tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89957252085502555182024-03-12T18:00:18.200-07:00faeridgefarmJanette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-59473631361160675232016-05-26T13:59:00.001-07:002016-05-26T13:59:18.378-07:00Big Sad News The days of summer have turned warm and life on the farm has changed forever. We don't often think things can change in the blink of and eye but they sure have here. Two week ago I noticed my husband Dave was jaundice. He went in for blood tests and we now know he has Pancreatic cancer. The last two weeks have been back and forth to the hospital as we sort through this tragic new element in our lives.<br />
We were planning a move late this summer to oregon to be much nearer our adult children. We are even more determined than ever to make this move this summer. Dave is home now but not very comfortable. He sleep a lot.I am just keeping up with daily farm chores, but it is a day to day struggle. I have canceled my August natural dye retreat. Just tooooo much gong on. I still plan to attend the Iowa Sheep and Wool festival In Colfax Ia on June 11th and 12th. I have ordered extra Hia Hia needles will have a full both.<br />
I am at a loss for words so will sign off for now. I hope I can find the energy to get down to the studio and paint some skeins for the wool festival. I am thankful every day for the amazing community arround us helping out in so many amazing ways. Janette<br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-19817147706399036092016-05-06T06:32:00.000-07:002016-05-06T06:32:04.460-07:00 So many summer birds are back the feeders outside my window are the best show in town. White-Throated sparrows, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, and Chipping Sparrows are all back in force. I have seen a few Towhees but they stick to the ground for their feeding. Today I need to weed and mulch the sage bed that sits next to the feeders. It will be a perfect way to spend a few hours and get a tedious job done. <div>
Tomorrow is Shepherd Market. This show has been on my spring fiber events for several years now. It is always a fun event with lots of vendors and everything from fresh fleeces to spinning wheels. This year it will be held at the Kirkwood Center at 3375 Armar drive in Marion Ia. Doors open at 9:00 AM. I hope it is once again a good turn out for this show. I will have a booth and have my new fiber and skein club signup sheets on hand. I will have to go run those off when I sing off here and remember to stick them in my tightly packed truck. I have one copy taped to the door so I can not forget this important task. I had better go get started on running copies and weeding the sage bed.<br /><div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-2629558789117203882016-04-27T12:16:00.002-07:002016-04-27T12:16:50.105-07:00Moving<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been way to long since I came here with an update. I am going to set a goal of blogging once a week as my life is filled with major changes. Over the past few years I have been feeling burdened by all the work here at the farm. The time has come to simplify our lives. We are now planning a move to Oregon later this year. Our oldest son lives in Portland and our other son is living in Seattle. We will be listing our farm for sale in the next few weeks. This is an amazing opportunity for someone looking to start a fiber/ vegetable form in the Iowa City area. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcMdi0WdPvq7DFfZLhRGEYMLrvADykdThR-QIzDE3JE7rOtDeyZTKfkDqzE9Gw5cF7T2rqoBkXb_Iujgmb4cpMu_z2IhjaQFDAhExuPYj9Ck8UZItYGKYOFX6FW38K0hHGFYVrSurlu-H/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcMdi0WdPvq7DFfZLhRGEYMLrvADykdThR-QIzDE3JE7rOtDeyZTKfkDqzE9Gw5cF7T2rqoBkXb_Iujgmb4cpMu_z2IhjaQFDAhExuPYj9Ck8UZItYGKYOFX6FW38K0hHGFYVrSurlu-H/s200/IMG_1984.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> As I plan a new life on a 1/4 acre I am both terrified and trilled depending on the moment and the day. I have only lived a few short years of my entire life in town. I will be taking all my studio equipment with me, a LOT of fine fleeces and my flock of angora rabbits.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I trust my animals, my spinning and my passion for color will help me through this transition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I can not even begin to express how much I will miss my community here. To continue my connection with the Iowa City fiber world I will be offering two Fae Ridge Farm clubs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Spinners club: each member will pay $100.00 and will get a delightful 4 oz bag of fiber 4 times a year. These will be my signature blends that many of you have been punching for 20 years. I will also include a tiny surprise gift. This could be everything from stitch markers to a free pattern. Members can let me know any colors they refuse to let into their stash and any fiber they are allergic to. I will be making large batches of these fibers, so if you love a blend I have sent out you can order more for a big project. I will be working up a sign up sheet and hope to have it ready for my next two fiber shows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I will also be offering a skein club for my knitting and crocheting friends. This club will be set up much like the spinners club. I will create skeins by a variety of creative methods including dyeing,painting, natural dyes, and spinning. Members will pay $100.00 for a year if skeins. They will get 4 shipment of fun yarn plus a tiny gift in each shipment.Yarn club members should let me know what type of yarn they like to work with:worsted, sock yarn lace weight ect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I am trying to keep in mind that western Oregon is a fiber rich world. Lots of amazing fiber festivals and a great variety of flocks. I am already in touch with a spinner group out there. It will be a whole new creative life searching for new fleeces in a region filled with new and exciting breed of sheep. </span>Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-58246268309748321692015-10-19T12:41:00.001-07:002015-10-19T12:41:32.815-07:00I just got back from the 2015 Bishop Hill Spin In. I want to thank Juliana, Gail and Gaylene for all the help on Saturday. I do not know what I would do without all the great help. Juliana won best of show for her lace shawl, and Gail won best skein once again for her amazing lace. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such talented people.<br />
