003-04:002010-06-12T21:55:42.095-04:00

Two gals from Ravelry, KaRi, known as coggietm and Lorrie, known as lorrieu came to the shop, we had a great time and you will hear more about that later. KaRi's husband was deployed earlier this month and the knitting goddess took advantage of that information to arrange a serendipity event. I was delayed in sending the latest helmet liners to Texas...but KaRi is going to visit her husband

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-55265503961221343792010-06-04T11:32:00.004-04:002010-06-04T12:02:53.868-04:00

It is time to weigh and package this year's shearing for your spinning or felting creations. Our flock's fiber blend of merino and rambouillet breeds spins quickly for me even though I am definitely not a good spinner. I prefer to wet felt the fiber into thin, flowing fabric or sometimes with several layers make it heavier and hard enough for water to bead on the finished piece. Suzanne

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-52130715869589065982010-05-24T11:01:00.005-04:002010-05-24T11:17:23.309-04:00

The past week was perfect for the beginning of the 2010 vegetable garden at Marr Haven. The temps were in the 70's - not too hot to work, with a slight breeze to keep the no-see-ums away (little gnat type bugs that bite). We have many, big shade trees around the house which means the garden is at the edge of the sheep pasture to get full sun and that means, fences all around. This was the year

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-45325135037072752502010-05-15T13:48:00.005-04:002010-05-15T14:05:10.553-04:00

Yesterday Bill and Andy came from Illinois to learn about making a wet felted hat on a Hat Shaper. Good thing they are both so energetic because Suzanne did put them through some fast paces. They were so agreeable to try her technique that they didn't complain when we had our math problems designing a template for the resist, not even a grumble when we had to work extra hard for the brims to

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-67015282191582931592010-05-07T12:00:00.003-04:002010-05-07T12:16:19.126-04:00

The finished Kimono Cardigan is as perfect for spring as I hoped. It is knit with Marr Haven Green Heather sport wt, making it lightweight yet a warm coverup for the spring breezes. The pattern by Dovetail Designs says it is a great project for beginners and I agree; although the roll over collar was a new technique for me. It was easy but I couldn't picture it in the first read, I won't give

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-54561565616975822632010-05-01T08:56:00.004-04:002010-05-01T09:17:34.891-04:00

The Tulip Festival begins today in Holland Michigan, May 1 through the 8th. The festival website says, "it is a celebration of Dutch heritage and culture, a multi-generational event that has a little bit of something for everyone including; 3 amazing parades, multiple Dutch Dance performances, concerts, theatre, Dutch attractions, Dutch food, children’s events, trolley tours and so much more!"

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-88730594674113728732010-04-23T15:43:00.003-04:002010-04-23T16:03:24.947-04:00

Appropriate to the season...as early as it is. The tree leaves are not full size yet but about 2-3 weeks ahead of what is normal here. Even the lilacs are blooming, my husband's fishing buddy said that was a sign the fish were biting - wonder if they know the season is early.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-55599469080298097932010-04-22T11:26:00.005-04:002010-04-22T11:38:12.311-04:00

As a prayer shawl is knit, love and best wishes are knit into each stitch. That is how I knit this baby blanket and kimono. My friend, Ryna, had purchased the yarn to crochet a baby blanket for her first great grandchild who will be born in June. She lost her battle with cancer before she could make it. I was honored to complete this love gift for her.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-32639458332597060052010-04-20T18:02:00.003-04:002010-04-20T18:15:41.399-04:00

What a great Saturday, a surprise early birthday party for Karen and then she had a private feltmaking lesson with well known Hat Maker, Suzanne Higgs of Hooked on Felt.Karen looks a little surprised at the beauty she created, doesn't she. It wasn't even dry when the picture was taken, wait till the merino-silk dries and the colors will pop. She may do some embellishment on the twin pleats in

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-74055239342613306002010-04-07T15:53:00.003-04:002010-04-07T15:57:04.407-04:00

Just posted a video on our Facebook page of twin lambs born yesterday afternoon.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-87679766788055692782010-04-05T14:59:00.005-04:002010-04-05T15:11:21.236-04:00

Maybe Spring is here to stay. This warm weather seems to bring the instant gratification out in full bloom for me... maybe you, too. Great quick projects for summer is needle felting; it is portable, lightweight and easy - just poke, poke, poke. The foam forms for needle felted slippers and mittens will be half price for the rest of April. Directions are included with both, you just need

