Made it into a RED HOT Treasury on ETSY! How fun. Take a look. Usually the posts only last a little while. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=131840
This one is published by someone I know: Melanie Pitts, MacGreggor Hollow farm. Her link is on my links list - to the right and below; she is listed as "Melanie who makes goat soap".

Don't be discouraged if you miss it. If or whenever I make it into another I'll keep posting here. A "Treasury" is a visual collection of items on Etsy. They usually have a connection to each other or theme, for example: color, occasion, medium, personal connection to the maker.

Always, Karen

Phat Fiber Sample Box: Avalon Springs Farm Locks Giveaway!

Phat Fiber Sample Box: Avalon Springs Farm Locks Giveaway!

I am so excited to be a post on the PhatFiber Blog. It is a really wonderful article. I am so glad to get PHAT!!

Farmer sees art in raising Angoras - The Frederick News-Post Online

Farmer sees art in raising Angoras - The Frederick News-Post Online

I was so excited to be featured in the Frederick News Post. It appeared in the "A" Section in the Sunday Edition, 4/12/10. It also appears as the "Top Story" for this week's Mt. Airy edition. Above is the link on the web. It was fun that all the color photos were included too. I feel very honored. Thank you Frederick News Post & Nick Stern. Always, Karen

Hey World, Just got posted in a Treasury on ETSY. Really kind of a compliment. A treasury is a collection of favorite items someone has put together; usually they have a theme or continuity -- for example: all in the same color scheme, or all glass, or all about a particular topic. Here is the link -- I think it is good until Wed. or Thurs.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=122399

Karen

"The Diamond Fiber"

Recently I have been doing a lot of volunteer work for EAGMA for their big show in June. One project, lately, has been making some handouts about Mohair that we can have at an information table. I have been working with my friend Greta: researching, compiling, writing, producing. Below is an excerpt from one -- it is basically a list, but I thought it was interesting.

UNIQUELY MOHAIR PROPERTIES:

1. APPLICATIONS - It is an incredibly versatile fiber. Mohair is used in all kinds of yarn and garments in a practical sense, but also used artistically in tapestry and rugs.
   
2. CARE - It is very easy: wash in tepid water with a small amount of detergent, do not agitate, rinse and air dry.
   
3. COMFORT - Mohair is not scratchy, and not a skin irritant - as some natural fibers can be.
4. COMPATIBILITY - Because of the features in this list, it is an wonderful choice to blend with other natural fibers, such as: angora, alpaca, cashmere, llama and wool. It makes wonderful blended roving, yarn and finished products.
   
5. DURABLE - Mohair fibers can be stressed with out damage. It endures through both time and hard wear.
6. ELASTIC - It can be stretched up to 30% and return to its original shape.
7. HISTORIC - Angora Goats which produce Mohair have been a domesticated farm animal and source of fiber for over 3000 years.
   
8. INSULATE - The individual fibers are hollow, so they resist conducting heat, better than wool, even when wet.
9. LIGHT WEIGHT - It is a smooth fiber which makes it ideal for yarn and garments.
10. LUSTER - Mohair is extraordinarily luminescent; it brilliantly absorbs dye and displays vibrant color.
11. MOISTURE SMART - It is very tolerant of, and effective at, absorbing and releasing moisture. This makes it an excellent choice with reference to weather and human perspiration.
12. NON-FLAMMABLE - Mohair will not burn unless it is exposed ot a direct flame.
13. PRODUCTIVE - Each goat can be shorn between 2 or even 3 times a year to get a 4 inch staple length of fiber, each fleece weighing on average more than 4 pounds.
    
14. SHRINK RESISTANT - Mohair shrinks much less than wool; the smooth fibers do not felt as easily as wool.
15. STRENGTH - Mohair is stronger than steel of the same diameter.

So that is why they call it "the Diamond Fiber." Pretty cool, hey! --kjs

Oh my goodness, it has been a long time since I have written. I feel the need to keep this a little more up to date. Here are a couple of topics I will write about in the coming posts. A review of the Montpelier and Shenandoah Fiber Festivals; wintering proofing the goats; skirting fiber, and the EAGMA show in June.

Currently working on making a lot of roving for sale at spring shows. Lots to keep busy with the animals in the cold and wet weather we have been having. Have succeeded in updating and increasing the inventory in the ETSY site. Have done a lot of volunteer work for EAGMA and the future EAGMA show, sale and fiber festival that will take place in June at the Great Frederick Fairgrounds. Back soon. Always, Karen