I had my new green purple blend for this show and will also have it for Shepherds Market at the Amana Woolen Mill on Nov 14th. I am calling this one "Lilacs in the Vineyard" It is a blend of Blueface , Coopworth, yearling mohair, silk and Angelina. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1oPVVnFp_6VdUHQXD9TH5oPRgx5r8Xqm2aymnRz88QojHWvI9mb-dV_vow4c-cCivM-2OyKin2KhhCvmuM6fjQwFA9hjj5gRP9O4fPHD_mDT5yy0JDP0JyMmiBonsyQP9lVjSuqGunHm/s1600/IMG_1508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1oPVVnFp_6VdUHQXD9TH5oPRgx5r8Xqm2aymnRz88QojHWvI9mb-dV_vow4c-cCivM-2OyKin2KhhCvmuM6fjQwFA9hjj5gRP9O4fPHD_mDT5yy0JDP0JyMmiBonsyQP9lVjSuqGunHm/s320/IMG_1508.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8bk7OUx5XTa6OSNKsWzUwxv2FKOQwZcPBO2dkqdf_kMCgKqvk517DGIOtQafpMBWbPsbncdfkPM808795fEDLqY3yfx7syoi6TLP_cBt0tHhNdp26U_R3_NoYYmJM_qZdudDDSPfqsLp/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8bk7OUx5XTa6OSNKsWzUwxv2FKOQwZcPBO2dkqdf_kMCgKqvk517DGIOtQafpMBWbPsbncdfkPM808795fEDLqY3yfx7syoi6TLP_cBt0tHhNdp26U_R3_NoYYmJM_qZdudDDSPfqsLp/s320/IMG_1507.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="webkit-fake-url://EB46B1D1-CDC8-4F4C-9F97-F5097FB27512/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://EB46B1D1-CDC8-4F4C-9F97-F5097FB27512/image.tiff" width="235" /></a> I have a large list of fall clean up and winter prep tasks, but I am glad things will be slowing down a bit soon. I will be doing the Johnson County Fairgrounds Winter Farmers Market. I will have lots of felted creations, natural dyed silk scarves, hand woven items and all my herbal body products. I am off to put windows back in the chicken house for the coming winter. Hope to see you soon at the store or the market.Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-51356172702170406192015-08-15T08:59:00.004-07:002015-08-15T08:59:58.824-07:00<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">August Heat is Here</span></h2>
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Temps promise to be dangerously high again today. Day of the hot weather take a tole on all the animals. All the critters here at the farm have fans running on them. The quail and rabbits have ice packs are in their space to lay on and help get them through the nasty heat wave. At morning chores today there were signs of coons snooping around last night. Digging in the compost and water tubs spilled all pointed to visiting coons. Once agin I am so thankful to have Ruby the best guard dog in the world on patrol every night here at the farm. </div>
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The baby bunnies are growing so fast it is shocking. I swear they double in a weeks time. I spent last sunday "baby proofing" part of the outside run. They are all having a great time playing outside in the cool of the day. Hazel (the brown bunny in this shot) and Bluebell one of the white ones in the batch will be staying here at the farm to help me produce some great angora fiber. So many spinners have ask about buying baby bunnies and Violet has been such a great mom that I am planning on breeding her again in a few months. I found a male french angora who is a tortoise shell. This is the color of our wild rabbits, and color I would love to add to my bunny fiber . I am planning to divide the bunny house so thatViolet will have her own room and outside run when she is ready to birth her next litter. Time to sign off and go open the store. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr8v09v4KVxwNIxlXU3STEzx2bHATxh37gsDDo7p4K5OMByPIUl-NoPQqm1devGgJtRMxCGXkMbFC1PmSIVFBvcBLvZZXRFK5scg7mJ9F3oRzJFm1sjyF2-VlMFzdbsDD5Vo0xqK8sYoA/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr8v09v4KVxwNIxlXU3STEzx2bHATxh37gsDDo7p4K5OMByPIUl-NoPQqm1devGgJtRMxCGXkMbFC1PmSIVFBvcBLvZZXRFK5scg7mJ9F3oRzJFm1sjyF2-VlMFzdbsDD5Vo0xqK8sYoA/s320/IMG_1406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-74546710396714413362015-08-07T06:15:00.005-07:002015-08-07T06:15:55.390-07:00August at the farmGardens and bunnies are growing like mad and the weather in Iowa is absolutly perfect. On Tuesday we filled the barn with hay. A barn of sweet smelling hay is food security and one of the greatest feelings for a farmer this time of year. The prairie plant that were tiny plugs in 2013 are thriving and in bloom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOgPaQN5XxpZrZq_TzjlyMKdzYzvL_F9ak3VdgOGv8fei7QfPDHdg1BLEBTn_ZsF_SxDfVConfRqQx2uggWv67icqTkj840WJzT8JMPy5V-P7jNi_360QocGy24SFxcVNhrhPdMiGXDzu/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOgPaQN5XxpZrZq_TzjlyMKdzYzvL_F9ak3VdgOGv8fei7QfPDHdg1BLEBTn_ZsF_SxDfVConfRqQx2uggWv67icqTkj840WJzT8JMPy5V-P7jNi_360QocGy24SFxcVNhrhPdMiGXDzu/s320/IMG_1383.jpg" width="240" /></a>I can't wait to see the switch grass as it turns to the tawny color of autumn. </div>
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The last two weekends the baby bunnies have been in the store for their socialization. They get bigger every day now. Violet is the best mother bunny in the world. She loves her babies so much and is teaching them all the important life lessons, what is the bet to eat, how to keep yourself clean and even where to poop to keep the bunny house all clean and fresh. They are eating lots of lambs quarters and dandyloins these days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCwq-wzUo6sbJGuzPLc-O17faUzawEhg3vDvdRAWuYECtT5D8cU3nhsVg45XLZmMA7Ts-61NmlQ-NLEStkH8ncAF9TMhJXUTtLnYfXP6BakkLfxtkpCl86JziJlaVvwGAwbrUBpfWwMcf/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCwq-wzUo6sbJGuzPLc-O17faUzawEhg3vDvdRAWuYECtT5D8cU3nhsVg45XLZmMA7Ts-61NmlQ-NLEStkH8ncAF9TMhJXUTtLnYfXP6BakkLfxtkpCl86JziJlaVvwGAwbrUBpfWwMcf/s320/IMG_1391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sara has picked the two babies that will get to be going home with her soon. They will get to be house bunnies to pet and a fiber source for her spinning soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J6AZ6F_L06wYDjHpCwlT5t_-AISMDGBMA2SnGWuibvoaGsvWYnaBCywCwuOSIb8DRJFumZNHJcE1gGJHozcB7nEbDpZMXzFiaLK-1YvEWFQrne_cPqEcbjeiwzXFbqqUDIur3s1ETNRE/s1600/IMG_1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J6AZ6F_L06wYDjHpCwlT5t_-AISMDGBMA2SnGWuibvoaGsvWYnaBCywCwuOSIb8DRJFumZNHJcE1gGJHozcB7nEbDpZMXzFiaLK-1YvEWFQrne_cPqEcbjeiwzXFbqqUDIur3s1ETNRE/s320/IMG_1385.jpg" width="240" /></a> Lots more bunny petting on saturdays until the weather turns so cold the bunnies move to their winter home on the north end of the farm.