Friday, November 22, 2013

Polka Dot Sheep + A New Friday Giveaway


Towards the end of grazing season here. It's very gray - after all it is November. The sheep are working their way through the various fields they graze. This field they grazed last week was full of burdock. Hence the polka dot look. Burdocks are such a pain because they get in the wool (and the dog's fur) and as the animals run and graze, the little seeds drop out and spread more. Not to mention it doesn't help the wool clip and makes for pretty odd photos.


The big guy on the left is our Polypay ram. It's his third year breeding. We've got 3 other rams in with the girls. His babies have grown really well and his first ewe lambs will have lambs this coming January/February lambing season. Anxious to see how they lamb and what genetics he adds to the flock.


We also have a Dorset ram lamb, a Cheviot ram, a homegrown ram out of Cora (one of most prolific and best milking ewes and Julia's former bottle lamb). Farmers always say "the ram is half your flock". We'll see what these boys add to the genetic gene pool. 


Here's what I have for you all today - a DVD of the new season of Knit and Crochet Now - the PBS t.v. show I am on which just began airing the new season. These DVDs are fresh off the press. The show is a great one to knit or stitch to or would make a lovely Christmas gift. 

Here's how to enter.....
Answer the following question in the comments section......
Q: What do you do while you are knitting, stitching or crocheting? Do you have a favorite TV show, series or movie? Would love to hear. 

Please, US addresses only. As always, leave an easy way to get a hold of you - Ravelry id or email or blog address. 

Contest ends Monday, November 25th at 11:59 p.m.

Mentioned this project a while ago over in the UK about PomPom sheep. Here's a little video about it. And another really great short film via Wovember! Thanks Wovember.

 
FLOCK - In the making from Eden Arts on Vimeo.



53 comments:

Cherie M Mountain Strong in EP CO said...

Hi Kristin, I like to rewatch favorite TV shows that I have downliaded. Just now I am gift knitting while enjoying viewing the first two seasons of Sheriff Walt Longmire.

Molly said...

I just feel so happy when I look at your sheep pictures! I'm currently deep into hand quilting and my favorite quilting activity is watching marathons of Monarch of the Glen on netflix and dreaming of living on an estate in a quirky town in Scotland. Alas, I'm firmly planted in New York.

710 East Myrtle Avenue said...

I love to listen to audio books like "The Forsyte Saga" while I'm knitting or rug hooking. Or I watch the wonderful pbs programming online, one episode after the other. The latest one was Last Tango in Halifax. Thank you for a great give-away!

ajz said...

Love to listen to the Yarn Thing and Fiber Hooligan podcast while I knit and crochet. How fun it would be to win this!

Sara said...

Hi, Kristen! I love podcasts, video and audio, and try to have them on whenever I am knitting or spinning. Occasionally I will watch a movie or something that I've recorded on tv. Knitting in the quiet of the evening has really been my go-to favorite lately.
Sara
(Survivor on Rav.)

Bonnie K said...

Hi Kristen, I simply love your blog and am particularly fond of your baby lambs and sheep with their knitted sweaters and hats - way too cute. I raised southdowns in the 60's and 70's when I was growing up. In the winter I love to sit in my rocking chair and knit as I watch the snow fall - no radio, no TV. I find great joy and relaxation with my knitting. Regards, evergreencottage @ pinterest

Kam said...

Hi Kristin,
I love listening/watching podcasts while I'm crocheting,knitting or spinning. During the Christmas season I love listening to Christmas carols! Also listening to the peace and quiet is very relaxing too! I heard you the other day when you where on Marly's podcast!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Have a fantastic day,
Heather aka Kamerina on Rav

patty said...

I watch a lot of BBC/Acorn media dvds. This is british detective series, Downton Abby, Hercule Piorot.

Then I do science fiction, or alfred hitchcock.

As always this is Patty in Md
Ravelry=Patty

Mrs. C said...

I love to sit down with my favorite shows in the evening or a good movie while I sit and crochet! Crochet is the way I relax and keep sane! :)

ctubbs2 said...

I love drama's and fiction, like Dr.Who, anything on PBS or the SciFY channel!