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-87900032342058668472010-03-31T09:33:00.003-04:002010-03-31T10:01:37.385-04:00

These fresh, bright tulips, a gift from my friend Jill, are just an indication of how great life is today. Yesterday the sun was bright, temperature almost 70 in the afternoon, after a frosty morning, and I had lunch with two good friends. I shopped Jill Turner's, Lady Peddler yarn and antique store, in Hastings for a birthday gift then she and I went to Sue Pufpaff's Fiber Mill.Sue baked a

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-48805710895010393472010-03-24T13:19:00.002-04:002010-03-24T13:29:03.813-04:00

Yesterday was shearing day at Marr Haven. This morning the sheep were enjoying the temperate March weather without their wool. I like to see them so bright white and thought maybe you would, too. With their wool on, you can't really see their body condition plus they really don't look 'white' then.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-69262603005991997262010-03-20T10:13:00.002-04:002010-03-20T10:23:48.778-04:00

The theme for National Ag Day is "American Agriculture: Abundant. Affordable. AMAZING."Ag Day was created to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives and to help others understand how food and fiber products are produced. It was also designed to help appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.Agriculture is very

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-24811429767494066912010-03-12T17:37:00.003-05:002010-03-12T17:48:45.686-05:00

This will get all those creative juices charged!! The 2010 issue of FIBERLINE MAGAZINE is in the shop.FIBERLINE is the official publication for the Michigan Fiber Festival with information on all the workshops (which begin August 18-22, 2010), the competitions and shows, as well as vendor information. The Festival dates are Aug. 21 and 22 at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Allegan, MI. You

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-44818765014933398962010-03-08T14:44:00.007-05:002010-03-08T16:28:47.488-05:00

This is Diane - from California. She and Karen from Illinois were here for the weekend. We just had to get her out in the snow. Diane began knitting about 6 months ago. She is a very quick study proven by the lovely ascots she knit for all of us in sport wt. It was a wonderful weekend, the day was sunny with no wind. The melting snow made it too muddy to be out walking around much so we

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-24969707412339791502010-03-05T10:35:00.003-05:002010-03-05T11:14:35.677-05:00

Here are the other projects finished for the Ravelympics 2010. The hand dyed merino & mohair hand felted hat won in the the 'Hat Half-Pipe' event and in 'Felting Freestyle' event. The hand dyed skeins each won a medal in the 'Downhill Dyeing' event. Now all can go into the shop to sell and hopefully make someone else as happy as I was making them.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-64401744248971370622010-02-25T13:28:00.004-05:002010-02-25T13:42:04.193-05:00

I have my first medal. Okay, it was an easy one - Aerial Unwind is the event for frogging a finished project or one in progress.I knit a Lazy Day Moebius with the limited Lambswool worsted weight and wanted to make it extra special since the yarn was a limited lot. However when I changed the pattern I wasn't pleased with the results. It came out as planned, wide enough to make a shawl collar;

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-37141517295519339032010-02-23T13:10:00.005-05:002010-02-23T13:56:34.869-05:00

I entered the Kimono Cardigan in WIPs-Dancing event hoping to get it finished. However, things and life keep getting in the way. (meaning I am not making enough progress to have it finished by the end of the Olympics.)Today as I was dyeing some yarn I realized I could enter the Downhill Dyeing event. Good news, now at least I have a chance of a project crossing the Finish Line. Have to look

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-87874488946920153672010-02-16T15:49:00.003-05:002010-02-16T16:06:15.877-05:00

This is part of my birthday present - Valentine, the ewe lamb.Another part of my gift is a camcorder so here is a video of Valentine (I hope). We did a condensed version so it would be easy for everyone to open (I hope). You can hear Gene in the background call the lamb a "little guy" but it is a ewe lamb.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-71342629822199537342010-02-15T12:51:00.005-05:002010-02-15T13:10:00.242-05:00

This was the first time I have participated in such a blog affair. It has been great fun to see all the wonderful creative artists all around the world. The variety of artwork was fantastic and the comments from others were a joy to read. I really would not have wanted to try to choose a winner and was very glad Lisa provided the link to the Random Generator.Now to the drum roll...............

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-28781060386517729622010-02-14T13:02:00.001-05:002010-02-14T13:06:58.850-05:00

Gene put the field camera out last night and now we have a current picture of the deer that I mentioned yesterday. This was taken at about 10:30 pm. They were having their Valentine's treat early.