</div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-78664387923944237552015-07-22T06:54:00.003-07:002015-07-22T06:56:14.517-07:00 There are still a couple of spots left in the July 19th dye class. I have Birch bark and walnut simmering for the class. Indigo, and weld are looking great and the dyers coreopsis is beginning to bloom just in time. I will harvest and dry these stunning little flowers this week, and we can pick on Sunday for a beautiful peachy red. <br />
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As many of you know I have been down sizing my flock of sheep to lighten my work load. As I look down the road to a life without sheep I know I will need fiber animals in my day to day life. With this in mind I had my angora rabbit Violet breed by a beautiful white fresh bunny a bit over a month ago. On wednesday she gave birth to 8 babe bunnies! I am leaving them alone but have peeked into the nest box to see what is happening. Violet has turned out to be a great mom all 8 seem to be doing well at 48 hours. Here is a pic of the new fiber animals at the farm. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwvETDCaA9FzpFHkaq2FtGP-rfO0CVnrf7apArn55W1WI9vMr5tAjKrwV76dpHi_RDf55h6URBqxtwLbkF2Vx4UzmEhmGj4JUb1xU0mCFoKCUCeAB1ll73KE_mQk68MwX-NH5ziDnhMxw/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwvETDCaA9FzpFHkaq2FtGP-rfO0CVnrf7apArn55W1WI9vMr5tAjKrwV76dpHi_RDf55h6URBqxtwLbkF2Vx4UzmEhmGj4JUb1xU0mCFoKCUCeAB1ll73KE_mQk68MwX-NH5ziDnhMxw/s320/IMG_1310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a few weeks these little sweeties will need to be held so they are used to being handled and make good lap spinning bunnies. </div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-65464139444178683282015-07-22T06:54:00.002-07:002015-07-22T06:54:13.409-07:00 Summer is here and natural dyeing is in full swing. Last Sunday was the first natural dye class of the season and we had some amazing samples and skeins. I think this was the best onion skin depot I have ever had. Must have been some super orange onion skins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i95UZwESOuDZkYlBHkbxSdNggSxHN-GC2cLm7dMS10hcwlsFiB7r53mPm8dBC-maV8jxdpQqFiPdTosQ2xwLxXi9uHKTAcDIxiwaNyMyrC2b3138V1GuwP9hyphenhyphenzhR2qXhP423AXbppSac/s1600/IMG_1339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i95UZwESOuDZkYlBHkbxSdNggSxHN-GC2cLm7dMS10hcwlsFiB7r53mPm8dBC-maV8jxdpQqFiPdTosQ2xwLxXi9uHKTAcDIxiwaNyMyrC2b3138V1GuwP9hyphenhyphenzhR2qXhP423AXbppSac/s320/IMG_1339.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJYVWoImf8gi1kt6tNmodvnNhmKEgi1QfyUJSC4wHo3-leyGWVVXmsmf_FamXJq7dyeO6nhAcH1w7v7sppnne7tdCnti4Jm_GvqoXmRXacAlHoq4xVt4zvcf0cTZFz6TmrkejL-hoPhgY/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJYVWoImf8gi1kt6tNmodvnNhmKEgi1QfyUJSC4wHo3-leyGWVVXmsmf_FamXJq7dyeO6nhAcH1w7v7sppnne7tdCnti4Jm_GvqoXmRXacAlHoq4xVt4zvcf0cTZFz6TmrkejL-hoPhgY/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a> I have a natural dye retreat on August 22nd and 23rd . There are still a couple of slots available in that class. This retreat is always fun. We pick from the dye gardens and eat from the veggie garden with pizza on saturday night. I can't wait to see what amazing things we come up with on that weekend. Today I need to start drying this years crop of dyers coreopsis. Life is busy but I need to pick every day to keep them blooming. </div>
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Violet the angora rabbit had babies 2 weeks ago, I posted video on the Fae Ridge Facebook page when they were a few days old. I will click a shot of them in the next few days for anyone who missed the Facebook shots. I am now spending lots of time handling them so they will be good lap spinning bunnies. I plan to take a couple at a time out to the store on Saturday for holding. I will have some beautiful babies for sale in about 6 weeks. </div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-23821047707720079362015-06-23T12:05:00.001-07:002015-06-23T12:05:29.650-07:00I have been having fun with gelatin prints, and decided to add a "Creating Art Cloth" class to the farms summer classes. Here is a photo of some of the fun fabric I have been creating in the last few weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Tog64fwnebkgycK2HnsRMMNGibBJCBkVyl04IonQc1lxX1-CZDSaPBLGNKpUd0nLECTT4cFb00xSOtDBUKvgYDudSNwbAAkVbGfYQO7bBoMvyJouinpwRxfpyj5aivDOvW6vAR1NV6z/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Tog64fwnebkgycK2HnsRMMNGibBJCBkVyl04IonQc1lxX1-CZDSaPBLGNKpUd0nLECTT4cFb00xSOtDBUKvgYDudSNwbAAkVbGfYQO7bBoMvyJouinpwRxfpyj5aivDOvW6vAR1NV6z/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are still two spots in the July 29th Natural dye class, and a posting of all the classes I have on the calendar. </div>
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Natural Dye Class July 29th from 10:00-4:00 $75.00</div>
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In this class we will harvest many dye plants from the farm's dye garden including indigo and weld to create amazing colors. Each student takes home an extensive handout and great selection of samples in both wool and cotton.</div>
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Spinning Designer Yarns</div>
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July 26th from 10:00 to 4:00 $75.00</div>
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In this class we dive into the amazing world of textured yarns. Spirals, slubs, boucle as well as many other adventurous yarns will be covered in this class. Students must be experienced spinners and have good control of their wheel. </div>
