The hard frost has come and now only the oaks hold on tight to their leaves. Those deep dark brownish red leaves. At times the wind blows so cold that it hurts your cheeks. But, then the wind stops and you can stop and turn your face toward the sun and bask in the warmth. We have been lucky over the last few weeks with the snow holding out. The sheep are still out on pasture and we are still moving electric netting around to help feed them. This fall we made the decision to leave the fleeces on our Icelandics. I am sure our shearer is going to be grumbling at us in the Spring. We still have Rutabagas and carrots in the ground. The tulips, daffodils and garlic have been tucked in for the winter. All that is left to do is wait for the ground to freeze hard and snow to fall. Hence the name Hard Frost Moon. This month it falls on November 27th. By the end of this month the Northern Hemisphere will be tucking in for the Winter Slumber. The time of the year that we rest our bodies and celebrate the harvest that we have brought into our homes. Rebecca Hoverson has portrayed this month beautifully as always. This moon card depicts our twisted oak and sheep.
The fiber this month is 4 oz of Columbia. The Columbia is one of the first breeds of
sheep developed in the United States. The product of USDA and university research, it was intended to be an improved breed adapted for the Western ranges of the country (where the majority of sheep raising takes place). Beginning in 1912 in Laramie, Wyoming, Lincoln rams were crossed with Rambouillet ewes. In 1918, the foundation flock was moved to the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station near Dubois, Idaho, for further refinement. Today's Columbia is a popular breed, with heavy, white fleeces and good growth characteristics. It is one of
the larger breeds, and is often used for cross breeding in commercial western flocks. The staple length of the wool ranges from 3.5 to 5 in (8.9 to 12.7 cm). The wool is classified as medium wool with a spin count of 50s to 60s. The wool varies from 31.0 to 24.0 microns. I have featured this wool in the very first box we published, I figured I would revisit the breed. The wool has been washed and dyed with Cosmos and Marigolds. Giving that beautiful fall feel.
The notion I am providing in the box is a great little bag. The fabric line is Hibernation by Tilda. This little bucket is perfect for tucking a skein into and working from. The bag measures 7" tall by 9" wide. The bucket also has a squared out bottom which helps it sit nicely by the chair in the evening while you work.
This month I have finished a few books. I had started the series from Jennifer Chiaverini last fall and have finished the 6th installment called the Master Quilter. This was the last book that follows the main characters for awhile. So I will see if I keep continueing down this rabbit hole. I also finished the second book by Nancy Wareen, Stitches and Witches. A quick read and decent character development. I also came across a stand alone book that was fictional and set around the Salem Witch Trials, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. Such a great read if you are looking at a book to suck you in. What are you reading? Have any suggestions?