Rav ID knitnspinr1

Auntie Shan said...

With my laptop by my side as I lounge upon my bed - [hey, if it's good enough for Hefner & Lennon, it's good enough for me!] - viewing my well-worn box-sets of DVDs... My Jeremy Brett "SHERLOCK HOLMES" ones have been the latest as I've been crocheting away at a blanket. Been using that LION BRAND Fisherman's Wool.. Nice stuff, but I've also been to having to pick out those pesky-teeny-bits of BURRS! - yeah. It really *does* get into the wool!
;-D

Mimi F said...

I am either watching TV or podcasts when I knit. I love many shows, but especially Parenthood and the Good Wife. Thanks!
mimifan on rav

Robin C said...

I try to knit while watching TV if it's an easy pattern otherwise I enjoy the quiet and relaxing click of my needles.

Love the sheep pictures. And of course the ever changing scenery.

Anonymous said...

No TV here but often have public radio on or listen to music from our collection. when I knit. Back in the Dark Ages when we had a TV I found it was the perfect time for hand carding wool. It was great to have a large pile of carded wool and be entertained for hour. gnlmutti at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Knitting by itself is enjoyment to me. Quiet and relaxing, just thinking or talking to God.

Anonymous said...

My favorite place to knit is with good company but my current schedule allows that so infrequently. So watching elementary or project runway or the fiber factor are the top on my list

Berrygal ravid

Anonymous said...

I love watching British shows
Laurie at trailbenders@hotmail.com

Brwngrl said...

When knitting, I like to watch television, listen to music or listen to a book on my kindle keyboard.

Cheryl clemons said...

I knit and crochet while watching tv or in the car when my husband is driving...lol

Anonymous said...

While knitting or crocheting I'm usually watching shows I have DVR'd. Two of my favorites are "Alaska the Last Frontier" and "Yukon Men".
Best, Susan from Brooklyn NY

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I tend to watch tv...this year I'm mostly crafting on the weekends, so I catch up on my tv watching at the same time..but I will watch movies, too..although they tend to be ones I have seen...

Lisa Viviano said...

I've always knit in the evenings while watching tv. Lately I've gotten addicted to some of the knitting podcast and love, love, love knitting while watching. vivianos3@aol.com

beth said...

I enjoy listening to audiobooks while knitting,

Ana said...

I love to listen to knitting podcasts! I also love knitting while watching football games with my husband and children. SO THANKFUL for instant replay....I can knit and still not miss those amazing plays! Hope to win! Ana

anahuron@gmail.com

Casey said...

You'll never guess, but I watch T.V., it's more like listening than watching.Thanks for the chance.
ashefamily@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

good question, usually tv, but if i am doing a no brain pattern, i will knit and read at work breaks, i also keep an easy knit in the car for train crossings, and red lights. one should alway have knitting and a good book.

Fracksmom on Ravelry

cllcraft said...

I usually knit in the evenings in my comfy chair watching whatever cable show suits my fancy.

adodds said...

I hadn't thought much about it until now. I watch recorded DVR TV shows in the daytime and always listen to audio books or video podcasts. Love The Knitgirllls and Masterpiece Theatre. There is never enough time to get everything done is being able to knit and listen/watch is a bonus...
Skibum on Rav

chris said...

I love your blog have been following you since the beginning. Polk-a-dot sheep, so cute but looks to be a pain. I love to listen to podcasts while I knit - sometimes I will watch a dvr'ed show...or switch to classical or opera music.

Denise said...

I knit while my regular shows are on TV.
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

Sharon Abbott Cowan said...

While I knit, crochet, or weave I watch TV. Favorite shows are Bones, Castle, Downton Abbey, and NCIS.
email addie s.cowan4738@hotmail.com Ravelry ID scowan4738.

Beverly said...

I like to watch a Charles Dickens while I crochet - Little Dorrit or Martin Chuzzlewit in particular.
bjp1989 AT hotmail DOT com

Homemade Heathers said...