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2015 Two Day Natural Dye Retreat </div>
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August 23rd and 24th $225.00</div>
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At this two day retreat students stay at the farm eating from the vegetable garden and creating an explosion of color from the dye garden. We Will immerse ourselves in a world of natural colors. Students are welcome to bring so skeins or fabric to add to some of the many dye pots we will create over this amazing weekend. Each student takes home a large handout as well as a great variety of dye samples in wool silk and cotton.</div>
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Creating Art Cloth </div>
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August 30th 10:00-4:00 $75.00</div>
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In this class we will create one of a kind detailed plant prints with echo steam prints. We will also explore the world of Shabori and other resist methods of unique art cloth. </div>
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For more information on any of these classes contact Janette at 319-643-5873 or faeridgefarm@lcom.net All classes require a 50% deposite. Make checks out to Fae Ridge Farm and mail to Fae Ridge Farm 5140 rapid Creek RD NE Iowa City Ia 52240 </div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-18879756932992864152015-05-05T07:24:00.003-07:002015-05-05T07:24:54.079-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I am working out a schedule for summer classes.I am planning to offer three natural dye classes this spring and summer. Sunday May 31st will be the first class and Sunday July 19th will be the second class. These two one day classes will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00PM and will be a $75.00 fee. This fee includes all materials.This class will cover a wide variety of natural dyes from the dye garden, as well as an indigo vat. Student takes home a great selection of samples in</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> both wool and cotton. Students are invited to bring a few skeins of their own to add to some of the dye pots. These two classes require a $40.00 registration fee. For more information on this class contact me on Facebook or call 319-643-5873.<br />The third class will be the annual two day on farm retreat on August 22nd and 23rd. This is a chance to submerge yourself in the amazing world of natural dyes. Students stay at the farm and we spend two days exploring many methods of natural dye, and eating from the gardens. The dye garden will be in all its glory for this class. This Retreat is $225 this include room and board for the weekend. This is a very limited class and students have lots of opportunities to dye their own skeins, wool and even cloth.Indigo,cochineal and log wood are just a few of the dyes in this amazing retreat. For more information on this retreat contact me on Facebook or call 319-643-5873 Here are just a few shots of some of the wonderful creations from last years retreat.</span><br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-63436983991346519422015-04-20T06:35:00.004-07:002015-04-20T06:35:49.903-07:00It was a gorgeous day in Iowa yesterday. Not a big turn out for Studio Sunday, but we had a great day with lot amazing results. The onion skin dye pot turned out beautifly with lots of different shades from different wool, different twist in the yarn and different alum mordent methods. Natural depot never fail to amaze me. The carder was running and Juliana and Sarah turned out some nice bats. I am still deciding on the depot for next Studio Sunday. Hope folks come to join me on My 3rd from 10:00 to 4:00 in the studio space in the house. I will have some nice big depot going so be sure to bring a skein or two to add to our mix. Here are a few shots from the studio yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sV-cWeM1lx8PxmWxPA0gKiL42jG6kQTzJij85RaeEIJcieQdmovyljb6o9BRiYRX-l5U3hi5EXvaAcZUFvu_GeIa8BxZBrQoun0LLzEBLOUSU8jmUG-M9neo2715ApFKQoCzJ__7epbG/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sV-cWeM1lx8PxmWxPA0gKiL42jG6kQTzJij85RaeEIJcieQdmovyljb6o9BRiYRX-l5U3hi5EXvaAcZUFvu_GeIa8BxZBrQoun0LLzEBLOUSU8jmUG-M9neo2715ApFKQoCzJ__7epbG/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-41855581681438230482015-04-17T08:30:00.002-07:002015-04-17T08:30:35.249-07:00Spring is here and each day seems to have a huge list of things to do. On wednesday morning I sheared Milo and Trudy. I can't wait to for a rainy day that I can spend in my studio working on their fleeces. They were both very cooperative about the shearing. Trudy almost fell asleep as I had her down for her tummy cleaning. It was a mixed look as I walked them down to the pasture behind the store this morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwIIx31FK-jMStsZ-ddn9ejmuZGSQ5t4bxiY_XIppC-EaSxCPHhPhauo7Ojwv7Y-ij5M_DbVktfHL00lDer3NHqJfABmZu_jCR7lcONH06l8TRrnziOO1ml0BRb2Hdh2yGijehVesf4Qe/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwIIx31FK-jMStsZ-ddn9ejmuZGSQ5t4bxiY_XIppC-EaSxCPHhPhauo7Ojwv7Y-ij5M_DbVktfHL00lDer3NHqJfABmZu_jCR7lcONH06l8TRrnziOO1ml0BRb2Hdh2yGijehVesf4Qe/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Milo is on the left Trudy is on the right and Ebony and Teddy are still waiting for their spring hair cuts. One of my task in the next few days is to set down with my calendar and pin down class dates for this summer. I plan to do tow natural dye classes this summer and maybe even three. I have had a woman get ahold of me requesting a Nuno felting class. I would love to teach that one again, so contact me if you are interested in learning this amazing method of felting. I am contemplating a designer yarn class too. I have to sign off and go bag up the latest fiber blends, but I will let lots of class ideas drift through my thoughts and post a schedule soon. </div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-12744345545759638952015-04-15T15:38:00.004-07:002015-04-15T15:38:51.870-07:00I have two new fiber blends back from the carder. In my last blog I posted pictures of one of these blends as I worked on it. I am calling this one Kaleidoscope with all its amazing bits of color. I have been busy spinning up samples of these two blend. Both are created from beautiful Blueface fleeces from my sheep and a few from other Iowa Bluefaces. The red blend has a bit of star fire in to add just that hint of sparkle. I am still working on a name for the red one. <br />