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-9815801102222190382010-02-13T13:00:00.005-05:002010-02-13T13:34:05.421-05:00

So much of the US is having snow, yesterday NBC said 49 states had measurable snow! Since we are used to it I thought I would try to find a benefit that might 'ease the pain' of those who aren't used to it - or just plain have TOO MUCH. A benefit - you can see the animals better.This am I went to the front porch and watched 12 bluebirds take turns flying from one of the maples to the small

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-6835231192807469792010-02-10T16:14:00.002-05:002010-02-10T16:23:54.683-05:00

I expected to see heavy snow falling with deep snow on the ground when I awoke this am and was pleasantly surprised, the sun was shining. We had only about 5-6 inches of new snow. Gene got the plow out early, even drove it up to the corner of the main road so the mail lady could get in our road to pick up packages.I know others south and east of us were not as lucky and possibly in areas that

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-63513561245864198172010-02-08T12:19:00.005-05:002010-02-08T12:40:23.639-05:00

These skeins are slightly smaller and only $15.75 to give those who want to try hand dyed yarn before they invest much money. Each skein has plenty of yardage to make a pair of fingerless mitts or a hat. It is such fun to see how the hand dyed yarns make their own color design even with a simple basic pattern. The skein on top is called Nearly Navy. The skein on the bottom is called Tropic,

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-36914466410463533102010-01-30T11:01:00.007-05:002010-02-15T12:50:58.749-05:00

The Deadline is Here. Winners are announced in the Feb. 15 date post.Lisa, the Whimsical Bohemian, created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world. It enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way.This is an INTERNATIONAL event which

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-9140243323001954652010-01-29T14:45:00.003-05:002010-01-29T15:06:09.091-05:00

Yesterday was a sign! Today we have wonderful sunshine and no wind, makes the 18 degrees F feel okay. What is even better, a great knitter from Hamilton came to the shop with a FULL BAG of Helmet Liners that she knit this past month. She already brought one earlier when she came for yarn.A package will be on the way Monday to Tarie in Texas. If you aren't familiar with the Helmet Liner

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-64157454075248896372010-01-28T09:47:00.002-05:002010-01-28T09:57:16.386-05:00

Last week a few days had temperatures in the 40's. There typically is a January thaw which lets the snow melt down but these temps were atypical and quickly spoiled us (the cats and I). When the snow and cold returned, I tried to ignore it by concentrating on anything else but the weather.Then this morning, there was a brief break in the grey cloudy sky and I felt like I was being smiled on

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-56522899744904778952010-01-18T13:39:00.004-05:002010-01-18T15:51:11.768-05:00

This is Winter Sunset, it may sound like a strange name for shades of blue and mauve. When the snow is on the ground and the trees are bare, everything has a blue/black color to it and this is what our winter sunsets often show. This is Winterberry, we have some really old, quite crooked trees along one bank of the barnyard. I think they were originally bushes but are old enough to be 12-15

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-53895344136893079582010-01-09T17:38:00.003-05:002010-01-09T17:52:44.171-05:00

We had another minus degree night, at least it was only -1F rather than the -11 we had one night last week. I thought this was a good time to do some updating to the website. I am wearing the sweater I saved last March, staying quite comfortable. I have added some thumbnail photos to the pattern pages, so far there are 3 new pages.According to the tv weatherman, we have had 40 inches of snow

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-74436893975707621432010-01-05T16:19:00.003-05:002010-01-05T16:40:10.174-05:00

Just got a call from Suzanne Higgs of Hooked On Felt; this Friday Jan. 8, 2010 wet felting workshop has 4 openings!! Great opportunity if you are in the southwest Michigan area. The workshop will be at her home, 213 Gilkey, Plainwell MI from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost is $50 including all materials, just bring your willing body and smiling face. Beginning to intermediate felters will cover basic

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070807767330518950.post-37877683417377978782010-01-01T14:16:00.004-05:002010-01-01T14:26:20.786-05:00

At midnight, big fluffy snowflakes were softly falling from the sky, a perfect paperweight snowfall. By morning there was more than a foot of new snow, this is what Michigan is supposed to look like on January One.I love this weather, no wind and at 2:00 pm the temp is at 27 F, even the sun has shown its face a few times. I hope wherever you are the day is bright and gives hope for the new year

Barbara Marrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11673316934303293349noreply@blogger.com0