a bit of variety from the first batch!

Happy Friday Everyone, it's a busy one here at the farm!  Seems like there is always something that needs doing.  Cleaning fence line, mending fences, tending to new babies.....speaking of new babies...the latest babes are chicks!  The house is full of "peeps"!

The next thing I wanted to mention is Celebrate Havelock!  This annual event is taking place on May 10, 2014, Saturday from 9 am-4 pm at the Arena on 39 George Street East.   Elmlea Farm will be there....so because of that the store per say is not open Saturday, but it is "open" at the arena.
Please drop by and see us!

And finally....in keeping with our fibre learning and discussions, I have a blending board for sale, $ 120.00.  What is a blending board?  I have attached a generic picture...to show those of you who don't know.

Blending Board

A blending board is used to create a rolag of fibre, which is generally then used to spin yarn.  Rolag is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning small roll.  What you do, is you take roving and you lay it on the board, you can mix colours and different fibres together by layering to create your own special yarn.  You then "comb" the roving to blend the fibres together. Once done you roll(roll and stretch)the fibre off onto small dowels.  Now of course that is a simplified description but it is pretty much it.  You just need to be careful in your "combing" and consistent is your rolling.  The yarns you create are limited only by your imagination!  We have a great selection of fibre to choose from to make your own rolags!

Enjoy your weekend!  See you in Havelock on Saturday!!!

Spring Yarns, and Rovings and Batts Oh My!

Another lovely day!  The animals are out and about playing in the sun.  Only 3 more goats to shear, then on to sheep and finally Alpacas and Llamas!

Hand Painted Yarn

Today's sun makes a person wish for flowers!  Still no flowers but I do have beautiful colours in yarn!  I will have yarns, roving and batts with me in Maynooth tomorrow for those of you who want to create your own! And for those of you who are looking to purchase something already made I will have hand crafted hats,shawls, scarves both knit and silk and of course I will have socks and insoles.  Any of these items would be a nice Easter gift, especially with some of the colours!

Mohair blended yarn

Alpaca Yarn

Hand dyed Yarn

I will be in Maynooth tomorrow, Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Community Center from 10-4. I do not have debit at this time but remember I take Visa and Mastercard which makes things so much easier! 

Also the store will reopen on May 1, 2014!  That is exciting news!  So it will be back to Thursday thru Sunday 10-5!  Really looking forward to that!

Spring Cleaning Elmlea Farm Store

Spring Cleaning has started in the store!

I am hopeful to have the store back to it's regular hours soon!  With the constant snow we have been closed except for anyone who has made an appointment to drop by.   The number to reach us is 
705-778-2070.  

While getting things ready I thought I would show case something I didn't make along with some of my yarns .  We do care a few items by other local artisans.  Here are a few silk scarves we have, they come in two lengths.  Aren't the colours beautiful?  

Silk Scarves

While admiring these scarves, I realized I have yarns that a very similar!  We tend to think of knitting as a "winter" hobby, but don't forget how often we grab for a light sweater or shawl in the spring and summer!  These yarns and colours would make lovely shawls or sweaters.  And remember you can mix your yarn, not only mixing Alpaca with a blend but also mix your colours for more versatility. A solid with just a bit of colour spices everything up, without going over board.