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Spring is here and it is time for spring fiber shows. The Iowa Spin in will be held on April 25th at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services Center in Marion Iowa. The doors open at 9 and this spin in has some fun mini classes set up for a fun day. Everything from Beginning Spinning to Combing Fleece. It looks like lots of great vendors and fiber will be there for folks to stock up on. </div>
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The next show after this one will be Shepherds Market held on My 9th at the Amana Woolen Mills. I hope to see many of you at one or both of these spring shows.</div>
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I will be shearing the flock in the next week or so, and can't wait to get my hands on these wonderful fleeces. </div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-39449141096993302322015-02-10T12:34:00.002-08:002015-02-10T12:34:33.164-08:00 Once again life is just too busy to post as often as I should. It has been a good but challenging winter here at the farm. I am getting ready for spring fiber shows. Iowa Federation of spinners and weavers is holding the spring spin in in Cedar Rapids on April 25th. I will post info on the Fae Ridge farm Facebook page in the next week. Shepherds Market will once again be held at the Amana Woolen Mills in main Amana on May 9th. There is a link on the FRF Facebook page. I am working on a new blend with some yummy icelandic and Blue Face lamb fleeces.<br />
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I am so blessed with an amazing studio that has facilitates for skirting, washing, drying, dyeing, picking, and carding as well as a fleet of spinning wheels. I have desided to open my studio space to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 to 4:00. I will have tea and coffee on hand and am asking $5.00 per hour for folks using equipment. For more details send an email of check the FRF Facebook page.<br />
I have to sign off and go to the loom. Rugs are calling me. <br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-12712600082962503852014-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:002014-12-11T12:49:14.294-08:00Another busy week here at the farm. Last Sundays farmers market at the Johnson county fairgrounds was great. we had a nice steady turn out and everyone seemed to be in a great mood for some holiday shopping. The last two days I have been painting skeins and working on an indigo vat. Yesterday I dyed a bunch of Peace fleece skeins in indigo. They turned out so nice I can't wait to get them out to the store for knitters. I also worked on silk scarves and cotton project bags. Here is a pic of the rack in my studio with lots of drying blues.<br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-67787079518189708512014-12-03T14:08:00.001-08:002014-12-03T14:08:41.999-08:00I have made it through another year of gardening. Most of the gardens are cleaned up the last harvest is in. We had leeks and ducks for Thanksgiving and celebrated the bounty of food on the farm.<br />
It is not New Years yet but I am vowing to do more blogging. I am setting a goal of once a week. My new motto will be blog by wednesday. I have been doing more posting on the Fae Ridge Farm face book page. If you want to see what I have been up to in the last few months go cheek it out.<br />
I have been busy getting the store ready for the holidays. I once again have alpaca socks in lots of sizes and have some wonderful new cloth gift bags (pics on face book). This week I have been spinning, painting skeins, making slippers and mittens from felted wool sweaters. <br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-68289996121033430852014-03-31T12:21:00.001-07:002014-03-31T12:21:21.263-07:00Is Spring really here?Today feels like spring with warm winds and lots of sun. The forecast is for more cold weather in 48 hours. The signs of spring are all around. Gold finches are turning bright gold, the garlic has shot it's way past the winter mulch and is 4 inches tall, and the snow drops are in full bloom, so there is hope all around us.<br />
Life has been busy here the last few weeks. Two weeks ago the whole flock was still snug in their winter coats.<br />
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Now the studio is filled with beautiful fleeces in varying stages of processing. After 14 years of shearing llamas I have finally come up with the perfect way to shear these big independent critters. Last years addition of Cheyenne the alpaca lead me to lot of investigation as to how to shear him. I came across a method on line that looked great. this method is a simple cross tie system with an addition of a girth under their belly hooked up to the ceiling with a bit of spring to keep them from laying down. I rigged up a amazing system yesterday with chains from the ceiling that I hooked the heavy duty bungie straps to. I am going to get myself a official girth strap for my next time but the ropes sewn together worked for this first time.I had the smoothest shearing ever! The spring (bungie strap) system discourages them from kicking. This new system cut shearing time in half. I took a pick of Perkins before I started and hope folks can use this one in their shearing of camelids.</div>
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A reminder that this Saturday is the Iowa Federation of Spinners and Weavers spring meeting in Waterloo. I will be there vending along with lot of other fiber fun. Hope lots of folks can come check it out. Here is a quick shot of the new blend I got back last week I am calling it Mojave Tweed.</div>
