Earlier this week we lost Felix, the last of my original sheep.
He was 13 years old, and had been hanging in pretty well despite his arthritis for the last two and a half years or so. But he turn a hard turn last weekend and passed away overnight on Monday.
He was a sweet boy- and I feel like we’d gotten closer over the last few years, since his brother Frank passed away. He was a pretty low key guy, and I don’t think he’d want me to make a big fuss, so I’ll just share some of my favorite photos of him from over the years.
Frank (right) and Felix (left) shortly after arrival June of 2010.
and finally, Flying Felix
I like to think of him flying free again- reunited with the original pasture gang.
Sorry to have skipped out on the blog last week. Got back from my little adventure a bit later than planned and was really pooped.
The mini road trip took a friend and I across the Edmonds ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula- where we stopped in at The Artful Ewe, then checked out an area new to me- Chimacum.
Super cool little market at the intersection of Center Rd and Beaver Valley Rd. Great produce, a cool range of local products and a plant nursery as well!
In addition to some tasty treats I found some locally grown seeds for next year’s garden
We stayed at a little cottage by Discovery Bay- an interesting little place distinguished by it’s unique rock garden features
The view from the property is pretty amazing
The following day we made our way up to Port Angeles to visit the Pacific Northwest Fiber Arts Expo.
It was a beautiful day, and the event was lovely. Lots of interesting vendors- I had no idea so much fiber milling activity was going on out on the Olympic Peninsula!
Brought home a few select items from the expo-
That’s the Curiosity colorway from Jadawoo Designs, and some recycled sari silk from Siren of the Skeins.
Also picked up a bit of a sweet fleece from Taggartshire Farms
Just a short stay in Port Angeles- felt like there was a lot more to see in the area. Might have to start looking around for a good retreat place in the vicinity.
Back at home this week I’ve made some good progress on the Shepherd’s next vest-
Just finished the upper back today, so only the upper front (and arm and neckline edging) to go.
Think I might be cutting it kind of close with the yarn I have remaining, so I might have to spin up a bit more before it’s all said and done, but there is plenty of roving in reserve. So no worries there.
Spent a little time at the drum carder today blending up some fresh batts to take to the Alger Sunday Market tomorrow.
Seeing as how the seasons have shifted, I went with some deeper, more shadowy shades.
It’s always interesting to see how the colors interact and play against each other.
And sometimes I can’t tell if I really like a combination until it makes a second pass through the carder and I peel it off
These purple/violet/blue/grey ones I think look particularly yummy, but the photos don’t really do them justice.
Hopefully the clouds will get themselves thoroughly wrung out overnight and the sun will come out tomorrow, but I’ll be out there rain or shine with the woolies!
And a volunteer pumpkin hiding near the compost pile
Dug the last of the potatoes as well, but they aren’t as photogenic 🙂
Zinnias hanging in there-
But the Black Night Scabiosa that I thought I might try dyeing with are long gone to seed. At least I got a batch of marigolds cooked this summer. Maybe the Scabiosa will self seed and come back next year to give me another shot at it.
Last but not least we’ve got the warm taupey grey shades of Octavia fleece, fast on it’s way to becoming a vest
It’s kind of slow going, but I am really enjoying working this pattern again. And I’m pleased that the yarn seemed to be a good match for it. It’s nice having a substantial project on the needles.
Alrighty folks- that’s all I’ve got.
Last Alger Sunday market of the regular season is next weekend. Hope to see you there!
