This young lady may not think it’s the best idea to be trying on a hand-knit/felted hat on a warm day, but Linda Perry of Thistledown Yarns in Hope Valley RI does such beautiful work that Mom just couldn’t resist the purchase! Plus, the hat was on display at the Consignment Table, where 20% of the proceeds went to help support Coggeshall Farm Museum..

A final assortment of photos from the Festival – a lovely small-scale event – really well done!

Farm Life at Coggeshall Farm

“Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living history farm set on 48 acres in Bristol, Rhode Island.  The museum depicts Bristol’s agrarian life in the year 1799 through live interpretation, historic structures, and heirloom plants and animals.”

Looking through my lens on this glorious day, it seemed certainly within reach to step quietly back into this time.

Sheep Shearing

Coggeshall Farm & Museum gave a demonstration of hand shearing at the festival. I happened upon it in the middle, and it was a surprisingly peaceful operation – the shearer manipulated the sheep and the shears in a calm, straightforward manner – aside from the occasional BLAT from the sheep  (which was echoed by the chorus in the barn), Mr. Sheep was simply along for the ride!

Willywaw!

What a delight to find hand silk-screened bags, pillows, napkins and even a wooden clothes-pin bag for the line! Ashley Van Etten runs her studio in Narragansett R.I.,  and is available on all the social media. Her colors and technique are so beautiful – with little details to be found in each product – such as a mini-border printed on the inside of each bag. Lovely!

willywaw.com

Kids & Chickens

This little guy was learning the basics of chicken husbandry – with some willing participants following his every move!Click to view slideshow.

And Just Who is Talking to Whom?

The contest is on! Come up with a caption and post it as a comment. Funniest gets a prize!

More Why We Love Yarn

As part of my on-going fascination with yarn, I bring you these photos from the picturesque Coggeshall Farm setting. Thank you to all the Indie fiber growers, dyers and fellow enthusiasts – you all make our Yarn World the richer.

Kids & Rabbits

This was a wonderful event for families & kids. Lots of new things to see and do, perhaps new Fiber Friends to meet & pet. A mellow atmosphere for learning. Click to view slideshow.

David Westcott, giving a demo of his intricate weaving, is also an enthusiastic spinner and all around teacher extraordinaire! He is wonderful at explaining processes, and also at inspiring newcomers.

Click to view slideshow.

Hampden Hills Alpacas

Owner Erica Dwyer was busy wowing the crowd with her little Havanese puppy! Show me a person who can resist a puppy?! Erica carries alpaca yarn, fiber, hand woven & hand knit designs. I failed in my duty to inquire as to her actual Alpaca flock, as I was overly  engrossed with said pup. Next time!