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My coffee break is over I have to sign off and go back out to more barn cleaning. </div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-81953676041239414922014-02-26T14:21:00.001-08:002014-02-26T14:21:20.332-08:00Winter is still working on us and won't seem to quit. I am thankful every day I am not having any kids or lambs this spring! My heart goes out to all those folks who are lambing and kidding in this brutal weather. Somehow life here at the farms seem to stay busy. I have a new blend back from the carder. It spins up like butter and is such a nice blend I am glad I created a big batch on this one. Here is a shot of the sample I spun up today.<br />
I am working on felted bunnies and blue birds these days. I hope to have them in at New Pioneer soon. I have a tray of bluebirds waiting for their white tummies and eyes and lots of bunny parts waiting for my attention.<br />
We have an up coming Spinning For Lace Class on March 30th. Gail McPike will be teaching this one. Gail has mastered lace spinning and is now going to share her knowledge with a few lucky students. This class starts at 9:00Am and will run all day in my in home studio space. This class is $60.00 and there is a $10.00 materials fee. We have two slots left in this one. If anyone is interested or has more questions call me @ 319-643-5873. I HAVE to sing off now and go do chores before the cold gets any worse. <br />
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<br />Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-37353310101019155212014-01-28T16:03:00.000-08:002014-01-28T16:03:05.008-08:00It has been way to long since I blogged. I am just now catching my breath from last summer and fall. We are having the coldest winter in years. I finish up my seed orders and garden plans last week on a cold and sunny day.<br />
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So far all the animals are doing well. The fiber flock all have their own warm coats and are getting extra hay and grain every day. The last few days even the sheep have been returning to the barns after their breakfast. Cheyenne the alpaca who joined the flock last fall seems to not feel the cold at all. All the sheep have beautify fleeces. Milo and Ebony's fleeces are extra nice and once again remind me of the wisdom of keeping the best weathers on the farm. <br />
The hens are even laying very well inspire of this weather. I take then out a warm high protein meal on the coldest days. This is a great way to clean out the freezer and keep them healthy. All those out of date things hiding in the corners of the freezer are coming out, going in the crock pot, being chopped up and mixed with warm powdered milk for hot meals for the hens. They rush to meet me every afternoon.<br />
This weather is great for chucking wood in the stove, spinning and weaving. I have been having fun working on a Ashford ridged heddle loom I recently added to my fleet of looms. This loom is part of my summer plan to attend the Iowa City Farmers Market with my weaving, herbal body products, natural dyed silk scarves and woolie babies. I just ordered a pound of cochineal bugs for wonderful pinks and reds this year. I spent part of yesterday spinning up some designer yarn in hemp and cotton that will go in one of my next projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TmR-V6B6WqwTjO4TazVrNHy2SislUptzMNikPENMHgZZYBTRq3NCXh8jb-f0KgAyarSFfNgO6mxCGGDW9OSdbbYei_GvbSMCMeME1-NE2QmbLkRxo8Z2QVTdr23DH8cel-3Fk_K0hg-_/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TmR-V6B6WqwTjO4TazVrNHy2SislUptzMNikPENMHgZZYBTRq3NCXh8jb-f0KgAyarSFfNgO6mxCGGDW9OSdbbYei_GvbSMCMeME1-NE2QmbLkRxo8Z2QVTdr23DH8cel-3Fk_K0hg-_/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>There are a couple of classes coming up at the farm I wanted to list here. I hope to have more classes listed soon so keep checking. <b style="font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> Beginning Drop Spindle Class</i></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i> </i></b>$15.00 Sunday February 9th 1:00 to 4:00</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In this class I will guide student trough the basics of creating your own yarn on a drop spindle. spindles and fiber will be available for purchase after the class. This class has only one or two slots left so call Janette to register. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i> Spinning for Lace</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Gail McPike from Davenport will share her passion for lace as she teaches this class at Fae Ridge Farm.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In this class students will learn how to set up a wheel for<br />
spinning a fine lace weight yarn and different techniques<br />
that will produce the results we want. This class is for students with a good amount of spinning experience. Students will be</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">supplied with a variety of fibers and fiber preparations to experience the diversity of lace we can make. We will also learn how to “wrap” lace weight singles with silk thread in the Orenburg tradition. Spinning for lace is easy when you know the tricks!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">MARCH 30th FROM 9:00 TO 4:00 in the Fae Ridge Farm Studio STUDENTS BRING: Students should bring a spinning wheel in good working order. (Let me know at registration what wheel you will be bringing to the class. Gail needs to prepare and study adjusting all the student wheels.) <br />
CLASS FEE: $60.00</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Material fee $10.00</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">*Note* Material Fees are in addition to Class Fee and are to be paid to instructor at time of class</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Instructor Biography</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gail McPike, Davenport, IA<br />
