Made with love, made with wool

Way back in February the most exciting box arrived at our door - it was 22 lbs of spun wool from our sheep!  It was so long ago we dropped it off Up North at the woolen mill that I almost forgot about it.  Half is a 3 ply sport weight and the other half 3 ply worsted.  It is super soft Merino and still a bit oily so it feels like butter in your hand.  The plan is to use as much as we can, experiment with dying it and we are encouraging the boys to set up a small business selling it. 

I do not have a skein winder but do have many volunteers to help hold and wind by hand.

Many cold days were spent knitting by the fire with Maryanna and Clara.  They both have scarves they are working on and I leaned into the most simple patterns I could find. 

First thing I finished were some little baby socks and then a hat.  The hat was originally requested by Peter but I was way off on my gauge so may end up being a baby hat.



Or a hat for Charlie. 

Paul also requested a hat and still off on my gauge it was a little big - I shrunk it a bit and I suppose it is soft and cozy because he rarely takes it off.  He shared a photo of it on instagram and called it "Farm to head".

The next hat I finished for myself and it was actually a perfect fit - but Maryanna convinced me it was more her style than mine.  I believe she was right.

Along with the yarn another giant package found way to us with the other half of our processed wool - clean batts!  I can't remember how many pounds but it was more than enough to make two doubly thick twin comforters, two crib comforters, and a throw.  The last bit is stashed for a future baby quilt.

Assembling the comforters was not as relaxing as knitting.  I was on my hands and knees grunting like an animal as I hand stitched these into the desired size.



I then covered them in cheese cloth and tacked down every 6 inches before sewing duvet covers for them.  The wool cannot be machine washed so I thought duvets would be easier than quilts.



The girls picked out a stack of Anna Maria Horner fabric for their covers and I found sheets on sale at West Elm for the backing.  I made them narrow to fit the bunk bed as neatly as possible.  These are so soft and cozy and the girls sleep soundly under the weight of them as do the cats.



Instead of their names embroidered they each chose a different animal to separate who's who's.



The two younger boys were also in need of some warm bedding this winter so I did the same for them.  Their covers were made from flat sheets from Garnett Hill, used the pillowcases from the sheet set the girls got with their duvet backing and sewed the animal silhouette pillows just for fun.

They too are sleeping better under the warmth and weight of this wool.

I did their names free hand because I was too lazy to set up the embroidery unit. 

The last project was a small throw for the couch in our bedroom.  I used up some silk I've been storing since I was in China 18 years ago and the result is a super warm, soft and silky space to nap.  It pairs well with the sheepskin from our first lamb and I'm thinking I'll be spending much time there in the weeks to come. 

I'm so thrilled to share these projects because honestly not every project off the farm turns into a successful useful product.  I'm so so grateful for our sheep - they munch down the pastures, provide nourishing meat and now the wool is like icing on the cake! 

Some quick and needed sewing

Not sure why I haven't sunken into more sewing this winter, its been a long and sedentary season for sure.  I suppose it may be because my sewing space in the basement is cold enough it serves as our fridge overflow, there are boxes of yams, oranges, apples, grapefruit and Izze sodas nestled just under the sewing table and right up against my presser foot.  In addition, many bodies in a small home all winter leads one to have an aversion to stuff - whatever I sew, no matter how crafty, is just more stuff and my laundry piles are already overflowing.  Lastly, sitting behind the sewing machine with a big belly is about as comfortable as standing at the kitchen sink, I can barely reach.  

Now with all excuses aside I'm pleased to say there were a few immediate needs that found me in the creative process behind the sewing machine.  Most of these projects were simple enough that I did not have to think through them, I just checked out and let my hands do the work, I even let the kids help and that was amusing.

First up are some reversible baggy sword pants for George.  By mid January I had to hide all his shorts because that was all he was choosing to wear.  After that he wouldn't change out of his pjs.  We had a little chat about it and he reported that any pair of pants with a button and zipper were too uncomfortable.  So I pulled out an old baggy Burda pants pattern and made this set out of 3 pairs of Paul's old work pants and 3 old work shirts for the linings. George participated by helping me cut them out and designed the giant deep pocket ,on one side (it holds handfuls of toys) and the sword holder on the other.  

These are George approved!  and comfortable enough that even falls asleep in them sometimes. 

Next up was a new church dress for Maryanna.  We've been getting by by layering summer dresses with sweaters but those have been getting shorter and shorter on her by the week.  When I asked her what she had in mind she requested something that would be as warm and cozy as a nightgown.  So I pulled out a combination of Japanese t-shirt patterns and we designed a knit dress.  I put Maryanna on the task of tracing and cutting and she did a precise job. 

