Last Sunflowers, Fall Veggies, and October Giveaway #3

October is such a busy month in New England. The roads are full of license plates from other states, restaurants are busy, and all the locals are getting ready for the upcoming cold. There are so many gardeners and farmers in this area. Porches are groaning with pumpkins and cornstalks, scarecrows are popping up all over. My kitchen table is full of veggies that I picked up at the last of the Northfield and Bernardston Farmers Markets along with the end of the garden crop. I'll save them and keep dipping into my stash as the winter progresses. I can't wait to eat some of those ugly Gilfeather turnips grown by Coyote Hill Farm. There is nothing like them. I hope I can save a couple for Thanksgiving!


I have one little bouquet of sunflowers from the Sunflower Field that is lingering on the kitchen table. The field has been frosted a few times and the rain and wind has pretty much knocked all the plants down.


It's about time to retire my flower clippers. There are still some stray blossoms around and as long as they are blooming, I'll keep cutting.

I've had these clippers for years - a gift from my mom. They work beautifully - the thin piece of metal attached at the top of the blade holds the flower in the clippers so they don't fall all over into the dirt. You can carry a basket on one arm and drop the flowers into it all at the same time. I haven't seen scissors like this in a long time. I wonder if they make them anymore. I'm all about production cutting when I am out there so anything that makes it easier......


Did you know there is a new knitting magazine? It is called Knitting Today and it is available at newstands now. Check out their website here. There is a lovely feature article about my "Get Stitched on the Farm" Classes written by Diane Broncaccio, a local writer who attended my August Flower Class.

And now to the Giveaway. You're going to love this one.

One winner will receive:
1. A copy of the new Ohio Knitting Mills Book, written by Stephen Tatar, courtesy of Artisan Books. This book is full of vintage inspired knits. You can read a good book review on it over at Susan B. Anderson's blog.
2. The premier issue of Knitting Today.
3. A copy of Knitting Green, courtesy of Interweave Knits. This is a beautiful book written by Ann Budd. It has many, many amazing projects in it and several essays, including one I wrote about raising sheep.
4. Three incredible skeins of yarn from my friend Gail Callahan, The Kangaroo Dyer. Each skein has almost 400 yards of yarn. The darker blue is 100% merino and the other two skeins are silk/wool blends. These are so beautifully dyed.


Do you know Gail's new book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece? It is great and getting rave reviews including on Clara Parkes' Knitters Review! I wrote about it here on the blog. You can order it on Gail's website directly from her. (She'll make more money that way! I'm always out to help a fellow author!)

As usual, there's a question you need to answer in the comments section. Also, please leave an easy way to get a hold of you. U.S. Addresses only. Thanks.

Question: As fall rolls around, most knitters and crocheters start making plans for holiday gifting. My question is: Do you knit or crochet gifts for the holidays and if you do, what are you planning to make this year? Who will be the lucky recipient?

CONTEST ENDS AT NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22nd. I'll pick a winner and notify you by e-mail. Good luck everyone!