Last summer Gail won Best of Show in Knitting at the Iowa State Fair with her hand combed, handspun, Cormo Estonian Lace Shawl. In September, her work was judged Best of Show at Wisconsin Sheep and Wool; this time for a hand combed, home spun lace weight Cormo skein. She has developed a passion for combing wool to spin for lace and is currently working on spinning wool for projects in the Estonian, Shetland, and Orenburg lace traditions.</span></div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-71155966678576054232013-08-27T13:35:00.001-07:002013-08-27T13:35:26.883-07:00 It is Dangerously hot out today and I am inside for a few hours. Pete the angora bunny is happy inside with the AC on. The goats and sheep are hiding in the woods, thank god we do have a bit of a breeze. I have two new additions to the fiber flock here at the farm. Sage is the white guy and Cheyenne is the dark brown guy.They are adjusting well and settling in very well.I have both of their fleeces in the studio and plan to put them in blend in the near future. The whole flock is once again spending their saturdays in the pasture behind the store so anyone stoping by on Saturdays can meet the flock.<br />
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I have been getting up early to do the outside work and spending the heat of the day inside.I spent the last week dyeing fiber for the two new fiber blends ready to go to the carder.<br />
This past weekend was the annual natural dye retreat here at the farm. We had a great weekend creating over well over 100 dye samples, plus some amazing eco steam prints.<br />
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Greg brought several of his hand spun skeins and they dyed up beautifully. I can't wait to see the socks he plans to knit with them. This shot shows a couple of Greg's skein and a few eco prints. This next shot shows the cloths line hung with a table cloth I am custom dyeing for a friend and shirts I had mordanted ahead of the retreat. The shirt line up is Goldenrod with onion skin eco prints, dyers coreopsis, red onion skin, and red onion skin with an indigo dip. <br />
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I have a steamer filled with project bags and dye pots simmering so I am signing off.</div>
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-68502178502799900452013-08-05T15:07:00.002-07:002013-08-05T15:07:55.252-07:00 Lot of news at the farm. Last week was filled with lots of fiber and farm work. The blue blend I made in May is all but gone, so the dye kitchen was filled with endless dye pots of blues, purple and a bit of yellow. I hope this one turns out as beautiful as the last one. I got a great box of spindles from Elizabeth Daily at Green Sleeve Spindles. The Damsel Monique's and Mjilnor's are especially stunning in this batch,and I am once again amazed by how these spindles love to make yarn.<br />
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I spent part of the week getting ready for the natural dye retreat on August 24th and 25th. I spent time at the grocery sorting through onion displays to get nice big bags of red and yellow onion skins. I started soaking the avocado skins and am already seeing the color in the gallon jar sitting on the window sill. I harvested the Aronia berries and saved a big bag back for dyeing. The two small jars in this picture are both Aronia berries, one has a bit of vinegar and one has a tiny spit of ammonia. This should one again be a fun weekend at the farm. We will pick from the dye garden and watch the magic of indigo. We have a nice group for the class but I could squeeze two more people in,so be sure to call if you want to join us for a weekend of natural dyeing.<br />
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The leeks are weeded and I will put on another nice thick layer of mulch this week.They are looking great, nice and big with long tall blue green leaves. My big bales of straw got delivered on Thursday so I am feeling good with mulch security for next year.<br />
The big news at the farm is I am buying two alpacas! It seems the time is right for an addition to the fiber flock. Two boys will be delivered on Saturday. They are coming from over west of Des Moines. One is white and one is chestnut brown. I am getting their last fleeces with them and can't wait to add them to my blends. I am heading out later today to work on a bit of fencing, so they can have their own pasture for the first few days, as they adjust to a new life here on the farm.<br />
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Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-29108743806202760952013-07-21T08:30:00.000-07:002013-07-21T08:30:05.095-07:00Just a quick post today. Hot here on the farm but I have been watering and the gardens look good. I am a big fan of summer planting. Many of the bugs have come and gone so midsummer plantings make great late summer crops. I am still planting basil and planted beans a week ago. Beans and basil both look great I swear these beans are growing 1/2 inch a day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnQY3UClAAIsztD6VvtrY8PY8e8bi1dGkCIHJDb0Na3r7wdnzd47SEK2tjaYjBOorONBTkPHclZS_YjKBlxGnDpgdRnnAjpBj-MUeVPrbjSMIyWp9dwf0iw8Lm6lCUIWZaytXQoO_0WFm/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnQY3UClAAIsztD6VvtrY8PY8e8bi1dGkCIHJDb0Na3r7wdnzd47SEK2tjaYjBOorONBTkPHclZS_YjKBlxGnDpgdRnnAjpBj-MUeVPrbjSMIyWp9dwf0iw8Lm6lCUIWZaytXQoO_0WFm/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-55932803861505048662013-07-16T12:57:00.003-07:002013-07-16T12:57:45.494-07:00The summer is heating up and the gardens are booming. This year's green manure crop has been a huge success. I got it planted right before the spring rains and had great germination on the field peas, oats, and buckwheat. The weed suppression was amazing. Now the oat and buckwheat seeds are attracting a great variety of birds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcSs_oDfVH1Xsxunngqut-G_ZNReE_6beqAO59b18Nt-jnXBBdikXohrEZewK3ohYQFBtuVjb5a5AlOwQw0xOPAB3W7RiXuPy0Yv1epWsKHn_OX1mjQkTNWB-eZFTbvn-ZyJzEq5GK3rP/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcSs_oDfVH1Xsxunngqut-G_ZNReE_6beqAO59b18Nt-jnXBBdikXohrEZewK3ohYQFBtuVjb5a5AlOwQw0xOPAB3W7RiXuPy0Yv1epWsKHn_OX1mjQkTNWB-eZFTbvn-ZyJzEq5GK3rP/s320/IMG_1361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This past week I have been harvesting