Autumn: Fiber festivals & Podcast Interviews

Honestly, this summer has been a complete whirlwind. Between weddings (friends, family and my younger sister's), family outings, my real job, and the first summer in my own house, I really don't even know how I've had time to breathe! As a result, my fiber has taken a bit of a back burner. I'm hoping with our fall shearing coming up in a few weeks and cooler weather arriving that skirting, washing, selling, etc. will pick back up again.

Over the last month, we had two shows: the Big E in West Springfield, Mass. which is a regular fair and the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. Both shows went pretty well- no 1st place ribbons, but the competition for Lincoln Longwools in the Northeast is tough with many great flocks and to place in the top half (which I did consistently) is good for me! :)

I was really looking forward to the NY Sheep & Wool Festival this year because of my growing interest in fiber arts over the last six months. Though I haven't had time to sit and work on many knitting projects, I've been listening to many podcasts including knit.fm, KnitPicks, 6Bits Storybooks, and of course Woolful, which I've written about previously. All of them are filled with inspiring stories, tips, tricks and tutorials and are worth listening to if you're at all interested in fiber arts! This year in Rhinebeck I ran across several vendors who I've listened to in these podcasts and walked away with too much new yarn, including Shelter from Brooklyn Tweed to make a hat and five skeins of O-wool (which is unbelievably gorgeous by the way!) to make a cowl. I also purchased some pretty yarn from Battenkill made with NY wool- probably for another cowl. It's great to see companies working to support US farms, mills and spinners.

The other exciting news to share is that I was interviewed for Woolful Podcast! I emailed Ashley back in the spring, letting her know how much I appreciated her work and how inspiring it has been for my fiber interest. She emailed me back over the summer and asked if I could be interviewed. Of course I was thrilled- not only because I love the podcast so much, but because I appreciate any opportunity to tell others about the Lincoln Longwool breed. The podcast aired today, and I would love to know your thoughts- I'm debating on whether I'll listen to it because I felt like such a clown gushing about how much I love my sheep, but I guess it's the truth!

You can listen to the Podcast on the Woolful website, or through your favorite podcast streaming app (itunes, stitcher, etc.)

Thanks in advance for listening and supporting Ashley's great work!