Hi Kristin. I love your blog posts! I like to watch TV, sometimes football on Sundays, while I knit and crochet. That way I can listen instead of watch every play. I also knit and crochet when my kids are watching TV and I'm joining them on the couch. They watch Disney Channel. If I'm watching my favorite show, Homeland, I'm too engulfed in the show to be able to concentrate on my knitting. Thanks! -Heather
heather_estudinan@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

What I listen to depends on the complexity of the project I'm knitting. Easy stuff allows me to watch PBS. I do my careful knitting without TV or radio but with the regular breathing of my dog at my side. That calms me as I count again and again, or take out rows! I love your blog and the splendid photos you grab during your day.
Liz Clark

Ravelry churncreeklady

Anonymous said...

I try to knit when my active one-year old is sleeping, that is the only time I have to myself and knitting is such a great way to unwind. If I watch TV it will be whatever is on.

johannani on ravelry

shabby girl said...

Living, working, and traveling in our motorhome, I use those yarn times to "go to my happy place," while Hubby tends to his business, internet, and football. It soothes me, and takes me out of the "little box" to think, plan, and dream.
The burdocks look awful! I'm sure they are a pain in the behind to get out!
Looking forward to more sheep pics!

shabby girl said...

Oops, ravelry - lifeonwheels. :)

Lynn R said...

While knitting/crocheting, I constantly throw my cats off my lap, pick their fur out of my work, drink wine and watch thrillers which can sometimes make my stitches really tight from the tension on the show or in the movie! :)

Barbara C. said...

Have been watching Midsommer Murders lately while knitting some gift wristlets for my grandchildren. Really have enjoyed that series!

Hilda said...

I'm a confirmed TV junkie, and make no apologies! So of course I knit, crochet, and quilt while watching TV.

Cate said...

I like to listen to podcasts while I knit - my favorite is Knitting Pipeline. Or, I watch PBS programs on my iPad. I have a music stand next to my knitting chair where I can attach my iPad safely at eye level. But, sometimes I even like to sit and knit in silence :)

Anonymous said...

I enjoy catching up on Downton Abbey on my kindle. I would love to watch your DVD as well. Thanks for the giveaway!
Lee (mamagiff on ravelry)

Jane said...

I like to tape movies and then watch them while I knit. In December I will watch sappy Christmas movies. Happy Holidays!

Teresa said...

Just about anything. :) I knit simple things like prayer shawls and dishcloths for gifts in the car. When watching TV I knit whatever I am currently working on. I keep a project in the car for waiting room knitting or when at family events. The family is slowly getting used to my knitting. It helped when I started gifting them with dishcloths. They love them.
Love your blog.

Anonymous said...

I tend to "watch" whatever I have on-demand while I knit.
Thanks for blogging--It is fun to see what you have created!

Anonymous said...

Oops..forgot my ID. Johalley on Rav

Anonymous said...

My favorite way to knit is with friends. Next is by myself KIP and people come up and start a conversation with "Is that knitting or crocheting?" Then it's while my husband is watching TV. He is way more into TV than I am, so it's a way to still be together while he watches his programs.

lerounds on Ravelry

Betty said...

Thank you for another wonderful giveaway, Kristin. I knit and crochet in the evenings, after work and dinner. My husband likes to watch TV, and I knit/crochet- we are together!

Catherine said...

I knit while I watch the news, football, anything that doesn't require intense attention.

camby said...

I like to listen to podcasts, or lately I've been watching the original 1970's version of Upstairs Downstairs. It's no Downton Abby, but it's funny how so many of the plot lines are similar!

Camby on Rav

susan said...

Audiobooks! Sometimes podcasts, but books are better because there is something to look forward to from day to day.

D Louise said...

What do I do while I'm knitting? Well, knitting is what I do WHILE I'm watching TV. If knitting is the focus, then I listen to podcasts and most particularly audio books. Less often, because much of my knitting is too complex these days, read a book. A Kindle would probably make this more possible, but I'm resisting the Kindle thing, so far.

wlknknit said...

Hi Kristin,
I'm one of those knitters who has needles with me at all times, even walking. (I started a scarf while doing the Franklin Co. Crop Walk this year).
My favorite ways, though are in a group with friends, or watching a movie.
Good luck with those sheep!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cassandra

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