We used a rayon knit that's been waiting in my stash for over 2 years and so happy to put it to good use.  Basically this is a raglan sleeve t-shirt that was extended to an A-line with added funnel neck.  Maryanna said when it gets really cold she's going to pull the funnel neck up like a hood. I think I'll have to make something like this for myself next winter!

In addition to wearables there was an immediate need for some toy bags for the kids.  With a new puppy eager to chew and a pregnant mother tripping over unseen toys I had it! These bags were designed to keep all toys off the floor.  I'm happy with how they turned out and wish I could report 100% success but the truth is, I'm now tripping over over stuffed bags.  Come spring and once I find my feet again I'll be happy they were made.  The secret to making these is as simple as tracing a dinner plate for the bottom and using heavy fusible craft stabilizer.   

In addition to a new church dress Maryanna requested a scripture bag.  Not much to say about this except I love that she designed it all by herself and kept me company the entire time I sewed it.

The next project was the quickest and crudest of them all.  My parents came to visit and offered me a bag of old animal hides.  Of course I could put them to use!  Peter took one with hair on it and carefully made a quiver by hand with the help of some expert leather workers.  I on the other hand decided to just go for it by machine.  My last laptop lost its life to a sippy cup malfunction so I'm a little over protective of my new one.  If not in use it needs a safe home (or disguise).  Moving slow enough with the machine and a larger needle I was able to finish this leather case.  I forgot how much leather stretches though so next time I'd make it a tighter fit.

Lastly I had the joy of sewing a few baby items.  I suppose if I knew the gender I may be sewing more but the truth is I have most of what I need for this special arrival.  I was short on gowns so I refashioned this one from a women's t-shirt.  I'm also short on knit caps because after I washed them a few fell to the ground and the puppy got to them.  I also needed some more cloth wipes and a few swaddling blankets so that is what I whipped up.  

As the season changes so will the need for more sewing appear.  I'm not going to rush it though, for me it is no fun to sew sundresses and shorts when there is still snow on the ground.....especially when temps in the sewing area are still in the 50's.

Snowy puppy days and (below) freezing puppy nights

It has been six weeks since Oscar the puppy has joined our family.  He presence has both melted our hearts and turned our world upside down.  

I suppose we could blame Santa but really adding another dog was my idea.  I started looking around at dogs last spring after I noticed Archie was sleeping through porch visitors and package deliveries.  Archie has been our faithful doorbell and extra set of eyes and ears for over 10 years and is slowing down considerably.  How grateful I am for all he has offered our family and now wish to allow him rest and comfort in his old age.   

In the past our dogs have been adopted as adults.  First Molly the golden lab who was picked up from a shelter a month before we were married, then Archie who was from a breeder who needed to re-home him because of his hips and then Polar who was no longer cooperating as a show dog.  Each of them joined our home and family without too much trouble or disruption to our daily routine.

I thought adding another adult dog would be no trouble at all.  We looked on petfinder.com, craigslist and visited shelters with hopes to find the perfect match.  I had my heart set on a German Shepherd because I grew up with one, Hedi, I remember laying on her warm belly and riding on her back and feeling a strong connection to her.  

I corresponded with an owner who had to re-home her German Shepherd immediately because of life circumstances. I invited her out to bring her dog for a visit to our farm and not 15 minutes into it the dog growled at the little ones, chased a chicken and attacked Archie.  That was all I needed to push the idea of another dog far into the future.

Oddly, even after such a bad experience the thought of another dog continued to surface in the weeks that followed.  Late one evening I decided to search for a puppy, I have never raised a puppy but I certainly have experience with children - how could it be any harder? The first available litter that came up on my search was 8 available Bernese Mountain dogs, just listed that evening.  I was totally unfamiliar with the breed but with only a few pages of skimming had a feeling it would be a good fit on our farm and with our family.    

   

I called the breeder first thing in the morning and told her our situation - all the kids, the animals, the farm and a new baby on its way.  She reassured me that these were great family dogs, that she had 4 very young children of her own and with the help of a few older children a puppy would be manageable.  8 weeks later Oscar popped out of a wrapped box under the Christmas tree.  It was a magic moment for sure, the girls wept tears of joy and the boys laughed and cheered. 

The first two weeks were more than joyful.  We took turns snuggling him all night and carrying him around like a stuffed animal during the day.  He followed us everywhere and never left our side.  It seemed we just got lucky.

Not sure exactly when it happened but the following two weeks were more than painful.  His playing was no longer fun and turned to biting and the night time snuggling turned to taking turns on the couch to let him out every two hours and cleaning up poop when we were just not quick enough.



We cleaned up so much poop! These two weeks coincided with the coldest weeks of the year - it was not fun begging a puppy to poop at 4 am knee deep in snow at -10 degrees (and very pregnant).



Honestly, I felt I had made a huge mistake. I began to doubt the feelings of peace I had around making this decision.  I prayerfully asked for wisdom, understanding and direction.