the blossoms of dyers coreopsis every morning, and drying them. I have not grown this wonderful dye plant for over a decade. Yesterday I decided to do a small sample. The dark yarn was in the dye pot for over half an hour and the gold one was in for just a few minutes. I can't wait for the dye retreat in August. I am planning to start the avocado skins soaking this next week so they will give us some wonderful reds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WMYq8G4iT__rCm57UkINmr0F1IluJDVyTT0XReckmY_nOcUc9PVOv9xC_pPEKCSBeY_JMAtH4__WFo9Ry8agwuR0oeOrVTMWFtaqATSUzlwE9CcRbC30UgOIs5UkvoAmt3W4-jo4EBXi/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WMYq8G4iT__rCm57UkINmr0F1IluJDVyTT0XReckmY_nOcUc9PVOv9xC_pPEKCSBeY_JMAtH4__WFo9Ry8agwuR0oeOrVTMWFtaqATSUzlwE9CcRbC30UgOIs5UkvoAmt3W4-jo4EBXi/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a>I am off to put a fleece in to soak and make a batch of chamomile soap for the store while the fleece soaks. </div>
Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-10634310888870894342013-06-26T02:33:00.000-07:002013-06-26T02:33:00.642-07:00 Up at 4:00 with the latest round of thunderstorms.The cats are joining me for a glass of wine and blogging as we wait the passing of this round of weather.. Ruby dog is in for the night since she is growing more and more terrified of thunder as she ages. She and I woke up about 3:00 with a pounding rain, and I with a wet dog nose to my cheek. As I laid in bed I heard a tiny bit of the distinct tick tick tick of hail and gave up on sleep. Thank goodness it stopped and I am not out checking basil with a flash light in a panic. We have made it through the last two weeks of storms unscathed. So far not even a small tree down on the fences, or gully washers enough to take out the latest basil seedings. The fist light of morning will let me know if we have once again dodged a weather bullet. I will see what direction this latest has come from and check the fence lines. I have several rows of tiny basil seedling to check on. I am sure my nearly perfect stand of green manure crop will be laying flat in the morning, but that is a very minor consolation for thunder rain filled with nitrogen.<br />
Most of my neighbors got their first cutting of hay safely in the barns in the last two weeks of dry weather. My winters hay is sitting high an dry in Dave Hahn's pole barn on hay racks awaiting delivery over here in the next week or so.<br />
I am of to work on the heal turn of a sock. The perfect thing to work as the last claps of thunder pass overhead and I wait for quiet and a return to sleep.Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995725208550255518.post-47827974030050649212013-06-17T16:50:00.000-07:002013-06-17T16:50:47.641-07:00Summer solstice is just a few days away, and I am not at all sure where the time has gone. The weather has finally settled into summer. I am struggling to keep up with weeding, but all the amazing shades of greens, backed by perfect blue skies make almost every inch of the farm look wonderful. <br />
I spent the first weekend of June at the Iowa Sheep and Wool Festival. Once again it was a fun weekend with other fiber folks. I entered Ebony's fleece in the fleece contest and was happy to get third place with lots of other nice colored fleeces in the running. I took the two new blends I just had carded up and almost ran out of the Sparkling Sapphire but brought a few home to the store. I also brought home three very nice Blueface fleeces, and a beautiful chocolate colored Cormo lamb. He has adjusted very well becoming fast friends with Bonnie and Teddy. After several days of playing with names I think I have settled on Onyx. I like they way Ony sounds in the list of sheep and goats names when I am calling the flock up for their evening grain. grain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFoyJRH8d72FYxUTqrF6rszP2BN96LpxWuwWLg68Y5I6LOCemLdYXpbOdRTJd-7NmfTjc1iSjcK50nrcVm9v8PHJYXbc51spDUk7Gep0J8gfMszRx6Y7pWL2qYKbvXHE76yaBLCObVs6V/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFoyJRH8d72FYxUTqrF6rszP2BN96LpxWuwWLg68Y5I6LOCemLdYXpbOdRTJd-7NmfTjc1iSjcK50nrcVm9v8PHJYXbc51spDUk7Gep0J8gfMszRx6Y7pWL2qYKbvXHE76yaBLCObVs6V/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems to be a good year for Poison Ivy, along with lots of other nasty weeds. I have extra lavender oatmeal soap on hand and lots of friends keep telling me it is their favorite helper in the annual battle with poison ivy. Speaking of summer battles, I was out early this morning fully dressed from head to toe pulling wild Parsnip from the road ditch . Tomorrow I start on the prairie. I carefully bag it up to move to the burn pile. I am posting a picture of it to help people identify this nasty and dangerous weed. This plant has juice that has a photo synthetic reaction on skin. If you or your poor puppy dogs get the juice on you and then go out in the sun it raises huge painful welts that often leave scars. It is relatively easy to pull right now when it is flowering. Be careful keep all your skin covered and wear gloves. I take a shower as soon as I am done pulling it just to be extra careful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzr877uaT3I2QXeiS7MaQRmJjNPw_u1RVUfXAHZP_BgFV8FDBbJEj79z9m4CooTLosv2T-u4kCS6vdr2i4_aynluEox32YT4l-22YA1ClgO5Szv2lq5nBmFg7XONwdus172Cx-fNGbuFW/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzr877uaT3I2QXeiS7MaQRmJjNPw_u1RVUfXAHZP_BgFV8FDBbJEj79z9m4CooTLosv2T-u4kCS6vdr2i4_aynluEox32YT4l-22YA1ClgO5Szv2lq5nBmFg7XONwdus172Cx-fNGbuFW/s320/IMG_1358.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
I harvested and packaged lots of herbs for the co-op today and the whole house smells great.The thyme is showing is tiny pink blossoms, and sage is the most beautiful green in it's burst of new growth. This is the first day the dill has been big enough to harvest, and it looks like the first basil harvest will be thursday. Basil loves this hot humid weather. With a good watering once or twice a week it is totally convinced it is living in a tropical paradise. Let the sumer begin!Janette Ryan-Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02962295638487086541noreply@blogger.com0