Wednesday, May 13, 2009


Oh happy day! My dear husband bought me a 'Patrick Green' carder. I've been having the most wonderful time blending wool. The possibilities are endless as to color blending. I'm thrilled to tell you the truth! It turns out a large 'batt' of wool that is really nice for spinning. Because of the carder, in which you can use short and long fibers of wool together, I'm getting the 'hang' of 'long draw' spinning quite nicely. It produces a fuzzy type of yarn in the end and is so much fun to spin out.

If you look closely or click on this picture to make it bigger...hopefully you can see that the single plys' of yarn wound on the bobbin are very fuzzy indeed. I'm looking forward to plying (2 strands of single yarn are spun together in the opposite direction to make 2-ply yarn) it today and getting it washed up to hang out side in the shade to dry. then I can knit it up into a scarf...eagerly!

These are the books I'm reading right now. Well, really, I just finished 'Sometimes a Light Surprises'...what a good read. The story follows a Christian girl (home-schooled) as she takes on her first job...and encounters different and sometimes difficult situations. I hope to read it again sometime, its worthy. The author made me laugh and cry with her honesty and sweet faith. I haven't read the mystery...if its not my cup of tea...I won't force myself to read further. And..I love these Amish books. They go right along with the song...'Its a gift to be simple, its a gift to be free, its a gift to come down to where you ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, it will be in the valley of love and delight.' I'm on page 17 of the commentary on Revelation, and interested in reading more of it. Books are a great delight, I consider them my friends. Yes, especially Winnie the Poo!
This old-fashioned print came home with me recently. What is it about these old sweet pictures that appeal to me?! I love them. And for $3.00, I'll have it I said.


Keeping this verse close in my heart....'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen I John 5: verses 20 and 21. It thrills me to realize this is true...I am in Christ and have eternal life. Oh happiest of truths!

I just loved this straw bag from Masts' General Store. I love color!

This caught my eye at a 'Jockey' lot flea market down south. Just for decoration but oh so pretty. Its the one on the bottom of the cup rack. Warm wishes for a happy day to you!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your posts bring me a touch of joy, Maggie Ann. I wonder, how long does it take to card and spin enough wool to make a scarf?

I would have bought that picture, too. Definitely.

I love the pretty teacups. I just bought a pretty china cup and saucer on eBay (Royal Albert 'Grey Chiffon' pattern).

I've almost finished the first book in the Annie's People trilogy. I love it.

Patsy said...

A knitter's dream, sounds like you are having fun. I read the book The Preacher's Daughter now to find The Englisher.

Marlene said...

The drum carder looks great Maggie Ann. Yours looks just like mine. Is yours a "Deb's Delicate Deluxe"?

Did you know the Patrick Green drum carders are made right here in Chilliwack, where I live? When my husband bought mine for me for Christmas last year he actually picked it up where they are made and chatted with Mrs. Green.

sparrow's song said...

What a beautiful and inspiring little print. You have a good eye!

you shared,Keeping this verse close in my heart....'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen I John 5: verses 20 and 21. It thrills me to realize this is true...I am in Christ and have eternal life. Oh happiest of truths!It's amazing how the Holy Spirit bears witness to our spirits that we are indeed in Christ and He is in us. We don't need any other confirmation or feeling. It's pure knowledge given by Him. It is the evidence of Life in us. Christ is that Life. And even though death may bring a momentary fear of the unknown, our hearts cling instantly to Him. And He will not forsake us in that moment when we need Him most. Because He lives, so will we.

Mrs. Mac said...

Your drum carder is a great find for sure. I do believe that more and more people are rediscovering the 'lost' tools/arts that were once a part of everyday life. Your yarn is beautiful. And to think you know how to take it directly from the sheep ... wash ... color ... card ... spin ... and knit. What a great and rewarding adventure for sure.

I've been dabbling in home made soaps. So far I've made liquid & powder laundry soaps, and just yesterday I made my second batch of bath soap. It's really quite a science project ... but oh, the end product is very kind to my skin and even great for washing my hair.

You are always so directly encouraging your readers to ponder the wise ways of the Lord.

Hugs from the North Woods,

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous that you've already read Jamie Turner's new book. I'm waiting for my signed copy.

I can't wait!!

Saija said...

sounds like you are having a perfectly blessed time ... i am so glad for you ... to ENJOY all that God has blessed you with ... makes me smile ... and every remembrance of you, also makes me smile!

you asked if i've been reading Christian fiction ... a little ... not as much as i want to!!! but a little!

i got the audio book "90 minutes in heaven", in the mail yesterday ... that will be the one leo and i listen to next ... i am still reading a max lucado (what an uplifting author!) book to him, but we should be finished soon ...

blessings on your weekend! it is a long weekend for us here in canada ... and tomorrow, Lord willing, my brother & i will take a drive to my mom's ...

((hugs))

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

I love colorful things too!! How pretty..that yarn is going to be a great color too..I know that you love doing that..good for you to have a craft that you so love.
I have both of my parents staying at our home this summer. Hopefully all is going to go well there..so far so good.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Hey :) I had to come by and see how you are doing and what you were up to. That yarn/wool is so pretty and I love that straw bag. It is fabulous. How is the weather there? I am sure you can guess it is hot, hot, hot here in FL, lol. Just enjoying the days and Montana will be out of school next moth. They are also having a little graduation for the pre-K kids. I hope to get some good pics. Anyways, just had to come by and say 'hi'. Talk to you later.

Kim said...

This post made me a little homesick. My son just returned this week and brought me "Sometimes a Light Surprises." Can't wait to delve into it. As soon as I finish what I'm reading now...