My next midwife appointment I think we talked more about the puppy than anything else.  I cried about it - my midwife went above and beyond her duties and in sharing her puppy raising experiences and lending me a training book.

 I then talked to a handful of trainers and found one who would come to our house to train us on how to raise a puppy.  I aligned with her training philosophy and we both agreed that with so much going on both inside and outside the house the puppy needed a strict schedule and clear boundaries.  I realized that this was an opportunity to gain wisdom and experience that would benefit not just puppy but also my children.  And it would not be easy - it would require a new level of calmness, presence, organization, structure, discipline and boundaries.  These are areas that have been calling my attention even before the puppy arrived. 

After almost 3 weeks of practiced discipline it is paying off.  We rarely have to clean up accidents and we have a much calmer puppy who is eager to please and eager to learn.

   

I also learned that I don't have to do everything.  I have turned almost all of the puppy care and training over to James and William.  They are doing an excellent job.

As for the cats.....they are not so sure.  I find them hiding in the strangest places these days.

And as for the other dogs, it seems to be a good match.  Archie seems to have more energy now that he has a puppy companion and Polar enjoys daily playtime in the pasture with Oscar.

Doesn't seem this winter, pregnancy or puppy stage will ever end,  it's been long and memorable for sure.  It seems the snow piles, my belly and the puppy are all growing daily. Doing my best to capture it and not wish it to end too soon.   

"Prepare every needful thing"

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak in church.  I am not a natural speaker and often overwhelmed by the experience of it.  I was so nervous that just 10 minutes before speaking I had to run to the restroom, totally flustered I found myself right in the men's restroom!

I'm sharing my words here both for a record of the experience and also for insights gained...........

I am grateful for the opportunity I have had  over the past several weeks to ponder the assigned topic, “prepare every needful thing”.  Though this counsel naturally greets us upon the beginning of each new year, I was given the assignment way back in November. I carried it with me and pondered it from the beginning of the holiday season, it was a unique and eye opening experience- it was a gift to enjoy the Christmas season with the phrase “needful thing” guiding me.

For me, the expectations and preparations required during the Christmas season are both joyful and overwhelming.  The weeks of planning, purchasing, decorating, wrappings, makings, baking and social events can be both fun and distracting.  Each time I felt my heart race with the intensity of it all I practiced settling into my heart and questioning - “is this needful?”, “is this bringing me closer to the Savior?” is this “cultivating peace in my soul?”

In answer to these questions, there may have been a few less gifts exchanged, the Christmas dresses I had planned to sew never got cut out, the traditional pies were not baked and we did not read through the entire basket of collected Christmas books from over the years.  

I don’t think any of the children even noticed, at least not one complained or questioned it.  Daily I consciously tuned into what was “needed” - and for me that was, setting aside more time for quiet reflection and personal scripture study, deliberately looking into the eyes of my husband and children, listening to them with my heart and  being gentle and forgiving with myself and others.  

My experience this past month taught me that it was not needful to prepare a picture perfect Christmas but instead it was needful for me to prepare my heart to come closer to Christ and act on his teachings.    

The council to “prepare every needful thing” is found in the Doctorine and Covenants.  First in section 88 and later in section 119. It was given as a message of peace to the early saints after a previous revelation prophesied of the wars that would occur in the latter days.

The early leaders vocally and collectively prayed for direction for the saints in building zion.  This was a portion of the answer given to them:

119 aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

This verse specifically refers to the building of a temple.

In addition to establishing temples, this counsel also sets a pattern for our homes - which are to be holy places, this counsel applies to building righteous lives and righteous families.  This council applies to our individual bodies as houses to our souls.

This council is both spiritual and temporal.

"We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being." (Julie B. Beck, The Welfare Responsibilities of the Relief Society President,” Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 4–5)

I am grateful for the church organization in providing clear and accessible information on how to be temporally prepared.

There is an entire site providentliving.org devoted to useful information specifically on

-employment

-finances

-food storage

-Emergency preparedness

-gardening

-physical health

-and Education

I admit the lists of recommended action in the manuals and site are overwhelming - I’m not sure there is anyone in the church who has every recommended box checked.

These resources and recommendations are to be used with wisdom and not expected to happen over night.  It is through direction of the spirit that one may know what action is most needed for their individual circumstance.

A few years ago while we were living in Utah there was a relief society meeting about the importance of food storage and we enjoyed a wheat buffet.  There was a group order for bulk wheat and a hint that wheat prices were about to sky rocket, wanting to “check the box” and avoid the possibility of a higher price, I ordered a few hundred dollars worth of wheat, I did this before tuning into the spirit for personal direction and confirmation.  A few weeks after the arrival of our wheat and cooking every recipe in the Relief Society packet, myself and a few of our children began to become very ill.  It was soon discovered that we were intolerant to wheat. This was a good learning experience for me, I acted before turning inward and asking “ is this needed”? Since then I have often sought the direction of the spirit on how to feed my family. I have been able to find other substitutes for wheat and been given direction on how to both store and prepare those alternatives for my family.

Again, it is through the direction of the spirit that one may know what action is most needed for their individual circumstance. And in cases where there is further question of what temporal action should be taken local church leaders are available for inspired counsel.  

I am reminded of the scripture in Alma 37

36 Yea, and acry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thybdoings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy cthoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 aCounsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for bgood;

I recently read a Deseret News article featuring the survival story of 10 young sister missionaries serving in Talcabon Phillipines in the wake of a deadly typhoon.  They had reported there were previous Typhoon warnings that only produced blue skies. They followed the mission president’s counsel to assemble a 72 - hour kit including the purchase of a rope, one they never thought they’d have to use.  The storm hit early in the morning and this group of sisters soon found themselves knee deep in water.  For security reasons the windows were all barred and they found themselves trapped on the second floor with water quickly rising to the ceiling.  They prayed for direction and were able to knock a hole through the wall, swim through and attach the rope to a neighboring roof where they prayed for a miracle, that the water would stop rising.  Their prayer was miraculously answered.  In a later interview one of the young sisters said, having grown up in Utah, she had never been prepared for a flood but she had been prepared both emotionally and spiritually to face whatever challenge may come her way.  They were sustained through blessing of being both spiritually and temporally prepared.

In pondering the topic of this talk I struggled with what needed most - to be spiritually or temporally prepared? I personally believe they are intertwined.  

President Monson stated:

“Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. It is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being.”

When our family decided to move to a farm it was initially to provide for our temporal needs, we hoped to be more self sufficient in feeding  our large family. Now, two years into it we have experienced both successes and failures and it has been more physically challenging that I could have ever imagined.Yet I am overwhelmed by the way these experiences have transformed us spiritually.

In the pursuit of these temporal endeavors I have never said more prayers in my life.  I will never forget my first experience with the bees, with my son William by my side and both of us dressed head to toe in bee suits, we prayed for direction when with no experience we opened a box of over 10,000 honey bees.  It was terrifying, and bees can smell and attack fear.  I prayed vocally and softly sung “oh how lovely was the morning” while I literally felt the spirit work through my arms and into my fingers guiding me on how to release the queen and set up the boxes.  

On another occasion we dropped to our knees right in the soiled straw over a weak lamb.  I heard the faith filled prayers of my children and our family exercised faith and witnessed what the vet declared “a miracle”.

I was touched when one fast Sunday one of the boys was especially focused.  When I inquired of the focus of the fast he said it was for the chickens - that they would assimilate more calcium because he noticed the eggs where not as hard as they should be.

We sang and bore testimony of the eternal life of all souls and creatures at the burial of our favorite barn cat.

In the garden, my youngest children asked questions of the earth and the creation and we sang many songs.  They rolled in the soil and proclaimed their love of the earth and all the worms and bugs that Heavenly Father created for them.

I am not suggesting that it is needful for every family to move to a farm - 

I only wish to share that the worthy pursuit of temporal goals will always manifest spiritual blessings when the intention is set in conjunction with the principles and practices of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Matt. 6:33 Jesus spoke “ ‘Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you’

In Luke chapter 10 - we read the story of Mary and Martha, where the Lord himself answers Martha, Martha, thou art acareful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath achosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Often times I find myself on the side of Martha, careful and troubled about with many things,  even with eight arms I could never accomplish all that I wished in one day.

As I move forward into this new year however, I hope to find peace in sitting at the feet of the Savior in “choosing the good part”, that through the quiet whisperings of the spirit I may rise above distraction and “prepare every needful thing”.  That I may rest into my heart and practice asking - “what is needed in this moment” and have the courage to act on those promptings.

Elder Scott has offered the following recommendation:

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Some places are sacred and holy where it seems easier to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit. The temple is such a place. Find a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life. Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Sometime soon you may benefit from taking this personal inventory:

“What are my highest priorities to be accomplished while on earth?

“How do I use my discretionary time? Is some of it consistently applied to my highest priorities?

“Is there anything I know I should not be doing? If so, I will repent and stop it now.

“In a quiet moment write down your responses. Analyze them. Make any necessary adjustments.

“Put first things first” (“First Things First,” Ensign, May 2001, 9).

And again reminds us -

3 Nephi 13:33 [3 Ne. 13:33]: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I am grateful for the direction of the Savior Jesus Christ in my life, I am grateful for the reminder at the beginning of this new year to recommit myself  to the studying, pondering, and practicing of his teachings. That through daily practice I may continually prepare myself for both the experiences of life on earth and eternal life to come.